Chapter 15
-:- VICTORIA -:-
Walking into the shooting range with Jack behind me is helping to ground me. Bethy is at the clubhouse under Mia’s wing I’ve been told, and Chaos said that she’s barred from leaving the compound for the moment. I’m going to the clubhouse after my lesson to do more catching up with Bethy.
My lesson has been booked with Winter although Chaos had wanted to teach me. I have an inward smirk because I’ve already got a carry permit in another state. So, my competency won't take long to be seen, and my permit will be relatively easy to get.
Winter greets both myself and Jack with a huge smile and a lot of enthusiasm. “Come on, both of you. Jack, you are going to have a lesson alongside Victoria.”
“I’ve got my permit, Winter,” Jack states, looking affronted by Winter’s lesson comment.
“With a bow and arrow, Jack?” Winter asks with a cocky lift of an eyebrow. I turn slowly to watch Jack’s reaction, and he’s shocked, right before he grins and rubs his hands together. I can’t help but roll my eyes because, honestly, it’s a typical man's reaction.
The lesson is great. I love it, but boy it’s hard on the arms. It’s not that long before my arms are shaking and I can see Jack is struggling some too, but I’m wise enough to say nothing.
We had gone through all the safety jargon, which I know we had to do, and Winter at least keeps it light enough that it hadn’t bored us to tears. I was more than happy to get to the part where we shoot some arrows even though mine were way off to start with.
Jack had a great time, whooping each time his arrow hit the target, which earned him a scowl from me. But it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm, and I caught some of it, eventually.
“Okay, that is enough for today. You both did well, and I’m thinking we can get you both on a target a little further away next time. May even try you with a crossbow, Jack.”
Jack’s head swings to Winter and a huge smile appears, “Really? You’d teach me crossbow as well? I’d love to do that, Winter.”
Huffing, I walk away since we’ve put everything away and were getting ready to leave, anyway. I’m not listening to any more of Jack’s bragging and ass sucking.
“Come on, Victoria. Don’t be a bad sport,” Jack chuckles as he follows me out of the building.
Winter laughs, and loudly, right before she shouts, “Shall I see you next week, Vicky?” I give her a two-finger wave, which sets her off cackling. I can’t stop the twitch of my lip and hope Jack didn’t see me trying not to smile.
Riding to the clubhouse Jack talks about how good that was, and I thaw out my annoyance at being second best. “You know I’ll beat your ass eventually, Jack.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Jack responds, but he’s laughing all the while.
Entering the common room, the first thing I see is a woman Jack tells me is Heather. She has purple all over her. Purple dust by the look of it as we get close. She’s mumbling about getting even, and he’s going to regret this one.
I look at Jack who is doing his best not to laugh. Bethy is sitting at a table with Mia who is holding a small child. “What is going on?” I ask Jack, but I stay far enough from Heather to not get any of the purple dust on me.
“Seems that Wings just got a hit on Heather. Next will be Heather getting a hit on Wings,” Jack shrugs then heads towards Mia and Heather. “Do you need me now?”
Mia shakes her head, “No, you can leave Victoria with me and Bethy. Go do something for yourself for an hour. Victoria will give you a call when she’s ready to leave.”
Taking a seat, I give Bethy a huge smile. “Are you okay?” I ask before taking and squeezing her hand.
Bethy gives me a return smile and squeeze before placing her hands in her lap. “I’m good. I’ve a room here and everyone has been welcoming. Fantastic actually. Wings is a flipping nutjob I’ve discovered, but he was great when he made sure I got back here safely. He took a bump on the head and it bled for a while but he just wiped it clean and ignored it. Thankfully, it didn’tneed stitches, and if it did, I’m not sure he would have had them.”
“I’m so relieved we are both here and safe from Art and that asshole pretending to be an up and coming, honest senator. I mean, really!” I look at Mia who is tickling the child. “Is she yours, Mia?” I ask.
“She is. Her name is Summer, and she is my sunshine. The boys are so mischievous that it’s hard to keep up with them.”
“Oh, you have more kids?” I ask.
Mia laughs, “Yeah, I have twin boys. Nightmares are what they are. They are always in some kind of trouble. Take after their dad.”
Mia says that with such love in her voice you can tell she’s saying it humorously. Before I can reply we all three turn and look at Heather who is cursing like a sailor in front of a highly amused Wings.
“Ignore them, Victoria. Honestly, they should be at school with the other kids.” Mia chuckles.
“Come on, Vicky. Let’s go to my room and talk.” Bethy stands, gives Mia a smile, and I do the same as I follow Bethy out of the common room.
