CH 1-10

Summary

In the year 2054, there was an outbreak of an illness that hit so quickly that no one had a chance to prepare for it. Billions of people died within weeks. To this day no one is sure what caused the illness, where it came from, and if it is truly gone. Countries fell and chaos ensued. Over the next fifty years, some groups slowly became powerful and took over the fallen countries. North America was taken over by the group named The Chosen. The Chosen was a group of people who were immune to the illness who used that to their advantage. They used it to take complete control of the continent. Everything from what was Canada to the tip of what was Mexico was theirs. Throughout the years many more would die from starvation as well as the lawlessness that was rampant until the Chosen took over. Towns and even cities were reduced to mere villages where survivors of the illness would try to group in hopes of surviving the chaos that was the world. Over the years of control, the Chosen learned that there were more males than females left in the territory that they were in control of. The leaders began to come up with a plan to make sure that the strongest male lines and those that were worthy of it, we’re able to have a mate to continue the population with. The old laws of marriage were no longer of any use, thus the annual reaping would take place.

Prologue

In the year 2054, there was an outbreak of an illness that hit so quickly that no one had a chance to prepare for it. Billions of people died within weeks. To this day no one is sure what caused the illness, where it came from, and if it is truly gone. Countries fell and chaos ensued.

Over the next fifty years, some groups slowly became powerful and took over the fallen countries. North America was taken over by the group named The Chosen. The Chosen was a group of people who were immune to the illness who used that to their advantage. They used it to take complete control of the continent. Everything from what was Canada to the tip of what was Mexico was theirs.

Throughout the years many more would die from starvation as well as the lawlessness that was rampant until the Chosen took over. Towns and even cities were reduced to mere villages where survivors of the illness would try to group in hopes of surviving the chaos that was the world.

Over the years of control, the Chosen learned that there were more males than females left in the territory that they were in control of. The leaders began to come up with a plan to make sure that the strongest male lines and those that were worthy of it, we’re able to have a mate to continue the population with. The old laws of marriage were no longer of any use, thus the annual reaping would take place.

All females once they reach the age of eighteen would be sent by their village to the reaping held in the capital. All males who were deemed worthy would be sent at the age of twenty to take a mate. The rules were simple and there was no room for argument. The men chose and the women went with whoever chose them.

All men are watched, graded, and observed their entire young life. The leaders of the regions report to the Chosen in who is of the highest quality to be able to go to the reaping and chose a mate. The higher the score the higher your standing in the order of choosing.

The women went through examinations to determine what if any faults they had. Whether it was illness, promiscuity, or even low intellect all of these were to be listed when the woman was placed up for reaping. Virgins were the most wanted since there haven’t been any in the reaping for the last twenty years. Most women chose to give themselves to someone of their choosing before the reaping so that they at least got to control who they shared that with. The rights of the women were stripped when it came to the reaping, so most took the only control that they could get and gave away the one thing that they had to the person of their choosing.

The Chosen leaders were always the first to pick during the reaping. Over the last five years, the new leader of the Chosen has yet to take a mate. Many believe that it is because he is a tyrant and could care less about having one woman to warm his bed. Others think that it is because there hasn’t been anyone worthy of him to be up for reaping. The fact remains that the twenty-five-year-old leader has yet to show his face to the people and he has yet to pick a mate.

1

Cora

I find myself standing in front of a man whose face I can’t see but I feel that I should fear him. I am standing with the rest of the women for the reaping knowing that I am going to be picked by this man who is scaring me. I hear a voice say my name and I know it’s over for me. Any chance of me going back home to my village is gone. All hope of having a happy life is destroyed as soon as I see the devious smirk on his face.

I feel myself begin to shake and I hear a scream rip from my mouth as I feel the hands of the guards begin to pull me away. I kick and scream begging for someone to help me, but no one moves. All eyes are on the ground and I feel my heart shatter as I see Michael look away.

I startle awake with sweat covering my face. I still feel myself shaking and I feel like there is nothing that will calm me down. Then the realization that it was a dream hits me full force and I fall back on my pillow trying to slow my breathing down. What made me have that dream? I never have nightmares, and my dreams never seem that real.

Then it hits me. I turn eighteen today, meaning that when the reaping happens next week I will be going and the chances are that I will not be coming back here. This is the only home that I have ever known. My grandparents survived the sickness that took most of the world when they were in their teens. They were lucky enough to make it and to fall in love and be together before the craziness of the reaping started.

My father chose my mother in her first year and they had me a few years later. My father wasn’t high up the list of males, but he was not near the bottom either. My mother was an average woman who my father thought would make an adequate mate. I don’t think that they hate each other, but I don’t see the love there either. My mother like most gave her virginity to a man of her choosing who I am pretty sure she had feelings for. The problem was that he was not considered a high-ranking male so he was not able to choose a mate.

There are a night and day difference in the relationship between my parents versus one of my parents. My father. Grew up in the time when the Chosen took control and he fell into line with their teaching no matter how absurd they are. My grandmother always had a look of disappointment when she would listen to my father talk about the greatness of the Chosen leaders. I see how it kills her to know her family. Will never know the happiness of what life used to be before the illness.

My grandparents would often tell me stories from before and would tell me their love story. I grew up to see both sides of what life was and what the reaping has caused. Many women kill themselves due to the harsh treatment that their mate gives them. Most men have begun to look at women as nothing more than a means to reproduce and a personal housekeeper.

I look to my bedside table and see the clock reading six am and know that there is no point in my trying to go back to sleep. I have chores to do and my temporary job to get to. Most women only receive the basics in education unless their intelligence is off the charts. Although my intelligence is high my father pushed me to only do marginally well on my tests. He said that he was concerned for my safety and that the Chosen would take me away if I scored too high. I honestly think that it all had to do with the fact that I am smarter than he is and he was afraid of the embarrassment of having a smart daughter.

Girls are given temporary jobs to do until they go to reaping. Most women do not work once they are chosen. They are expected to stay at home and raise their family. The Chosen states that this is done so that the population can rebuild and that our core values are taught. I have no problem staying at home as I have always wanted to have a large family. The only problem is that I wanted it with someone who I love. I know that is something that is just a dream, but I use that dream to get me through the day.

As I finish my chores and make I was to the pharmacy that I work at I think about Michael. He has been my friend since we were ten and he is the man I plan to give my virginity to. He has told me for years that he wants to choose me at reaping and although I don’t necessarily love him I feel that we’re could make a good family. I have been trying to talk to him for the past three weeks but he is nowhere to be found.

Three weeks ago the men found out what their standing and choosing order is for the reaping. That was the last day that anyone saw Michael. I know that’s he is very intelligent and he is most definitely a handsome man so I know can’t be upset about his ranking. I just hope nothing happened to him. I’m counting on him to choose me and save me from what could be a rough future.

Over the last few months, he has been getting restless about me giving myself to him. He says it’s because he doesn’t want something to happen and I get chosen by someone else and have that person hurt me. I want to believe that is the reason but in all honesty, I think he is just like most young men, horny. He thinks that I don’t know of his exploits with the girls of the village, but I’m not stupid. I’m nothing special with my red hair and average body. The only thing I have going for me is the intelligence that I have to hide to protect my father’s pride. I have had men ask me out but I have always turned them down for one reason or another.

My mother does her best to try to get me to forget the notion of love, but I just can’t make myself do it. I know that there is someone out there that I can love, I just haven’t met him yet. I know that I will just settle if I end up with Michael but the devil you know is better than the one you don’t.

