When the Assassin brought down his sword, Jax shocked himself. He brought his own blades up and neatly deflected the blow. He hadn’t expected that out of himself. He also hadn’t expected the surge of pain that went down his arms from the force of the steel colliding.
He barely had time to register all that, though. The attacker moved again. This time he swung his weapon sideways. Jax barely had time to step back, otherwise his guts would have ended up on the floor. It was only then he realized they were no longer in their circle. The others had moved out and were engaged in their own battles.
Jax continued to defend himself. He used every move he’d learned and some that just came instinctively. After several moments, though, he could feel himself start to get tired. Meanwhile, the Assassin looked as fresh as ever. Jax began to seriously worry he wouldn’t be able to hold out long enough for Shane or Trevor to help.
He wanted so desperately to look and see how the others were doing. Not only did he want to see if aid was on the way, but he was concerned about Ava. Sure, she may be a badass, but she was still young. All the bluster in the world didn’t mean crap when she was facing a highly trained adult.
“I can’t wait to get the money for you,” Jax’s Assassin growled.
Jax wanted to reply, but he knew he had to save his energy for the fight. Yet he couldn’t stop the surge of rage from filling him. These jerks were coming in to kill him and his new family. And for what, some money? Even if it was a lot, it wasn’t worth murdering somebody over. Jax wondered if they even knew why his father had called the hit on him, if they knew it was for something so simple. His father had ordered the hit all because Jax went against him and joined the Academy. Which was stupid when one stepped back to think about it. Yet he and the others were about to die for it. What kind of justice was that?
Hell no! Jax was done with the games. He’d finally seen how true families acted, and he wasn’t about to have that ripped from him. His father had done enough damage. Jax wasn’t about to let him do any more.
He let out a hoarse cry and jabbed up with one of his blades. It found its mark. The blade piercing the Assassin in the chest. The Assassin had been rushing forward, which drove in the weapon even further. Jax stumbled back a bit from the force of the blow, but he managed to keep standing.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. The Assassin and he locked gazes. Jax gasped as he saw what was there. Horror, shock, and pain were all there, and each of them cut Jax to the core.
He stupidly wanted to apologize. Why, he had no clue. The male had just been trying to kill Jax, so he got what he deserved, yet Jax couldn’t stop himself from feeling bad. It was the first time he’d ever killed somebody, and he hadn’t expected it to be like that.
He let go of his blade, and the Assassin tilted sideways, slowly sliding to the ground. Jax looked down in time to see the male take in one last gurgling breath before going still. A large pool of blood formed under him, marring the hardwood floor.
All the other fighting had ended. It was deathly silent in the room. Jax wanted to ask the others if they were okay, but he couldn’t speak. All he could do was look down at the dead body at his feet. He’d done that. He was the reason that shifter no longer existed.
Jax let the other blade fall to the floor with a loud clanging noise. He normally would have taken better care with a weapon, but his mind couldn’t focus on trivial things like that. All he could do was stare at that damn body. The Assassin’s eyes were still open, and that just didn’t seem right.
He fell to his knees then reached over and closed the attacker’s lids. Then Jax wrapped his arms around himself as he took in a shuddering breath. Damn it, he was too young for this. He wasn’t supposed to see this kind of action until he was an adult. He was just a kid. He shouldn’t have to deal with the fact he’d just taken a life.
Strong arms wrapped around him. Jax glanced up to see it was Trevor. The older male began to run his hands down Jax’s arm and make soothing noises. It was only then Jax let go and let out a sob.
“You’re okay,” Trevor soothed. “We’re all fine. I know it feels bad, but it will pass. I promise you.”
Jax turned slightly so he could bury his face into Trevor’s chest. It was only then he was able to let go and really cry. Not just for the incident that just happened, but for everything.
Chapter Six
Mitchell sent a cleaning crew over that night. They took away the bodies, cleared up the mess then boarded up the windows, so they were still able to celebrate Christmas morning at their home.
