Page 8 of Blade and Arrow Origins

The first time she did it, I’ll admit, I was tempted. That first class, when she stopped to talk to me afterwards, asking if I’d like to meet for a drink—eyelashes fluttering and her breasts on full display—I considered it.

After all, there aren’t rules against dating gym members, just that all activity takes place off the premises. And I’m extremely single, have been for years, so there was nothing keeping me from accepting.

Except.

I know damn well I’m not willing to commit to anything serious. A casual hookup after a night at the bar, when we both know the score and agree to it? No problem. But to get involved with a student I’m supposed to see every Tuesday evening for the next ten weeks?

Not a great idea.

So I gently let Wendy down, making up a story about how I was fresh out of a relationship and not ready for a new one. And while she looked a little disappointed, she said she understood.

Does that mean she’s stopped flirting? No. But she hasn’t asked me out again, so I’ll call that a win.

When I think about it, my story wasn’t a complete lie. Iamfresh out of a relationship, just not the kind I let her assume.

At least, it feels fresh, even though it’s been over a year since my team split up.

When my Green Beret team broke apart last year, it hurt. My teammates are my best friends—my brothers and sister—and knowing I wouldn’t be seeing them all the time anymore sucked. A lot.

It was inevitable—with Nora, Rylan, and Finn medically discharged, half my split team was gone. And I couldn’t bear the thought of starting over with three new teammates, always comparing them to the ones I lost. So I separated from the Army as soon as my contract was up, and Cole and Leo did the same.

Now we’re all over the country—New York, Colorado, Texas, California, and me in Virginia—trying to come to terms with a new life we didn’t want, but couldn’t avoid.

I can’t think about my teammates without feeling that familiar ache in my chest, missing them so much it hurts. And I can’t stop the cloak of guilt from settling over me, reminding me of how badly I let them down.

They all insist it wasn’t my fault, but I know better. Whose fault was it if not the captain of the team?

I should have noticed. I should have been more observant. I should have protected my teammates better.

And now they have to live with my mistake.

“Master Zane?” Wendy’s voice pitches up and she widens her eyes at me. “Is it okay if I ask a question?”

“Of course.” Giving myself a mental shaking, I turn my attention to Wendy. “And remember,” I add with a small smile, “it’s Sensei. Or just Zane.”

“Right.” She beams at me. “I forgot.” Flipping her long ponytail over her shoulder, she says, “Well. Since there are fifteen of us in the class, that leaves one person out frompartnering next week. So… I wanted to offer to partner with you. So everyone else can partner with a woman.”

Almost at the door, Aeris snorts loudly.

Another student walks past me, muttering just loud enough for me to hear it, “She’s a real hero, sacrificing herself like that.”

Biting the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing, I tell Wendy patiently, “That won’t be necessary. If everyone is here next week, I have Candace coming in to help. She teaches the women’s advanced classes, and she’s excellent. That way, I can step back and watch everyone’s techniques.”

“Oh.” Wendy deflates for a moment before perking up again. “Well. If you ever need someone to demonstrate moves on…” She walks over to me and puts her hand on my arm. “You can count on me…Zane.”

“Thanks.” I take a few steps back. “I’ll… keep that in mind.”

Or not.

Even if I were looking to actually date, which I’m not, it wouldn’t be with someone like her. Not that Wendy isn’t attractive, but I like a more natural look, not a woman with a full face of makeup and breasts I’m pretty certain are fake.

There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just not for me.

As Wendy walks away, I turn to collect my own things, stuffing my water bottle and sweatshirt into my workout bag. I glance at my watch, mentally calculating how much time I have to shower, pick up some beer at the store, and get to the airport to pick up Cole.

He’s flying in for the weekend, partly to catch up after not seeing each other for almost six months, but also there’s some mysteriousthinghe’s been working on that he wants to tell me about in person. I’d be happy just to see him, but after weeks of cryptic texts and his impromptu trip to a little town north of New York City, the curiosity is driving me crazy.

But I should find out this weekend. I’ll pick up Cole in Richmond at six, be back at my apartment by seven, we can order some delivery and have a few beers, and hopefully he’ll finally reveal this mysterious secret he’s been keeping.

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