Page 56 of Defiance
My blood.
Cole wanted to feel his throat to check for damage but he didn’t trust himself to move. The weird feeling of moments ago had faded, but he still felt off. Something had fundamentally changed inside him, and it terrified him.
It took a moment for Cole to register the utter quiet in the room.
Another heartbeat for him to feel everyone’s eyes on him.
“Let him fight” was all Michael said before walking away towards the double doors, leaving a stunned silence behind him.
Cole’s heart raced, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. As soon as the doors closed behind Michael, Logan’s hissed, “What the fuck?” made him jump.
The room erupted in furious whispers as everyone and his dog shared their opinion on what just happened.
“Are you okay?” Logan stood in front of him, and Cole knew it was taking everything he had to keep his hands to himself.
“You said he wouldn’t do it today.” It was all Cole could manage.
Logan ran a hand through his hair, a clear sign he was agitated. “I know, I’m sorry, but I didn’t think it’d happen like that.”
Paul joined them, looking as surprised as Logan. “Got to say I never saw that coming.” He turned to the rest of his unit now milling around next to the training mat. “Partner up.”
Everyone hurried to follow his order.
Apparently the show was over.
Cole wished the whole day was over. He wanted nothing more than to go back to his flat and curl up on the sofa.
Pointing at Logan, Paul said, “You’re with Cole. Watch the tattoo.”
“What?” Logan narrowed his eyes.
“You heard what he said.” Paul shrugged. “I’m letting him fight, and you’re his sparring partner.”
Oh.
Cole had heard Michael’s words, but they hadn’t registered at the time.
I guess it beats standing around watching for the next few hours.And he got to partner with Logan. Things were looking up.
* * *
Things were not looking up.
Far from it.
“What the fuck was that?” Paul stalked over from the other side of the mat and got right in Cole’s face. “You’ve watched us train for long enough now. We don’t pull our punches, we don’t hold back. This training could save your life.”
“I don’t want to hurt him,” Cole mumbled, immediately regretting it.
Paul huffed. “That’s the whole fucking point. You’ll both heal.” He jabbed a finger in Logan’s direction. “I partnered you with Logan because he deserves some pain. But I can easily put you both with someone else. Someone who won’t hold back at all.”
Cole shook his head and rolled his shoulders, assuming the correct stance again. “It’s fine.”
“Good.” Paul looked between them again. “Last chance. Fight like you mean it.”
Cole swallowed and met Logan’s gaze. No part of him wanted to do this, but as usual, what fucking choice did he have?
Logan gave nothing away, couldn’t in front of everyone, but as Paul glanced away, he winked and mouthed, “It’s okay.”
