Page 23 of Detonation
True to the twins' normal, they’re sprawled on the mats, lounging during our mandatory break. They’re like cats, ready to rest at the drop of a hat and capable of finding comfort anywhere.
Hale nods. “I agree. We all spoke about how we felt like something was missing before this all began. Though challenges have come with it, I believe we’re finally learning who we were always meant to be.”
I hum my agreement. Footsteps come up behind me and I turn my attention to Derrick, his red hair hanging down to his shoulders today, rather than in his usual man-bun. He calls the twins over to join us.
I look around for the rest of our trainers but notice that the compound is empty. Did they leave while we hydrated ourselves?
Once the twins join our group, Derrick explain. “Serenity has been issued a duel. Put your leathers on. We’re all going. I want you all to focus on her trust in her powers, how effortless she is in battle because of it.”
Time to see how a Queen truly fights.
* * *
Luke
We approach the holding zone outside the arena floor. Serenity comes into view and I fixate on her, noting the cool confidence that she exudes. Despite Seth and Logan whispering aggressively at each other, her eyes are locked on the arena in laser sharp focus, though one corner of her lips are tilted up.
Though she doesn’t look cocky, she leaves no room for doubt that she’s ready to kick ass and won’t hesitate to do it. Multiple daggers are strapped to her armor. If that was me, I already would’ve nicked—or stabbed—myself more than once.
The sound of our approaching footsteps draws her gaze from the arena. She smirks at Derrick. “The idiots are fighting over who gets to rub my feet tonight, as if I don’t have two of them. One for each.”
Derrick’s chest puffs up. “Well, obviously, they’re both wrong because it’s my turn. Foot massages always lead to the best…”
He trails off when he remembers that we’re here as well.I really don’t want to know what foot massages lead to.
She rolls her shoulders, her muscles cracking. “Let me whoop some witch ass and then we can discuss our activities for the night.”
Ew. Cringe.
At some point in what feels like the past eternity, Serenity and her men have become family to us, like siblings that we look up to. The thought of them getting it on just feels icky, like someone mentioning that your parents have sex.
As she strolls off to the arena, blowing a kiss to her mates, she tosses a wink our way. “Watch and learn, kiddos. It’s time to fuck shit up.”
There’s an extra sway to her hips, which I’m sure is to further wind up her men.
I make a note to test if a foot massage is a universal turn-on when we get Lana back.
As we move to the viewing area, closer to the mouth of the hallway to the arena floor, her opponent leaves her own holding area.
Derrick cups his hands around his mouth. “Knock ‘er dead, Shnookums!”
Serenity flips him the bird over her shoulder without bothering to glance back as her mate’s chuckle amongst themselves.
A woman with ghostly white skin, long, dark violet curls, and black orbs spinning in her hands strides over to Serenity. She’s dressed in black, ripped jeans and a plain black tank. With all the black, she looks like she’s attending a funeral.
Witch Bitch is about to wipe the floor with you.
Excitement rushes through me. This is the first time I’ll see Serenity’s powers in all their uninhibited glory. I know she held back in training, even when she put Ash in his place—although we know now that it was Anshar who had the reins.
As the witch moves closer to the middle of the arena, I inspect her face and my brow furrows. Squinting, I try to see if my eyes are deceiving me. Are those black veins drawn on her face? What the hell is wrong with her?
I ask the guys without looking away from the arena. “Are you guys seeing the same shit I am on her face?”
My question pulls her mates from their chatter as they quieten and observe the challenger.
My twin, ever the eloquent one, pipes up, “I think she missed the memo that it’s not Halloween yet, for sure.”
I chuckle at his response and brush off the weird vibe. If no one else is concerned, then I’m probably just being paranoid.
