Page 131 of Destined to Fight

Ginna placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “Don’t be sorry, Rookie. You were true to yourself tonight. You were unapologetically you. You tried to follow their outdated customs and rules, and when that didn’t work, you showed them a bit of who they’re messing with. Do you realize, no one has talked to them like that, ever? No one has ever had the balls to stand up to them and question their antics.”

“I’m not even Arcane, yet. I’m sure they think I’m a joke.”

Ginna walked to stand in front of her, crossing her arms. “No, they don’t think you’re a joke, Rookie. They’re scared of you.”

Kelly couldn’t help a half smile. “Someday, I want to end them. I want to end the Council.”

“You’ve got a lot of work to do before that happens. We’re all here to help you, though.”

“Thanks, Ginna.”

35

The next day, Kelly did her absolute best to shove aside all of her doubts. She promised herself she would strengthen her relationships with the people who mattered most, and she would start to make a difference in the Arcane world.

Kade still seemed upset. He hadn’t come to bed all night, so she did her best to give him space and stay out of his mind.

She called Dom that afternoon to thank him, even though she was two weeks late.

“Hey, Kelly, I was starting to worry about you. Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m good, just really busy with this new job. I wanted to thank you for your help that night. The distraction worked, and I was able to pull some things off.”

“No sweat. I’m always happy to help.” There was a pause as he thought of what to say. “What do you say about that beer? I’ve only asked about three times. You’re going to have to say yes eventually.”

She’d known he would ask, but it still made her feel guilty.

“Uhh, about that. I’m, um, sort of dating someone. Maybe we could all go out for a beer? I don’t think it’d be a good idea if just you and I went. You know?”

“What, does he not trust you?”

Men and their egos.

“No, Dom, it’s not that. I respect him, and I know you’re asking me out for a beer as more than just friends. I’m not going to be that girl that makes him jealous by going out with another guy, no matter my own intentions.”

Dom sighed. “I can respect that. You’re a good person, Kelly.”

“Thanks, Dom. Can I come by the gym when I’m back in town?”

“Always.”

She smiled. Dom was always the good guy in the end. “I’ll catch you later.”

One phone call down, one to go. She hated phone calls.

She selected her dad’s contact and dialed his number on the phone.

“Hey Kiddo, are you all right? We haven’t really talked since Christmas.”

“Yeah, I’m good, just been busy.” Fighting zombies and all.

“Say, did you know the Robinsons were Arcane? I always thought there was something odd about them.”

The Robinsons had been their neighbors when she was in high school. He had a point, they’d been weird, but after seeing other Arcane, she wasn’t convinced that “weird” was the deciding factor.

“Dad, you can’t go around talking about this. The Council will find out, and it won’t go well. I can tell you from experience.”

He read her tone and like any good father, he pressed her until she let it all out.

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