Rogue (Exceptional) by Jess Petosa Page B

functioning hospital a few miles away, but this is much more homey for the processing.  I’ll just need to measure your height and weight, check your vitals, and then draw some blood for further testing,
           Ally nodded, noticing that the Ordinary men hadn’t followed her in here.  There was a large window to her right, easy access for an escape route.  Not that she was planning on running, but Heath had taken measures to have her guarded.  Why call them off now?
           “Because here, we have a fair fight,” Carla looked up for the first time and smirked.
           Violet eyes sparkled back at Ally, causing her to gasp.  “You’re an Exceptional?”
           “These aren’t contacts,” She said with a laugh.
           “But… how…. these people, don’t they hate Exceptionals?” Ally asked.
           “They hate the ones they don’t know as well as me.  I’ve been with this group for many decades.”
           “How did you get away from the City?”
           “I was never in the City,” she responded. “Now up and out of that chair so I can measure you properly.”
           Ally did as she was asked, keeping her gaze on the woman.  “You can read minds?”
           Carla nodded. “Among other, less useful, abilities.  I don’t make it a habit of flaunting them when not necessary.  The people of this town might accept me, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t cautious around me.”
          Ally stood straight while the doctor measured her height, and remained still as her weight was taken.  She sat on the exam table in silence while Carla took several vials of blood, taking extra care with her veins even though her Exceptional body barely felt any pain.
           Once the tests were over Ally pressed for more answers. “So, if you didn’t live in the City, how did you get here? Where did you come from?”
           Carla smiled softly. “I’ve always lived in the Wilderness, Ally.  Not all Exceptionals migrated to the big cities and set up new lives.  Some of us stayed behind with our families and friends.  Some of us gave up what might have looked like a greater plan, to be with those we loved.” The doctor made a note on her clipboard. “You are dismissed.”
           “I have more questions,” Ally blurted out.
           “Come back another day.  If you still have questions, I’ll do my best to answer them.”
           Ally stood and nodded.  She couldn’t see why she wouldn’t still have questions by the following day.  She was anxious to learn all she could about the Wilderness, and gather any useful information about the City.  She would definitely be back.
    When she stepped into the front room, she found that the others were still waiting on the couch.  The Ordinary men sent to guard her stood by the front door, chatting in low voices with Max.  Ally thought about what Carla had said, about Exceptionals being in the Wilderness, and having been born there.  She had always assumed that all Exceptionals lived in the City; especially with the way Aden collected the powerful ones.  She had just about had enough of Stosh’s finger tapping when Mona, the older woman at the desk, took a call on a large phone.
           Mona nodded her head and gave a few “uh-huhs” before hanging up the phone.  She turned toward Max.
           “They’ve cleared the Exceptional, the tall boy, and the red headed girl for immediate housing on Block C.  Heath doesn’t think it’s necessary for them to spend the night here. The other two, however, will need to stick around until tomorrow.”
           “What? No.” Ally jumped up.  “Why weren’t they cleared?” She motioned to Willow and Cody.
           “The girl, whom I am told is pregnant, needs to be monitored more closely.  She hasn’t received proper nutrition or care from a doctor, both of which we can offer her.  The