I work my shift and begin to make my way back home. I think about trying to contact Michael once again but quickly change my mind. Something is telling me that what I once that would be my best option for giving myself to someone of my choice now seems like a really bad idea. I look to the sky and see the sun beginning to set and come to the conclusion that I am just going to let fate chose my future. The more I think and worry about it the less I am enjoying my last few days with my family. There are no promises as to where I will end up and I know deep down that I can’t rely on Michael. So the best option is to go with the flow and let fate work her magic, whether it’s good or bad.

2

Cora

The next few weeks go by much faster than I hoped they would. I haven’t seen or heard from Michael and I think that it is for the best. I spend my time working and soaking up every second I can with my family. My grandparents are trying to hide the pain that they are in knowing that I will be leaving in the morning. I have always been much closer to them and I feel as if they think of me as more of a daughter than their grandchild. My father has always been rather cold when it comes to family and I think that it is a result of Chosen’s teachings rather than what he learned from his parents. Affection is something that you just don’t give and sex is merely the means to create life. The saddest part of it all is that when I look at my mother, I can see all the longing she has. She wants to be loved and cared for. She has sat by and watched my grandparents and she knows what true love is, she just hasn’t experienced it for herself.

I think my parents messed up the relationship is that has shaped my relationship with them. My father and his cold nature have made it impossible for me to show him that I love him, although I often wonder if I do love him. Sure he helped create me and he has somewhat had a hand in my raising, but there is no connection there that feels like love. I see him as more of the sperm bank that filled my mother with the life that was me. My mother and I have an awkward relationship. I can feel that she wants to be close to me, but at the same time when you have been deprived of love for so long, you start to forget how to love another. All of these things have turned me into what I am today, and to be honest, I’m not sure what that is. I have decided to let fate chose my path and to give up some of what I like to convince myself is control.

I walk into my home and find that my family is there waiting for me. The looks on their faces are varying from sadness to a blank expression. I know that my grandparents are dying on the inside at the thoughts of me leaving, but my parents appear to be normal. I guess this is what happens to some who live under the rules of the Chosen.

“Cora dear, we have made your favorite meal and we want to spend the evening with you.” My grandmother says in a voice that is almost breaking. My father turns and looks at my grandmother with a look that shows he thinks she is acting ridiculous. I hold my breath waiting for him to say something, but he surprisingly stays silent.

“Thank you, Grandma. I would love to spend my last evening here with you all.” With that, she smiles and leads us into the dining room where we share a meal of roasted turkey and vegetables. The diner is awkward and I can tell that my parents are not comfortable with the fact that they have to try and act like they are happy to spend time with us. I can’t help but wonder if this will be what it is like when I am gone.

Over my lifetime there has always been an awkwardness to my interaction with my parents. I easily felt love and closeness with my grandparents but not my parents. As I got older I attributed this to the fact that I was not made out of love. My parents do not share a bedroom and they very rarely would ever spend time alone. I think that along with affection physical intimacy was not something that they share unless it was necessary. These thoughts led me to wonder if this is what it is like for all the couples who came out of the reaping. Others in my village acted the same in public but you never know what goes on behind closed doors.

“Cora. I want you to know that you must not object to anything that happens tomorrow. The Chosen has set this up and they know what is best for us. Just remember what we talked about before, don’t let them know how smart you are. It is safer that way. I also assume that you took care of making yourself un-pure.” My father states to the whole room rather than just talking to me.

“I have not taken care of that as the person I was going to give that it has disappeared. I have decided that I am going to let fate handle all of this.” I hear forks drop and my mother has a look of horror on her face. I can see that she is afraid for me and that makes me feel like maybe she does care more for me than I originally thought.

“Cora you know that not being pure is going to put a target on your back!” My mother yells as she stands up at the table. “There are awful people who would do anything to get their hands on someone pure.” My grandparents sit there with shocked looks on their faces. We had many discussions on what was right and what was wrong with the question of virginity. I always felt that whether I was a virgin or not, being forced to be with someone is all the same. I was never in love with Michael, he was just the best choice that I had available. I know that love is something that I may never get in this life but what can I do. Running is not an option because it has been tried before and those who ran were always caught and killed.

“Mother I am very aware of this. I know that you are all concerned in your way for me and I thank you for that. I will say that I know that there are many possibilities of what could happen to me, but I am tired of worrying over something that I have no control over. I wanted to enjoy the little bit of time that I had left. I have heard from the leaders of the village that this year there is only going to be one hundred males and females for the reaping, and out of that one hundred, only Michael is from this village. That means that most likely I will never be coming back here.” I hear the sniffles coming from my grandmother and I know that this is a hard conversation to be having. “I just want to enjoy my last night with you all. You will be able to watch the reaping so at least you will know where I go. I love you all so much, please don’t worry, and let’s enjoy the night.”

The rest of the evening went by without any mention of the reaping. We all spent the night talking and reminiscing about my childhood. This was the first and only time that anything like that has ever happened. I feel at peace as I make my way to my room to get ready for bed. I had packed what few belongings that I had and got into bed thinking about what the next morning held for me. I fell asleep hoping and praying that maybe just maybe I would be able to find love with the man that would claim me.

The next morning came faster than I had hoped and I was incredibly tired from not being able to fall asleep due to my nerves. I was excited but also a little scared not knowing what would happen to me. Today I would travel to the center of the continent where the Chosen had their headquarters. There was a large facility there that would house all of those who were part of the reaping. Over the next day I would be traveling by bus to the facility and then starting tonight I would begin my assessments. Tomorrow would also include assessments and then finally the next day at noon would start the reaping.

“We love you darling and we are praying you will be chosen by a wonderful man who will cherish you.” My grandfather says this as he and my grandmother pulled me into a hug.

“Don’t fill the girl’s head with that nonsense. She will follow what her mate says and will be a good woman and serve him. She has been taught this her whole life. Cora do not let these emotions or stories get you unfocused. You must obey and do everything that is asked of you.” He looks around and my mother and grandparents in a way that makes me think that they are going to hear it from him as soon as I am gone.

“I will do my best. I love you all and please be good to each other. Father, I know that you are a man that follows the rules and that you want to do what the Chosen has ordered. Just please learn to open your heart to the family that you have. At the end of the day that is all we have in this life.” With that, I turn and get on my bus leaving my home and all that I have ever known to go into the great unknown that is the reaping.

3

Cora

The drive to the facility is one that is filled with silence. There were only about twenty people on my bus as there was very few this year. Both males and females alike sat like stones and were lost in their thoughts. My mind drifted back to my home and the idea that my father was most likely still yelling at my family. I would have never had the guts to speak to him the way I did had it not been for the fact that I was leaving. I still can’t help but wonder to myself if he has ever loved anyone. He grew up with loving parents but with all that was happening during that time, I can see how that might change him for the worse.

I often had to hide my true self from him and my mother. He had never really abused us but he had this way about him that made you feel like there was no room for argument and that if you pushed him hard enough he may crack. I think that his coldness created a new person in my mother. I could at times see the fire in her eyes when she was looking at him, but it always disappeared just as quickly as it came and I knew that it was something she was trying hard to not do. Showing emotion was something that we did not do in our home. The only exceptions were my grandparents.

I feel the bus stop and I turn and look out the window to see the facility. With a sigh so quiet that no one could hear it I stand and head out of the bus, following the others to our fate. I see a large crowd of people standing and I notice the extreme quiet. Whether it is because of the leaders standing on a small stage or if it is just that everyone is nervous, no one makes a sound.

