“Not on the first day,” Velina said with a smile. “Cyra, I’m glad you came. Some back out before even trying.”
Cyra bowed her head. “I’m going to do as much as I can.”
“Good. Come with me. We need to get you into a training outfit first, so your clothing can stay fresh... or at least not sweat-soaked.”
Stern watched them go, hoping Cyra really understood what he was trying to tell her.
“Are you ready, as well?”
Stern inhaled slowly, having felt someone behind him just before Master Winla spoke. “Master, I’m ready to again test my limits.”
“Very well. You know the way. Do not worry for her. Velina will take good care of her.”
“I just worry she’ll grow dejected,” Stern said, walking toward the stairs.
“Ah, she is fragile. I am sure my granddaughter will recognize this.”
~*~*~
The late afternoon sun bathed the front room in golden light when Stern came down the stairs, rubbing his right shoulder. Cyra was speaking with Velina by the front desk, wearing a smile on her face. Stern exhaled, happy that she looked and felt encouraged.
“Sorry for the delay. He had to pound me one more time,” Stern said as he crossed the room. “How was your day?”
“Good,” Cyra said, looking a little abashed. “I’m a blank canvas, apparently.”
“She’s never really fought before, so I don’t have to fix any bad habits,” Velina said. “Her perk for kicking gives her some real potential. I’m starting her in on a self-defense style that focuses on kicking. She isn’t the kind for offensive actions, which is fine, since she has told me what her role is going to be in the crew.”
“Okay. I’m sure what you teach her will be what she needs.”
“I’m also going to train her with the staff. That’ll help her defend against anything and have some range to buy time for your crew to help her,” Velina said.
“Sounds good. Can you teach her some knife skills, too, just in case?”
“Of course. Cyra, I’ll see you tomorrow at the same time.”
“Thank you,” Cyra said, giving a small bow to Velina.
“You learn fast,” Velina chuckled, bowing back. “Good evening.”
After saying their goodbyes, the two of them left the dojo behind. Stern glanced at Cyra. “So, how was it?”
“Tough, but she took it slow and explained things as we went, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed,” Cyra said. “I don’t ache. My healing took away that. She also agreed that Trish can join our training after the third week.”
“Stop by and tell her on the way home?” Stern asked as his shoulder twinged.
“Yes, please.”
“Also, would you mind giving me some healing? I tweaked my shoulder.”
“Gladly,” Cyra smiled.
Chapter Thirty-five
Stern woke up to Pawly’s contented, rumbling purr on his chest. Opening his eyes, he stared at the ceiling as he considered the last few weeks.
Cyra had started to improve— Stern noticed that she was even putting on lean muscle, which made him happy. She’d gotten faster and could run for longer, so he extended the duration of their runs. Velina mentioned to him that Cyra had gotten the basics down, so she was going to begin with her staff training.
Pawly stretched, her claws lightly pricking his chest.
“That’s not nice, Pawly,” Stern grumbled, looking at her.
Pawly chuffed and snuggled in.
“Yeah, okay, but only for another minute or two. At least you slept with me last night. You’ve been spending most of your nights with Cyra.”
Pawly ignored him, though she purred louder when he petted her.
Maybe she did because Trish stayed over again last night? Stern thought. I’m glad the two of them are getting along as well as they are.
The memory of dinner the previous night came back to him. Trish had told them a story about a friend of hers insulting an infernal, and the resulting bar fight. Cyra laughed the entire time— the fight had been almost comical because of the drunkenness of everyone involved.
Trish seems interested, but she’s been keeping her distance, too, Stern thought. That kiss before she joined Cyra for bed... that was more intense than the previous one. She’s hesitant... maybe because she doesn’t want to make Cyra uncomfortable? Or am I reading things wrong?
Shaking his head, he sighed. “Come on, let’s get up and see about breakfast.”
Pawly hopped off him, making Stern grunt as she put all of her weight onto his gut.
Once he was dressed for the day, he left his room. Trish and Cyra were chatting as the two of them worked in the kitchen, with Cyra giving Trish directions.
“Morning, ladies.”
“I’ve got a friend looking after my shop today,” Trish told him. “I’m going to be going with you two and training with Cyra today.”
“Oh. I guess it has been three weeks, hasn’t it?” Stern asked, not having expected Trish’s statement.
“Nice to see you’re keeping up on your time,” Trish laughed. “I’ll have Cyra’s armor done next week, too.”
“Already?” Stern asked.
“She’s not the only one who’s been working hard,” Trish smirked.
Stern held up his hands. “Didn’t say she was.”
“Leave him alone,” Cyra giggled. “She’s terrible.”
