Page 84 of Brutal Reign
I can’t.
“That’s enough,” Madd barks out, stepping in between us and shoving Jake back. He points a finger into his chest, narrowing his eyes menacingly. “I sanctioned a spar, not a wolf fight, and you’ve already taken up enough training time. Knock it off or you’re outta here, Decker. Put your shirt back on and line up so we can get started.”
Jake clenches his jaw, nodding stiffly, and Madd steps past him to join up with the other squad leaders on the periphery of the crowd. I hadn’t even realized all nine of them were out here– plus their mates– but I guess Iwasa little busy wiping the floor with Jake.
“Fun’s over, circle up so we can go over the plan for this week,” Madd booms, his harsh tone brokering no room for argument.
Everybody hustles up to fall in line as I step over to pick up my glasses. Brushing them off on my leggings, I settle them back on my face, Seb and Ace coming up on either side of me.
“Nice work, badass,” Seb murmurs, nudging me with an elbow.
I hiss in a breath through my teeth as it connects with my injured ribs, a shot of pain ricocheting through me.
“Are you hurt?” Ace snarls, grabbing me by the shoulder and spinning me so he can assess the damage. Before I can stop him, he leans in, inspecting the bruises forming on my side.
“I’m fine,” I grit out, swatting him away. “Just give me my shirt.”
Ace’s brows knit together in concern as he straightens to his full height, eyes locking with mine as he hands it over. Unfurling the fabric, I slip it back on over my head, careful not to wince at the pain in my ribs with the movement. Ace is still staring at me, though, and he looks a little too suspicious for my liking.
“Stop looking at me like that,” I huff, tugging down the hem. “If you wanna play doctor, then go tend to Jake. He got it way worse than I did.”
Ace’s lips curve in a smile, his eyes softening. “You were impressive out there, babygirl. Remind me not to piss you off.”
“As if that’s ever stopped you two before,” I scoff, smirking at him.
“Listen up, recruits!” Madd calls out, and we turn our attention his way. All the squad leaders have lined up across the field facing us, much like they were the first day of training camp. “You’ll get your new rankings and pairings this afternoon, but this morning, we’ll be splitting you off for special assignments,” Madd says. “From here on out, you’ll report to your assigned post on Monday and Wednesday mornings to get specialized training in the skillset we’ve identified for you. First up, we’ve got tracking, and that’ll be with Javi and Cam.” He gestures in their direction, and the two of them step forward, coming together.
“Walker, Hines, and Edgerton, you’re with us,” Javi announces, and Seb’s eyes light up like he’s actually excited about the prospect of training for once. He brushes the backs of his knuckles against mine, darting me a sly glance before starting through the crowd in their direction.
“Alright, next is Andie and Nash for sharpshooting,” Madd says, and the two of them step up to call off their list of names. Hayden is among the six selected, and she tosses me a wave as she prances by, her violet ponytail bouncing behind her.
“Sniper training will be with Ares,” Madd continues, and Ares looks way too damn eager as he moves forward, rubbing his palms together eagerly.
“Hall, Tipton, Stetson, and Conway,” Ares calls.
Ace brushes his shoulder against mine as he steps past me, tossing me a wink as he goes over to join Ares.
Guess I’m not with either of my guys for this exercise.Not that I need to be, but some part of me is a little disappointed that we’re all being split up. The bond, I’m sure.
“Avery will be handling special ops,” Madd announces, and his twin steps up, making eye contact with me and crooking a finger.
“Just you, Jacobsen,” Avery sing-songs, a smirk creasing her lips.
I grin back at her as I start in her direction, more than pleased with my assignment.Two mornings a week hiding out in the command center for the hunter taskforce with my favorite cousin? Yes, please.
The remaining recruits get fielded to their various placements with the other squad leaders, then we’re all dismissed, Avery slinging an arm around my shoulders as the two of us start toward the doors to the squad complex.
“Don’t know what you’ve got planned, but you’d better not expect me to work IT,” I grumble as we near the entrance.
Avery giggles, tightening her arm around my shoulders and pulling me in closer. “Aw, c’mon, we’re gonna have so much fun! Sloane and Lo are right across the hall, and we’re in serious need of some girl talk, dontcha think?”
“Ugh, that sounds amazing,” I sigh, leaving the craziness of the morning behind me on the field as I follow her inside the squad complex.
Thanks to my cousin,what started as my worst day at training camp turned into one of the best. A dose of girl talk was exactly what I needed, and when I return to the barracks before lunchtime, I’m feeling a whole lot lighter. The room is bustling with activity when I enter, the other recruits evidently having returned from their morning assignments, and as I make my way through the aisle toward my bunk, I can’t help but glance around for Seb and Ace.
Do I miss them?
It’s ridiculous to think I would, considering we’ve only been apart for a few hours, but this bond is seriously fucking with my emotions. And my sanity.