The smell of coffee and rain filled the police precinct as Anora Carter stepped through the glass doors for the first time.
Her badge felt heavier than she expected.
"Calm down, Anora! This is your dream coming to reality.." She mumbled to herself.
Years of training.
Endless exam.
And now she was finally here..
A real officer.
The station buzzed with voices, ringing phones, and the clatter of keyboards. Officers rushed past with files and radios clipped to their belts.
Anora straightened her uniform and approached the front desk.
Before she could speak, someone leaned casually against the counter beside her.
"New here"?
She turned.
The man beside her had brown hair, an easy smile and the relaxed confidence of someone who clearly enjoyed his job.
"Rookie?" he asked.
"Is it that obvious?" Anora replied.
He laughed. "Relax. I'm a rookie too. Reza Malik" He extended his hand.
Anora shook it. "Anora Carter."
"Well, Officer Carter," Reza said with a grin "If you're looking for someone to show you around, I volunteer."
Before Anora could respond, the room suddenly grew quieter. Reza's smile faded slightly. Anora noticed several officers glancing toward the hallway behind them.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the floor.
She turned.
A tall man walked toward them, his posture rigid and expressions unreadable.
Detective Levi Hayes.
Even without knowing his name yet, Anora could feel the authority in the way people moved aside for him.
He stopped in front of them. His sharp gaze landed on Anora.
"You're the new transfer." It wasn't a question.
"Yes sir."
Levi studied her for a moment longer than necessary then his flicked briefly towards Reza. A small crease appeared between his brows.
"Orientation starts in ten minutes." Levi said.
Reza smirked. "Relax, Detective. I was just welcoming her."
Levi's expression didn't change. "Rookies should focus on their own work, Malik."
The tension between them was instant. Unspoken.
Reza chuckled under his breath. "Yes, sir."
Levi looked back at Anora. "You're assigned to me."
Anora blinked. "Assigned"?
"For training" Levi said.
Reza's grin disappeared completely.
Levi turned and began walking away. After a few steps, he stopped and glanced back at her "Well?"
Anora quickly followed.
Behind her Reza called out : "Don't worry Carter. I'll still save you a seat at lunch."
Levi's jaw tightened slightly. He didn't look back.
But for the first time that morning, Detective Levi Hayes felt something he hadn't felt in years.
Jealousy.
And he hated it.