Trish bumped her hip against Cyra’s, keeping her eyes on Stern. “You didn’t say that last night.”
Cyra went crimson and she started to stammer. Stern’s mind tried to supply him with all the different ways that statement could be taken.
Trish laughed. “Look at him! He’s a man, alright. Trying to imagine which of us was the one in charge, I bet.”
Cyra saw Stern’s red face and she giggled. “It wasn’t like that. I told you she’s terrible.”
Stern coughed, looking away from them. “I won’t deny what she said, but I didn’t really think it was like that, either.”
“Well, you weren’t the only one I kissed last night,” Trish said as she took the pan off the stove.
Cyra’s face burned hotter. “Trish!”
Stern’s face was about to combust as he felt the shock, but also the hint of happiness, behind Cyra’s words.
“Oh, now he’s really thinking about it,” Trish laughed. “It was on her cheek, Stern. Care to get your mind out of the midden?”
Stern exhaled a long breath as both women laughed. “Pick on me day, is it?”
“It’s a fun day,” Trish grinned as she brought the pan to the table. “Look, I made breakfast. Forgive me?”
Stern glanced at her and saw a contrite, innocent expression on her face. “I think that’s a trap.”
Trish’s expression shifted to amusement. “You’re not wrong.”
“She said she was going to do this last night,” Cyra said, bringing the bread and other fixings to the table. “She told me that she’d kissed you and felt bad for not giving her other friend the same treatment. I was a little shocked when she suddenly kissed my cheek, but it made me happy.”
“What can I say? I’m not opposed to sharing,” Trish grinned at Stern. “My mom had my dad and two other husbands. I know it’s not exactly common, but it’s not unheard of.”
Stern stared at her for a second, but shook his head. “I know families that have multiple spouses. Most of them are Walkers, now that I think about it.”
“Yeah. Normally, one of the husbands or wives stays home to take care of the family,” Trish nodded.
“Not always,” Stern said, looking blankly down at his plate.
“The food is going to get cold,” Cyra said, serving herself. She felt a little uncomfortable over the talk of parents and families.
“Sorry,” Stern said, cutting off a chunk of bread. “We should have a meal out tonight.”
“I’ll pay,” Trish said. “I know a place that makes a great crab soup.”
“Works for m
e,” Stern said.
“I’ve never had crab before,” Cyra said as she handed the spatula off. “I’m looking forward to trying something new.”
Trish grinned, her eyes on Stern. “Trying something new can be fun.”
Stern felt a spike of lust from Trish and swallowed as he served himself some eggs. Okay... maybe I wasn’t reading things wrong.
~*~*~
Once they’d finished breakfast, they all stretched. Stern had problems, as Trish seemed to take a little too much fun making her stretches edge toward the provocative while maintaining her form. He couldn’t help letting his eyes rove over her body when she did— he got caught and winked at almost every time.
During their run, Stern made sure he led the entire way. He didn’t need Trish doing risqué things while he ran. Trish kept pace easily with them, watching Stern’s ass the entire time. When they reached the dojo, Trish gave Stern another wink before following Cyra and Velina. Stern exhaled deeply as he watched them go.
“Problem?” Winla asked, coming up behind Stern.
“No, sir,” Stern replied.
“Hmm... let us head upstairs and you can tell me about this ‘not problem.’ I can easily see that your mind is distracted.”
Sighing, Stern nodded. A few minutes later, he was seated in Master Winla’s private training room. The old man was seated across from him, wearing a patient expression on his face.
“When you are ready,” Winla said, “unburden what you need to. I will not judge you, but maybe I can give you some guidance.”
“Okay. Let’s start at the beginning... I can feel others’ emotions. That’s important to why I’m distracted.”
Winla didn’t interrupt, letting Stern explain things as he wanted to. When Stern stopped, Winla asked a few questions to make sure he fully understood.
“I see. It is a complicated tangle. You are certain that Trish is interested in something beyond friendship?”
“For at least a night,” Stern said.
“While Cyra harbors feelings of a deeper nature, but cannot express them?”
“That’s what it feels like to me. Cyra’s been more open the last few weeks with Trish coming by, though. She’s happier. I worry that having fun with Trish might cause Cyra to turtle again.”
“It is a valid concern. This is something men have faced for generations, and will face until the world ends. There is no right answer, sadly. Being forthright and honest with Trish might cause problems, but it might be for the best. Maybe she does not understand Cyra’s interest in you?”
“Maybe...”
“Or she knows and wishes to make a move before Cyra can,” Winla added. “You will need to ask yourself about what you want.”
Stern knew that was really what it came down to. He liked Cyra— he really did care for her, otherwise, he wouldn’t worry about what she’d feel. Trish’s type of interest had never happened to him, though, and he wanted to see if she was serious. No woman had ever truly been interested in him the way she appeared to be.
