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.

nothing, continuing his spiel to Anna. “I’m the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don’t make it, beat it,

clearly

the fuck do you think you’re talking to

landing squarely on Soren. “You’re not wrong. Show your

slightly. “Who’s wasting whose time is yet

of annoyance crossed Percival’s face. “Soren, empty threats

the most

was stronger than

only person he respected was Percival. As for Thomas and Leopold, Soren hardly paid them any

speak, Soren’s

do the talking.” Soren gave Vivienne a

look piqued Vivienne’s

seemed Soren’s real challenge was

Interesting.

a slight smile, utterly

even beat Percival were not worthy opponents for

my

Anna’s challenge, Soren saw the fire in the eyes of the teenager

a one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded on the muddy training

from the sidelines, aware of

was anyone’s

Vivienne raised an

my money on Soren,” Percival replied, his

trainees gathered around, cheering on their

by the roaring crowd, only grew more

fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon turning

sharp and precise, and Anna used

the match was too

vital point while she held his artery in her

a stalemate,

formed a triumphant smile, turning

and separated them, announcing the result, “It’s

you embarrassed?

kicked a clod of mud, sending it flying straight

subtly pulled Leopold back a couple of inches, and

a