Alliance

Chapter Sixteen

"Home sweet home."

Ben turned to me in the cottage before the hallway to the bedrooms. "Don't tell me you are going to pout here too."

"I wasn't pouting," I defended myself, throwing my duffle bag on the floor.

Upon leaving Detroit, I made the mistake of asking Ben if we could go to the Capital Region with Wong. I grew close to him and it was hard to say our goodbyes.

For the past week, we spent our time in the conference room in Detroit analyzing our simulation after it ended. It was a nice change of pace than only Ben teaching me. The four mentors all took turns teaching us different subjects. Each mentor taught differently. Rodriguez tended to be straightforward and asked us many questions and wanted our opinions or thoughts. Whereas Rossi taught by sharing stories. Carter and Ben dual taught their subjects.

And it was nice to have the other cadets to talk to. Each night we would meet up in Wong's bedroom to look over notes or teach each other subjects we still weren't sure on.

"So," I leaned against the counter. "What are we doing next?"

"Well, we finished the basics of city warfare. Next is forest."

"Sounds easy." I lived near a forest at home. During the summer when I was really young, Dad and I would build tree forts.

The door to the cottage flung open. I turned to see Blair storm inside. "Thank god. You're back."

I smiled, "Hey Blair."

"Hey." Blair flung herself on one of the sofas, obviously making herself at home. "So, now since you are here you can never leave."

I glanced at Ben. "I am not really in charge of that," I said.

"Yo, Ben, she can never leave."

A ghost smile touched Ben's face before he turned to his bedroom down the hallway. "Goodnight ladies," he called over his shoulder.

I grabbed my duffle and turned to Blair. A part of me wanted to kick her out since I was tired and it was late but I surprisingly wanted to see her. I missed the other cadets already. Missed having friends.

Blair's eyes followed Ben to his room. "He has a nice butt."

"Good god Blair," I turned quickly from her. Without my say so, I felt my face heat. Well, never mind about wanting a friend right now. I marched to my bedroom.

"Do you want to touch it?" Blair called behind me.

"Goodnight Blair."

"Wait, come on. Tell me what happened over the past two weeks!" Blair followed me into the bedroom.

"It's simple really."

I glared at Ben.

All the other military officer's eyes were on me. I felt their disapproval. If I was their cadet and I questioned my officer they would have tanned my hide.