Page 41 of A Spark Of Revenge

“You’re not fat. You're soft, and that…”

“Can get you killed up here. Yeah, yeah. I know,” I cut him off as I glance around the Training Center, taking in the paired-off Rangers as they spar. We’ve been training for the last three hours, and Elaine should be letting everyone go to lunch soon. “So, what's the plan?” Jordan asks as he glances up, looking at the far end of the room where Theo is sparring with an insanely tall and insanely good-looking girl.

“Plan?”

“Yeah. Are we staying here and buying the ‘Demons aren't bad’ story, or are we leaving?” My eyes widen as I turn to look up at my best friend.

“You want to leave?” I ask, truly curious. Jordan frowns, then shrugs, pulling his conflicted gaze from Theo to look down at me.

“I don't know. I think Theo is telling the truth. At least what he knows to be the truth. But do you believe them? Do we fight in this war, or do we bow out and try to leave?” I stare at Jordan for a moment, unsure how to answer him. If you had asked me yesterday, I would have chosen the getting the hell out of here option. But now… pale green eyes swim in my mind, and I can't help but feel a pinch of pain in my chest at the thought of leaving Valen. Could I do that? Leave him and walk away from whatever we have going on?

“Do you think they are bad?” I whisper, looking at Theo and then Elaine. Jordan doesn't answer for a long moment, then he sighs and shakes his head.

“No, but I’m also not convinced that we should trust everything that comes out of their mouths. If the Seniorem was sacrificing humans, like you say they were, then I can understand why Elaine went to Demons for help. She's been through a lot because of her father, and she deserves some help. Besides, I don't think she would knowingly put the Rangers here in danger, especially Theo. But I can’t help but wonder if we’ve traded one bad guy for another. Who's to say the Demons aren't here to fuck things up even more?”

“I don’t know. At this point, all I can do is go off what I’ve seen myself. Yeah, Lennox and his brothers are dicks, and I don't trust them personally, but I have seen them save more than one human, and they have saved my life more than once. I’m not sure if that was for me or them, but I think we kind of have to trust our gut here. If you think we should go, then… maybe we do that,” I whisper, ignoring how my stomach drops at the thought. Jordan starts pacing at my side, drawing Elaine's attention as she talks with the Senior Hunters at the center of the room.

I take in her appearance, noting how, for the first time since I’ve met the woman, she’s wearing fighting leathers. The stark black outfit is devoid of all color except the small gold buckles on her weapons harness. Her long, light brown hair, which is identical to Theo’s, is braided back, and her face is missing her perfect make-up, giving her a more natural look. Just then, I realize how freaking young Elaine is.

Elaine offers me a small smile when she sees me staring at her, dipping her head the slightest amount before looking back at Jordan, who hasn't noticed her attention. There is worry and guilt in her dark eyes as she stares at him, and I can tell she's upset. The new Drakos Senior watches Elaine closely before following her gaze to us, and I freeze, feeling like a predator has me in its sights when his eyes lock on my face.

Shit, that motherfucker is scary as hell!

He leans down, the height difference between him and Elaine massive despite her tall stature. Elaine nods, never pulling her attention from Jordan, then starts walking this way.

Aw shit.

“Uh, Jordan,” I whisper, realizing my friend had been talking to me this entire time, and I hadn’t paid attention to a lick of it.

“What?” Jordan snaps, stopping his pacing and turning toward me just as Elaine steps in front of him. “Oh,” he whispers, his angry expression dropping as Elaine wrings her hands in front of him.

“Jordan,” she whispers, and I take a step back. I'm technically not supposed to leave Jordan until we are done sparring, but this kind of feels like a private conversation, and I want to give them at least the pretense of privacy. Jordan schools his expression faster than I thought he would and stands to attention, dipping his head respectfully and looking directly over Elaine's head.

“Senior Axford,” he says coolly, making Elaine flinch just the smallest amount. “How can I be of assistance?” he asks, and even I grimace at his indifferent tone. Shit, remind me never to betray Jordan's trust. This boy can ice a person out better than Jack Frost.

“Sweetie,” Elaine whispers, glancing around to ensure no one but me can hear them. “You know you don't have to call me that.” When Jordan doesn't respond, Elaine rolls her lips together and nods. “I wanted to make sure you are okay. I know you were upset,” she starts, and this time, Jordan’s furious glare darts down at her.

“Upset? Upset? No, Senior Axford. Why would I be upset? The boy who I thought was my best friend kept a secret from me…”

“I told him to!” Elaine is quick to interrupt while jumping to her son's defense.

“By the command of the woman I considered more of a mother than the one who actually birthed me,” Jordan hisses between clenched teeth, tears pooling in his eyes as his body starts to tremble. “What could I possibly be upset about?” Jordan grinds out, the sarcasm in his voice strong as Elaine tilts her chin up, taking Jordan's anger like a damn pro.

“I know. But I didn't do it to betray you, dear. You know I think of you the same way as I do Theo,” she says calmly, and Jordan scoffs, running a hand through his hair and looking away from her.

“Respectfully, Senior Axford. That's bullshit. If you gave a damn about me, you would have told me, and you wouldn't have forced Theo to keep it a secret either.” Jordan steps forward, getting into Elaine's space so that no one overhears, and I glance up, seeing that the giant Senior who Elaine had been talking to is now glaring at Jordan and looks like he’s about to come over here and beat the shit out of him. Rolling my shoulders, I step in front of Jordan and Elaine, cracking my neck from side to side and stretching my arms over my head, making a show of keeping my muscles loose while blocking Senior Drakos’ view. His dark eyes snap to my face, and he glares at me, taking a step forward.

I chuckle nervously, unsure if I’m directing my laughter toward him or me, while I shake my head at him, praying that he decides to mind his own business. If the scary giant dude comes over, I’m pretty sure he will pancake me in a second flat, and I really don't want that to happen. But I’m also not going to let him pound on Jordan, so… here I am, like an idiot.

Senior Drakos only shakes his head back at me, determination glinting in his eyes as he strides my way, his damn forearms flexing those massive muscles like a warning sign. Oh, fuck, this is not looking so great for me.

“Victor!” Senior Drakos stops mid-step, and I jump as Creed's voice cuts through the tense air. “You’re needed outside. Now,” Creed snaps, stalking across the Training Center and planting himself directly in front of me. I roll my eyes, but can't stop the small smile that breaks across my lips as I step to Creed's side, not letting him block me completely. Senior Drakos’ eye twitches a little, he purses his lips, and I can practically see him trying to figure out if he can take Creed out or not.

“I totally had that handled,” I grumble under my breath, quiet enough so only Creed can hear. Creed's angry expression almost falters, and I can see him trying to keep a serious expression on his face as Senior Drakos stands there and glares at him.

“Victor. Go see what's going on. I’ll be there shortly,” Elaine calls out, making the man's face smooth out a little as he nods and turns without further question.

“Really, Lemon Drop? You had to pick the biggest one to piss off, didn't you?” Creed whispers, leaning close to me, making me chuckle a little and shrug.

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