The conversation was general, hometowns, the weather, dogs, cars, hobbies, and the dinner menu. At best it was boring. Hawkins, who loved to talk, started to share their experience with the snake. The others looked at him, jaws dropping, eyes wide. “That dog is part wolf. Take my word for it.” And that was the end of that conversation. The others turned away. Hawkins shrugged.

Team Three drank their coffee in silence, each busy with his or her own thoughts. Everyone came to attention when the Greek marched into the dining hall, Alpha at his side. He poured coffee into a mug he’d brought with him. He looked around, smiled, waved, and marched back outside.

Sam’s heart kicked up a beat. Was he checking up on them? Wherever his lair was, one would think he’d have his own private coffeepot. He was definitely checking up on them. Most definitely.

Sam wished she had someone to compare the Greek to, but she didn’t. She’d never come across anyone as muscular, as good-looking, or as cold as Kollar Havapopulas. Not even Douglas Cosmo Rainford, III. DCR, as she thought of Douglas these days, couldn’t hold a candle to the Greek Adonis. She felt herself frowning. Didn’t Adonis have blond hair? She had to stop thinking about the man and get on an even keel. She gulped the last of the hot coffee and stood up. The others followed her.

Tomorrow was another day.

Chapter Six

“Dress up time!” Zoe shouted as she paraded through the barracks in her combat boots, socks, olive green shorts with matching tee shirt. “Ta da!”

“These damn boots are heavier than ski boots,” Kayla mumbled as she clomped across the hardwood floor.

Hawkins guffawed good-naturedly, aware of how spiffy he looked in his matching attire. He could have posed for Esquire, Town and Country, or any number of magazines, and he knew it.

Sam and Slick were used to the combat boots and the heavy socks. They’d both had their share of blisters, some of the scars still remaining on their heels and toes.

“These are just perfect for kicking butt,” Olivia trilled, her eyes on Hawkins.

“All right, children, stop complaining. Get your books and let’s go. You know what the Greek said about tardiness,” Sam reminded them, leading the way outside and across the compound to the building with the sign overhead that read SCHOOL. She felt like she was in the first grade again as she made her way up the steps.

They were on time, with ninety seconds to spare.