“Forgetting something?” Chris said.
I glanced at my feet, but they looked right to me. My shoulders seemed right too. “I don’t think so.”
“Gloves?”
My head so wasn’t in gear. I tried not to act awkward, but was failing miserably. Every time I looked at Chris I felt guilty. Dastien watching me only made me feel extra guilty. I had to focus on the job at hand. After last night, I knew I was way behind on a key supernatural skill.
Plus, if I could get through this class, then maybe I could talk to Chris after and tell him he couldn’t kiss me again.
I tucked my gloves in my waistband, and Chris nodded. “Let’s work on flipping.”
“I’m not a gymnast. Forget it. Let’s work on something else. Something more practical, so I don’t have another repeat of last night.”
He laughed. “No. I mean you flip me. Over your back. And this will help you. I promise.”
I stepped away from him. “Now I know you’ve lost your mind. You’re basically a foot taller than me and a ton heavier.”
“If you do it right, that won’t matter.”
I listened to him explain the maneuver. It was a twist and squat with a little momentum behind it, not a feat of strength. Although he told me I could do it that way too. Which earned him an eye roll. I didn’t care what they said about werewolf strength. Chris was bigger than me and there was no way I could lift him.
We went through each step, move by move. I had to grab his wrist and then spin around so that my back was to his front, which would wrench his arm. Then, I would squat a little bit to get my hip under his, and momentum, plus the fact that his arm wanted to stay connected to the rest of his body, would flip him over my shoulder.
Sounded reasonable. If only I could wear my gloves for it. I didn’t need to hear about how he liked the way I fit against his body or how he thought I was sexy. My palms started to sweat. I didn’t dare look in Dastien’s direction. But I could feel him. Pacing. Barely holding his wolf at bay.
“You’re moving too slowly,” Chris said, drawing me back to the problem at hand. “Don’t be afraid of hurting me. I promise I won’t break. And even if I do, I heal quickly.”
“But you’re already hurt.”
He slapped his leg. “This is nothing. Just a scratch.”
“You’re still limping. That’s more than a scratch.”
“Shut up. Just do it.”
I stopped all the worrying and pulled the move. Chris went flying through the air, hit the mats and slid into the wall.
Crap. I needed to learn not to overdo it. I ran over to him. “Are you okay?” I nudged him with my foot. “Chris?” He wasn’t moving. I leaned down to make sure he was still breathing.
“Boo!” he yelled.
I screamed and jumped up. “Damn it, Chris!” I took a deep breath, and kicked his side. “They should really pad these walls. One of these days I’m going to actually hurt you and I’m going to think you’re faking and leave you for dead.”
“I don’t know why you never believe me. I really won’t break.” He stood up and pulled me against him. “I’m a werewolf,” he whispered in my ear.
I didn’t have time to laugh before an arm wrapped around my middle, ripping me away from Chris. Dastien set me on my feet, and turned—arms swinging. His fist met Chris’ face. Chris flew through the air again, but this time the crack echoed through the gym when his head slammed into the wall.
Dastien lunged toward Chris. His hand wrapped around Chris’ neck as he lifted him off the ground and rammed him into the wall. Chris hung limply.
“Shit!” I ran to them and yanked at Dastien’s hand, trying to pry his fingers from Chris’ neck. “Someone help!” The gym was quiet. Perfect. They’d just as soon let the boys kill each other as help me. “Let. Him. Go. Now!” I put all the force of my will into the words.
Dastien’s eyes burned bright yellow. He took a deep breath and let go. Chris slid to the ground. A little line of blood dribbled down his neck.
I knelt next to Chris and laid him flat. “Wake up. Please. Wake up, now. Chris! It’s not funny this time.” He wasn’t waking up. “Someone get some help!” No one was doing anything., and I didn’t know any first aid. Especially werewolf first aid.
Chris’ eyelids fluttered.
“Chris? Can you hear me?”
“Werewolf. Remember?” he said. I could barely hear his scratchy voice. “We heal fast.”
Now that I could breathe again, I got up and shoved Dastien. “You could have killed him!” All I got in response was a growl. Dastin’s gaze stayed trained on Chris.
I reached a hand down to help Chris to his feet. Dastien’s growl grew to a roar.
Chris dropped my hand like it was on fire. “Shit, dude. What’s your problem?”
Dastien stalked toward him, and I blocked his way. A second later, water splashed all over Dastien.
Meredith peeked from behind him. “Did I hit you, Tess?” She held a large plastic bucket.