My Secret, My Bully, My Mates

"Hey Midge, you alright? You look a little pale." Wyatt asks, getting Lillian and Nathaniel's attention too.

"No. I mean yeah, I'm good." I can't look him in the eye though.

"You can shift, right? I mean, I guess you wouldn't be here if you couldn't yet." Nathaniel says to himself more than to me.

"Yeah, no, I'm okay, I can shift. I just don't really like changing in front of people. I'll be fine, I just wasn't expecting it, that's all." I take a deep breath trying to control my breathing. I can get through this, I have to get through this. I chose to keep the scars when I was given the chance to get rid of them, now I have to live with my decision. One more big deep breath as we all set our bags down and turn to get instructions.

out and looks directly at me. I stop breathing and freeze. "I did not stutter, move!" I jump like my ass was

hands. I keep my eyes closed as I turn back towards him, take another deep breath, open my eyes and move to the center

any of them are saying. I keep my focus on Nickolas in case he plans on throwing some kind of surprise attack after

time. When I shift you do. Your one goal is to evade capture. Do you understand your assignment?" I nod, it's all I've got

that moment before he starts to circle me like a predator does his prey. His eyes are calculating, he's sizing me up even though we have fought a few times now. I have changed a bit since the locker room and haven't actually done any kind of sparring for over a month now. As the thought hits me, I realize I am nervous for the first time in a very long time. But I can't decide if it is a good thing or a bad thing. I'm weak and out of shape, but I