Chapter <b>137 </b>


    We’ve just walked back into the dining hall when Sebastiana breezes in.


    “TIANA!” Shane says excitedly, rushing over to hug her.


    “Hey gorgeous!” she says, hugging and kissing him.


    “Hey, Sebi. You’re early,” I say, hugging her.


    “I came to check things out and I have an idea for you. I think I know how you can get what you want from my brother.”


    Christian


    I know why Sebi is here early. Besides the fact that I’m sure she’s as excited to see Shane as he is to see her, I’m positive she heard about Talia being here and she’s here to make sure her friend isn’t struggling. My sister is fierce when ites to protecting those she loves. It’s a family trait. I’m just a bit more subtle about it.


    I watch Sebi hug Enya and the two of them whisper quietly together before she turns her attention to me.


    “I’m baaaaack,” she sings in the poltergeist way, grinning at me. She gives me a big hug, then turns to Talia. “Hi, I’m Sebastiana.”


    “I’m Talia. Christian and I went to the Academy together. I’ve heard all about you,” Talia says


    “Don’t believe anything my brother says. I’m sure he told you I was hot- mess on wheels.”


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    Taliaughs easily. “Actually, he says you’re one of the most incredible women he’s ever met in his life and that you are quite the force to be reckoned with.”


    It’s true, even though my sister and I are so different, I know what an incredible woman she is. And she absolutely IS a force to be reckoned with.


    She ‘hrmphs‘ at me then turns back to Talia. “So, what brings you here?”


    “I was passing through between jobs and thought I’d stop in to say hello,” Talia says.


    “You’re number five on the leaderboard, right?” Sebi asks her.


    “That’s right.”


    “Do I get to test myself against you before you leave?” Sebi asks her.


    “I would love that,” Talia says excitedly.


    “She’s a killer, Tiana,” Shane warns her.


    “Which is exactly why I want to test myself against her. If I’m going to be number one on the leaderboard, I need to know where my weaknesses are so I can begin honing my skills differently now.”


    “Damn! It is a family trait, isn’t it?” Talia asks me.


    I just shrug, “When your whole family has been on the leaderboard at one time or another, it puts some pressure on you.”


    “We were just about to have breakfast. How about in an hour or so?” Talia asks Sebi.


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    “Perfect. That gives me time to catch up with my bestie and spend time with my man,” she says, grinning at Enya and Shane.


    I narrow my eyes at Sebi. I expected her to spend time with Shane, that’s why she’s here, but to put their time off so she can spend time with Enya? That’s surprising.


    “Come on, bestie, I’ll go stand in line with you. Shane, how about you get us some food to go, and we can eat in your room while we catch up.”


    “Sounds great!” Shane says.


    I watch Sebi lead Enya to the buffet line. The two of them put their heads together and begin talking quietly.


    “Is something wrong?” Talia asks, following my gaze to my sister and Enya.


    “Sebi’s up to something. I’m just not sure what it is.”


    “It’s probably about me. I’d guess she’s telling Enya that she’s going to kick my ass on the sparring field for her,” Talia says, soundingpletely unconcerned.


    “Why would she do that?” I ask, frowning at Talia.


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