At first, Jax worried he wouldn’t be able to stay in the house anymore. There were bad memories attached to that living room, and he didn’t think he’d ever be able to bury them away. But to his surprise, that hadn’t been the case.
Trevor recruited some friends, and they re-decorated the place. They’d even whipped an extravagant breakfast. The best part was some of the helpers happened to be a few of Jax’s instructors. He didn’t know if it was due to their familiar presence or not, but he soon found himself relaxing.
He even managed to get excited about exchanging gifts. He savored the excited expressions on his family’s faces when they opened up what he had gotten them. It did shock him to see how many he had waiting for him under the tree. He almost lost count.
At first, it bothered him a bit when he saw how much Trevor and Shane got him. But he quickly brushed it aside. During the past few days, he realized they’d done it out of love, not obligation. Just as he enjoyed giving to them, they did the same for him.
Around lunch, Shane announced they’d been invited to a party that evening. At first, Jax didn’t want to go. It was cold outside and he didn’t relish leaving the warmth coming from the fireplace. That was until Shane told him who was throwing it, Alvus’ parents.
A few hours later, Jax found himself standing in Alvus’ home. Jax glanced down at his new outfit, hoping Alvus would like it. It was a dark blue sweater and some jeans. He’d yet to see his boyfriend and for some reason, Jax was ridiculously nervous.
He told himself it was nothing. As far as everybody knew, they were just a couple of friends. Well, Ava and Phillip knew the truth, but they weren’t about to spill. So Jax should be more excited than anything.
Oh, how he wished he and Alvus could be open. At least in front of their families. It would be so nice to be able to give Alvus a hug and maybe a kiss, but it wasn’t going to happen. So Jax would have to make do with just a hello and some hanging out. It was a sore second place, but it was better than nothing. At least they got to spend some time together.
Yet, as soon as Jax saw Alvus, butterflies began to swarm in his stomach. So far, Jax’s group was the only one to have arrived. Jax hoped they would be able to sneak away for just a bit. That would have to wait until later, though. It would be easier to do that kind of thing when everybody was distracted by the crowd.
“You look nice tonight,” Alvus said as he approached.
“Thanks,” Jax replied, resisting the urge to spin around. “Trevor and Shane got this for me.”
“It’s pretty stylish.” Alvus smiled.
“Since Trevor picked them out they’re flashier than my usual stuff, but I really like it.”
“I love the skinny jeans.”
“Shhh…” Jax whispered, a heat coming over his face. “They’ll hear you.”
“Yeah, because it’s not like we don’t already know,” Shane called from across the room.
All the air left Jax’s lungs as he glanced over at Alvus. His boyfriend seemed to be just as surprised, though. Then a wave of fear followed. Did that mean the gig was up? That was Jax’s worst nightmare come true.
“Dudes, I didn’t say a word,” Philip declared, his hands in the air.
“Me either,” Ava echoed.
“Really,” Alvus’ mother said with a sigh. “Did you think you could hide it from us? We’re shifters and have an excellent sense of smell.”
“I don’t understand,�
� Alvus replied.
“They can detect our scents on each other,” Jax informed him, his stomach dropping.
“Shoot,” Alvus breathed. “Does this mean other adults can tell too?”
“I’m guessing since you guys spend so much time together, they’re thinking it’s nothing. You spar together, study together, and spend most of your time together,” Trevor said.
Then Jax recalled something Erin said to him. I can smell him on you. Sure, Erin had just experienced his first shift and was kind of out of his mind at the time, but he’d been right. If he figured it out, did that mean the instructors eventually would too? That was if the adults at the party didn’t rat them out first.
“So what’s going to happen now?” Jax asked, his voice catching a bit.
“Well, once the other guests arrive, we’ll have dinner. Then some drinks and other party kind of stuff,” Alvus’ father said.
“You know what he meant,” Alvus said.
“We talked it over and decided, for now, we’re going to keep your secret,” Shane said.