A man walks up to the stage and makes his way over to a microphone and begins to talk. “Welcome ladies and gentlemen. We are going to get started. I need all of the males to make their way over to the right side here and follow Mr. Jack to the private rooms that you will have. Each of you will get your room which is stocked and ready for you. You will be able to view the results of the assessments and along with photos starting tomorrow afternoon. You will be able to mark the females that you want in order of choice. As your name is called you will be given the first female of your choice that is left. You will be able to decline altogether or chose another. If you decline all together you will be able to come to next year’s reaping to find your mate.”

With that being said the males make their way to the right and are quickly out of sight. “Ladies you will head to the left to the dormitories. You will be housed in rooms of fifty. Each room will be taken to the various assessments in a group and your group will all be tested at once. This is a reminder to you that no matter what your results are and no matter how you feel about, you will go with whoever chooses you. There is no fighting it. I believe that most here will find that they will find their mates acceptable and that your lives with them will be adequate. Please proceed.”

Following along with the group, I reach the inside to see that the dorms are broken up by names and follow the rest of the girls in my group to the room. Still, there are no voices to be heard. I feel like I am in a tomb. Some of the girls have the saddest faces that I have ever seen. Even some of the most beautiful girls in the room seem to have this sense of dread. The way the assessments are set up qualities of strength and intelligence is looked at more highly than beauty. I have never thought of myself as anything other than average but I can see that there are some here who are what many may believe to be below average. I think that looks are only that looks. What matters is the inside of a person. Even the most beautiful person can be a snake at heart.

The next few hours start our assessments. The surprise is that this year they are reevaluating our intelligence. That assessment usually happens when the female finishes what little school they receive, but this new leader has decided that he wants to change that. I honestly answer the questions this time. I know that my father would be flipping out on me if he knew that I was doing this. As I told them before I am letting fate handle this. I trust in myself enough to know that I can’t always hide my brain or my thoughts, even though I try. This will at least give the man who chooses me an idea of what he is getting into.

Night turns into morning and I finish the rest of my assessments. I do my best and I know that there are not many in the room with me that can say the same. I think that most have truly given up hope of being happy. I know that it is a long shot but I can’t give up the hope of having a happy family. I will do everything in my power to make that happen, no matter who I end up with.

Thomas

I find myself once again in my office waiting for the elders of the Chosen to come barging in demanding something. Over the last five years, I have had to listen to the same arguments over and over. My father was the leader before me and his before him. Most leaders only stay in office until their son turns twenty, and by that point, they are beyond ready to step down. It is a thankless job that most see as a cakewalk but never understands all that the job entails. The elders are the group who have been around since the beginning. They helped my grandfather gain control of the chaos that was North America. What happened however was that many of these families became greedy. Every day I see it more and more.

My father tried to combat this by promoting those whom he found worthy to the status of a Chosen and found them some typing job to make them feel important and keep them on his side. The Chosen is not as strongly in charge as many think. Those involved in the leadership are not loyal to anything but themselves and my family have been stuck trying to get the group together. This has made us look like tyrants in the eyes of the people because all they see is what the low levels of the group do and sadly that is corrupt and not what my grandfather intended.

A knock at the door brings me out of my thoughts and I see my father standing at the door. Since he stepped down the man has done everything possible to stay out of the headquarters and to spend time with my mother and younger siblings. I know that for him to be here it is something that he thinks is important.

“Dad, what brings you here?” I ask as I walk over and hug him. I have been fortunate in my life that I have loving parents who love not only us but each other.

“Thomas I came to talk to you about something that I think is going to make you upset with me.” The look on his face makes me want to cringe. “I know that every year you said that no interests you, but son I think you need to consider picking someone in the reaping.” I feel my heart drop. I have fought this from day one because I want to find someone that I love, not just pick at random.

“Before you tell me to know, just think about it. You can what the girls through the monitor and see if anyone catches your eye. The longer you put it off the longer you may stick in that chair or worse run the risk of someone else taking over. Your mother and I just want you to be happy and we don’t want you to be stuck here alone.” His voice is a pleading one that I know I can’t say no to. I have been lonely I just didn’t want to give up my hope.

“I will take a look, Dad. I’m not promising anything will come of it but I will try.” After a few more minutes of talking, he leaves. I let out the sigh that I have been holding in and turn on the monitors. What could it hurt to take a look? As I am watching I notice one girl who is talking with one of the assessors. I turn up the volume and listen to her.

“Cora we checked and you appear to still have your virginity in tack. Is there a reason for that? You must know that is not something that we see here very often.” The assessor looks at her with a curiosity that I haven’t ever seen them have.

“Well to be honest I thought about changing that at one time, but it fell through. Honestly, the only reason I would have done it is to make my parents happy. I know some may think it is stupid but I have the hopes that the man who chooses me will be someone that I can fall in love with. I have grown up in a home where there wasn’t an ounce of love between my parents. I just want something more than procreating. I want a companion, best friend, and lover all in one. I will give myself to the one who takes me and I will do my very best to make him love me.” She says this with a look of determination in her eyes.

I feel my heart skip a beat and I find myself looking at this girl on the screen in a way that I have never looked at anyone before. She is an average girl with red hair who looks like she wouldn’t stand out in any way. For all I know I could have walked past her a million times and just never noticed her. The more I listen to her talk the more I want to know her. There is something about her that makes me feel like I could find what I am looking for in her. I pick up my phone and call the head assessor.

“This is Thomas. I want to choose at the Reaping. I will be first and I will not hear any arguments.” With that, I hang up and know that I have just made a decision that will change not only mine but that girl’s life as well.

“Oh my dear Cora, you have no idea how you have made my day.” With a smile, I get back to work so that I will have time to spend with my new mate.

4

Thomas

The morning of the reaping is one that is always busy for the people in the headquarters. Everyone makes sure that the event goes off without a hitch. I on the other hand have to spend this morning meeting the newest member of the Chosen. There is one man who scored higher than anyone has in a long time so he was picked to join the ranks here in headquarters.

“Thomas the young man is here.” I hear a voice come through the intercom system. Amazingly after the great illness, we have been able to restore almost all of the technology we had at the time. Although it works most people do not have access to certain things. That is one of the things that I have been working to change.

“Send him in.” The next second the door opens and a young man walks in. He is tall with blonde hair and I can tell that he is very popular with the ladies. He already has an arrogant air to him, so I can tell that he is going to be one to watch. “So Michael tell me a little about yourself. Have you taken a look at the females for your pick today in the reaping?”

To most these may seem like pointless questions, but I am trying to get a better picture of the guy’s state of mind. He strikes me as someone who is very self-absorbed and that can potentially cause problems for me. I try and surround myself with people that I feel are wanting to help lead people into a better future. Unfortunately, I am not getting that feeling from him, which will also determine what type of job I give him.

“I came from a smaller village and had your typical upbringing. I was by far the smartest person there and I was pretty bored. I was pretty sought after by the young ladies so I have an idea of the types I want to stay away from. There was one chick named Cora who had this crazy idea that she would give me her virginity and that I would pick her during the reaping. She wasn’t that good so I don’t think I’ll be picking her if you know what I mean.” He laughs as he says this.

So this jerk is lying to try and make himself look better. Does he think that this is something that will make him look better in my eyes? I knew this guy was going to be a pain to deal with, but he is making it so much worse at the moment.

“To be honest I haven’t looked at the girls. Since I was told that I scored the highest, I’ll just pick the girl with the best score. I mean I deserve it right?” He laughs some more. His arrogance is pissing me off more and more as he speaks. Right then it hits me that I am not going to burst his bubble yet.

“Well, it’s good to know that you are aware of what you deserve. I will see you at the reaping.” I motion for the door and he walks out.

