POV: Mina (Age 17)
I walked into combat training the next day with my ribs still aching from the beating I'd taken during my first class.
Commander Hayes stood at the center of the arena, clipboard in hand, already assigning sparring partners. I kept my head down and waited for my name to be called, hoping I'd be paired with someone manageable.
"Sterling," Hayes called out. "You're with Steele."
My stomach dropped.
Logan Steele stepped into the arena with a grin that promised violence. He cracked his knuckles and rolled his massive shoulders, his eyes locked on me like I was prey he was about to devour.
This wasn't going to be a training exercise. This was going to be a m******e.
I pulled out my notepad and wrote quickly, holding it up for Hayes to see.
Request different partner. P
