Daizlei Academy Omnibus Collection

by Kel Carpenter

“No, I’m telling you that because you’re not strong or fast enough. We’re invitation only.”

  It was obvious he honestly believed that, which completely infuriated me. But I’d made a promise. If fulfilling it meant I needed a coach, then I had to earn his respect, and arguing wouldn’t do it.

  “If this isn’t about me being a girl then let me earn my place,” I said after a moment.

  He considered this for several seconds before speaking. “How do you plan on doing that?” he asked, humored.

  “The only fair way there is. A fight.”

  He grinned at me and shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “If you can actually get one of my boys to fight you, and you win? I’ll train you. Deal?” He held out his hand.

  “Deal.” I took a step forward, and put my dainty hand into his. His eyes widened when my grip tightened and my hand was like ice, cold and unmoving.

  When I released him, he turned to his boys and explained my proposition. Most of them refused, saying I had no business being there. My blood boiled when they started laughing. This was humiliating.

  “Can I say something?” I asked from behind him.

  Their eyes turned toward me, and the coach motioned me forward.

  “You guys are arguing because I’m a girl. You think I’m wasting my time, and yours, and it’s impossible for me to win. If all this is true, wouldn’t it make sense to let me have one fight and get it over with?” I said, smiling in what I hoped was a charming way. Underneath it, I was writhing.

  “Just pick your opponent.” The coach rolled his eyes, already knowing where I was going with this.

  A cocky smile slipped onto my lips. I knew who I wanted. “You,” I said, walking up to the green-eyed boy.

  The coach sighed and motioned for him to come over. Without a word, he walked away, eyes never leaving mine. They started whispering in hushed tones, and I could tell they were arguing.

  “He won’t fight you,” a voice said behind me. I turned to see Michael standing next to me.

  “What makes you say that?” I asked, examining my sister’s new boyfriend.

  “He’s the best, and he knows it. He could kill you,” he warned.

  Please. This boy didn’t know me, and he didn’t know what I was capable of. I wasn’t the one who needed to be warned.

  “Mm hmm . . . we’ll see about that,” I whispered.

  They were walking back over to us, and I had a feeling I was going to get my way.

  “He’ll fight you on one condition,” the coach said.

  I smirked a little at Michael, who appeared bewildered by the decision.

  “Name it,” I said.

  “You only get ten minutes to put him on the ground,” he said. He thought it was impossible. He thought I’d never win. He had another thing coming.

  “Okay.” It wouldn’t take me half that time to make my point. A wicked grin spread across my face. I needed to prove myself, but at the same time their incompetence would cost him.

  When I turned back, they were all talking again, exchanging glances and whispers. I knew the reason for the time limit: they figured I couldn’t do anything in ten minutes, and if he just stood there and parried, I would lose.

  “Do you need any time to warm up?” the coach asked, and I shook my head. “Okay then, let’s get started. You know, I admire your guts,” he whispered quietly to me as I passed.

  I smiled slightly without stopping.

  “Do you need any help up?” one of the boys called from the side of the ring.

  I laughed sarcastically and pulled myself onto the outer edge. Without hesitation, I slipped between the ropes and turned to face my opponent. “No thanks,” I called over my shoulder.

  “When you hear the whistle, the match is over. Begin,” he announced.

  Show time.

  I watched him carefully, looking for an opening, but he was well-guarded. However, there was something different about his style. He was sloppier because he underestimated me. This was it, my one chance, and he was barely taking me seriously. I ground my teeth.

  He studied my face, his eyes widening when my emotions changed, not even noticing my hands. It was like he was relying on my eyes to tell him my next move. And the look on his face . . . I’d only seen it on one other person in my life. I let anger cloud my other emotions, take hold of my thoughts. A slightly confused look crossed his face, and I knew I was right. I had him.

  Cheater.