“That isn’t permission for your guys to go and do something stupid, though,” Trevor added.
“It’s not like I can knock him up,” Alvus drawled.
“You know what we mean,” Shane growled, pinning them with a hard glare.
“We’ll be good,” Jax gushed. “I promise.”
“Fine, just don’t betray my trust in you,” Shane added.
“I would never do that,” Jax said, meaning it with all his heart.
He was relieved when the adults all turned around and began talking again. It would seem they deemed the conversation over. Jax let out a small laugh as he gazed up at Alvus, who seemed as floored as he felt.
“Can you believe that?” Jax asked.
“It’s good news. I guess, nobody is stopping me from doing this.” Alvus wrapped his arms around Jax’s waist and brought him in closer.
“I’m so happy right now.” Jax snuggled a bit into Alvus’ embrace.
“By the way, you really look hot in those jeans,” Alvus murmured into Jax’s ear.
A shiver went through Jax, as he soaked up the compliment. He brought his hands up to Alvus’ shoulders so they could get in even closer.
“Oh, would you look at that?” Alvus declared, looking at the ceiling.
Jax directed his gaze up and saw there was a kissing ball over them. He let out a moan as he rolled his eyes.
“You know, this is becoming a corny Hallmark movie moment,” Jax teased.
“Does that mean I don’t get a kiss?”
“Well, I never said that.”
Alvus brought their lips together. Even though it wasn’t a sloppy kiss like in the movies, it still stunned Jax. Maybe it was because it was the first time he really felt free while being with Alvus. They didn’t have to worry about being barged-in on or about being caught. It was just them and the moment.
“Wow, that’s the best gift I’ve ever received,” Alvus declared.
Jax silently agreed. He would even go a step farther and say it was the best holiday he’d had, period. While some pretty crappy stuff had happened, a lot more good came out of it. Jax couldn’t wait to see what the new year had in store for him.
Jax’s Special Day
This short story originally appeared on Amber Kell’s Birthday Bash on her blog, November 2017.
Jax looked at the clock on the wall of the training center and let out a sigh. He was willing to bet he was the only student at the Coalition Training Academy who wasn’t looking forward to the weekend. Who was he kidding? He was the only teen in the world who wasn’t looking forward to the weekend in the whole world. Which just showed how sucky his life really was.
Okay, maybe it wasn’t all doom and gloom. He was working toward the goal of someday becoming a soldier for his feline Coalition. Better yet, he had more friends there then he ever did at the civilian school. He’d even snagged himself a boyfriend. Yet, in the process of doing all that, he’d lost a ton, too.
He’d first been disowned by his family for his decision to become a fighter. At first, he’d thought it’d been because he was so small. Sure, he may be a Lion shifter, but in he was dinky, even by human standards. Then his father had actually put a bounty on his head. That’s when Jax found out his dad was more than a little bent. So, he had no place to go on the weekends.
Most of the time, he didn’t mind that so much. He’d made friends with some older students who had no homes, either. So, he would just hang out with them. It even let him forget he didn’t have a normal life for a bit.
But this weekend was different than the others. It was his birthday. His sixteenth to be exact and the first one he would have since his family had splintered.
He ran his hand through his hair as he fought off the usual waves of frustration. He’d never imagined his future would have played out this way. Just a year ago, he’d been the good obedient son. The one who always toed the line and tried so hard to be perfect. Where did it get him? Alone and forgotten on his damn birthday.
“Okay, class is over. Go back to the dorm and get ready,” their instructor, Logan, called.
Jax jerked back into the present as his classmates began to file out of the training room. After a moment, he followed. Not that he had to get ready for crap, but he did want to say goodbye to the others. His best friend, Ava, would be spending the next couple of days with her fathers. Even Jax’s boyfriend, Alvus would be taking off. On some weekends he did stay behind, but his parents insisted he come home at least a couple of times a month.
