CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
The sun was hitting us through the glass, no warmth felt, but it was a spectacular view outside. I couldn’t help but admire the beauty the lion had picked for his home. Godric and Finn had cleared out space quickly in a dining room with carpeting—for soft landings. They were now sitting on recliners they had brought in and sipped coffee, not tea.
But Poppy had been almost spot on.
She eyed what I was wearing. “Your clothes aren’t ideal for this, but they’ll work well enough.”
“It’s all I had that was work-out friendly. My mother didn’t bring many items over to Finn’s.” I shrugged and pulled at the blouse I wore.
At least I had jeans on.
That was better than the two pairs of slacks she had packed.
“Okay, put your fists up like you want to fight me,” she ordered, waving a hand between us. “I want to see your stance.”
I glanced back at Finn.
Then I returned my attention back to Poppy.
I could do this.I could.
The carpet was soft under my sneakers as I placed my feet a little apart and then raised my fists in front of me.
Poppy rubbed at her forehead as her gaze ran over my form. She muttered under her breath, “This is going to take a lot of work.”
My hands dropped instantly. I grouched, “You know nothing about teaching, do you?”
Poppy blinked in shock at my tone.
I pointed at my chest. “You’re not supposed to make the student feel like shit. You are supposed to inspire them.”
Another blink. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
My shoulders sagged. “Just help me.”
She nodded, her brows puckering. “Next, I want to see how you attack. I want you to hit me.”
“You want me to what?”
“Hit. Me.” She motioned at her face. “Hit me as hard as you can. I need to see your skill and strength.”
“But…I don’t want to hit you.”
Her nostrils flared. “You want my help? Do as I say. We’re immortal. Anything you do to me, it doesn’t matter. Even if you drowned me, I’d eventually start breathing again. Understand?”
I nodded slowly. “Okay. Hit you.”
“Yes. As hard as you can.”
I swallowed down my nervousness and set my feet apart again. I chewed on the inside of my cheek, hesitating at the thought of harming her.
But I bounced my shoulders.
Jumped in place.
I lifted my right arm andhither.
Poppy’s head whipped to the side.
