CHAPTER THIRTY-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 and hit her.
Poppy’s head whipped to the side.
I instantly stepped back and had to stop the apology that wanted to erupt past my lips. Instead, I stood in place wiggling my fingers, waiting for assessment.
With her head still turned to the side, she stared out the window into the picturesque landscape. Then she wiggled her jaw and eventually, turned back to stare at me. Her expression was completely clear of any emotion, so I had no clue what she thought.
Poppy cleared her throat, stating patiently. “I said hit me.”
My blonde brows snapped together, I stated, “I did.”
“No, you slapped me. With your actual palm.”
“I don’t understand.”
She raised her hand between us, and she balled her hand into a fist. “Like this, Mina. Don’t slap anyone. Ever. All it will do is piss them off. If you want to attack someone, use your fists. Or your elbows. Do you understand that?”
My lips pinched into a thin line. “Yes.”
“Okay,” she stated softly as if she were reining in impatience. “Now try it again.”
“Wait. How do you hit someone with your elbow?”
She bent her arm and swung her elbow out in an arc between us. “Like that.”
I nodded. That one I could do.
It seemed much simpler than a fist.
Poppy waved at herself. “Try again.”
I stepped forward, returning to my previous spot.
Set my feet.
Then I swung with my elbow as hard as I could.
My taller stature probably helped too.
Because her face didn’t just whip to the side.
Her entire body flew to the side…and she crumpled to the ground. Poppy didn’t move. Her eyes were shut. She lay limp on the ground.
“Oh, fuck,” Finn muttered behind me.
Then I was suddenly being carried in his arms, and we were clear across the room from where Poppy lay.
Godric was crouched over her protectively, his golden eyes set on me, and it wasn’t pleasant. It looked like he wanted to kill me. His nostrils flared as he placed two fingers to her throat, checking her pulse.
A flash of relief showed in his eyes.
“I’ll just take Mina to the kitchen,” Finn stated. His arms were tight around me, an unbreakable hold. He edged toward the door, not turning his back on the deadly shifter who wanted to maim me. “If Poppy wants to continue when she wakes, let her know where we’re at.”
On quick feet, he carried me out of the room.
My chin trembled, and moisture burned my eyes as he continued to carry me through the mansion. My voice wavered as I whispered, “I just did what she said to do.”
“I know, precious Mina. I know.” He dipped his head and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. “She didn’t expect you to be that strong. That was her mistake. You did nothing wrong.”
“Will she keep working with me?” I sniffled.
“Maybe. If God lets her.”
“I hope he does. I didn’t mean to hurt her.”
He kissed my cheek again. “I’ll feed you. Maybe after you eat, she’ll be awake.”
“Should I tell her I’m sorry?”
I didn’t know what to do in this situation. Violence wasn’t my specialty. Helping people was. This was new territory for me.
“Probably not. She’s going to be embarrassed at first when she sees you.”
I sniffed. “I’ll keep my apology at bay then.”
But I would still think it. That had to have been painful.
Finn bent his head and placed his lips to my right ear, barely whispering loud enough for me to hear. “I was proud of you. You watched her and learned. The first time. You took her ass down hard too.”
I blinked. And nodded.
My white tiger was a wicked man.
I enjoyed that about him.