Page 61 of Dead Wolf Walking (Bad Moon Academy 1)
Oh hell.
“So, where do we start?” I glance around at all of the equipment. “I’ve never been in a fight before.”
“We’ll start with running since I know you’re good at that.” He jerks his thumb toward the treadmills. “I want a mile in two.”
I balk for a second, then remember I have supe speed so it won’t be a problem. Taking the machine near the wall, I set the pace on high and bang out the mile as requested. While I’m sprinting, Draco heads to a boombox, because Bad Moon Academy hates advanced technology, and drops in a CD.
Moody rock music blares through the speakers and he starts warming up. Bouncing on his toes and jabbing into the air. I focus on his movements, distracting myself from my unnatural pace. The song switches a few minutes later, and I glance down at the monitor. I ran another three miles in six minutes.
“On the mat, Raven.”
I scowl and jam my finger into the stop button.
Don’t let him command you,Joan says.
The last thing I want to do right now is get into a pissing contest with Draco. He can’t tell me what to do.
Then why are you doing as he says?she asks.
Because,I say,I want to have my shot at kicking him in the nuts.
Joan cackles.All right, Raven. I support this plan.
Smirking as I head to where Draco is, I say,I thought you might.
“Little Red, what are you planning?” he asks, voice deepening with curiosity.
“Nothing. Joan was just teasing me.”
“Joan?” he asks. His eyes light with understanding. “Ah, your wolf. Is she behaving?”
“By the loosest definition of the term, yes.”
Draco circles me, and it’s all I can do not to turn and keep him in my sights. I’m not the prey here. He is.
He just doesn’t know it yet.
“You don’t lift weights, do you?” He stops behind me, making my spine tingle with awareness.
Beware of zetas and their tricks. They’re master strategists.
See, Joan comes in handy from time to time.
Any idea what he’s planning?I ask her.
“I don’t,” I say to Draco.
He hums and steps closer. I glance over my shoulder, narrowing my eyes at him when I see him carefully inspecting every inch of my body. Placing his finger at the base of my neck, he drags it down my spine. I fight off a shiver.
“Running has given you a strong core, but your lack of muscle tone or fighting abilities are a vulnerability. Lunas with vulnerabilities are ripe for the picking.” He pinches my hip. “You’re a rose waiting to be snipped, Little Red.”
I whirl around.
We’re inches apart. His face gives nothing away, and I can’t get a read on his emotions or meaning.
“So teach me how to defend myself,” I say, pointing around the gym. “That’s why we’re here, right?”
He dips his head. “First lesson, don’t let your guard down.”
