The Tracker Hive Academy Year One - Avery Song Page 0,40

way."

"Thanks." I beamed.

"Zeke, you're coming with me.” Zackery gave him a look. Zeke leaned against the locker, looking as though he had no intention of moving.

"Wait for me outside."

"Tsk. I know what you're thinking."

"You wish you did. Don't worry. I'll give you more chances to outscore me in winning Jade's attention."

"Asshole." Zackery rolled his eyes. "I'm obviously in the lead, right Jade?"

I snickered. "If it makes you sleep well at night, sure."

Zackery smiled and headed out, leaving the two of us alone.

"Seeing as we're starting fresh, I have a question."

"What's up?" I asked, resting against the locker next to him.

"Shadow Jade. She's your dark element, isn't she?"

"Wasn't it obvious?"

"To me, yes. To my brothers, no. Zeus is curious, Zion is intrigued, and Zackery has no clue."

"Serious, Smart, and Playful." I labeled his brothers in the order he'd mentioned.

"What about me?"

"Seductive," I replied, turning my head to look at him.

That palpable energy between us was back, and I slowly licked my lips.

"You're dangerous." My voice sounded haunting, even to me. Zeke pushed off the lockers, attracting my attention as I followed his movement. He faced me, placing his hands against the cool steel and closing in until our lips barely touched.

"From the girl who makes me want to follow my impulses rather than think straight," he whispered. I didn't want to ignore my need to lock our lips together, but I fought against it, trying to think rationally.

He can't be a one-night stand. He's a Tracker. Same field, different district. If I fuck this up, it could leave a bad start to my future as a Tracker in the adult division.

"You're going to make me wait, aren't you?" Zeke’s husky voice was making me tingle all over, my dark energy racing forward to try and connect with his.

"It would be torture to not enjoy your smooth, calculative advances and fall into the darkness hidden in those pants of yours, but a little bird told me to save the best for last," I purred against his skin, as I ended up kissing his cheek, followed by his neck.

He groaned, and the low rumble that vibrated against his chest could make me lose all my resolve in trying to wait. I needed more time to analyze him. To see if this connection was a trap of some kind.

I'd never reacted like this with anyone. Was it planned, or was this truly something meant to be?

When I removed my lips from his neck and leaned back, he kissed me; the solid kiss was electrifying with pounding energy. Its steamy ferocity was making me dizzy, leaving me wondering if he was experiencing the same.

He broke the kiss, the two of us gasping for air. I leaned my head against the lockers, while Zeke rested his forehead against my left shoulder, panting quietly.

"Fuck...that was intense."

"For a kiss, too," I breathed. "Guess you're down for waiting now?"

"Not really, but Zackery's bugging me to hurry up. I'm impressed he waited this long. I'd rather deal with his nagging than Zeus's," he admitted.

I was going to move, but his lips gently pressed into the side of my neck. My moan was quiet, but it was the first time I'd actually moaned from liking something. My previous one-night stands were more for experimental purposes than sole pleasure, but this?

This could have been something real.

"I'll be smart and wait," he whispered against my flesh. "But I want the first date."

"If you can snag the opportunity in time, be my guest," I teased.

He pulled back and we shared a look.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jade Masters," he commented. "Zeke Maxwell, Tracker D of Novana District."

"A formal introduction?" I arched an eyebrow at him but smiled widely. "I feel honored."

He chuckled and offered his hand. "Let's get out of here. Remind us that we owe you dinner next time."

"Deal," I agreed, happily placing my hand in his.

The Trouble Four from Novana District. Four official Trackers sent to monitor Tracker Hive? What was really going on?

More importantly, what's the real problem unraveling beneath our noses?

11

Zackery Of Wind And Ice

"This should be illegal." I struggled to stay awake, yet again, wishing I had coffee.

"You really aren't a morning person," Zackery announced, as we made our way to class.

"Who thought it was ethical to have class this early?" I groaned, shuffling my feet. "I should sleep in class."

"And get in trouble." Zackery grinned. "You got yelled at when the professor couldn't wake you up last class."

"Why would I stay awake during that lecture when what