I am going to let this idiot see just how much he messed up in time. Not only did he show his utter disrespect for me and my office but he also disrespected my Cora. This will be some great entertainment watching him squirm later when it all comes to light.

Cora

Over the last day, the females have started opening up and showing their true colors. One, in particular, is reminding me of what I don’t want to be. Megan is a beautiful girl on the outside, but her soul is black. She has done nothing but brags about herself and her scores for the last few hours. She just knows that she will have the highest scores and will be chosen first. The funny thing is that she will have no idea until the reaping begins what her scores are. I have just kept my mouth closed and watched the show.

“What’s the matter, Cora? Upset that my scores are better and that I’ll get a rich mate?” She laughs and a few girls join in. These women have no self-respect if they are going to just follow along with her.

“I’m good. I’m not concerned with my scores. I did my best. I just want to hopefully get a nice mate. I could care less about his status as long as he treats me well.” I hear her scoff.

“You can’t be serious. That is the only thing that we should be concerned with. Comfort and riches are all we have to hope for. Goodness, you are a moron.” With that statement, she shakes her head.

“Ladies I have an announcement. The leader of the Chosen will be taking part in the reaping today. Be ready in fifteen minutes for the start of the events.” The lady turns and walks out of the room. She had barely gotten out of the room when I heard Megan.

“Guess we all know who my mate will be!” She just continued gushing so I just stopped listening.

We were all given a white dress to wear which matched all the other females. It was a modest dress that covered everything and was not overly form-fitting. Many had complained that the males would not be able to see our figures in the get-ups but they seem to forget that all of our assessment information and pictures were available to the males. I am starting to think that most of these girls have stopped using their brains. I blame that on Megan.

“Alright, ladies follow me.” With that announcement, we lined up and made our way to the area where we will wait for the reaping to start. The females have to stand in small groups of twenty in straight lines. There are television cameras set up in various areas of the building. The males are all seated in padded chairs that are set up almost like the risers in a school gym. The males look like they are having the time of their life with their cocktails and snacks. They are laughing and joking around like they haven’t a care in the world.

A song starts playing over the PA system and everyone goes to attention. The leaders of the Chosen begin filling out onto the stage and take a seat as the announcer begins his speech about the reaping. Over the years my family has always watched the reaping. It was one of the few things that we got to watch other than the news. I knew that my parents and grandparents would be gathered around the television watching and waiting to see what would happen to me.

The announcer begins going over the results and listing the girls in order. Megan was listed at number one with the top score. She stood smirking as the other names were called out. I began to worry when my name was not called. When the announcer got to the end-all of the girls began to look at me and I knew that they also noticed that I had not been called and given a ranking.

“I know that many of you have the same question about why there were only ninety-nine females listed. The next speaker will address this.” The speaker then walked away from the podium and a man who can only be described as beautiful and stoic walked up to the podium.

“Ladies and gentlemen not only here in attendance but those watching from home, my name is Thomas and I am the leader of the Chosen.” His face held no emotion whatsoever. From the corner of my eye, I see Megan began to try and adjust her dress to make her look more inviting.

“I have come today not only to show myself to you all but to also claim my mate. The reason that there are only ninety-nine females is that the one that was not mentioned scored the highest ever score on her assessments. Not only in the normal categories but also in the fact that she is pure.” With that, a loud murmur could be heard all across the area.

“This woman whose name is Cora will be my mate.”

5

Thomas

As those words left my mouth I looked over to Michael who was seated to the side. His face visibly paled and I saw the huge gulp that he took when he realized he had been busted. At this moment I received so much satisfaction that I almost smiled. I knew that I couldn’t do that as it would show emotion. I had been trained from an early age that as the next leader that to anyone who was not family I had to appear to be a tyrant with no feeling.

Throughout the years that had been many stories circulated that made me sound like a heartless monster. That couldn’t be further from the truth but I had to make sure that those outside my circle saw me as just that, a monster. My only fear in this is that my mate would be terrified of me. I knew that only those who were just after power would easily come to me and try to seduce me and want to be my mate. I had never entertained a woman because I always wanted to wait for the woman who would love me for who I am and not my status.

“Cora please make your way to the stage. You will from now on be joining the ranks as the female leader of the Chosen.” I look into the groups of females and see the red hair of the woman who has captured my heart walking forward. I walk over to the stairs leading up to the stage and hold out my hand to help her onto the stage. Even though I am to show no emotion I am still bound to show how a mate should be treated, with respect. She takes my hand and we walk back over to the podium.

“We will now continue with the reaping. Announcer, please continue.” I take my beautiful mate and lead her to our seats. I continue to hold her hand as we sit. She is shaking slightly so I continue to hold her hand. I rub soothing circles on her hand with my thumb and I feel her stiffen slightly before she relaxes. Cora remarkably remains calm and stoic. I have a feeling that she knows that she cannot show how she is feeling to those in the crowd so she mimics my behavior.

The announcer calls Michael’s name and he makes his way forward. There is a screen behind us that shows each male’s picks and his of course is blank. Michael makes his way toward us and I can see that his eyes are focused on Cora, who has yet to even look his way. As he walks by he looks at her once more and I see her shake her head at him telling him to shut up. He stops and looks at me for what he should do next.

I lean toward Cora and say in a voice loud enough for Michael and her only to hear “This man claimed to have taken your virginity. He also claimed that you begged him to take you as his mate.” I see a fire in Cora’s eyes as she and Michael look at each other. “Michael, shouldn’t you be making your way to choose your mate, rather than staring at mine?”

He turns and looks up at the podium and makes his way there. He briefly looks at the list of females on the screen that is on the podium. When he raises his head he has a confidant look on his face. This man beats all that I’ve seen. He is going to be trouble for me and I can feel it to my very bones.

“I choose Megan.” He says with a cocky smirk like he thinks he has just won the lottery. It’s either that or he thinks that she will think that she has won the lottery.

Megan makes her way to the stage and I can see that she is also someone that I am going to have to watch very closely. Some of my informants told me how she has acted during the whole process of the reaping and it is clear that this girl is out for nothing but power. Heavens those two are a match made in heaven. I look at Cora and although her face gives nothing away I can tell that there is some animosity toward Megan. I just need to figure out if it is because Megan is just a pain in the ass or if it has to do with Michael.

Once the reaping is finished, I make my way with Cora to leave the reaping area. We are the first to leave and I lead her to my private car that will take us to my home. I have my house outside of the headquarters to give myself somewhere to escape the craziness at the main compound. As we ride to the house I am dying to talk to her, but I know that ears are listening everywhere. I do not want our first conversation to be overheard so I wait.

Cora

The last hours of my life have been nothing short of life-altering. I knew that my life was going to change but this is absolutely insane. The words he said are still stuck in my head. I am his mate, the female leader of the Chosen. It’s weird how he has been so stoic on the outside but he has done everything possible to touch me and relax me since I climbed those stairs. I was shocked when he continued to hold my hand and even rub soothing circles on it to show me I wasn’t alone.

Michael had been what had thrown me for a loop. How dare he say those lies about me? My mate luckily knows the truth and I could see the fear in Michael’s eyes. He looked at me with pleading eyes as if I could save him, but there is no way in hell I will help him now. I never had any strong feelings for him other than friendship. I just always thought that we could make a happy family if we were together. I think that it was the familiarity of being around him that made me think that. I often had to overlook his arrogance and the fact that he could never stop running around with multiple girls.