Jax still dawdled a bit, so by the time he arrived at the dorm, Ava was already gone. He felt a pang of disappointment. She hadn’t even given him a frigging Happy Birthday. Which was a bit odd. She was so reliable and never forgot those kinds of things. Yet, she’d done so when it mattered to him the most.
Alvus and his twin were still there, though. Alvus darted around a couple of glances before he reached out and tugged Jax behind a set of bunk beds. It gave them a rare moment of privacy, since the dorm was mostly empty.
“I wish I didn’t have to go home,” Alvus said as he wrapped his arms around Jax’s waist.
“I wish you didn’t have to go, either.” Jax leaned forward until their foreheads were touching.
Even though he and Alvus had been together for a month, it all still felt so new to Jax. The comfort he got whenever Alvus touched him. The mere fact that they even touched, period. It still made Jax feel all jittery inside whenever Alvus smiled at him. It depressed Jax even further as he realized he wouldn’t be seeing that grin again until late Sunday.
Jax could have stayed that way forever. But, there was the overpowering fear of them being discovered. It was a huge no-no for students to get touchy-feely with each other. So, Jax forced himself to take a step back. Which turned out to be a good thing since he heard Ava calling his name.
“I thought you left already,” Jax said as he stepped out from behind the beds.
He frowned when he spotted Ava’s dads, Shane and Trevor, with her. Even stranger, Shane was smiling. That scary ass Assassin never did that. Unless, it involved him murdering or maiming somebody.
“I forgot something.” Ava smiled at him.
“What?” Jax asked.
“You.” She pointed a finger at him.
“What do you mean?”
“My dads talked to Mitchell. He agreed to let you come home with us this weekend. We’re taking you to this new place at the mall. It’s a huge arcade. They even have bowling in there and a restaurant.” She danced a little on the balls of her feet. “Everybody from the Academy is going to be there, too.”
A wave of happiness went through Jax as he spun around to look at Alvus. His boyfriend had a huge smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He even shoved his hands into his front pockets as he gave Jax a sheepish hug.
“You knew about this?” Jax accused him.
“Yeah. Ava swore me to secrecy, though. I’m not a
bout to have her kick my ass, because I spilled,” Alvus said.
Jax felt so excited he wanted to hug his boyfriend. He didn’t dare, though. Not when the others were watching. So, he had to settle for a playful punch.
“Just let me pack a bag,” Jax said to Ava.
“I already took care of that,” she informed him. “Besides, you’re needed in the cafeteria.”
“Why?” Jax frowned.
“Just follow me.” She waved her arm.
When they arrived, Jax’s mouth parted in shock. Not only was it full of people, but they were all there for him. Not only did a huge round of applause greet him, but the place was decorated with balloons and streamers. There was even a huge cake with his name on it. The best part, though, was the table that was loaded with gifts.
He couldn’t believe who’d shown up. Not only was Mitchel, the Coalition leader, there, but so were all of his teachers. Some of them even came up and hugged him. Jax could hardly talk as he greeted all them. He was so overcome with emotions. For once, they were all good ones, too.
After a dinner of pizza, Jax began to open his gifts. When he grabbed one of the larger ones, he grew confused. It felt heavy and there was no name on it. He carefully peeled away the heavy gold wrap and revealed a long box. When he lifted the top, he was greeted by a set of weapons.
They were large, silver blades. The handles were ornate and black and curved to fit into his palms. Even without touching them, he could tell the edges were sharp. They certainly weren’t practice daggers. No, they were something a real soldier would use.
“What are they?” Jax asked as he traced his fingers along them.
“They’re sai,” Shane said. “Since, you’re learning the art of defense now, I thought they’d be the perfect starting point for you.”
Jax jerked his head up in shock. Shane was smiling at him and he looked…proud? Jax never expected to see that kind of expression thrown his way. Much less from one of the most respected members of the Coalition.
“You got these for me?” Jax asked, stupidly.
Holiday with an Assassin (Coalition Training Academy Book 3) Page 5