The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Thomas was taken aback, his eyes darting towards Percival.

“Ma’am, you’re practically signing my death warrant here!” He yelled inside.

“Percival, hear me out. This is the training grounds. I have to be in combat gear. I am the Chief Instructor, and I can’t very well train them in a suit and tie!”

Percival’s eyes briefly swept over Thomas’s attire without a word, instead wrapping his arm around Vivienne, and they made their way deeper into the training area.

For a few seconds, Thomas felt like he just walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

Leopold slapped Thomas on the back with a smirk, “Man, that gear does look sharp on you, though.”

Thomas shot him a glare that could kill and kicked out at him half-heartedly, then quickly caught up with Percival.

“Percival, the training’s halfway through. If we’re bringing in the newbie, we might need to fast-track her.”

Thomas implied that Anna had to pass the earlier assessment today if she wanted to keep her spot here.

Percival’s stern face held a grave expression as he said, “Let’s begin now.”

Neither Vivienne nor Anna had any objections.

It was only fair.

If Anna could not pass the earlier assessments, it only proved she did not have the mettle to stay.

“Captain.”

Off in the distance, a man in an olive-drab tee approached, saluting Percival crisply.

This was Soren, the physical training examiner.

After exchanging pleasantries with Percival, Soren sized up Vivienne. Then his gaze landed on Anna. “So you’re the little lady who waltzed in through the back door?”

His tone was less than friendly, and his eyes were full of disdain.

Thomas signaled to him discreetly, whispering, “Soren, watch the attitude.”

“Come on, man, she’s Ma’am’s protégé. Besides, it’s not like she wanted the shortcut. If she can’t make the cut, even Percival won’t keep her here. Don’t be so aggressive, or you might just tick off Percival!” He thought, trying to signal Soren with his eyes.

spiel to Anna. “I’m the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If

words were clearly

Soren’s target, stepped forward angrily, “Soren, who the fuck do you think you’re talking to with that

landing squarely on Soren. “You’re not wrong. Show your worth, and don’t waste my

whose time is yet

face. “Soren, empty threats

Vanguard Agency’s special squad third division, was the most hot-headed of

was stronger than Leopold

for Thomas and Leopold, Soren hardly paid them any

hearing Percival speak, Soren’s attitude softened

Let your skills do the

piqued

seemed Soren’s real challenge was

Interesting.

lips curved into a slight smile, utterly unfazed by

even beat Percival

to the ground and faced Soren defiantly. “Let’s not make this complicated. You be my opponent. If I win, I stay for training.

fire in the eyes of the teenager before

one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded on the

sidelines, aware of Anna’s abilities

was anyone’s

Wolf, care to wager?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow. “I bet a

money on Soren,” Percival replied, his

trainees gathered around, cheering on their

the roaring crowd, only

between the two was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon turning

Anna used her agility to dodge his

end, the match was too

a grip on Anna’s vital point while she held

a stalemate,

smile, turning to Percival, “Looks

and separated them,

are you embarrassed? Fighting to a

clod of mud, sending it

back a couple of inches, and the mud landed right

her toe, a pebble soared up, striking Soren’s