“A what?” Rogue asked with a frown.
“A weasel. They’re small but feisty. Surprisingly dangerous. Just like you,” Seth said, eyeing her.
“Uh, thanks, I guess,” Rogue said, folding her arms.
“It wasn’t a compliment. I hate weasels. Nasty, bitey little things,” Seth said with a shudder, but the twinkle in his eyes belied his words.
Rogue snorted. “I’m willing to bet you’ve never even seen a weasel.”
“Maybe, maybe not. Anything is possible.”
“And here I was, thinking you were the only sane person here.”
“What do you mean?” Seth asked.
“They’re all crazy. Stealing eggs and raising dinosaurs inside the Zoo. What else do they do? Sacrifice virgins to volcanoes?”
“There aren’t any volcanoes around,” Seth pointed out.
“Shut up before I punch you again.”
“Just not the ribs, please. I think the guards cracked a few yesterday.”
“You can’t make me feel any worse than I already do, so don’t bother trying,” Rogue said.
“It was worth a shot,” Seth said with a grin.
Rogue chewed on her bottom lip. “Did they really crack your ribs?”
“Ah, so my ploy worked. You do feel bad for me,” Seth said with a triumphant look.
Rogue rolled her eyes. “I hope you get trampled and gored by a Triceratops today.”
“That’s oddly specific.”
“I have a very specific imagination,” Rogue said. “Besides, they’ve got three horns to gut you with.”
“Bloodthirsty, aren’t you?”
“Only when provoked.”
Seth laughed. “Head’s up. Your mom’s coming.”
“Now, you warn me,” Rogue mumbled, turning toward Olivia.
“Lillian, I’d like you to meet Jamie. She’s a good friend of mine,” Olivia said, pointing to a petite, middle-aged woman at her side.
“Nice to meet you, Lillian,” Jamie said with a warm smile.
“Same here, but I’d prefer it if you called me Rogue.”
Jamie shot Olivia a look before nodding. “Rogue it is then.”
Rogue studied the woman. They were of the same height and build, but Jamie had incredibly long brown hair. It hung down her back in a thick braid that reached all the way to her knees. At least, she was friendly.
“Are you going on the hunt as well?” Rogue asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Jamie exclaimed. “I can’t let you kids have all the fun, now can I?”
“Fun. Sure,” Rogue echoed, exchanging a look with Seth.
“Which reminds me, I’d love for you to meet my daughter, Brittany,” Jamie said.
To Rogue’s utter dismay, Jamie called to a girl who stood off to the side with other young people. The same group that had laughed at her earlier.
The girl in question walked over with apparent reluctance. She looked a lot like her mom did with dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. “Yes, Mom?”
“Brittany, this is Lil…um…Rogue, Olivia’s daughter,” Jamie said.
“I know who she is, Mom,” Brittany replied. Her eyes flashed from Rogue to Seth, and she tossed her head. “She’s a Prime, just like him.”
“Be nice,” Jamie admonished with a stern look. “They’re one of us now, and I expect you to welcome them like family.”
“Sure thing, Mom. I’ll introduce them to my friends. How’s that?” Brittany said with a forced smile.
“Excellent idea,” Olivia chimed in. She grabbed Jamie’s arm. “In fact, let’s leave them to get acquainted. I’m sure they’ll get along just fine.”
Olivia dragged Jamie away, flashing a warning look at Rogue over her shoulder. Rogue heaved an inward sigh. Guess I’ll have to play ball. “Yeah, I’d love to meet everyone.”
Brittany waved at the group, and they sauntered over. There were five in all, including her, and their expressions ranged from utter boredom to open disdain.
“Rogue, Seth,” Brittany said. “These are my friends: David, Aret, Sandi, and Paul.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Rogue offered. When she got no reply, she said, “Is this your first egg-hunt too?”
“Our second. We all went last year when we turned eighteen, and we passed with flying colors,” Brittany said.
“I didn’t know this was a test,” Rogue said.
Brittany shrugged. “Officially, it’s not. It’s more like a rite of passage—a way to show you’re not a kid anymore.
“But we all know that people are watching,” David interrupted, his voice as smooth as his coffee-colored skin.
“Watching and weighing,” Sandi said, toying with her blonde and purple streaked hair.
“Yeah, a lot depends on the hunt’s success,” Aret added.
“So I’ve heard,” Rogue said, attempting to muster a smile.
“There was never any doubt about us, though, right, guys?” Brittany asked her group. “I mean, we’re the cream of the crop.”
“Correct. In fact, we hold the record for the most eggs harvested during a single hunt.” David said with a smirk.
“Impressive,” Rogue murmured, wondering what it would take to end the awkward showdown between her and the group. An earthquake? A rampaging T-rex? I wish it was that easy.
Seth must’ve had the same idea because he cleared his throat. “It’s been nice chatting to you all, but Ric’s calling. It looks like it’s time to go.”
“Well, good luck out there,” Brittany said. “You’re going to need it.”
“How so?” Rogue asked.
“You’re not used to the outside, right? Being a Prime and all,” Brittany mused.
“You’d be surprised,” Rogue said, a flash of anger running through her veins.
“Well, if you need any help, just ask,” Brittany said, her words honeyed. “It can get very dangerous out there.”
“I can handle myself,” Rogue answered with gritted teeth.
“Oh, I’m sure you can,” Brittany said, her blue eyes the picture of innocence.
The foursome behind her snickered, and Rogue’s hands balled into fists. I’ll be damned if I let a bunch of snot-nosed kids get the best of me.
But Seth grabbed her arm and pulled her close to his side before she could act. “Thank you for your concern. We appreciate it.”
“Of course. Anything for our new…visitors.” The group departed with many a hushed whisper and giggle.
Yanking her arm free from Seth’s grip, Rogue snarled, “What a bitch!”
“Keep it down. You can’t afford to make any more mistakes,” Seth said.
Rogue’s mouth fell open. “Mistakes? Did you hear the things she said?”
“Of course, I heard. She was goading you, and you fell for it,” Seth said.
Rogue’s
