June

The ride to Headquarters couldn't be more awkward. Jonah makes it obvious that he has no interest whatsoever in talking to me. He's also avoiding ever looking at me, focusing all of his attention on the road ahead. For the past hour I have been looking out of the window at the people walking around the city and the kids playing with each other on the streets. Although I'm sure the glass is only one way, the black car draws a lot of attention to us as people stop what they are doing to watch us pass.

"If Anden really wanted me safe he wouldn't have me transported in a government vehicle. That kind of defeats the purpose of this entire thing," I snap, still pissed about having this so called body guard.

Jonah replies in a monotone. "This was the safest car available on such short notice. We'll begin working on something else for transportation later today."

I let out a groan and slump back on the stiff leather seat and let out a huff. Another few minutes past and I can't get comfortable as I cross and uncross my arms. I look up into the interior rear view mirror where the glass frames Jonah's hazel eyes. I frown at the reflection before asking, "How long did you say you've been working for Anden?"

"Twelve years."

Impressive. It's been around eleven years that I've been working for the, but I started a lot younger than most soldiers. "And how old are you?"

"Twenty-eight. Ms. Iparis I have to remind you that you aren't the only one who was skilled even at a young age. I was recruited for the military the same year as you except I was stationed on the border between the Republic and the colonies." Jonah's gaze is still trained on the road in front of us. "According to the GPS we are less than ten minutes away from Headquarters, so if you don't mind I'd like to finish the ride in silence."

I raise my eyebrows at the edge in his voice but decide I won't be helping my case by arguing any further.

. . .

When we finally reach Headquarters we pull in through the back entrance where the car is taken directly inside of the facility. After quickly being ushered inside by Jonah, I follow the familiar path up to Anden's office. I admit that it has been a few years since I've been here and the last time I was here it wasn't exactly a happy memory. Anden had brought me here after we just finished a conference and he began kissing me. I decided that I had to explain to Anden once and for all that there was never going to be an "us" and that he needed to give up the hope that there ever would be. I left after one last shouting match and by the next day we only talked as an Elector and a Commander, nothing more. While he might've taken what I said and believed it, he's still way too over protective of me.

When I finally reach the door past anger towards him is running through my mind and I end up I pushing it open so hard that it hits the wall and bounces back. The first thing I hear is a familiar bark coming from a kennel sitting in the corner of the room. I run over and unlatch the small door. The small white Shepherd that was inside jumps into my lap and starts to lick my face. "Kody," I coo, hugging him close to me.

"He had a bath over at the hospital. You wouldn't even have recognized him because the smoke turned his fur so dark."

I stand up and brush the dog hair off of my clothing before turning around. "Elector," I say, bowing my head slightly. Anden is sitting at a large mahogany desk and on each side is a chair and I take it that the empty one is for me. I feel so out of place in his office without my uniform on and as exhaustion begins to take of I sigh and ask, "Can you please explain to me what is going on?"

He alludes to the empty chair and I sit down, waiting in the bitter silence. Anden sighs and shifts in his chair. "Well since you've already been told about the fire-"

"I was informed awfully late," I interrupt but he ignores it and continues.

"I'll get straight to the point June. Someone threw a flame into your apartment through your bedroom window. We aren't sure yet if it was a match or a torch or if they actually broke into your house to start the fire, that part is still under investigation. But neighbors say they heard when the window was shattered and that just minutes later the smoke and flames appeared."

"Elector, that doesn't seem like enough evidence to say that it was a person or that it was purposeful," I argue.

"That isn't what makes us say it was a purposeful," Anden says, folding his hands neatly on top of the desk. For a moment he just sits there, leaving me in the dark and on the edge of my seat, waiting to know what exactly caused him to go all protection crazy. Finally he adds, "On the side of your apartment in red someone spray painted 'THE PRODIGY IS DESTINED TO DIE.' June, we both need to realize that you're in danger and that you need protection."

"Is that what you're calling him?" I ask in a loud voice, pointing towards Jonah who has his back against the door with his arms crossed over his broad chest.

"Commander Trainer," Anden says and I bite my tongue to keep from laughing at Jonah's title, "is and has always been one of my most trusted soldiers. He will keep you safe. I don't want you to get hurt."

I jump up out of my seat and slam my hands down onto the desk. He's always been like this, ever since I was here in his office the last time, always so doubtful in me. "And could you tell me why is it that I am so suddenly incapable of taking care of myself?"

"Because he's come back."

A sharp pain shoots through me and a migraine hits me like a tidal wave. It's not a secret who Anden is referring to and it seems like plain cruelty to blame my superposed "weakness" on his return. I shake my head in disagreement even as he goes on. "He puts you at risk June, he always has. He attracts danger like a magnet and it's not safe for you to be on your own, nevertheless with him. His return could be making you emotionally unstable. But the way that you are acting now I think that it already has!"

I feel like screaming, but instead I fire back my own words that are laced with venom. "This whole protection thing is just because of Day, isn't it?! You didn't get along when you two first met and ten years later you are still jealous that I chose him over you! I can't believe you right now Anden, you think you know what's best for me but you don't! I'm sure the Republic would like to know what an immature heartbroken boy is responsible with the task of leading this country-"

Anden jumps to his feet becoming eye level with me and says in a loud, sharp tone. "June I will let your words slide because today has been full of traumatic events for you but I swear that if you resist the protection I am providing you will no longer have a place in the Republic's military." He is staring at me and I can tell that he isn't joking. His breathing is slow and I realize how cruel my words really were. I sit back down and he does the same.

"I'm sorry."

Anden ignores my comment. He goes on to explain where I will be living now and promises me updates as the investigation continues. Eventually I am excused and Jonah escorts me back to the car for the ride to my new apartment. I ride back in complete silence with Kody in his kennel sitting beside me. I rest my head against the cool glass of the car window. Guilt about my words and actions cloud my mind and even as I rest with my eyes shut I know that once again Jonah is avoiding looking at me.

But after seeing how I acted back in Anden's office, I don't blame him.

. . .

A/N: Let me apologize for taking so long to update! I had volleyball intercity this weekend and my team got 2nd place so that was really neat! Writing this chapter I came up with my own little back story for June and Anden that will play a part in this fanfiction and also I brought out a side of them we never saw in the book. Tell me what you guys think about the June & Anden relationship!

PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS!