stupid enough to say that to anyone. I just watch as Hanna and Ty go through the motions like I’m soaking in something new.
Hanna is much better than I am, obviously, but Ty’s footwork is sloppy. I spot it at the same time Vivian does, his mouth turning down, and when he kicks out Ty’s ankle, the pair of them go down in a breathless, groaning pile.
I smother a giggle that earns me a scowl from Kieran. Gryphon doesn’t attempt to look over at me, which I already know is thanks to his belief that I’m a worthless brat, so that burns a little.
Once they’re back on their feet, Vivian steps up into the empty space and calls out in his booming voice, “The rules are simple; first one to get their opponents shoulders onto the mat, wins, and under no circumstances are you allowed to use your gift.”
Ah, perfect, the exact type of competition I actually have a chance at winning and with the stances and throws Gabe has been going over with me, I’m quietly confident I’ll beat… someone. Even if it’s just the first person who underestimates me, it’ll be good for my confidence and mood after the shit-show of a week we’ve had.
Maybe my Bonds will back off a little if they know I can defend myself even without a gift. I doubt it but, hey, here’s hoping.
“Fallows, get on the mats. I need to see how far behind you are with this so I can figure out how the hell I’m going to catch you up.”
I roll my eyes at Vivian before I shoot him a grin. “If you keep picking on me, people will talk, old man.”
The TacTeam guys in front of me all stiffen up like they’re in shock that I’m talking to their beloved trainer like this, but Gryphon just shakes his head, his eyes still anywhere but me.
I hate it so much.
“Quit your shit. I’m not letting you off just for running your mouth. Off you go, take Hanna to the mats and I’ll be impressed enough not to make you run suicides for giving me lip.”
I scoff at him even as I start moving over. “If you think that’s lip, you haven’t seen me at my best, but fine, throw me in the deep end for your own sick enjoyment.”
Gabe grins, ducking his head down at the mats so Vivian doesn’t get an eyeful of him enjoying me sassing the old trainer. I get the feeling that he wouldn’t get away with as much as I do.
Hanna is ripped, and the closer I get to her, the more that I hesitate because I wasn’t expecting her to be so solid looking up close. She doesn’t smirk or attempt to egg me on, she just waits for me to slip my shoes off and step up. We stand there and stare at each other until Vivian decides to start the sparring.
“Go.”
Her first mistake is that she immediately goes on the offensive, rushing at me and striking, but after a full week of Gabe doing the same thing, I’m prepared for it. It’s as easy as breathing to use her own momentum against her and flip her over my shoulder and plant her onto the mats.
Gabe is easily twice the size of her so I’m a little too rough with it, but before I can ease up and apologize for being an asshole, her gift shoves at me and sends me flying across the room, smacking me into the wall.
The squeak that rips out of me is embarrassing, but there’s no way I can stop myself at the shock of her breaking the rules just because I very efficiently beat her.
“Jesus Christ, can we ever get through a class without one of you damaging Fallows? The kid is going to need a fast pass to urgent care at this rate,” Vivian grumbles, but I heave myself to my feet and wave a hand at him.
“I’m fine, don’t get your panties in a bunch over the paperwork.”
The students around me break out into a nervous sort of chuckle, like they think they’ll be murdered for laughing along with me.
I rub at the back of my head but I wasn’t saving face, I really am fine. I’m shocked when Hanna appears in my eyeline with a frown.
“I’m sorry, I can’t believe I just did that! I haven’t lost control of my gift in years. I have no clue how that just happened. Are you