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, and I

were clearly directed

the fuck do you think you’re talking to

however, pulled Leopold back, her icy gaze landing squarely on Soren. “You’re not wrong. Show your worth, and don’t waste my

“Who’s wasting whose time is yet to

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

squad third division, was the most hot-headed

he was stronger than Leopold and just

he respected was Percival. As for

Percival speak, Soren’s attitude softened

your skills do the talking.” Soren gave Vivienne

piqued

Soren’s real challenge

Interesting.

slight smile, utterly

who could not even beat Percival were

complicated. You be my opponent. If I win, I stay for training. If

saw the fire in the

more comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded on the muddy training

aware of

was anyone’s

raised an eyebrow.

put my money on Soren,” Percival replied, his

gathered around, cheering on their

roaring

with mud flying as they grappled,

and Anna used her

the match was

point while she held his artery in her

a stalemate,

turning to Percival, “Looks like we

blew the whistle, stepped forward, and separated them, announcing

jeered at Soren. “Man, are you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw with a little

kicked a clod of mud, sending it flying straight at

pulled Leopold back a couple of inches, and the mud landed right at the tip

flick of her toe, a pebble