ASHER
Something changed in Reed over the next week.
I noticed it first in combat class on Monday morning. We were running drills, standard sparring exercises meant to hone reflexes and fighting techniques. I was paired with Julian, working through a series of defensive maneuvers, when I felt it.
His eyes on me.
I glanced toward the center of the training mat where Reed was demonstrating a takedown with Marcus. He was staring at me, this was different from his usual calculating, antagonistic stare, darker, and more intense, it was definitely mixed with hunger.
His gray eyes tracked my every movement with laser focus. When I shifted my stance, his gaze followed.
When I blocked Julian's strike, Reed's jaw clenched. When Julian's hand brushed my shoulder to correct my form, Reed's entire body went rigid.
"Jackson!" Coach Martinez barked. "Are you paying attention?"