My mind told me that I would just have to pretend to not notice once we were mated, but my heart knew that I would never be happy with that. I have always wanted a man that would be devoted to me alone. I look over to my mate and wonder if he will be that type of man. I know nothing about him other than the stories that go around about him. Those stories are what gave me nightmares. I can’t help but wonder if they are true. He has done nothing yet to even give a hint that he is a bad person, in fact, he has done the complete opposite. I will have to just wait and see what happens. I’m not going to judge him on stories that may or may not be true. His actions will speak for him.

We pull up in front of a normal looking house. It is two stories and is on the larger size but it looks nothing like what people would assume the leader would have. There is a garage with a nice yard and a wraparound porch. My mate thanks the driver and then comes around and opens my door holding out his hand. I take it and get out and see that my bags are setting on the porch. Someone must have brought them here while we were at the reaping. We make our way up the steps and my mate unlocks the door and takes my bags in with him.

I walk in and I smile for the first time since I left home. The house had a warm and cozy feeling to it. It was decorated for comfort rather than looks. Everywhere I looked it reminded me of the home that I had always hoped for. I continued to stay lost in my thoughts until I heard someone clear their throat. I turn and I see my mate there looking at me.

“Follow me we have a lot to talk about.” He turns and walks into the living room and takes a seat on the sofa and I sit across from him in one of the chairs. He has an almost nervous look on his face which is surprising because it is the first emotion that I have seen on his face.

“First I need you to have an open mind about the things that I am going to tell you.” He looks at me and I nod my head letting him know that I will do that. “I am not who you think that I am.” I give him a look that lets him know that I am really confused.

“I am Thomas the leader of the Chosen and your mate. I am not the tyrant that everyone believes me to be. I have trained from an early age to not show emotion to anyone outside of my family. The stories you have heard are just that, stories.” He looks at me waiting for me to reply.

“May I speak Sir?” I ask. A look of concern and hurt crosses his face.

“Of course you may speak. Whatever made you think that you even had to ask?” I hear a catch in his deep voice as he asks.

“Well, Sir…”

“Thomas.”

“I’m sorry what?” I look at him confused.

“Call me Thomas, not Sir or Mate.” He clears his throat. “Please continue but tell me why you also call me Sir.”

“Thomas, I was taught in my village that women must only speak to their mate when they ask. My family was a little lax with the rules because of my grandparents but I still follow the rules when around others. I also call you sir because women are to never call a man by anything else unless he has given her permission.” The look on his face tells me that he is shocked. “My question is if you are not who everyone says you are, then who are you?” I smile as I finish so that he knows that I mean nothing bad by what I have said.

“Cora, have you always been treated as less of a person because you are female?” He asks this question as if he already knows the answer.

“Of course. Women are below men.” I answer the way that I was taught and not the way I feel. I have no clue how he feels about women and I want to play this right and not make trouble for myself. I keep my head down after answering hoping that I have not just made a major mistake. I feel a hand under my chin and it lifts my head to look into the eyes of my mate.

“First thing you must learn is that you are not below me. You are greater than I am in my eyes.”

6

Cora

I look into his eyes more confused than I think I have ever been. No one has ever said that I am above them. I know my family cares about me but even they have never lifted me above them. Yet I sit here looking into the eyes of the man that leads a whole continent of people and he says that I am greater.

“You look like you don’t believe me.” He says with a chuckle, and I feel myself begin to relax again. He smiles at me. “Cora I have waited to find someone that I thought I would be able to love. I waited to meet the woman I would fall in love with. I listened to your answer to your questions and I know that you are looking for the same thing. You have never been intimate with anyone and neither have I. I want us to try and make this a real relationship and not just a mating.”

I know that I am sitting here with my mouth hanging wide open and look like a total idiot. I take a moment and study this man in front of me. He is beyond handsome and it is obvious that he has a hidden side of him that any woman would kill to have for herself. I decide to voice my concerns and not keep them hidden.

“Why would you want me though? You could honestly get any woman that you want and I’m not just talking about your power. You are beautiful and you have been nothing but nice to me. I am just an average girl who just so happens to have not had sex.” The look on his face is like he is trying to figure out how to answer that question.

“To be honest I was not even going to take part in the reaping. I hate the event, to be honest. There are so many things that I want to change, but let me get back on topic. My father talked to me and I thought why not take a look. You were the first one that I looked in on. I listened to your answer questions and I immediately felt a spark there. I just knew that there was a chance that you could be the one. When you said that you wanted your mate to love you and that you would do anything to make that happen, I knew then that I had to have a chance with you.” A small blush creeps its way onto his cheek.

“So what do you suggest we do? I mean about mating and all of this.”

“Well have you ever read about dating before in any of the books from before?” I nod my head fast because that is part of what made me want to find love. My grandparents showed me what love is and the books I read made me see that there are many different types of relationships but that love is the most important part of what makes the couple happy.

“I have! Plus my grandparents were together before the illness so they loved each other. They were an amazing example of what love is.” A smile lights up his face and I feel myself blush a little at how gorgeous he is when he smiles.

“My parents met at reaping but they fell in love. So since we both have a good idea of what we want, I think that dating would be a good starting point. Now I know we can’t exactly go to a lot of places like they use to but I have some ideas that I think would be a lot of fun. So Cora would you do me the honor of letting me have your first date?” I giggle and smile at his playfulness in the way he asked.

“I would love to. And when will this take place?” He smiles again.

“Later this evening. I will be making you dinner and then I thought we could watch the stars come out.” I can’t help but smile and feel like I have somehow won the biggest prize there is, Thomas.

Thomas gives me a tour of the house and shows me to my room. I have my room until I feel comfortable with sharing. He says that he wants us to be comfortable with each other before we start sharing and I honestly couldn’t agree more. Once he shows me around he lives to take care of dinner and I am left to get settled in and acquainted with my room. The room is large with a nice bedroom suit. I place my few belongings away and look at the bookshelf. There is a huge selection of books here and I can’t help but smile.

After the illness, very few books or anything printed has been made. What we have is everything from before that was not destroyed in some way. I find myself picking up a book that I have never read and lay back against the headboard and start reading. After a couple of hours, I hear a light knock at the door. I open the door to see a smiling Thomas holding a flower in his hand.

“I am here to pick you up for our date. This is for you.” He hands me the flower and I smile up at him.

“Thank you. I have never gotten flowers or even a single flower before. I love it.” He smiles and blushes again and holds his arm out for me to take.

Once we are in the dining room I see what a beautiful job he has done by setting the table and even lighting some candles. He pulls my chair out and as soon as I’m seated he brings over a plate with a steak, potato, and broccoli on it. I can’t even remember the last time that I have been treated to such a nice meal. We never starved but certain things were rarely available in my village.

“I hope you like it. You look a little shocked. Do you not have steak often?” He asks in a sincerity that leads me to believe that he has no clue that this is not normal for me.

“Thomas, I haven’t had beef in probably ten years. It is not available to us. I am very excited to be able to eat it now.” I notice the look in his eyes and I can tell that I have upset him. “I’m sorry if I….”

“No!” I flinch back. “No I mean I’m not upset with you. There have been regular shipments of beef and all types of food to all villages for years. You should have had these types of things a lot. We will talk about things like that at another time. I just really want to get to know you tonight.” He smiles and I feel myself lighten knowing that I haven’t upset him.

“How about this, I once read about a game called twenty questions. The couple in the story did it to help them get to know each other and it seemed kind of fun. We should play that and see if it helps us to get into the swing of conversation.” As I say this I see his eyes sparkle with delight. I can tell that he wants to get to know me and it makes me feel even happier.