  I’d just found a way to win this fight without even fighting. Using anger as my shield, I had the upper hand. While he was still confused, I went for it. Without thinking, I pivoted to the left and aimed for his stomach. He blocked it like I’d known he would, but he was behind. I exchanged light punches, biding my time.

  “Cheater,” I muttered to him.

  “How am I cheating?” he asked under his breath, blocking another blow.

  “Mind games won’t work on me. Nice try.”

  He fumbled for a moment and glanced at my face as if it were the first time he was really taking me in since that first day. Then I struck, hitting a spot right below the ribs you would only know to aim for if you were trained.

  A look of shock come over his face, and I smiled a little. I knew it was demented, but to see others in pain because of their own ignorance “fed” me when I was the one causing it. It was the very reason I was in this ring. Before he could recover, I took a step back. Without worrying about the implications afterward, I swung.

  When my skin made contact with his face, there was a sickening crunch and snap. He fell to the ground immediately, and I couldn’t help thinking that he’d just lost the same way he’d won not ten minutes earlier. The dull pain spreading through my fingers and wrist told me it wasn’t just his jaw I’d broken.

  Looking down at him, I almost felt pity and even a little guilt for pulling that on him, but it was the only way to get in. I was exhausted now, and this mental shield was drawing more energy by the second, sapping my body of its remaining strength. This was the first time in years I’d had to put it up, and I’d forgotten how draining it could be. I’d let myself grow weak over time and was now putting myself at risk. I was going to have to practice; get my strength up. I stared down at his unconscious figure and made a split-second decision to let the shield down. How much harm could he do lying there?

  Around me, it was silent—not a word spoken, not a syllable uttered. I knew why. The damage I’d just done should’ve been impossible for someone as little and charming as me. Especially with their supposed best boxer. Where did that put them? More importantly, where did that put me?

  The whistle sounded.

  Pulling my shoulders back so that I was standing at full height, I allowed my fists to drop to my sides, but kept my face away from the rest of the gym. Out of nowhere came a slow clapping. I turned, and the coach was standing in front of them and applauding me. He had a smile on his face despite the boy at my feet. That was Supernaturals for you.

  “What’s your name?” he asked in awe.

  “Selena Foster,” I said quietly. The sound of my name was like an omen. Foreboding. Dark.

  “Well, Ms. Foster, I’m Coach Avery, and you’re my newest recruit, whether you like it or not.” He made no attempt to hide his admiration, but looking down at the boy in front of me, I was uncertain about this path I was on. Could I do this? The feeling was . . . unsettling.

  Before I even realized what I was doing, I knelt on one knee, tilting his head so that I could see his face. My black fist was printed across his jaw, my knuckles clearly outlined. If he were to get it x-rayed, I already knew what it would show—his jaw completely unhinged and broken, his cheekbone cracked. The kind of wound I’d given him would take weeks to heal, even for a strong Supernatural, and it still might not come out properly.

  Coach Avery crouched next to me, examining it. Undoubtedly noticing the swelling that wasn’t stopping, he reached forward like I had. Anyone with two eyes could see he nee
ded help, and quickly.

  “You taught me a lesson today, Ms. Foster.” He paused. “Never underestimate the opponent.”

  “I have a feeling you’re not the only one who’s learned it,” I murmured so that no one else heard me.

  “Even with surgery and shots, it’s going to take him weeks to heal,” he said, mirroring my thoughts.

  Now I really did feel bad. If I hadn’t taken my emotions out on him, he wouldn’t have been in this state. I had to fix this.

  We’ll worry about the rest later . . . Alexandra’s words replayed in my mind. It was later.

  “Michael,” I said, loud enough for him to hear me.

  There was a thump as he entered the ring and crouched on my other side. I didn’t trust any of the people here, but he was the closest I came to it.

  “Listen to me very carefully. I need you to find Alexandra and tell her to get Lily and bring her here. If she asks why, tell her I slipped up, but nothing else, okay?”

  He nodded once and left my side.

