Hunter

Training facility

Hunter

The next day, I joined Mason and his family at the breakfast table. I sat at the table with an empty plate as everyone plated their food.

"Aren't you hungry?" Luciana asked me.

I glanced around to find Mason and Cole watching me. "No."

"Nonsense. All growing boys eat."

"Here." Cole swapped plates with me and dished food onto his plate.

"Hunter, it's okay. You can eat," Mason said.

"Can I be excused?" I asked.

"But you haven't eaten yet," Luciana asked.

Mason put his hand. "Yes, you can be excused, Hunter."

I slid out of my seat, walked out of the kitchen door, and closed the door behind me. My eyes scanned the wall that surrounded the backyard. The door opened and closed behind me.

"Hunter?"

"What?" My fist clenched, and my jaw tightened.

"No one will hurt you if you eat."

I slowly turned around and faced Mason.

Mason stepped toward me. "I assure you that we won't harm you."

"That's what everyone says."

"I'm not everyone." Mason gave me a slight nod and a smile.

I blew air past my lips and walked by Mason. When he tried to touch me, I stepped away from him. Nice try, buddy. I'm not your son.

I walked into the kitchen, sat at the table, dug into the food, and didn't say anything.

"Who do you like better? Superman or Batman?" Cole asked.

I glanced at Cole, chewed, and swallowed my food. "What?"

"Which superhero do you like better?"

I shook my head.

"Don't you read comic books?"

"No."

"Lame."

"Cole," Mason said.

Cole turned to Mason. "Come on, Dad. You said you bring home someone close to my age. He doesn't even read comic books."

"Not everyone enjoys comic books."

"They should."

"How so?"

"Batman has all these cool gadgets, but Superman can fly and shoot laser beams from his eyes."

"But Batman is a mortal."

"It doesn't mean Batman can't kick ass."

"Cole!" Luciana said.

"Sorry, kick butt." Cole rolled his eyes.

Mason chuckled.

"I like Iron Man," I mumbled.

"What?" Cole looked at me in confusion.

I looked at Cole. "I said I like Iron Man. Tony Stark is a genius and created his suits with weapons."

"So did Batman."

"Yeah, but Tony's suits can fly."

"But Batman can scale walls with his grappling hooks."

"Tony can fly up a wall and shoot beams from his palms."

Cole and I argued who was a better superhero while eating breakfast. What does Cole know? He's twelve. I'm a year older than him.