Chapter 12 - Checkpoints For Future Reference

Slowly, like a predator, she stalked him. As she neared him, she saw that he was staring intently at a boy sitting in an secluded area a few yards away from him who was immersed in his book. Sensing danger, she increased her pace. She was within a ten meter distance when she saw that the boy's eyes were actually a dull yellow. Neotide!

But how could they gain access to the college premises? Neotides were rarely ever seen in this part of town. Was he a college student? She stepped closer. She had to be careful in taking him down as she didn't want to raise suspicions. It could escalate into something really terrible.​​

The way she was staring alerted the neotide. He ran towards his prey before he could lose the opportunity, but Adrianna was faster than him. She sped up and was in front of him in no time, blocking his way and stopping him with a hand on his chest.

He growled at her and in the next moment, Adrianna had dragged him into the forest at lightning speed. She grabbed him and threw him towards the trees. The neotide crashed into one of the trees, leaving a dent in the trunk, but he instantly got back up and charged at her. Adrianna was swift. She waited for him to come near her and as soon as he was close enough, she went for his neck and lifted him up.

Her eyes were blazing with fury. "Who sent you?" she asked.

He didn't reply.

Adriana applied pressure. He let out a soft growl and she soon felt the presence of other wolves. She lifted him into the air and threw him against a rock. The impact was hard and he landed on the ground unconscious.

Without wasting any more time, Adrianna ran back to the college. On her way back, she noticed that the boy, who had been reading, now had the weirdest expression on his face. His mouth was open and he was stupidly looking at her. Adrianna grinned at him and quickly walked away. On her way to Okashi's wing, she thought about calling her grandfather to inform him of the situation. The presence of neotides was rare…

She reached her destination in another five minutes. On her way, she was met with the strange glares and giggles of the students.

Okashi had come out of the classroom by the time she arrived. She noticed Adrianna on the first floor and waved at her. She quickly ran down the stairs to meet her.

"Adrianna! My bestie!" squealed Okashi as she hugged her.

Then she pulled back and looked at her with disgust. "What is wrong with you?" asked Okashi, as she started removing twigs from her hair. "It looks as if you took a roll in the bushes. There is so much mud on your shirt," she said, dusting her off.

Adrianna smiled at her friend. The college beauty queen was always so prim and proper that not even a single hair was out of place. She was wearing a pink silk top with a black mini-skirt and ankle-length boots. Her hair was tied in a bun, giving her the most adorable look. It was as if the two of them had come from two entirely different worlds.

Adrianna couldn't help but laugh at her friend's antics. When Okashi had fixed up her friend, they headed to the college cafeteria together.

"Where's that twit brother of mine?" asked Okashi, fully aware that he doted on Adrianna but did not have the courage to speak up.

Okashi and Niiya were fraternal twins but they looked a lot like each other. When they were younger, their mother would often dress them up in similar colored outfits despite the fact that they were different genders. If Okashi wore a pink dress, Niiya would end up wearing a pink shirt. They were also often seen wearing the same outfit from head to toe. The relationship between the two of them was mysterious because they were each other's best friend. They often cared about their other half more than themselves. Splitting up had been a huge issue when they were in kindergarten. They had cried a lot, but they eventually grew used to it. Nevertheless, they still constantly worried about each other. Their closeness was one of a kind.

This was why Okashi really wanted Adrianna to be with Niiya. However, Okashi didn't want to meddle in Niiya's love life, knowing fully well that his pride would be hurt. Regardless, she would do all she could from her side to bring the two.

"He was held up by a group of theater club members. They want him to write their play," Adrianna replied while munching on the cheese balls that Okashi had bought from the cafeteria counter.

After a pause, she added, "Okashi, I have an urgent question to ask you."

"Sure, what is it?"

Adrianna was hesitant in asking. She mustered enough courage and said, "Remember that list of things you wrote about what to look for in a guy before marrying him?"

Okashi popped a cheese ball in her mouth and exclaimed, "Ah-ha!" She leaned in close to Adrianna and with a raised eyebrow she asked, "What do we have here? Spill!"

Adrianna let out a hollow laugh and said, "Nothing much. I just wanted those checkpoints for future reference. I lost the original list you gave me."

"Girl, don't worry. Let me write it out for you again," said Okashi, opening her bag and tearing out a piece of paper from her notebook.