  It was strange for me to care about someone else—especially someone other than my sisters.

  I must be spending too much time with Lily. Caring was her thing, not mine.

  “We need to get him to Melony. She’ll know what to do,” he said at last.

  “Just wait a few more minutes,” I told him.

  “For all we know, he could have a concussion or internal bleeding, and he’s already passed out,” Coach Avery said.

  I could tell he didn’t blame me—in boxing, this was always a possibility—but it was my fault.

  Even if it was what I’d come here to do.

  “Just give me a couple more minutes. I know someone who can help,” I told him.

  He didn’t seem to hear me. His voice was too loud, already giving orders to get help. I stayed silently with the boy for what was surely only a minute or two, but felt longer.

  He was an enigma. Puzzling beyond compare, and yet, the simple fact of what he could do made me feel like I knew him. A part of him, at least, with the rest a mystery. Who was this green-eyed boy?

  The door slammed behind me.

  I looked over my shoulder to see Alexandra and Lily walking with Michael.

  “Lily, can you come here for a second?” I asked softly.

  Lily bounded up to the ring and wiggled her way up onto it. When she reached us, I heard her gasp, and Alexandra followed.

  “I know this is going to sound unusual for me . . . but can you heal him?”

  “I . . . I haven’t healed anyone in a long time, Selena, you know that,” she whispered.

  “Can you try? I’ve never asked before, but this was my fault.”

  She seemed to consider it for a moment before kneeling before him and placing her hands on his face.

  “Who is this?” Coach Avery asked.

  “This is Lily, my sister. She’s a healer. Since I did this to him, I figured I should find a way to fix it.”

  Coach Avery nodded, not seeming to question Lily’s presence any longer.

  She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Her hands glowed where they were touching the boy’s skin. The reaction was almost immediate. His bones popped back into place, his jaw reconnected, the cracks sealed, and even his bruise was disappearing. She took another deep breath then lifted her hands, and his face was the same as before. You could almost pretend he was sleeping. Almost.

  “Thank you,” I told her.

  “Selena, I need a word with you,” Alexandra said from behind me.

  I turned and nodded once. “Why don’t you guys wait outside for me? I’ll be there in minute.”

  I waited for them to leave before turning to Coach Avery. “When he wakes up, he’s going to have a headache and he’ll probably want to sleep, but he’ll be fine.”

  I glanced at the green-eyed boy. He looked peaceful lying there. I reached forward to brush the hair off his closed eyes but stopped myself an inch from his face, pulling back. What was it with me tonight?

  “That was a nice thing you did for him,” he told me.

  I rolled back onto the balls of my feet and stood up, turning away from him. I took a shaky breath.

  “Yeah, don’t remind me. I have stuff to take care of, but I’ll be back.” My words hung in the air as I walked out.

  Outside, it was a lot warmer than I’d expected. The pain of my hand suddenly came back to me, and I mentally cursed myself. Alexandra and Lily were waiting right outside the door.

  “You have thirty seconds to explain,” Alexandra demanded.

  I quickly recounted everything, starting when the coach approached me all the way down to when they’d come in, only leaving out the part where I’d discovered his ability unintentionally. The entire time Alexandra tapped her feet impatiently.

  “When I said we’ll worry about the rest later, I’ll admit, this wasn’t what I intended.” Alexandra sighed.

  “If you both think about it, it wasn’t really that bad. We knew when we suggested that you start boxing again that we would have this problem. You’ve just never felt bad about it before. I can understand,” Lily offered.

  “I was frustrated. It won’t happen again. At least not with someone here.”

  Alexandra looked at me for a second before nodding; she understood what I meant.

  “You know, Selena—” Lily gasped. “You broke your hand?”

  I continued unwrapping my hand, letting it free of the pressure of the wraps. In their full glory, my knuckles were black and purple, and my wrist wasn’t much better.

  “I’ve had worse.” I shrugged.