“Alright, I think that would be perfect. I’ll let you go first.” His smile is infectious and I can’t help but feel myself smiling along with him. As soon as we set foot in this house it was like a whole other man is in front of me. I understand that the stories were just what he said they were. He has a “work” persona and then there is the real him that only his family and I get to see.

“Let’s see. Oh, I know. Favorite book?” He laughs and it is one of the best sounds I have heard in a long time.

“I think it would have to be The Passage by Justin Cronin.” I look at him a little surprised. Not many I know have read it. I loved it. “The reason is that I love the idea that human beings can overcome any obstacle to make a better world.”

“Oh, I agree one hundred percent. That whole series is amazing. People surviving with bloodthirsty monsters around every corner, not to mention the struggles between the people. I have read it several times.” I blush a little at the thought of how nerdy I can be at times. He smiles and I know that he has noticed my blush.

“Okay, so it’s my turn. Let’s see… Oh, favorite color? I know not a real original question, but an important one.”

“Blue. I love any shade of blue. I think the sky is what started it. I would always look up at the birds flying and how free they were. I think that somewhere in my head the color blue symbolized freedom.” As I finished saying this I saw a wide range of emotions run through his eyes.

“Did you really feel like you had no freedom?” His voice comes out as almost a whisper. I can see that he is distraught over what I said. My mind kicks in telling me to tread lightly, that he may snap and hurt me. My heart is telling me that he has not done anything to give me the indication that he would ever hurt me, in fact, he had done the opposite. The question is which part of me do I listen to?

7

Cora

Thomas looks at me in anticipation as I sit and contemplate my next answer. I look once again into those eyes that seem to always captivate me and I know how I should answer.

“Yes, I did often feel like I had no freedom. I’m not sure how much you have been outside of the headquarters or how many villages you have actually seen, but women are not treated as equals. There are very few men who actually care about their mates. I was lucky enough to live in a home where my father wasn’t physically abusing my mother. Well, at least not where I had ever witnessed it. My grandparents were together before the reaping so they were actually in love.” I see the look on his face and I can see that he has not heard this or at the very least knew that it was a widespread problem. “Most women in my village were with men who would abuse them. They were treated as second class citizens. That is why I have acted the way I have. I was afraid.”

“I knew that the abuse happened on rare occasions but I never knew it was this bad. Leaders have been hiding this well. My father would have surely put a stop to it had he known. Cora, I swear I would have done something if I had known…” I cut him off.

“Thomas I know. I will admit that I have been afraid from time to time here, but it was never because of anything that you did. I have been taught from an early age that women are to be silent and to do what they are told. My father never abused me but he did make me hide things about myself so that I would not be noticed. He told me to purposefully do badly in school and on my tests so that no one would know how smart I am. He was afraid of what might happen to me.” I sigh and continue. “My life has been so much better than most, but the way this world is not really what you think. I’m afraid that you and your family have been lied to for years.”

Thomas

All I can think of is how we never caught on to this. How could we not see what was clearly right in front of us? I look at Cora and all I can think of is what would have happened to her had I not chosen her. Would she have been with a man who would have beaten her and made her life miserable?

“Cora I never wanted our date to turn out like this. I just wanted to get to know you and hopefully start building a relationship. I’m sorry.” I desperately want to take her hand and what she does next floors me. She takes my hand and smiles.

“Sorry if I am being too forward. I think this date is going perfectly. We are getting to know one another. You are learning about my life and me and learning about you. Sure they are not what we might have hoped but I do not regret a thing.” With just a few words she was able to calm me and to make me feel like we would be alright.

“Well, you are definitely not being forward because I was dying to hold your hand.” I smile at her and see the blush start on her cheek. “Cora I will fix all of this. It makes take a lifetime but I will fix it.” I take her hand and raise it to my lips. I give the top a gentle kiss and look in her eyes as I do. “You deserve the world and I will give it to you.”

We finish our food and our game of questions. I then take her hand and lead her out to the yard. I have set up a quilt with some extra throws and two pillows for us to lay back and look at the stars. It may seem cheesy to some but I want her to feel safe and at home. I wanted our date to allow us just to talk and get to know one another. As we sit down and get comfortable we begin talking about things again.

“I feel like I have shared a lot about myself but I want to know more about you. What is your life like as the leader of The Chosen?” She looks at me with a serious look on her face.

“Well to be honest with you it is really hard.” I chuckle as I say this. “I work all the time, but that will change now that you are here. I rarely do anything outside of work and spending time with my family. I do have a best friend, Adam. He helps me as my assistant and right-hand man. We don’t really get to hang out that much but when we do we tend to just hang out here and play games.” The look on her face lets me know that she is excited to hear everything that I am telling her.

“So when you say games you’re meaning those things you have in your living room?” once she finishes I remember that not everyone has access to all the technology that was left.

“Yeah, those are video games. I will show them to you some time. They are a fun way to kill time.” I smile when I see the excited look on her face. The fact that she has been deprived of things that I think are normal makes me want to hit something. The thoughts that she has been living a life that is less fulfilling than I have makes me angry.

“Thomas are you alright?” Her question wakes me up from my thoughts. She has a concerned look on her face as she rolls onto her side to get a closer look at my face.

“I was just thinking about how different our lives have been. It makes me incredibly angry that you have had to live a life that is less than what I have. You are good and pure and I can’t help but feel that you deserve so much more than what you got in life. I can’t help but think that I could have helped with that. I should have known that this was going on in our community.” I can’t seem to look into her eyes anymore. The thoughts of me letting her down weigh heavily on me.

“Thomas, these things were going on way before you ever took over. If your father and grandfather didn’t know about it then it is pretty safe to say that these things were well hidden from them. Not everyone is willing to talk about it. To be honest I debated about whether I should say anything or not. I wasn’t sure if you would even believe me.” She takes a deep breath. “Most men in my life have always taken another man’s word over any women’s. It will take time for me to get over all that I have seen. Just know that there are many women out there who may never speak up about what they have been through. Please don’t blame yourself. If it bothers you then make the changes. You are the only one who can answer for your actions. You can’t take the blame for things you didn’t do. Now that you know it is up to you how you will move forward.”

I know that she is right in what she says. I have to make changes that will make things better. I can’t sit and dwell on the past because I had no part in that, but I can focus on changing the future. I know that I am facing an uphill battle that will most likely take years to win.

“Will you help me change this world for the better?” She looks at me in shock. It is almost as if no one has ever asked her for her thoughts or help. I realize that is exactly the truth. She has never been valued for her opinion or her help. “You will be the greatest asset that I have. You have been through so much and you are smart enough to help me. Please say yes.”

“I will help you with everything that I have. If you can make this a better place then I will stand behind you 100%”

8

Cora

Waking up the next morning I find myself confused as to where I am and what I am doing here. After a few deep breaths and calming myself, I realize that I am Thomas’s house and that this is my new home. Just knowing that he wants to take care of me and make me happy gives me more hope then I have ever had in my life.

Thoughts of what my life has been up until now make their way into my head. Had I really spent my life living in fear of what the day may bring, granted my life was never as bad as some in my village? I think that for the most part I have been spared the worst of what this life has to offer, but that still doesn’t mean that my life has been a bed of roses. Knowing that these thoughts were doing nothing to help my mood I decided to get up and start the day.

Last night at the end of our date Thomas walked me to the door and told me that today he would have to return to work. He also said that he wanted me to come with him. After giving him a look of total shock, he told me that he wants me to get to know what it is that he does and that he wants my opinion on things that are happening. I nodded my head like a small child who is being asked if they want a sweet treat.

