Chapter 103

Chapter 0103

It’s sweet and something that I wouldn’t have expected of the old Rik. The one 1 used to think he was. Now, having watched him in different scenarios, in different ways, being supportive and being a leader, I’m not surprised.

We turn and begin cheering for the other warriors. We make appropriate ‘ohhhh‘ and ‘ahhhh‘ sounds when they fall or get hit by flying objects. Even in my weakened state, I still finished third behind Rik and Trevor.

“You bunch of pansies! You call yourselves warriors? My daughter, who was on her deathbed a couple days ago, still beat most of you? What kind of warriors do you think you are?” My father barks in his drill sergeant voice.

When it’s time for sparring, I walk around to help train the warriors with my dad. He’s focused on the weakest warriors, so I move to work with the warriors that are taking on Rik. “Listen up.” I call the warriors who will be sparring with Rik to attention. “Can anyone tell me what Rik’s signature move is?”

Not surprisingly, it’s Trevor that answers. “He uses is height and speed to bring you to the ground. Depending on his opponent’s height, he may use an uppercut he to knock a shorter opponent off his or her feet. Or if it’s someone tall like me, likes to sweep the legs to bring you down. Once you’re down, he uses his strength to pin you.

“Exactly. So, what is the key to defending against our Alpha’s signature move?” Silence. They don’t know the answer. Rik is watching me, he seems just as eager to hear my response.

I look at the warriors in our circle. “Anticipate the move.”

Trevor scoffs. “That’s your big suggestion, anticipate his move? I already do that.”

“Actually, you don’t.” I tell him. “I’ve watched you, it’s the same way you are with me. You know my moves, but I still best you with them.”

“Yeah, because he’s an Alpha and you’re a Guardian.”

“Wrong.” Rik jumps in. “It’s because you expect to lose, and you get caught up in the fight and forget to anticipate the move.

“Exactly.” I pick up the train of thought. “Think back. When’s the last time either one of us used our signature moves on you in the first five minutes of sparring?” Rik and I have ended up shoulder to shoulder facing the warriors, as if we are

teaching the class together. United. It’s a good feeling.

“Now, let’s see you give it a try.” I step back and Rik steps up. I whistle for them to start and watch as Trevor begins to get lost in the fight. The other warriors are watching too, waiting for the signature move.

“Jump!” I shout just as Rik goes to swipe Trevor’s legs. He does, but not fast enough and Rik still takes him down. “Good job, Trevor. Do you see the difference now?”

“Yeah.” He replies and takes Rik’s extended hand to stand.

“What I want to know is when do we get to see you two go head to head?” Trevor asks, and the other warriors agree.

“Monday.” I say, just as Rik says “Not for another week or so.”

We look at each other. “No.” He says to me. “You need to be back at full

strength.”

“Hey Dean.” I call out. “You’d better get your betting odds ready.”

I step up to Rik. He’s shaking his head at me, but I know exactly how to get what I want. And I’ll be close enough to full strength on Monday. And in this, even if I lose, I’ll win.

“I’ll tell you what Alpha. You spar with me on Monday and if you win, the answer to your question last night is yes.”

He stares at me for a moment. “That’s fighting dirty little Guardian.”

“Just using the weapons in my arsenal, Alpha.”

He holds out his hand. “Deal.”

I shake it. “Deal.”

I hear Dean starting to take bets on who will win on Monday.

My dad calls the end of training and the warriors all start to head to their homes. Rik looks at me. “I’ll pick you up in 45 minutes Cara.”

“See you soon Rik.” I start to turn away to head inside. “Oh.” I turn back and realize he hasn’t moved at all. He was watching me walk away. “Remind me I want to ask you something on our way to school.”

He

Ins at me. “Can’t wait.”

I turn and walk inside. I can feel his eyes on me the entire time.