Page 19 of The Reluctant Hero

“Who’s ready for this?” I chuckle.

“Me, that’s who,” Max says with a glare. “Tera is becoming a demon with this pregnancy.”

Asher smirks as Shade interrupts his complaint with, “Good.”

How the hell doesShadefit in with them? He’s not even pretending to be friendly. The dynamic here is weird. Not that I can talk with the people I’m surrounded by.

“Let’s get to it then,” I slap Max on the back to commiserate.

We fall into step with them easily. Chatting about nothing important or Tera’s pregnancy. Real-world stuff instead of death and bloodshed. Not a plan to take down an evil scumbag in sight. Just morning sickness, angry outbursts, crying, and doctor’s appointments. Max is the main talker, though Shade and Asher chime in with dry wit. It’s fascinating to listen to. Terrifying too.

How the hell is this kid going to turn out with the wide range of influence it has around it? Could I manage to be one of those influences? I’ve always wanted kids. Another thing I set aside when I joined Matthias’ pet killer project.

I knew it was wrong, and I did it anyway. I made a lot of mistakes due to grief and rage.

All the friendly banter comes to a screeching halt at what waits for us.

So much for relaxation time with people I hope will help drag me out of my ever-present funk.

Several women stand on the mats. Dressed up as if this class is a joke they’ll breeze through without effort. The same makeup-faced, money-hungry women I’m used to. Easy pickings. Absolutely no interest.

Great. The mask stays on for a few more hours.

Then I spot the oddball of the group. There’s usually one hanging around looking to get into the clique.

She’s wearing baggy sweats that look like hand-me-downs. Like she’s not going to do a ton of exercise here. She’s going to melt under all of that if she bothers to try. Hiding underneath her clothes is a frame that appears thick next to the thin women next to her. Her red hair is a darker shade than mine, and her brown eyes are wide. What the hell is she thinking, hanging around with women like this?

A wanna-be vulture in the making without a shred of self-respect.

My friendly act stays in place as I eye them all, but my focus is on the woman who stands apart.

She sees me, and her brows furrow a little. Like she’s uncomfortable with the attention. It makes me pause, which is unusual enough.

Then her eyes turn to Jake, and that brow furrow becomes cautious as her head tilts. Jake perks up, showing the first sign ofrealinterest in a woman I’ve ever seen. It’s an obvious notice of her wary attention in return to his curiosity.

She’sseenus. Actually seen us.

Her face slowly turns away from us to stare at the wall. A clear dismissal.

She’s seen, and she doesn’t like the view.

That’s a first.

Also, fuck her. Who cares if she stripped us down with a look? If she wants to be an ass about it, I’ll treat her the same way. It might be nice to give her a dose of my real personality.

Her subdued act continues through the class. Hiding in the back and looking like a damsel that needs to be saved while she flails around. With all the elbow throws and high knees she can’t manage to do, she’s ready to drop. Her friends are using the bold, flirtatious attitude I’m used to fielding. She’s playing the poor pitiful me card.

She has no idea what real suffering is like. An innocent ball of sweat pretending to try her best as she pants for air.

She doesn’t belong here.

I don’t want to feel concerned as her face gets redder and splotchy. She’s sweating hard enough she’s soaked the back and pits of her sweats. Obvious signs that she needs to hydrate and isn’t in shape at all. She’s the only one in her group that’s trying to be into the class. I make an effort to ignore her and play the flirt with her friends. Jake joins me, seeing nothing unusual in my behavior.

Only I know I’m doing it to get a rise out of her. Get her attention back onus. If she has the guts for it.

The cool-down looks like it’s draining her will to live.

I’m expecting a pity party to follow as we finish up. She has to be jealous that her friends got all the attention. I really played it up.

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