I shook my head frantically. No, no, I wasn't. I needed another century or two before I'd be ready.
There was no mercy in his features as he caught the ball. Instinct took over and I dove to the side.
Wind whistled as the ball brushed past me.
I hit the floor seconds later, too stunned to do more than lay there.
"Catch it!" Anton shouted.
Too late. The ball was already on the other side of the line again.
Liam stopped it with one hand.
"What the hell was that?" I snarled, lifting myself up.
Nathan's grin was unsympathetic. "Open season on the infant."
I glared at the vampire. To Anton, I said, "I take it back. I don't consider him a friend."
Nathan pouted. "Aw, that's hurtful, A. I thought we'd made real progress."
I showed him my fangs.
If by progress, he meant trying to kill me, then yeah.
The look in Nathan's eyes darkened. "Is it really me you should be paying attention to?"
Crap, I'd forgotten Liam had the ball. He wasn't the type to be merciful. He'd go for the throat every time.
I edged back, already searching the court and bracing for the inevitable pain.
Liam appeared at the line, his arm cocked. The ball roared toward me.
I dove out of the way, somehow managing to dodge. I rolled and popped to my feet racing to retrieve it. Again, I was too late. It sailed over the line.
Nathan caught it. "Now that we've got the warm up out of the way, how about we get serious?"
My stomach sank. This wasn't serious enough?
I didn't think I would survive them being any more serious.
As if sensing what I was thinking, Nathan smirked. He was going to target me again.
This time, instead of running, I held my ground and braced. This was going to hurt so bad. Hopefully, I wouldn't die.
The ball sped toward me. Closer. Closer.
A force barreled into me from the side, knocking me to the ground. The ball sailed over my head. Anton cursed, his limbs tangled with mine as he fought to free himself.
I pushed and shoved, being none too gentle either.
From around us, the other enforcers howled with laughter. Nathan was bent double, tears coming out of his eyes as he held his stomach. Even Liam had an amused look on his face as he regarded the two of us.
"What the hell was that for?" I asked, shoving an elbow into Anton's side.
Satisfaction filled me at his grunt. Served him right. I’d had it. I might have regretted catching it shortly after, but it would have been mine, nonetheless.
"I was trying to catch the ball," he growled. "I didn't realize you were suicidal and didn't plan on moving."
