I stop about a meter away from her. I can see it in her eyes, she’s surprised I’ve taken her on and not shied away, but it’ll take a little more than assault to truly break me.
“Exhibit one, is what someone looks like after some sly fuckers outnumber you, and jump you in the dark,” I say, looking around the crowd.
Tyler goes to step towards me, but Wren holds him back.
“As long as you learned your place, whore,” he growls at me, and I can’t help but snicker.
Oscar doesn’t find it funny though, as he steps up beside me and places his hand on my shoulder.
“I suggest you keep your dog on a leash Wren, wouldn’t want me to have to put him down now, would we?” he sneers, pure venom etched into his words.
“Fuck off Oscar. Put your bitch in her cage, or worse will come,” Wren spits out, before turning and climbing into the closest Rolls.
Everyone is silently taking in what just went down. Her little puppets climb into a nearby SUV and sped off, but the Rolls doesn’t move, because it’s waiting for someone else to get in too. I look at the driver and it’s Ian.
“Ian, if you don’t take her alone, someone won’t make it to the destination, do you understand?” I say honestly.
“Of course, Miss Steele. I’ll be back as quickly as I can.” I offer a nod in thanks, and turn to face the crowd that’s still lingering.
“Shows over people,” I say, and everyone is quick to disperse.
Glancing back to Red and the guys, I see they’re all standing waiting for whatever I say next.
“Oscar, can you make sure Red gets in an SUV safely, without any assholes please? Then we can get to Combat,” I ask.
Red’s gaze lingers a moment longer, making sure I’m ok. I’m a fucking Ace.
Literally.
*****
I take one step into Combat and Maverick’s eyes bug out of his head.
“Oh, fuck no. You’re not sparing on my watch. Forget it. Rafe will murder me,” he shouts, which just riles me up.
“Have you always been such a pussy, Maverick?” I ask, goading him.
“Luna Steele, you’ve got Rafe’s mouth on you for sure, but I’ll be damned if you think you’re getting in a ring this week,” he says, before turning to address the rest of the class.
I’m standing here, gawking at his back. This was my piece of normality for the day, what the hell?
“Come on Princess. I’ll let you punch the shit out of me on the mats in the corner, okay?” Roman asks, as he strolls past me heading for the corner he just mentioned.
I could fucking kiss him. So I pick up my pace to get to his side, stalling his steps to plant a quick kiss on his lush lips.
“You’re gonna hit back though, right?” I ask excitedly, but he just shakes his head at me.
“Don’t push it Princess, or I’ll leave you over here alone,” he warns, with his eyebrow raised at me.
“Fine. Acehole,” I sulk.
“What was that?” He asks with a grin on his face.
“Nothing. It was nothing,” I squeal in response, walking in front to get away from him.
How embarrassing.
CHAPTER TWENTY
(Luna)
The next week passed by in a blur. I spent the days sitting in classes with tutors pretending not to see my injuries, and my spare time with Red and the guys. I’d never felt this close to a group of people before. I was getting too used to them being around. I felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it hadn’t yet. I was learning more about them every day.
How Roman was the leader of the group, always taking on everyone’s troubles, especially mine and Parker's. He was all Alpha and I loved it. To the outside world he was a wall of arrogance, but the care and attention he gave in private had me addicted. Always willing to give me what I needed, even if it was a rough sparring session.
Oscar was all about a good time, however it came, and he didn’t shut the fuck up. Although his mouth didn’t get him into trouble much, for now. His fun attitude is infectious. I don’t think I’ve laughed this hard, and so often in a long time. He brings out a side of me even I’m not familiar with.
Kai is so smart, but quiet. Sometimes too quiet, I can see loss in his eyes occasionally, but I don’t want to ask. He is beyond observant, it seems he always knows what I want before I do myself. I could sit in his company for ours, and when he did offer me one of his rare smiles, it warmed my soul.
Parker, when he wasn’t lost in his head, was the gentlest of souls. The shine that surrounded him, full of hope, was addicting and I wanted to bask in it. His physique did not match his soul. It was as if his body had transformed to match what Featherstone wanted but his soul had remained the same.
Red was starting to live up to her nickname. In private she was all fiery and willing to stand her ground with the guys if they disagreed on anything. Her sunshine vibe rubbed off on them too, making them protective of her as well. She was my biggest supporter, and I made sure I was hers. It blew my mind how she had changed, I just needed her to have that confidence in public.
By Friday I was ready to kick back and relax. We’d been given a few assignments this week, almost like this was a legitimate place. I’d tried to keep on top of them so I could spend the weekend relaxing.
I was fucking pissed that West and Rafe still refused to hand over
