Page 133 of The Genius
“They know that. All you students were selected because you each were the strongest and fiercest warrior for your age.”
“That’s right. I’m lethal and I’m not afraid of Solo. If he comes close to Willow, I’ll take him out.”
I took a step closer and placed my hand on Hunter’s shoulder. “Look, you’re angry and worried about Willow. I get it. But I have to agree with them. Getting into a physical fight with Solo won’t be a good move. He was the best fighter back then and being an elite soldier probably hasn’t slowed him down.”
Hunter narrowed his eyes. “You don’t think I could take him?”
“Hell, I don’t thinkIcould take him, Hunter.”
Hunter spread out his arms. “What’s that supposed to mean? I could take you any day of the week.”
“Sure, if we were playing soccer.”
“Fuck you.”
I laughed. “Fuck yourself.”
“Are you trying to make me fight you?”
“If that’s what it takes to make you calm down,”
With his jaw tense and his nostrils flaring, Hunter scoffed. “I’m calm.”
My lips twitched in a grin. “The calmest I’ve ever seen you.”
His humor was still suppressed by anger but he threw away the twig he’d held onto and walked back toward the school. “If he hurts Willow, I’ll kill him.”
“Deal. I’ll help you.”
“I don’t need no fucking help. I’m strong enough.”
I followed him. “Can I at least help dig the hole?”
Hunter gave me a sideways glance. “That’s too much work.”
“Then let’s throw him in the lake for the fishes to feed on.”
Hunter kept walking.
“Or maybe it’s better to leave his body to rot in the forest until the animals tear his flesh apart one piece at a time.”
“That’s right. If he hurts my sister the wolves can have him.” Hunter looked straight ahead walking fast. “And the birds can feast on his fucking eyeballs.”
“Hell yeah,” I said, letting him vent.
We had only walked another ten steps when Hunter turned his head to me. “You realize we’re talking about someone who used to be our friend?”
“You mean he wasyourfriend. I was his teacher. Different thing. I’d leave all my students to rot in the forest if I could.”
The edge of Hunter’s lip lifted a bit. “Youtalka big game.”
“No, I’m serious. You don’t know how annoying I thought you all were.”
“Bullshit, you loved us.”
With a grin I flung my arm around his shoulder. “I’ll never admit to that, and if you start spreading nasty rumors about it, the birds will be feasting on your handsome eyes before this weekend is over.”
CHAPTER 29
