kisses me again, and I forget about everything else.
Chapter 21
The next day, we’re gathered in the gym waiting for training to start when Will comes in, looking smug. There’s a smile playing at the edge of his lips, but he does his best to maintain composure.
I remember his kisses last night, soft, yet demanding, and I have to look down. Kane comes in next, sporting a black eye and swollen lip. I think of how Will’s knuckles were red, like he’d been in a fight last night.
We’re continuing the hand-to-hand combat lesson today, only instead of actually going hand-to-hand, we’re using punching bags. I am grateful since my eye is lined with a dark circle, and my ribs are still sore from my last fight. It’s clear not everyone is happy with Will’s choice to use punching bags.
Drew is complaining loudly and refusing to take his spot next to a bag. “We’re training to become soldiers,” he emphasizes. “If certain people here aren’t strong enough to handle that –they shouldn’t be here.” He’s looking straight at me when he says this.
Will crosses the gym in three long strides and stops just inches from Drew’s face. Will towers over him. He balls up Drew’s collar in his fists and hauls him backwards, stopping only when Drew’s back thuds against a punching bag. “Strength isn’t just about force – it’s using your head, too.” He stares Drew down for several long moments. It’s completely quiet in the gym. I look to Kane, who seems to have shrunk back against the wall. Then I see the faces around me. This is the Will that scares them. But not me. I understand this side of him. He’s right. Strength isn’t just about force, which is the only thing that can explain how I’ve managed to survive here. My strength comes from doing what I have to do to survive. Like with the wolf. But someone like Drew wouldn’t understand that; he’ll kick you when you’re down just to show off his power.
When Will releases him, Drew stumbles back several steps, nearly losing his balance. Then he straightens up next to his punching bag and fixes his shirt.
I have to press my lips together to keep from smiling. I go to the end of the punching bags, next to Sam and her now constant side-kick Jake.
Once we get started, my punches do little to sway the bag. I try a kick. Nothing. Will weaves in out and between the soldiers, and I don’t want to disappoint him. I try another punch. The bag doesn’t even move.
Will stops behind me, and I can feel him studying my form. He places his hands on my hips, and moves me so I’m off center from the bag. “A good punch doesn’t start with your fist. You have to use your whole body: your legs, your hips, your shoulders, your arms and then your fist.” He closes his hand around my fist. “Step forward a bit with your left leg.” When I do, he pushes my fist forward slowly toward the bag. “When you throw your punch, your hips will turn.” He swivels my hips forward with one hand. “The power of the punch comes from using your entire body.” He presses my fist to the bag. “Make sure you zero-in on the spot you are trying to hit.” He releases me and takes a step back.
I can see that Sam has stopped to watch this interaction. My cheeks flame red. I straighten my shoulders and catch my breath for a few seconds. Then I repeat the moves Will showed me. This time when I strike the bag, it makes a satisfying thud and inches back from my blow. Will continues weaving his way through the soldiers.
But Sam is still watching me. “Excuse me … but what the hell was that?” She looks back and forth between Will and me. “He’s different, huh?” She repeats my words from last night. “With you, maybe.”
I dip my head and smile.
***
That night after dinner, though Will and I didn’t make plans to meet, I desperately want to see him again. I wait in the bunker until everyone’s gone to bed, hoping he’ll come for me. After about fifteen minutes, I decide to go to his room instead. I slip from the bunker and look out into the hallway. It’s clear. I sneak toward the administration wing, hugging the wall as I go, making sure to keep my footsteps silent.
As I approach an