24. Evelyn
24
Evelyn
R yker and I made our way back to the academy, munching on the delicious sandwiches Mrs. Cook had made.
“Chad told me many shifters, especially the apex ones, don’t shift in public due to their disappearance. When did it all start?” I asked.
“About ten years ago,” Ryker replied between mouthfuls.
“And this is why you’ve never shifted on academy grounds before?” I asked.
Ryker sighed heavily. “No, my father forbade it.”
“Forbade it?” I echoed, glancing at him with furrowed eyebrows. “Why?”
“My father is all about image and power. He wants to be seen as the most powerful shifter and leader of our gang…But, I am more powerful than he is, something he never accepted. So, I had to shift in secret with Chad. I wasn’t allowed growing up.”
“That’s messed up,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m sorry, but your father’s an ass.”
Ryker nodded, his expression grim. For a moment, vulnerability flickered in his eyes, a rare sight that made my heart ache.
“I’m happy you’re my mate, Ryker. I just wanted you to know that.” I squeezed his hand, trying to convey everything I couldn’t put into words.
He looked at me, his gaze softening. A smile spread across his face, transforming his usually stoic features. It was the first time I had seen Ryker smile fully, and it was devastating.
We made it just in time for our tactical defense class.
The moment we stepped inside, Viper spotted us and strutted over, a smug grin plastered on his face.
His smirk wavered as he got closer, eyes scanning me up and down.
He turned to the group of students, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “The crazy witch is more powerful than I am.”
My eyebrows shot up. “We’re not even going to battle it out?” I asked, recalling last semester’s bet, which had slipped my mind amidst all the chaos.
Viper’s expression turned serious. “I can sense your magic. I’m not stupid.”
“You sure about that?” I mumbled to myself.
Before we could squabble more, Professor Tamsin arrived.
She looked at me and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Instead, she barked at everyone to do laps.
Chad bounced over to me, his ever-present grin wide as usual. We started our laps together, our footsteps synchronizing effortlessly. By the time we finished, neither of us was out of breath.
It was time for sparring next, and I was paired with Viper.
The big snake looked less than thrilled, but I couldn’t have been happier. He had been a thorn in my side for far too long.
We were to practice new defense techniques, which I knew well because of Chad’s rigorous training, but I hadn’t been able to perform adequately before.
Let’s hope this little boost in strength will be enough.
We squared off in the center of the mat, the rest of the class forming a loose circle around us. Viper shifted into his fighting stance, muscles coiled like a spring ready to snap.
“Ready to get your butt kicked?” I taunted, a grin spreading across my face.
He snarled in response, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “What happened to you during the break?”
I shrugged nonchalantly. “Took my vitamins,” I said with a smirk.
The tension thickened as we circled each other, then we pounced.
Viper lunged first, his movements quick and precise.
Damn, he’s fast. I might have overestimated my little boost.
I could barely dodge his attack and countered with a swift kick that landed squarely on his side.
He didn’t even stagger.
Not even an inch.
He came at me again with renewed ferocity. This time, he landed a blow that I couldn’t block in time, but somehow I managed to recover quickly and deliver a strike of my own.
I started laughing as we fought. The thrill of the match was making me giddy.
This was fun.
Sparring with Viper was unreal.
Yes, I was getting my ass kicked, but managing a few blows felt exhilarating.
“Why are you laughing?” Viper growled through gritted teeth as I tried to break his defense.
“I’m just having a blast!”
“Crazy witch,” he muttered as we continued.
Best class ever.