The Skin Thief

Chapter 31

My eyes widen in shock. Words fail me as her cronies turn around and chase after Serena, giggling. I look at Mia, my mouth pretty much hanging open.

"Yeah," Mia sighs, "looks like they've sized you up and don't like you."

"Are we in a fucking school?" I ask. "Or worse still, some sort of teen movie?"

Mia laughs. "Nope," she says and walks over to me. She pats my shoulder and sighs sadly. "That is the product of powerful parents who refused to say no to their little princess. Yes, it's pathetic, yes she's like a cheesy mean girl from a shitty teen movie, and no, we can't do anything about it. Just ignore her, Ivy, and her gang of suck-ups. This world isn't fair. We just have to accept that people like her with her powerful connections are most likely going to get what they want thanks to mummy and daddy. Best to just stay out of her way and try and make the most of our own time here. The more time we spend battling against someone who has an unfair advantage, the less time and effort we spend improving our own opportunities."

I bite at my lip thoughtfully as I look at Serena at the other end of the office, laughing with her little gang and occasionally looking over at me and Mia. It doesn't bother me. The academy was worse for rivalries and petty dramas. In fact, pissing off the wrong clique at the academy usually resulted in a beating. I can cope with a couple of silly giggles. But, this does present an excellent opportunity.

"I don't like that look," Mia says. I turn to face her with a smug grin before picking up my own folders.

"What are you planning, Ivy?" Mia asks.

"So, working with Kaiser is the most prestigious, sought-after job here?" I ask.

"Yes," she replies with a frown.

"I'm going to get it," I tell her. Mia's eyes widen. This is perfect. It is the perfect cover story for why I'll be pursuing Kaiser so much. If I'm doing it because of some sort of petty office feud, it won't look odd, or suspicious. Especially if getting that job is as cut-throat as everyone makes it out to be.

"Serena is practically primed to get it," Mia tells me. I laugh.

"You saw the way Kaiser looked at me," I tell her with a wink. "Fuck Serena. She's only here because of her powerful parents, not because anyone wants her here. I'm not going to let her use her influence to get ahead. No way. I'm going to get that job, and I'm going to get it through my own hard work."

Mia smiles. "Good for you, Ivy," she says. "But keep me out of whatever bitchy battles you and Serena end up in. I've had enough office drama for the year."

I laugh. "I will. Aren't you going to apply?" I ask.

"I'll throw my CV in the works, as will everyone else in this department and others. I'll see where that gets me, but I'm not going to actively pursue it through various schemes or by sucking up to the right people. I'd rather focus on learning other useful skills that will get me an equally good job in another department. I'm thinking counter-terrorism."

"Sounds interesting," I admit. She smiles happily.

"Yeah, I think it will be. Anyway, we really need to get back to work."

"We do," I agree.

"Good luck. You're going to need it."

I laugh. "Thanks."

Mia walks away and I pick up some notes before making my way to Zoe's office. My heart flutters in my chest with nerves as I think about how I'm going to work this without being suspicious.

"Come in," Zoe says as I knock on her door.

"I just wanted to ask a question about my assignment," I say, closing the door behind me.