Page 12 of Black Onyx

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Loki replies, just as my hand is on the handle. “What about you?”

“Well, I’ve got to disarm it. Don’t worry. It's not C4.” I reply, and they relax, “It’s a bomb.” I add.

“What the fuck?” Mayhem exclaims.

I open the door, taking the scissors out of my back pocket and side-eyeing Poca, who huffs happily next to me, clearly enjoying the distress that my actions are causing the guys. It takes me seconds to disarm it, and I set it to one side as I pull out my duffle bag. The guys all start edging closer, even Storm.

I had an; I guess you’d call it an epiphany last night. I want to break through that emotionless barrier that Storm always has up. If only to annoy him.

“You’re fucking crazy.” Loki grins.

“Yep,” I reply.

“Hang on, those bags you arrived with weren’t filled with clothes, were they?” Loki asks.

“Nope.”

“Where’s the other one?” Rival asks.

“What weapons are we using today?” I ask, trying to deflect. I don’t want to answer that question.

“Swords.” Storm says, opening his own locker.

“Sweet.” I grin as I pull out my Katana.

“Let’s go.” Storm orders again as we all grab our swords and make our way to the same gym we had combat last night.

“Your blade has got some nicks in it.” Rival comments.

“That’s what happens when you use them,” I say without thinking.

“Like you have ever used your blades, Trouble.” Storm scoffs.

I feel the memories push forward as my steps begin to slow, the others moving ahead of me. More recently, the memory of the incident tries to come forward, and my hands start to shake.

“Hey,” Loki says gently, quiet enough that no one else can hear. “Whatever you’re seeing right now, you’re not there. You’re in the gym at the academy, and you're safe. I promise you Love, you’re safe.” He reaches out and cautiously takes my hand.

I grip it tightly. I have never had someone pull me out of a panic attack before, and it leaves me feeling exposed, which of course, makes me want to go into defensive mode. I force myself to relax, though, and look up at Loki.

“Thank you,” I say sincerely.

“Any time, Love.”

“Are you two done?” Storm asks, his voice completely void of emotion.

We pull apart like naughty kids, and I feel ridiculous.

“Right, Farren on the sidelines. Your uncle has vouched for you, but we all know that there’s no chance that you know what you’re doing with your background.” A wolf, which I’m assuming is the teacher, announces in front of the whole class, and my blood boils.

Surprisingly, it’s Storm that tenses and comes to my defence.

“Actually, Ross. We want to train with her since she’s a part of our team, so we will spar with her.” He says tensely, turning his back to the offended instructor as he nods over to the side of the room.

We all follow, the guys smirking and sharing a look.

“Loki and Farren.” He orders and Loki steps forward, looking wary.

We go through a couple of warmups, and he gains confidence in me, realising that I know what I’m doing. After that, we take it up a notch, and by the end, we’re both sweating. He’s actually pretty good, and even if I was at full strength, he might even give me a good run for my money.