Hunt

Chapter 54: Afternoon Sparring

"Hey Kyle! Wait up!" Reyna calls as I'm walking to my car.

I slow my pace, letting her catch up to me. She links her arm in mine before pulling both of us off to the side, away from the others. I ask, "What's up?"

"I wanted to discuss something with you. It's about the mission..." she replies. A mix of emotions dance across her face as she looks past me and back towards the house.

"It's about this firearm training. Isn't it?" I ask, pulling the keys from my pocket.

Reyna nods sheepishly, meeting my gaze before dropping it. "It is..."

I unlink my arm from hers, continuing to walk towards the car. I turn the key in the lock, opening the door before I respond. "I know it's not ideal, that you might not like it. But I do think it's important that you at least understand the basics. I don't want someone getting shot in the back on accident. Besides, if everything goes according to plan we won't even need to use them."

The others gather quickly, putting an end to our brief discussion as we make the short drive back to the training site. Walker and Vince spend the drive discussing their arrangement for tomorrow while Reyna and I listen in silence. I remember her saying she wasn't a fan of firearms, but it had to happen if she wanted to participate in this mission. Other than a safety concern I wanted us to all pass as hunters. Which would mean we would all have to look the part. Proper handling of the firearm is part of the charade. Parking on the side of the road in the neighborhood I stretch before getting out of the car.

"I wonder how everyone's fairing." Vince asks absentmindedly as I lock the doors behind us.

"I'm sure it's going fine," I reply. "Natasha and Nick are good teachers. They can rein Paul in when he gets to... passionate... They can easily handle a group this size by themselves."

We're silent for the rest of the walk towards the clearing. The sounds of laughter and chatter reach us long before we arrive. Breaking the tree line I spot Julie first. Sparring with a younger member of the pack who I quickly identify to be Sarah, the one who was with Markus when I was attacked. They both appear to be at a standstill. Unable to land blows on each other as they block and counterattack almost in unison. Their form was a bit sloppy, but they looked to be giving it their all.

"Seems everyone's still breathing. That's good." I say with a sigh of relief.

"Mr. Parker, Reyna. Welcome back." A sudden voice at my side causes me to jump.

"Jesus!" I exclaim, whipping around to see Nyx who had flanked me silently.

Reyna laughs at my surprise before addressing Nyx. "Everything going smoothly here? Anything I should know about?"

"Nothing of importance to report. Everyone's been working hard." Nyx reports, giving me a quick side eye glance. "However, there was one thing I did want to ask. Kyle. Now that you're healthy... I want to know how good of a fighter you are. I did see your fight with Walker but I want to how your skill matches up with someone who's not a shit fighter."

"H-hey..! I'll have you know—" Walker begins to protest.

He's quickly interrupted by Nyx, who cracks a rare smile. "Oh you know I'm just kidding... but yeah, Kyle what do you say?"

I begin to shake my head, I wasn't sure if I was fully recovered from my concussion yet and didn't want to risk reopening that whole can of worms. But I don't get a chance to open my mouth before Reyna pushes me forward.

"W-wait a second!" I argue, "I don't think—"

"Oh you'll be fine!" Reyna reassures. "Besides, everyone needs to keep themselves in fighting condition. You included."