CHAPTER 38: THE NEW GUARD

Chapter 38: The New Guard

So just like that, weeks slipped by, though this peace always felt thin, like it could break at any second.

Danielle had finally been allowed to go back to class, but with heavier security than ever. Every corner of her life now had a shadow following it.

The president had sent a new bodyguard to join their team...a man named Felix. He was tall, lean, and far too charming for someone carrying a gun.

His arrival had been sudden, no warnings or introductions. The letter that came with him bore the presidential seal, and Theo had read it three times before saying a single word.

Felix greeted Danielle with a grin that made her laugh despite some weird tension. "You must be the famous Miss Geiger. I was told to keep you alive. I’ll do my best not to fail."

Theo was standing beside her with a poker-face. "We already have a system in place," he stated flatly. "I’ll be handling her security personally."

Felix smiled, undisturbed by the cold tone. "That’s what I like to hear. But the president insisted I join your detail. Said two pairs of eyes are better than one."

Danielle smiled carefully at that. "Then welcome to the team."

Felix’s grin widened. "Thank you, Miss Geiger. And please, call me Felix. Formalities make me feel old."

Theo gave him a brief look that said everything he wanted to say but didn’t. He turned and walked away without another word.

Danielle watched him go, feeling like he really wasn’t happy.

Over the following days, Felix proved to be easy company. He cracked jokes in the car, brought coffee without being asked, and made light of situations that would normally make her nervous.

He reminded her of what normal used to feel like, before fear, before Theo’s silent eyes had become the center of her world.

Theo, however, never seemed to relax around Felix.

Every time Felix laughed, Theo’s shoulders grew a little tighter. Every time Felix made Danielle smile, Theo’s jaw clenched slightly, even though he pretended not to notice.

Theodor only spoke to Felix when absolutely necessary, and his tone was always short, professional, and distant.

Felix teased him once about it. "You’re a tough one to read, Captain," he said with a grin. "Are you always this friendly?"

Theo looked at him coolly. "Only when I like someone."

Felix chuckled. "Guess I’m not on the list yet."

"You’re not even close," Theo replied without blinking.

Danielle had to hide a small smile behind her hand. "Play nice, both of you," she murmured.

Theo didn’t answer. He looked at her, and that was enough to silence Felix for the rest of the day.

That afternoon, Danielle was scheduled to attend a seminar on campus. Felix was supposed to escort her, but an urgent call from the presidential office pulled him away.

He promised to be back before the lecture ended, leaving Theo and another officer to cover.

Theo didn’t like the setup. He didn’t trust the sudden timing of the call, and he didn’t trust that nothingness. Still, Danielle had insisted on going.

"I can’t hide forever...If I stop living, then they’ve already won."

Theo had no argument for that. So he followed her quietly as she walked across the courtyard toward the lecture hall.

But Theo knew better...

He was scanning the area, glancing at every corner, every passing face. His hand never strayed far from the inside of his jacket where his gun rested. Theo walked several steps behind Danielle, close enough to reach her if needed, far enough not to draw attention.

"You don’t have to walk like you’re in a war zone," she whispered.

"Until it’s over, I always will."

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. She knew he was right.

They entered the building, and Danielle moved toward her class, everything seemed to be back to normal...Until Theo noticed Jackson.

He was standing at the far end of the hallway, half-hidden near a column. His posture was too casual, his hands buried in his pockets, but his eyes...oh, those eyes were on Danielle like a hunter watching prey.

Theo’s muscles tensed. His hand brushed against his gun.

Jackson started walking slowly toward Danielle. He didn’t look away once.

But Theo moved faster...

Danielle turned just in time to see Jackson’s face. Her heart skipped as his smirk sent a chill down her spine.

Jackson’s hand moved inside his coat.

Theo reached him first.

He slammed Jackson against the wall, one arm pressed against his chest, the other catching his wrist before he could draw the knife. The sound of the impact echoed through the hall, making several students turn and gasp.

"Don’t even think about it," Theo hissed.

Jackson grinned through clenched teeth. "Still playing the hero, I see."

Theo’s fist came fast. The punch landed square on Jackson’s jaw, sending him staggering backward. The knife clattered to the ground.

Danielle’s eyes widened from panic...

Theo stepped in front of her, shielding her with his body. "Stay behind me," he ordered.

Jackson spat blood and laughed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Protecting her won’t save her. You think you can fight everyone, Theo? You can’t fight what’s already been set in motion."

Theo’s nose wrinkled and his eyes darkened. "You’re not leaving here alive then..."

Jackson smirked, his lip was still bleeding. "Oh, I’m not leaving alone, either."

Theo’s grip tightened, ready to strike again, but something in Jackson’s eyes changed...

Then came the sound...A faint click.

Theo’s instincts were faster than a running jaguar’s. He turned his head just in time to see a small red light blinking on the floor near the lockers.

It was a device!

"Danielle!" he shouted.

Grabbing her, and pulling her down with Theo as the explosion tore through the hallway.

The walls shuddered, glass shattered, and the sound swallowed everything. Heat and dust filled the air.

Theo’s ears rang as he shielded Danielle under his arms, his body pressed her close to the ground. He couldn’t hear her scream, only felt it against his chest.

When the noise faded, smoke clouded the hall. Flames formed from broken wires and torn paper.

Theo lifted his head slowly, coughing. "Danielle, are you hurt?"

She shook her head weakly, and her eyes were big with shock. "Theo, where’s..."

Her words cut off when someone walked through the smoke.

Jackson was limping but alive, half his face burned, yet his smile was still there.

He raised his gun and aimed it straight at Danielle.

"Die, you slut..."