Page 35 of Fighting Fate (Monsters of London #4)

Dax

Jamie’s in a bad mood at Thursday’s class. He’s not taking it out on us, but the looks he throws Vince’s way would kill a lesser man.

He scowls his way through the warm-up, standing away from the mages as though that’s going to get him out of this. Not that he has to do it at all. I heard Vince tell him when they came in; there’s nothing stopping him from sitting the class out.

I think he wants to do it.

I think he’s scared.

Vince signals for us to move, and when Cecile heads in Jamie’s direction, I stop her with a hand on her arm. “I’ll take him,” I say quietly.

She studies my face, then nods. I know she and Jamie are getting along pretty well, and this might be a bad decision on my part, but I’ve got size on her, and I think that might help Jamie today.

Vince frowns when I step up beside Jamie, who outright scowls, crossing his arms over his chest. “Where’s Cecile?”

I nod at her. She’s standing with Ophelia, Dante, and Enza. Silas and Odette have paired up in the centre of the room with Saoirse.

“She’s going to work with Ophelia and Dante today,” I say. “Do you mind?”

Jamie’s scowl deepens, but after a moment, he shrugs. “Whatever.”

We get into position, but Jamie’s heart clearly isn’t in it. When he should push me back, it’s half-hearted at best. Vince wanders past and opens his mouth to say something, but I shake my head.

Jamie steps back out of reach and Vince walks on, heading for Saoirse. “This is stupid. I’m never going to get it.”

“You will.”

“It’s easier with Cecile.” His tone is accusatory, and I nod.

“Of course it is.”

He blinks at me in surprise, and I shrug.

“What do you expect? She’s about your size, and she’s helping you learn.”

“And you’re not?”

“Not your size or not helping?”

“Either.”

“No. I’m not your size, but I am here to help.” I take a breath and plough on before I can overthink it. “How big’s this guy who’s been bothering you?”

Jamie’s mouth drops open, and he bristles. “How the fuck—”

“We were all told to look out for someone sniffing around,” I say, cutting him off. I don’t want him to get mad at Vince again, though I’m sure Vince told him he had to tell us all something . “Is he as big as me? Bigger?”

“No one’s as big as you,” Jamie grumbles. “Except Drew. He’s, like, Vince’s size.”

I cast my eyes over Vince, for once being fairly clinical in my assessment. “As muscular?”

Jamie scoffs. “Fuck, no.”

“Right. So if you can use these moves on me, you’ll be more likely to be able to use them on him.”

He stares at me for a moment too long, face paling. “What if I can’t?” he asks in a small voice.

I can smell his fear, which means Cecile and Saoirse can, too. Only Cecile looks our way, one quick glance to check I’ve got things in hand.

“You just have to get away,” I reply. “Get somewhere safe and call Vince. Or Kieran. Or me, if you want.”

“Y-yeah, okay.”

“So do you want to try again? See if you can knock me over. It might make you feel better.”

Jamie huffs a laugh, and for the first time all class, there’s the smallest of smiles on his face. “I said he was more Vince’s size, didn’t I?”

“Oh, you want to take it out on him instead?”

“Thought about it.”

“I’m sure I’m heavier.” I adjust my stance, ready to move slowly. “Come on. Let’s get to it.”

By the end of the class, Jamie seems to be in a better mood. He thanks me and goes to talk to Cecile as I begin grabbing the mats. Nick joins the pair of them—he arrived about ten minutes ago and has been waiting quietly at the back of the room.

Vince catches me as I turn to grab another mat. “I don’t know what you said to him, but that’s the best mood he’s been in for days.”

“I didn’t really do anything.”

“Dax,” Vince says, looking up at me with big eyes. “Thank you. This is what these classes are for.”

“Yeah, I know.”

He’s got one hand on my forearm, and I don’t move to shake him off. I called him again last night, like I said I would, and he fell asleep while we were on the phone. Maybe I’m already in too deep, but I don’t really care.

“Listen,” Vince begins, and I shake my head.

“Jamie and Nick are waiting for you. You should spend time with them tonight.”

“I think we’re all getting sick of each other.”

Still… Vince seems to catch the truth of it in my expression and nods. He squeezes my arm before he pulls his hand back. “You’re right. You’ll call later? Or I can call you.”

“After ten,” I say. Vince grins and darts off to talk to Dante and Ophelia, who are heading out.

I don’t notice Jamie sneaking up on me until he’s standing a few feet away. He smiles apologetically. “Sorry for earlier. I guess I’m more stressed about everything than I thought.”

“It’s okay. Did the class help?”

“Yeah. I mean, I know I can’t—You’re right. At least I can get away if something happens.”

I nod, and Jamie doesn’t move. He just studies me for a moment, then darts a look over his shoulder before he looks back at me again.

“What’s going on with you and Vince?”

“I—We—Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know if he’s told you to look out for me.”

“He wants everyone to look out for each other,” I say with a faint laugh. “But it’s not about that. It’s about helping you.”

“But you’re going out with him?”

“We’re… taking things at his pace.”

Jamie’s smile in response to that is wide and very real. “So you’re coming back with us tonight?”

I shake my head, smiling myself. “No. I’m gonna spend some time with Patch. You and Nick have Vince all to yourselves.”

“Patch?” Jamie’s eyes widen a little, and I wonder again about inviting Patch to some of the classes. He might help motivate Jamie.

He also might just distract him.

“Ready to go?” Vince asks. He looks between me and Jamie suspiciously, and Jamie can’t suppress a laugh.

“Yeah, let’s go. Seems like you’ve got some gossip for us.”

Vince frowns. “What? I don’t—”

Jamie tucks his arm through Vince’s and tugs him a few steps away. “Come on. You can tell us all about you and Dax while we eat.”

Vince gives me a pleading look and I wave in response. Ophelia has keys to lock up, so once I’m sure everything is put away, I leave the warehouse and step out into the night.

A smile crosses my face, and I shake my head at myself. I’ll head back and see Patch, then call Vince tonight and listen to him complain about all the questions Nick and Jamie asked him about us.

I can’t wait.