Making my way down to the dining room I find Thomas laying plates of food on the table. I look at the plate to find a huge breakfast sitting there waiting for me to eat it. I can honestly say that I have never seen so much food on a plate in my life. We never went hungry but we never at what people here would consider a full meal.

“I hope that you are hungry. I may had made more food than we actually needed.” Thomas says with a chuckle.

“I am hungry, but I am sorry to say that there is no way that I will ever be able to eat all that. I’m not used to having that much food at one time.” As soon as the sentence leaves my lips, I tense up with fear. Thomas has never done anything that would make me think he would physically hurt me, but there is something engrained in me that women do not speak that way to a man.

“Cora. Please look at me.” I raise my eyes to his, and I see sadness in them.” I know that it is going to take some time for all of this to sink in, but I promise that I will never hurt you. I want you to be open with me and tell me what you are thinking and feeling. Don’t bottle yourself up anymore. I didn’t take any offense to what you said.” As he is speaking, he walks over to me and takes my hand in his. I find myself shocked at how quickly I calmed down just from that simple gesture.

“Thank you Thomas. I promise that I don’t really think that you will hurt me. It’s just that when you have something drilled into you for so long, it is hard to stop thinking and feeling that way. I really am trying my hardest to stop being this way. Just please give me some time and patience.” I find myself starting to smile up at him and see that he is doing the same.

” Well let’s eat this massive breakfast and then we can head into the office. If we want to make changes and make this community better then we are going to have a lot of work to do. I want you there with me every step of the way. Like I said I want us to build a genuine relationship that will stand up to anything that is thrown at it.”

Thomas

Breakfast was one of the funniest moments that I have had in my whole life. Watching my sweet little Cora trying her best to eat all that food was entertaining. After all that we talked about last night and this morning I have hopes that she and I will become everything that I have hoped for. We both have dreamed of having that someone there who will love us no matter what and I can see myself doing that with her. I only hope that I can make her life something that she can enjoy and be proud of.

We arrive at headquarters, and I, not Cora, has started to tense up a little. On the drive over I told her that I would have to put on that fake persona that I use in front of everyone outside of my family and close friends. I knew that I would never be cruel or rude toward her, but I also knew that I couldn’t show the rest of the world the Thomas that she knew when we were at home. I desperately wanted to hold her hand and reassure her. Mustering up the strength to throw caution to the wind I did just that.

“I may not be able to be overly open with my affections in public, but I can at least hold your hand.” I give her a small smirk and then put my work face on. I lead her to my office, and we get settled in. I look at my schedule and see that it is not as packed as I thought that it would be.

“Cora, I am going to call in my right-hand man for you to meet. He has been my best friend since we were kids and I think that he is someone who can help us.” As I finish saying this, I see her eyes light up with excitement. I send a quick message to Elliot and ask him to come to my office. I hear a quick knock on the door and see Elliot walk in.

“Hey Thomas you needed me?” Elliot has never been one to stand on ceremony. He has always been that one person who just acts the same no matter where he is or who he is with. I think he does it at times just to get a rise out of me. He knows that I have to put on the tough persona when I am dealing with the Chosen and I think he thinks of it as a game to see if he can get me to crack under all the pressure.

“I wanted you to meet Cora. I am sure that we have been the main topic of gossip all morning.” I chuckle lightly. Cora sits with a flaming blush on her face. I think that I may have to use this to my advantage and tease her when we are alone.

“I was hoping you would bring her in today.” He turns to Cora. “It is nice to meet you. I’m Elliot this dork’s best friend. I just want you to know that I in no way take any responsibility for how he acts.” By the end of the sentence, I can tell he is struggling to not laugh. Cora breaks out in a huge smile and I must say it is a sight to behold.

“I’ll try to not hold that against you.” She then giggles and it is like heavenly music playing. Elliot smiles back at her and then turns to me.

“So other than meeting, what is the real reason that you called me in here?” I should have known that he would realize there was more to this than just a friendly met and greet.

“How about you and Rebecca come over for dinner tonight. We are going to have pasta.” Elliot’s eyes light up with understanding. Pasta is a code word for we need to talk where the walls don’t have ears.

“We’ll be there. I’ll bring the bread.” I saw that smirk that let me know he was enjoying all this secrecy way more that he should. Meanwhile, Cora sits in her chair staring at us both like we have lost our minds. I haven’t filled her in on all of the things that I have done and think are going on.

When I thought about taking part in the reaping the one thought that worried me was if I would be able to find someone who would be able to keep my secrets and who would be able to help in my work. Everything that we have talked about and all of her actions have led me to believe that I will be able to have all of those things with her.

9

Cora

I could tell that the two of them were having some sort of weird conversation about pasta and bread, but I honestly had no clue as to what it all meant. Thomas was a very different person when he is at headquarters and I can’t help but think that maybe he’s that way to protect himself from those around him. Just from the way he’s talking to Elliot I can see that he trusts this man more than anyone around him. I’m hoping that this means that there will be someone helping us to change this world we call home.

I look up and notice that they are saying their goodbyes and I give Elliot a slight smile and wave. I look over to Thomas and see him looking at me with a twinkle in his eye. He is up to something that much I am sure, but what could it be.

Thomas begins showing what he would like for me to do in helping him at headquarters. He tells me how the leaders mates would help in the office until children are born. I feel my cheeks heating up as he talks about our future children. So far all we have done is hold hands, but that is more than I have ever done before. I push myself to shake these thoughts from my head and start back completing the tasks that he has for me.

“Cora I am having some lunch brought in for us. So when you get to a stopping point we can eat together.” I look up from the files I am working on and smile. I see that twinkle again and know that if we were at home he would be smiling. Wow, I just thought of his house as my home. It is amazing how quickly something can change in your life. I can’t help but wonder what else will be changing for me.

“Is there someone here that cooks for you?” I ask as I am placing the file in the correct order.

“Yes, there is a cafeteria here that cooks for all of the Chosen that work here at headquarters. The food is usually very good. You may even get to try things that you have never had before.” As he says this I can tell that he is still upset about the things that we talked about last night.

“Well, that is quite exciting. I am amazed at the splendor that headquarters.” I gave him a knowing look that said I know what you’re thinking. I see a slight pink tint to the tops of his ears and I have to stifle the giggle that wants to make its way out of my mouth.

Lunch was something that I have never had before. Today they were serving salmon. Now I have had trout and catfish before but nothing compares to what I just ate. I think that I have found a new favorite food. Looking at my plate I understand more how much the villages are put into a corner on what they can and cannot do.

There is virtually no trading among the villages. The only thing that does happen is that we have to send a large portion of our resources back to the Chosen. As I had previously told Thomas beef and many other foods were a treat in the villages. The thing that still bothers me is that Thomas believes that there have been shipments of food to the villages. Either they were never sent or the leaders of the villages were keeping them for themselves and not distributing them to the people.

These thoughts continue to stay in the front of my mind as we finish our day in the office. As we are walking out to the car I see a face that I had hoped that I wouldn’t have to see for a while. Michael was standing there watching our every move. I tried to pretend I didn’t notice but he continued to stare as he made his way over to us.

“Cora fancy us meeting here!” I felt Thomas stop and tense. I knew that I had reasons to hate the guy but I never knew what all happened between the two men. I knew that at the reaping Thomas told me of what Michael had said about me, but I was unsure as to what else he may have said or done to get on Thomas’s bad side.

“Well, that is to be expected since I am now the female leader of the Chosen. I’m more curious as to why you are here and talking to me.” I see the corner of Thomas’s lip switch like he wants to smile. His grip tightens on my hand and I know that he is dying to laugh at this back and forth that will happening.

