Page 49 of Bloodlust

Hayden blinks. "Now you're just being pathetic." He grabs my hand, swiftly pulling me to my feet. "Let's go."

"I don't want to," I whine, my knees weak as he tugs me toward the water fountain. "My legs feel like jelly."

We stop in front of the fountain, and he steps to the side. "Here. Drink." I bend down and press the button, angling my mouth at the spurt. Oh god. So good. He chuckles. "When was the last time you ran?"

"Umm." I twist my neck, looking up at him sheepishly. "Maybe when I was ten?"

He snorts. "I can see why it took youdaysto run a marathon."

"Hah." I glare up at him. "Good one."

He shrugs with an amused grin. "You talk a big talk, Camilla, but you can't seem to walk it."

"Normally, I'd punch you right now," I say, standing up straight. "But luckily, I don't feel like embarrassing you in front of all these people."

"After that underwhelming display of your athletic prowess—" he nods at the death machine, "—I'm not too worried about your right hook."

"Listen here, Doc." I take a calculated step toward him, glowering up at him. "Just 'cause I can't run, doesn't mean I can't kick your ass in other ways."

"Fine." He cocks his head. "Name your game, Camilla. What will it be?"

"Hmm..." I purse my lips. There's no way I can fight him hand-to-hand right now. Not when I feel like my legs might fall off. "I'll think of something."

"Take your time," he says, walking to the bench press. "We can substitute our next session to test your theory." He sits down, lowering himself on the bench. "Spot me."

"You trust me not to kill you?" I ask as he curls his fingers around the metal bar. "See? Youdotake risks."

"I ran a mental assessment, and I'm deeming this risk quite low." He groans, lifting the weight off its stand. He shifts his weight, body straining as he begins doing impressive reps. "Do you want to keep talking, Camilla?"

"No." Exhaustion mixed with endorphins courses through my body. "I'm done talking for today."

"Do you feel better though?" He peers up at me. "A little less stressed?"

"Surprisingly, yeah..." I scrunch up my brows. "I do."

"See?" He gives me a lopsided grin as he continues lifting. "Cardio helps."

"Right..." I flick my nails as I scan his features, flight instincts kicking in. "I should go now."

"So soon?" Hayden asks with a smirk. "I could die without you here."

"You'll live," I say, looking at the exit.

Something tells me our journey is just starting, and I'm not sure I'm ready for the destination.

Chapter 13

Memory

It's been five years since my options have been limited. Since I've had to settle for a choice. A decision. Since I've had to push my pride aside and say yes to something I didn't like or want or believe in.

That day, I swore it was the last time. The last time I'd ever be put in a position where I'd have no voice.

No say.

No power over my will and fate.

I've made the wrong choice before, and it broke me. And everyone around me. It eviscerated everything good in my life. Gutted my heart, my mind, my spirit, and left me hollow, empty, and ready to be rebuilt.