3. Sparring

Melissa’s pov:

Unlike our past combat coach, Mr Blackwood actually took the lead, and we followed.

I was a fast runner, and I was sure that the 3 laps were going to be a breeze. Billie was right there by my side. We naturally didn’t talk, but having each other’s back was pleasant.

“Melissa,” Jake came to the other side of me, and tried to start a conversation, but I only picked up my pace.

I refused to listen to him. What kind of foolish girl did he think I was? There was no way he could talk me into getting back with him. I knew what I had seen.

Jake hurried after me, and tried to speak once more, only for Billie to skip to the other side of me. He soon elbowed him away.

It seemed like I wasn’t the only one who had had enough of the cheater’s antics. I loved how protective Billie was of me, and I would have to treat him to pizza later on.

The cheater let out an ouch and stopped abruptly, a somewhat pained expression on his face.

As if he had eyes on the back of his head, Mr Blackwoord let out, “Whoever stopped is going to have to spar with me.”

His voice was low and dangerous, promising a world of pain to whoever dared to stop. And while I had expected many of the desperate girls of Black Fang High to stop, none of them did. It seemed like they instinctively knew that the man meant business, and wasn’t here for any silly game.

Oh heavens, why did his no-nonsense tone of voice make me weak in the knees?

I could not allow myself to get aroused here, where we were all werewolves. Even though we weren’t prudes, I would rather not be called the slut who had the hots for the new teacher.

Before long, we had finished the 3 laps.

And as to be expected, next came the sparring.

“I want you all in pairs,” Mr Blackwood let out in a tone that brooked no argument. “First, you’ll spar with someone you’re familiar with. Then, with someone of my choice.”

Jake stood there awkwardly, knowing he was supposed to spar with Mr Blackwood himself.

“I am kicking your ass down today, Pierce,” I bumped my shoulder against Billie’s arm.

“In your dreams, princess,” he shot back easily, a small smile adorning his face.

And we both got in position. Many pairs did the same.

“You don’t need me to tell you how to spar, pups, right?” Mr Blackwood soon supplied. “No arms, no fatal wounds, and no shifiting for today.”

Instead of a yes sir, he got a few growls in response.

The man didn’t need superpowers to pick out the few warriors who had objected to being called pups.

“You three,” he let out. “Come with Mr Lazy here. You’ll be attacking me all at once, once the individual sparring is done that is.”

The most obnoxious one of them had the nerve to chuckle and say, “Aren’t you afraid you’ll get beaten up?”

“Oh, bring it on, pup,” Mr Blackwood rolled his shoulders, looking perfectly relaxed.

He soon was moving in our ranks, giving us valuable advice.

“You’re leaving your right open, Parkers,” he let out once he reached me.

And I was indeed leaving my right open purposefully so Billie would go for it, and I could catch him unaware… But there went my chance.

“Thank you, sir,” I nodded, even though I wanted to argue.

Knowing him, he wouldn’t relent.

Instead of going forward, and giving advice to the next pair, he remained rooted to his place, watching me and Billie.

“You’re not serious with this, are you?” He let out, addressing Billie.

“She’s my best friend, sir,” Billie retorted with a small smile.

“A best friend who looks ready to rain down hell,” Mr Blackwood smirked.

I was distracted by the sight of his smirk, and was soon on my back. Billie had naturally used my distraction to his advantage.

“She always looks that way,” Billie supplied before Mr Blackwood could walk away.

The man had the nerve to chuckle.

Before long, we were assigned our own pairs by Mr Blackwood. To my utter and complete dismay, he chose Sandra as my partner.

Did the man hate me or something? I hadn’t even done anything to upset him — save maybe for that kiss in the hallway.

“Can I have someone else as a sparring partner?” I couldn’t help but object.

“No,” he drawled unapologetically.

“What? You afraid I will beat you, Parkers?” Sandra taunted, snickering as she did, and I had to bite back a growl.

“You never did before. Today definitely won’t be the first time you pull one on me,” I chuckled darkly.

“Oh, but I did,” she retorted, and I was tempted to wipe that smirk off her face.

“In position,” Mr Blackwood drawled after a beat. “Start!”

Sandra circled me, and kept talking shit, as she tried to get a raise out of me, only I wasn’t that foolish.

And today, she was going to eat dust.

“You should know your place, you defect,” she sneered, and the sight wasn’t beautiful for sure. “You’re a nobody. The only reason people tolerate you is because you’re the beta’s daughter.”

“That’s rich coming from the school’s slut,” I rolled my eyes at her. “Only players in need of a quick lay go after you.”

Billie, who had seemingly done quick work of his sparring partner, cheered from the sidelines, “Yes! Tell her, princess!”

I couldn’t help the small smile that stretched my lips at that. I might have lost a cheater, but I was glad to always have my bestie.

“Are you sparring or what?” Mr Blackwood came to a halt next to us.

I simply nodded at him in response.

I didn’t move, but Sandra did attack me, in a rush to make a good impression it would seem… Only she ate dust.

As I held her down, with my hand around her throat, I sneered at her, “Not so powerful now, are you?”

I squeezed and she soon gave the signal that she gave up.

“Not bad, Parkers.”

I took the compliment with a smile, while a swarm of butterflies made it hard for me to talk, or even say a thank you.

I shouldn’t be feeling this way for a teacher. 

Heavens, what was wrong with me?