  “Give me your hand.” Lily rolled her eyes, taking my hand without waiting for my response. White light appeared under her fingertips, and heat flooded me, chasing away the cold that had chilled my bones now that the adrenaline had left me. When she pulled away, I flexed my wrist and fingers.

  “So are you sure you didn’t feel bad because you didn’t want your fist to ruin that boy’s very handsome face?” Alexandra smirked.

  “Very funny,” I scoffed as I walked past her, knowing they would follow.

  “So apart from bashing a pretty boy’s face in, you had a good time?” Alexandra continued.

  I knew what she was getting at; she wanted to know if it was working. Was I more stable?

  “Yes, I’m already feeling more at home,” I said.

  She gave a subtle nod, and squeezed my now healed hand.

  “Really? That’s so great! Why don’t we go get—”

  “Thank you, for everything. Not tonight, though. I’m tired.” I smiled by way of apology.

  Lily smiled and shrugged. I could tell she was proud that, for once, she’d gotten to help me when it was usually the other way around.

  “Okay, why don’t we just make plans for Friday?” Alexandra suggested.

  We agreed on that, and I said goodnight, leaving them in front of the dorm.

  As I made my way back to my room, I couldn’t help thinking of the green-eyed boy. The way he’d boxed mercilessly with Aaron, but had restraint. Something I still struggled with every day. It wasn’t only that; it was how I’d let my control slip. Would I see him tomorrow? Would he say anything about it? Only time would tell.

  In any case, I had to let these trivial things go. They didn’t matter. I was here to protect and look after my sisters. This was for them. For my promise.

  That was all.

  Chapter 14

  I went back the next day.

  On the way, I was asked out yet again, and I declined, yet again. That put me on a total of seven guys in the last three days, half of whom had been sitting at lunch with me that first day when I’d met Aaron and his ex. It was startling how many boys had approached me since I’d started here. Supernatural males were unafraid in the traditional sense of fear, but how did that play into rejection? It couldn’t have hurt too badly since they kept coming.

  I breezed through the door to find the gym much the same as yesterday, with matches going on
and boys paying a bit too much attention to me. Walking to the back, I did my usual warm up, because it was the only thing I could do to clear my head.

  “Foster.”

  My tranquility snapped, and my arm twitched. I lost my balance and toppled onto the ground, hitting my head.

  “Damn it,” I said, a little too loudly.

  A hand appeared out of nowhere and, without thinking, I took it. Once I was standing on my own two feet, I turned to thank the person. I stared at Aaron, my eyes narrowed, but I thanked him, nonetheless. Without waiting for a response, I walked over to Coach Avery.

  “Have you ever boxed in the Supernatural world before?” he asked me, completely ignoring my little screw-up.

  I shook my head.

  “There are a few things you need to know then. The first is that this is a brutal sport. Show no mercy. After yesterday, I have a feeling that won’t be your problem.” He paused. “Second, there are no points. You fight until someone hits the ground. There are no time limits, and no out-of-bound calls.”

  “You’re telling me that a match could go on for hours as long as no one hits the ground? And almost any move is legal—”

  “That’s exactly what I’m telling you, which is why this final rule is going to be the one that affects you most.” The look he cut me shut me up instantly. “The third is that there are no weight classes or differentiation between men and women. When our first match comes up, it will be completely based on your level.”

  “Which means I could end up with some six-foot-eight guy who’s a spitting image of Lou Ferrigno?” I asked sarcastically.

  “Basically,” he agreed.

  There was a short silence between us as I contemplated this.

  “Which is why the main things I’m going to work on with you are your speed and endurance, along with a little weightlifting. Maybe some rounds in the not-so-distant future once we know your level.” He gestured to the bench.

  “Okay. What are you proposing I start with?” I asked him. I didn’t want to be stuck lifting weights and jumping rope for the next three months, but to keep my promise, I had to play by his rules.

  “I haven’t dec—”

  There was a sudden commotion behind me.