75 - Kennedy


    Everyone''s eyes are fixed on me, and it''s the one thing I despise the most-the pity that lingers in their gaze. It''s a look that makes me feel small, as if I''m some fragile creature broken beyond repair. But the truth is, none of us could have changed what happened. I''vee to terms with that much. The circumstances are what they are, unalterable and cruel. What still haunts me, though, is the memory of sitting there, utterly trapped, surrounded by my parents'' lifeless forms.


    I inhale deeply, trying to steady my racing heart. Ryker pulls me closer, his arms wrapping around me protectively. I only just realize that he''s holding me like this, out here in public and surprisingly, it doesn''t make me uneasy at all.


    "It''s been over three years," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I''m not saying it doesn''t hurt sometimes, but I can''t keep ying the victim forever. The nightmares have eased up, which makes things a little more bearable." I nce up at Ryker, a sudden realization dawning on me. My nightmares lessened when I moved here. Even during my lowest moments with him, they never came back. Has he noticed the change too?


    “What?” he asks, pulling back enough to look me squarely in the face.


    "I''m not sure," I admit, feeling the confusion in his eyes. I can''t quite put it into words myself.


    We finish our meal in silence, the quiet between usfortable rather than awkward. I bundle up again, ready to head to the training grounds together. This time, I ride with Ryker in his truck. The hum of the engine fills the space between us, but no words are needed.


    The moment my feet touch the cold ground, I''m suddenly lifted and tossed over someone''s shoulder amid a chorus ofughter.


    "What the hell?" I protest, pushing against the broad back holding me. It''s Danny. "What are you doing?" He''s skipping-literally skipping like a carefree child—and it''s making it hard to keep a straight face.


    "Be and the Bossman have had enough of your time. Today, you''re my partner!" he deres with a mischievous grin, breaking into a jog as Ryker shouts after him to stop fooling around.


    The kids erupt intoughter at Danny''s antics, and despite myself, I can''t help but join in. It''s ridiculous, but it''s fun—a wee distraction. Danny sets me down on the far side of the training field, as far from Ryker, Josh, and the pups as possible.


    “Alright, Luna,” he says, bouncing on the balls of his feet like we''re about to spar in a boxing ring. "You''ve been out of the game for a bit. Let''s see what you''ve got."


    I wonder if he knows that Greta has beening to the packhouse gym to train with me. I''m not back to full strength yet, but I''m improving. I''m bundled up in snow pants and a down jacket—thin enough to move in, but still different from my usual workout gear. It''s strange moving like this, but I guess I should get used to fighting in less- than-ideal conditions. If I''m ever targeted, it won''t be convenient orfortable. This might be embarrassing for both of us, but it should be fun—and I''m sure I''ll beughing through most of it.


    About thirty minutes in, I realize Danny''s true n. He''s got a score to settle with Ryker, and apparently, I''m his way in. That suits me just fine. I have my own scores to settle, and I know we''ve caught his attention because of all the whooping and holleringing from the teen side of the field. Ryker''s distracted, and Josh keeps winning the sparring matches, whatever moves they''re focusing on.


    Every now and then, Danny manages to sneak a touch on my backside or trap me in a hold that presses us chest to chest. He''s even gotten me tangled in some positions that feel like a twisted game of Twister. I notice Ryker''s eyes lock onto me whenever my backside is in full view. It''s good to know I canmand his full attention when I''m bent over like that. It''s giving me a few ideas.


    Dannyes at me again, thinking I''m distracted, but I''m ready this time. I duck under his arm and deliver a sharp smack to the back of his head for his cockiness before pushing him away. It feels incredible to be out here, moving and sweating. I know he''s still going easy on me, but I don''t care. I had to shed my coat and snow pants a while ago, and now I''m working out in just my thermal leggings and top- another form-fitting distraction for Ryker. I smile to myself as Danny and I reset.


    When the session finally ends, Ryker strides straight toward me with a fierce look in his eyes. Danny chuckles, presses a quick kiss to my temple, and bolts like his life depends on it.


    "COWARD!" I call after him,ughing.


    Ryker doesn''t slow as he crashes into me, lifting me off the ground. My arms wrap around his neck, and my legs barely manage to lock around his waist. He''s staring right into my eyes, so I have no idea how he''s navigating without looking where he''s going.