“I work here now baby. Didn’t he tell you? I’m the newest member of the Chosen.” As soon as the work baby leaves his mouth and I have to put a death grip on Thomas. His eyes burn with a fire that I have never seen in a man. It isn’t just anger, it’s the need to protect. If I didn’t know any better I would think he was a wild animal trying to protect his mate.

“I knew that much at the reaping. You scored very high on the male rating. But you still haven’t answered my question of why are you talking to me. After that shameful lie that you told about me, I would have thought that you would have at the very least tried to stay clear of us.” I turned and say that Thomas was still glaring daggers at Michael who was oblivious to the whole thing.

“See that’s the thing. I never lied about any of it. I’m not sure how you pulled it off but you found a way to lie about your being a virgin. Did you offer to sleep with the doctor? Or maybe you just found another way to pay him off? Or did you…..” The next thing I know I have pulled my fist back and I’m ready to hit him. The man I thought of as a friend. The one that I thought I might have been happy with. Was he always a snake in the grass or is this a new thing?

I feel a hand take my fist and lower it. I look over to see Thomas holding the fist and looking me straight in the eye. I see pride, happiness, and another emotion that I can’t quite put my finger on. I slowly open my fist and nod my head letting him know that I will not do anything else.

“Michael I am only going to tell you this once so listen well. You may now be a member of the Chosen but don’t for one minute think that I believe you. I am your leader and Cora is my mate and also your leader. Do not show disrespect toward her again. You may like what happens if you do.” Thomas turns holding my hand and leads me to the car.

I can tell by the way he is driving that he is itching to get it off his chest, but he is waiting until we get back. Now that I think about it, his office and car are most likely bugged so that those who are against him can here in dealings. With these thoughts more and more things are starting to click into place. The big question now is what have I gotten myself into?

10

Thomas

I could tell that Cora had questions about what just happened. She was fidgeting in her seat and I could practically see the wheels spinning in her head. Even though we have only been together fora day and a half I can say that I already pick up on her emotions. She has let her guard down with me and so now I can tell what she is feeling, and right now she is curious.

“I do not for one second believe a word that man says. I knew the moment he walked into my office that he was going to be in trouble. I told you that I had watched most of your evaluation. I know the doctor who examined you personally and they would never lie about your purity. I’m afraid that Michael has a different idea as to what the Chosen is about than I do. I will explain more later.”

She looks over at me and I see the understanding in her eyes. She is a smart little thing to pick up on the subtle hints that I have been giving her all day. Not once has she pressed me for an answer when I said that we would talk about it later. I know that my office and my car are bugged. I also know that I am watched almost all the time. I have made sure that my home is not being monitored but even then I do not discuss certain things there.

When I became leader I had Elliot go out on a mission to find a device that can detect audio surveillance equipment. I lucked up hewn he not only found that but a device that can scramble any type of visual surveillance equipment. I knew going into this job that there were going to be those who were out for my head. What I didn’t and still do not know is how many there are and who they are.

My only fear now is that something could happen to Cora. My feelings for her are growing stronger by the minute and I know that I will be completely in love with her very soon. Spending time talking like we have has just spread the process up.

“So I um.. I was just wondering how you are feeling about us right now.” As soon as the words leave my mouth I feel like I am going to have a heart attack waiting on her answer.

“Honestly?” She looks over and asks. I can tell she is asking if I want to know or if I am just making small talk.

“Yes really.” I smile over at her. There is nothing that I want to know more about at the moment.

“I think I am already falling for you. I know in my head that it is too soon, but my heart is screaming at me to just give in and love you with all that I’ve got.” If I had thought that I had seen the girl blush before then I was wrong. She was as red as an apple fresh off the tree. From the tips of her ears down to where her shirt meets her neck.

“Oh thank God. I was afraid that I was the only one.” I let out a huge sigh as I say this. I am rewarded with the sweetest giggle I have ever heard. “I am going, to be honest and say that today I have wanted nothing more than to take you in my arms and hold you all day. I know we talked about taking it slow but I may end up kissing you before the day is over.”

“And you may find that I will let you.” My eyes widen as I hear this. She honestly just practically admitted that she wants to be kissed. I feel myself smiling as we pull up to our home. “I want to cook dinner for them tonight. You said pasta correct?”

I nod at her and feel pride swell in my heart that she wants to impress those close to me. I never once mentioned to her that I wanted her to cook or do anything around the house. She has taken it upon herself to want to put forth the effort.

“I think that would be great. I will show you around the kitchen and I can help you with anything that you need.”

Cora

Thomas shows me where everything is and then I get myself changed and start making dinner. Spaghetti was something that we at a lot of in our village. Gardens provided most of our food. My mother and grandmother taught me how to make my ingredients for almost everything. Having all this knowledge helped me to prepare for my future.

I started making my noodles from scratch and soon after started the sauce as well. I moved quickly through the different steps of creating everything. I found all the ingredients for a salad as well. I quickly whipped up a salad with a homemade dressing. I was checking the sauce when I heard a knock at the door.

Before I can get to it I see Thomas opening the door and Elliot walking in with a tall black-haired woman. She had the most stunning brown eyes I have ever seen. There was a kindness there that I have not seen in most of the people here. She turns and sees me and a smile that could light any room spread across her face.

“You must be Cora! I have dying to meet you. I’m Rebecca Elliot’s mate.” She reaches her hand out to shake mine. As I take her hand I see her eyes twinkling with delight.

“That’s me. I am very happy to meet you, Rebecca. Dinner is ready if you would like to have a seat at the table I will bring the rest of the food out.” Thomas is looking at me with a smile on his face and I feel my heart skipping beats. He is getting really good and making me forget where I am at and what I am doing.

Once I have the food out we all set down and begin passing the food around. As soon as everyone starts eating I get nothing but none stop compliments on the food. Even if it does embarrass me a little, I am really happy that they are enjoying my cooking. Back with my family my father never said anything positive about my cooking so I always wondered if I had any talent at it at all. My grandparents would always make sure they told me how much they enjoyed it. But I could help but wonder if it was just out of love for me.

We talked about all sorts of things throughout the meal. Laughs could be heard throughout the house and for the first time, I felt like I fit in where I was. Rebecca and I talked nonstop about all kinds of topics. I knew from the moment we started talking that she and I would become very close. Once we were finished she helped me clean up the kitchen before we returned to the men in the living room.

As we entered both men stood and took our hands. Thomas was leading and he was taking me to the end of the hall where the laundry room is. As he opened the door I became more confused as to what was going on. Was he going to try and fit all of us in the small room? And if so what for? My question was answered when I can him press on a spot in the wall. The wall has a design with vertical grooves cut into what looked like wood paneling.

Suddenly the wall separated and a door opened. I never would have imagined that a door was there. There was nothing visible that indicated that there was a door there. Thomas entered pulling me behind him as he switched on a light in the hallway that begins leading downward. Elliot closed the door behind him and followed us down to another door.

Thomas pulled a key from his pocket and opened the door to a huge room. There were a few chairs in the room along with a sofa. In the back of the room was a large table that was covered in numerous files and binders. The wall was cover with whiteboards and cork boards all full of information. It wasn’t like anything that I have ever seen before.

“Welcome to our secret hideaway. Cora everything that is talked about here stays here until we have all the information we need.” Thomas says with a serious look in his eyes.

“What information is it that you need?” I ask in all seriousness.

“Information to take down the Chosen,” Elliot says with a smile on his face.