The general motioned toward the blonde. “Marlaina, I want you to teach her how to block her thoughts and mental attacks.”
Lydia was rendered speechless that the possibility even existed. If she could learn to control herself and not hurt anyone along with keeping herself safe, if these soldiers could actually help her, if it was at all possible, she’d be in a much better place mentally and physically. Lydia sat up straighter in her chair and finally found her voice. “Great, when do we start?”
The general leaned forward. “Don’t be too excited, Lydia. I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Your days are going to be mentally and physically exhausting. You’ll be begging for a day off before your two weeks are up. They won’t go easy on you. You just have to trust and remember that we’re doing all of this to help you.” He pushed from the table and rose to his regal height. “Since you’re so eager, Lydia. Your first taste of training starts now. Brody, you’re up.”
They all stood, and Brody rounded the table. “With pleasure, general. Right this way.”
Rick took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Are you sure about this?”
His gentle touch was reassuring because a flicker of apprehension had crossed through her body. It was her decision, and he wasn’t trying to talk her into it. She could do this, she needed to do this, and she would conquer this so she could go back home. The fear knotted inside of her was pushed to the recess of her mind. “There’s no time like the present. Besides, the quicker I get the hang of this, the faster you’ll be rid of me.”
Lydia left Rick standing there and followed Brody out of the conference room. She hadn’t meant to be so cold toward Rick, but she didn’t see any other option. He wasn’t in this for the long haul, no matter how he made her feel. He deserved better than what she could give him. Her life had been on a downhill slide for so long, and now the threats against her were bigger. She wasn’t going to drag him into her world. A world he was just cutting his teeth into. A place he didn’t belong.
Lydia followed behind Brody toward her destiny. Her nerves tingled with the excitement of the unknown and hope that the general could deliver on his promises. Brody pressed his palm onto the box beside the door. The lock clicked open, and he pushed the door wide. Lydia stepped over the threshold and glanced around the room. The floors were covered with thick blue mats. Even the walls were heavily padded. The room was empty aside from a door on the right-hand side, a few pieces of workout equipment up against the wall, and a few places one could sit to rest. It wasn’t state-of-the-art, but she guessed it would serve their purpose.
The alarm on the door behind her beeped again, alerting Lydia that someone else would bear witness to her first attempt at controlling her skills. Marlaina’s ponytail swayed behind her as she carried a pile of folded clothes in her hands. She smiled at Brody as she walked up and handed him the clothes. Her voice vibrated with confidence. “I thought she could use these.”
Marlaina gave Brody a seductive smile and bat of her eyelashes as she touched his arm with her free hand. Marlaina turned toward her. “You can’t practice in those jeans. You’re going to need something easier to move around in.”
Marlaina’s flirting was blatant and obvious. The blonde must think that Lydia was interested in more than the training Brody was going to give her, which was the furthest thing on her mind. Marlaina was marking her territory. The blonde had been nice to Lydia in the conference room and was trying to make sure she was comfortable. A ploy maybe, but an extended hand of friendship? Doubtful. Lydia didn’t trust anyone besides Rick and Briggs to see to her best interests. Nonetheless, Lydia couldn’t fault Marlaina for the move. Lydia walked over to Brody and took the clothes out of his hands then turned to Marlaina and placed her palm on the petite blonde’s arm. “Thanks.” Lydia winked at the blond. “I understand completely.”
Marlaina’s eyes lit up, and a smile graced her ruby-painted lips. “Great.” She pointed toward the closed door. “You can change in there, and if you need anything else while you’re here, just let me know.”