Page 77 of G.O.D.S Omnibus

“What’s so amusing?” Marlow whispers in my ear as we wait our turn to walk down the red carpet.

“I just got the Gods reference seeing the hotel logo. Mr Z must be insane.”

“He is, but his name is Zacari Olympia. Rumour has it he plans to name all his genetically engineered teams after the Greek gods.”

“Why not the other teams?”

“Because they are only so useful to him, a cover to continue creating the ultimate teams. Most of those teams grew up alongside us, but they are expendable. He has individuals trained to take their places if they drop their game. He doesn’t care how long they have trained together, hence why we have the test zone. If they can survive, then they can move on in their training. He has people for everything. Handlers, analysts, scientists, teachers, the list goes on.”

“So why let you out on your own during high school?”

“Because he wants to see how we all adapt, see how people our age behave, and to give those who don’t want this life the chance to walk away.”

“And you can just walk away?” I ask because I really don’t believe it’s that easy.

“I didn’t say thatwecould. We’re not stupid—we are his assets.”

“So why does he need allthisto gain money?” I gesture to the circus that is the gala. “It makes no sense. If he had benefactors, they would be lining his pockets.”

“Greed. He originally wanted to work with the government, and they were on board when his brother worked with him. It kept everything legit. But he didn’t want to hand over control, hence the old rich guys. We still work for the government at times, but that has given Mr Z a big head.”

Security dude gives us a nod and we walk down the carpet towards him with cameras flashing at us, and I wonder if it’s the media or just an illusion to make the rich feel special. Once we get to him, we are directed to a lush foyer, where a man asks for our names.

Brennan steps forward. “Brennan Myers escorting Boston Myers, Laughn Taylor, Marlow Emmerson, Case Chambers, and Davis Moore. Jolie Smith is our guest tonight.”

Laughn steps up to the security guard at the lobby entrance, who holds out a small pen-like light to Laughn’s wrist. The guy flashes the light over it once and nods. The rest of them all do the same, but I’m asked to move through the metal detector on the right, while the guys walk through one on the left. Watching the guys getting their wrists checked brings forth another memory I’d forgotten.

“You can’t hide down here forever, Tenshi. I promise it won’t hurt. I have a special cream for you.”

“I don’t believe you. Davis cried when they were doing his.”

“Because I didn’t share my special cream with him—it takes away the pain. Have I ever lied to you before?”

“No, but . . .”

“No buts. You’re a kick-ass girl who is stronger than any of those boys. We can even keep this our secret.”

“Okay, I just want it to be over. Needles suck.”

“I know they do, but this will be over before you know it, and you will have a kick-ass tattoo.”

“One people can’t see.”

We’re all moved through this section quickly and led into a massive ballroom. Looking around, I’m taken aback by how beautiful the venue is. Stunning chandeliers light the room to perfection, above tables precisely placed. Massive arched windows are framed by delicate cream curtains pulled to the sides. Every light, every centrepiece, every chair all set to perfection. Not a single thing is out of place.

“Incoming,” Boston warns, and each guy moves into position around me. Marlow takes my hand and gives it a squeeze.

Mr Z is walking towards us, along with a striking woman, her long blonde hair styled in waves that look almost natural. While she wears so much more makeup than needed, and her dress leaves next to nothing to the imagination, there is no denying this woman is stunning.

Her incredulous gaze raises instant red flags, and her pursed lips and hair flick give away her intentions. But I do just as my memories are telling me to do. I smile as they approach.

“Mr Z, nice to see you again and thank you for inviting me.”

“Without me, none of this would have been possible... I’m Elizabeth. I’m sure you have heard of me,” The woman with Mr Z chimes in.

“I have, Marlow has told me a lot about you. Your son is an amazing man.”

“There is always room for improvement,” she mutters before walking away, clearly bored with our conversation.

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