Saints of the Syndicate by Natalie Nicole
Prologue
I do not belong here.
It's been two weeks since I came to this campus and to say I don't belong here would be the understatement of the century. I'm currently sitting under one of the massive oak trees here in the quad glancing over some of the reading I have to do for class tomorrow and people watching. It's a fascinating thing to see how all these kids just frolic around campus without a care in the world. They are constantly flashing around keys to the newest vehicles their parents got them or talking about what luxurious vacation they will be going on next.
They all wear the newest designer tags and brag about the almost daily shopping trips they take. Glancing down at my thrift store purchases brings a flush to my face even though no one is paying attention to me. I worked my ass off for 6 weeks before I came here to have enough money to go to the nicer thrift store where I lived in LA and splurge on some newer clothes. The rest I put away in my meager checking account until I could find a job here.
Thankfully, I found a coffee shop right near campus and I have an interview there next week. The hours won't be much, but they will be just enough to cover my phone bill and any necessities I may need. Even if I don't get it, I've found some other options too. I may not fit in at this private university, but it won't deter me. Ineedthis education more than anything in the world. If for no other reason than to prove to everyone that has doubted me that I will not be another waste of tax dollars like my mother.
No matter what challenges I face here being a complete underdog, I will prevail.
Glancing around the quad area one more time, my eyes catch on three bodies. It's fascinating how everyone around me goes quiet when they show up. It's almost like they are afraid to speak around them and it's even more interesting when students rush to get out of their way.
I've only caught sight of them a few times, but their dominating presence always intrigues me. I've heard whispers in class about how they are campus royalty and to stay out of their way unless you want trouble.
I've thought about asking others in class who they are until I'm caught staring at them. The ugly knowing sneers always have me retreating back into my shell and just burying my face back into a book. Only one person so far has attempted to make friends with me, but I've been extremely cautious when I talk to her. I don't know if she thinks I'm some sort of circus act or is actually genuine about her interest in me.
Regardless, I'm going to hold off with her a little longer until I figure out if there is a motive behind her friendly attempts or not. Maybe if she is actually true with her intentions, I'll ask her what the deal is with these three god-like entities that I'm currently creeping on beneath the bill of my ball cap.
Almost like a knowing sixth sense, their eyes all glance my way. My breath catches in my throat before I rush to look back down at my textbook. My body flushes in embarrassment and my heart rate speeds up to an unnatural pace that has me wanting to puke.
I don't dare break my textbook concentration until the quad slowly resumes back into its usual buzz of activity. As I will my body to return to normal, a few dominating questions filter through my brain.
Who are they? Why did just a quick glance from them ignite my body on fire? Why does my body always seem drawn to them even when I've never been in a close proximity to them?
Shaking my head to clear the questions, I have to internally laugh at myself. I'll never know the answers to those questions.
Or will I?