Page 12 of Challenged
I look away during the awkward silence. I don’t have a bond with everyone yet and I don’t see that happening with Blaze any time soon.
“Can Aksel go? He’s a councilman,” Rion asks.
That’s a great point. “And aren’t you all recognizable as a team in the Supernatural Special Forces?” I add.
The guys share a look.
“It’s not public knowledge that we work for special forces in case we have to go undercover. So, we should be fine,” Felix says.
“But, it’s a good point about Aksel. Everyone either already knows or can figure out that he’s a councilman. You shouldn’t go,” Griffyn tells him.
Aksel looks annoyed as hell. “I’m trying to seem dirty anyway. I told the Garmenta’s I want in on their drug ring and for our cases moving forward it’s better if I’m seen as morally corrupt so I am going.”
A heavy silence settles over us as we contemplate our situation.
“Alright then,” I say.
He can make that decision for himself.
“Waiting for Blaze to be called for a fight will leave us feeling restless. In the meantime, we’ll continue to investigate the vampire venom case and get that shut down. There’s no use sitting idly by, letting anxiety gnaw at us. We’d all go mad,” Aksel says.
“If we are going to be infiltrating this organization then we all need to train. I know you have skill, Anna and Rion, but you weren’t trained at the academy like us, so let’s go over some fighting maneuvers. We are going to be around skilled fighters on this job,” Blaze says.
Everyone agrees.
* * *
The cold, damp air of the unfinished basement surrounds me as I stand between Blaze, Rion, and Griffyn. The dim light casts eerie shadows on the concrete walls, making the space feel even more sinister. I shiver, not from the chill but from the anticipation of what’s to come. I know there’s always more to learn.
I glance at Rion, who stands tall with his green eyes filled with determination. He is skilled, no doubt, but he lacks the specialized training that the Alpha Team has.
“Let’s begin with some warm-up exercises,” Griffyn suggests, his eyes twinkling playfully, but I can see the hint of concern behind them. “And then we’ll move on to sparring.”
“Sounds good,” I reply, rolling my shoulders back and cracking my knuckles.
As we start our warm-ups, I notice that Rion moves fluidly and gracefully, almost like a dancer. His long, blond hair falls over his eyes, but he doesn’t seem bothered by it. In contrast, Blaze and Griffyn are more forceful and deliberate in their movements, their muscular bodies radiating power and strength.
“Okay, now that we’re warmed up, let’s pair off and start sparring,” Blaze commands, his gaze locked on me. My heart races under his intense stare.
I know what he is about to suggest.
“Anna, you’re with me.”
“Actually,” I say softly, “I’d like to work with Griffyn.”
Blaze’s jaw tightens, but he gives a curt nod of approval. “Fine,” he says gruffly, stepping away.
“Sure thing,” Griffyn replies, his lips curling into a sly grin. He’s always been the more playful and bratty of the group.
Rion moves into position across from Blaze, the two of them exchanging a tense glance.
“That leaves us, then. At least I have a good idea of your sparring abilities,” Blaze says.
What does that mean?
“Very well,” Rion says, his voice calm and composed even though he’s about to spar with one of the most skilled fighters I’ve ever seen.
As Griffyn and I square off, I can’t help but steal glances at Rion and Blaze. Their sparring is intense and fierce, a testament to their respective skill sets. Rion may not have all the training of the Alpha Team, but he certainly holds his own against Blaze. They are both learning from each other.