But when the time here ends, you’ll leave with Cyra. Is that right? Does Trish think I’ll stay here, instead? Stern thought. Fuck it... I’ll try to pull her aside and ask her what she’s looking for.
“Now, how do you feel?”
“Still confused,” Stern snorted, getting to his feet, “but I’m ready to train.”
“Very well.”
~*~*~
Stern came downstairs to find all of the women chatting. His left leg felt wobbly, so he took his time on the stairs.
Cyra saw him and hurried over. “What happened?”
“Ankle,” Stern told her. “I landed wrong.”
Cyra quickly healed him. “How’s that?”
Stern flexed his ankle and smiled. “Thanks.”
“Trish, it was good to train with you,” Velina said. “Enjoy your dinner tonight.”
“Thanks, Velina,” Trish said. “See you next time.”
“Back to the suite to bathe and change, then dinner?” Stern asked Trish.
“For you two, maybe,” Trish snorted. “I didn’t bring spare clothes with me last night. I’ll meet you at your place in an hour. That good?”
“Sure,” Stern said. “See you in a bit.”
“See you, then,” Trish said, turning for the door.
~*~*~
Stern opened the door for Trish. “We’re ready.”
Trish grinned as his eyes tracked over her. “You like it?”
Coughing, Stern jerked his head up to meet her blue eyes. “Didn’t expect a dress. It looks nice.”
Cyra came to the door and her smile dipped slightly. “I… don’t have any dresses. This is the best I have.” Cyra was wearing her relaxing-at-the-inn clothing they’d bought in Brightstone.
“We can hit the clothier tomorrow after you train,” Trish said. “Make a ladies’ evening of it?”
Cyra’s smile came back. “I’d like that… uh…” She trailed off again when she realized she didn’t have the money to buy dresses, either.
“It’ll be fine,” Stern told her, feeling her sudden depression. “You refused the money from our hunting on the way to the city. I still have it sitting aside for you.”
Cyra glanced at him, her cheeks heating. “Can I?”
“Of course,” Stern smiled. “I’ll make sure to give it to you tomorrow before training.”
“Always taking care of me...” Cyra said, a mixture of happiness and sadness rolling through her.
“He’s a good guy,” Trish said. “Come on, we’re going to give you your first taste of crab tonight.” She linked arms with Cyra and gently pulled her from the suite. “As we walk, we can talk about what kind of dresses you might like.”
Stern closed and locked the door behind them. He’d dismissed Pawly before training and hadn’t brought her back yet, as he wasn’t sure the place they were going would be okay with her at the table.
Following the women out the door, he gave Trish another appraising look. The blue dress went with her eyes and made her red hair stand out more. The dress fell below the knee, but hugged her figure. The front had a slight vee-cut to expose the very top of Trish’s cleavage, though it was demure enough to not do more than give a hint.
She’s fit, beautiful, and confident... Why the fuck is she interested in me? Her feelings have been honest. She’s not just trying to make me think she’s interested, but I’m… just me. Stern pondered as he watched her walk arm-in-arm with Cyra.
The tavern was down near the docks, but far enough back that the rotting fish smell didn’t overpower the salty air. It appeared to be set in the middle of the road to Stern’s eyes— it didn’t look overly expensive, but it was clearly not a dump, either.
The man who greeted them inside was happy to take them to a table. Trish handled the ordering for them, and Stern had no objections to what she ordered. The white wine that they shared was dry, but accompanied the shrimp appetizer and the crab soup beautifully.
~*~*~
Stern sighed once he’d finished eating. “I didn’t expect a bisque, but they did a good job with it.”
“Best crab soup in the city,” Trish said.
“It was very good,” Cyra said. “Thank you for the meal.”
“Yes. Thank you, Trish,” Stern agreed.
“You’re both welcome.”
Trish summoned the waiter and paid him.
“Well, that was good,” Trish said, stretching as she stood, raising the hem of her dress slightly.
Stern was surprised at the scar just above her left knee, but it was quickly hidden again.
“I had thoughts about later tonight,” Trish said as they started to leave the tavern behind, “but considering I’m going shopping tomorrow night, I’ll wish you both a good night here. Maybe I’ll stay over tomorrow night, if that’s okay?”
“That’ll be fun,” Cyra smiled.
“Sure,” Stern said, wondering if he’d be able to get a word alone with her then. “Want us to
walk you home?”
“I’m fine. Even in this outfit, I can kick enough ass to be safe getting home.” Trish gave Cyra a hug and peck on the cheek. “See you tomorrow.”
“Yes,” Cyra smiled.
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