Page 128 of Forget

“Bye,” I say, lifting my hand. I don’t like to disappear without saying something, in case someone is looking for me.

Nodding toward the front door, I decide to go out this way instead of the alley. Just because the outreach center was okay with his presence, doesn’t mean the shelter will be.

“I’m driving,” Domh says as I nod at the beta guard.

“Fine,” I sigh, snuggling into my coat. I’m so ready for spring. The snow needs to go away.

“That was too easy,” he says suspiciously as we walk.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I say innocently.

Domh

Gazing at the gym, I follow Aisling inside. I feel on edge because I don’t know the owner, and I don’t know what to expect.

“Hey, Aisling,” a man says, walking up to her with a wide grin. He’s a beta with a tight fade haircut, deep caramel skin, and is wearing a tight gray shirt with athletic shorts.

“Gabriel,” she says with a smile, hugging him. My chest growls almost unconsciously, and they both steadfastly ignore me.

Gabriel must be around a lot of alphas to know when to take the threat seriously, and when to brush it off.

“I’m going to change real fast, and then I’ll be back,” Aisling says, lifting her duffle bag. At his nod, she lopes off to the locker room.

“If you’re going to hit me, you may want to rethink that,” Gabriel says innocently. “I’m an ex fighter.”

“I’m not going to hit you,” I sigh. “I’m trying to figure out who Aisling is.”

What I’m really thinking in my head is that none of us have seen her come here before.

“What she is can’t be put into a box,” Gabriel snorts. “Aisling solves problems, finds ways around the bullshit red tape, and she’s very independent. She likes to do things herself. If you’re actually interested in her, get on board, because that omega is a force of nature.”

Aisling comes out again in a sports bra, shorts, holding a water bottle, and Gabriel meets her at the mats.

“Tape your hands,” he grunts. I watch them, folding my arms over my chest, as they go through the ritual of preparing to spar, and then my jaw drops.

Aisling is really good. Gabriel is a professional, stopping her jabs, pushing her back, jumping over her leg swipes, but that doesn’t change how fast she is as she spars. Over and over, she ends up on her back, breathing hard as she stares up at the ceiling, yet that doesn’t stop her from getting back up.

The tension in her body that’s been plaguing her is gone when they sit down on the ground and start talking as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

This woman is going to give me white hair.

Seeing the water bottle she brought over earlier on the ground, I pick it up and place it in the ring within her reach. Aisling glances over and nods with a smile, taking a sip, and then her attention goes back to Gabriel.

“We once talked about sending people who wanted to learn how to professionally fight to you,” Aisling says. “I have an omega who might fit that description.”

Leaning forward, Gabriel nods. They both ignore the way I’m eavesdropping on them, completely unbothered.

“Send her over,” he says. “I heard you’ve been wanting to expand your reach as well for the haven. Leave me some business cards, and I’ll put them up front. You never know who may see it and need it.”

“Thanks,” she says gratefully. “I really needed that session. I’ve been wound really tightly.”

Thinking back, I have to agree. She’s been explosive, angry, and irritable. I remember the way she broke things in that rage room, and the way her father told me she tends to hold onto her emotions.

Speaking of which, I pull out my phone with a sigh, stepping away to text Cian.

Me:

Hey, boss.

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