Red stands in the middle of the mat taking the neutral stance like I showed her, she looks relaxed and unaware. Perfect.
Roman grabs from behind allowing her to show elbow use in a few spots. Then he steps back to come at her from the front, letting her show some small leg work.
I’m relieved she took onboard what I showed her yesterday. I can see Roman’s not gripping too tight as well, happy to let her show that she can defend. When they step back Roman looks to Maverick.
“You already know I can defend too, showing you now is irrelevant.”
With that he takes a seat. The gratefulness on Red’s face is clear to see, she can’t attack, and we don’t need any of these assholes to know that.
Maverick doesn’t argue, he simply moves on to the next pairing. When he eventually calls time, everyone breaks off heading back to the changing rooms.Red links her arm through mine, and I can’t help but like the connection.
This girl is the sister I never wanted.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’m just glad Roman was watching us last night, so he knew what I could do.”
How is she even saying that so casually? What the hell does she mean he was watching us?
I ask her this and she just laughs, resting her head on my arm.
“He said next time, he wants a real invite, to our girl on girl session.”
“I wish I could tell him to suck my dick instead, but, well, I don’t have the facilities for that now do I?”
The cackle that leaves her mouth has me breaking into laughter too, and some of the people around us frown.
Keep trying to break me and I’ll just stand taller, laugh louder.
Fuck you all.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
(Luna)
Business class is just as useless as yesterday, with the tutor fawning over Oscar the whole time. Wren isn’t here which doesn’t surprise me, but it still leaves me unnerved. Her mother is the Head, and she already seems keen on making my life hell. I’m likely making things worse for myself, but I refuse to let someone trample all over me.
We decided to avoid the main cafeteria, I don’t need any more drama today. So Red and I decide to relax in the sunshine, sipping cold coffees and eating burritos in the square. With barely anyone else around, perfection.
Heading to History together, I’m glad there aren’t many students here. Red explained that a lot of students are taught history by their parents when they are younger. This class is for anyone who didn’t get the memo.
It’s their legacy.
Seems I could unearth information about my family history, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for it. Walking in I spot Parker immediately. It makes sense for him to be here, after what he told me.
God how was it only yesterday?
It feels like a lifetime ago.
He pulls the seat out next to him, and I can’t help but comply. Now I’m sitting between my two soft spots. I’m screwed.
“Hey, I missed you at lunch,” Parker says, as I relax into the seat.
“Yeah, I needed cold coffee and sunshine.”
“You do not drink that Frappuccino stuff, do you?” He grimaces.
“Hey, blame Red over here. I was more than happy with my black coffee until she forced her unicorn sprinkles and rainbow dust at me. Now I’m addicted,” I declare, pointing straight at her.
They both just laugh at me.
“Red huh? Do you give all your friends nicknames when initiated into your group or what?”
“Who knows. She’s the first,” I reply with a frown.
I can’t help but be open with him and it irks me, I should be keeping my guard up with everyone, but these two just don’t give me a choice.
“Good afternoon everyone, my name is Gina. If you aren’t already seated, take any. Where you sit in here is irrelevant, and sadly will not change history.” She is softly spoken.
Naturally blonde hair and a button nose, her vibes remind me of Red. Not fit for this world, but who’s to really know.
“You will find that we spend quite some time watching the big screen in here. This is because actual footage has been preserved for many important events in Featherstone’s history, which will offer better insight than a textbook. I have to warn you, that some of what you will see is not for the faint hearted, but you are unable to leave this room.”She ends on a sigh, looking down at her feet, as a soft click of the lock can be heard.
Fuck. We are going to be forced to watch it unfold, and they’ve locked us in from the outside. How bad is this going to get?
The lights drop and the screen flickers.
“Welcome to Featherstone Academy. Founded in 1925 to bestow our code of conduct, loyalty and family skills down our bloodlines. To ensure we are always on top, always stronger and always ruling. There are many parts to Featherstone and you are all here to further our reach with the skills you have inherited. The criminal underworld is Featherstone, never the other way around. Featherstone Academy stands for:
Fraud
Embezzlement
Assault
Torture
Human Trafficking
Extortion
Racketeering
Sexual Exploitation
Theft
Obstruction of Justice
Narcotics
Espionage
Over the years we have followed the trends and expanded to additional outlets, but these were our core and will remain so.”
I glance around the room, there are less than twenty of us here, and we’re all staring in confusion at the screen. I’m glad it’s not just me. The screen shows old photos but nothing specific, while the voice over is eerie through the speakers.
“For eighty-three years we grew as one family pushing for greatness. There was hierarchy, but it was never obvious as we all knew our importance to the greater cause. Eighty -three years from Featherstone Academy opening takes us to 2008. 2008 was the year many things within Featherstone changed, and these changes impact you today. Catastrophic events changed our course, our structure and our values. All because of one man. A man
