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But Alek threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close to his side as we walked into the dark building. “Don’t forget, we’re in a loving, committed relationship.”
“How could I possibly?” I said with an annoyed tone, but heat flushed to my face.
The small room we entered was some sort of viewing room. Glass windows covered the far side of the wall, and through those, we could see small stalls with targets. Three demons were inside shooting—including Alek’s father.
“Come on.” He pulled a large, bulky pair of headphones from his black bag and secured them over my head. “These should help with the noise.”
I gave him a small smile and adjusted them over my ears as we walked to the entrance of the range.
As soon as the door opened, all eyes turned to us.
“Father. Kylar. Blade. Nice to see you.” Alek spoke differently when he addressed them. The tiny hint of humanity that I had identified was gone, glossed over by an emotionless mask. The two demons, Kylar and Blade, seemed absolutely dumbfounded at our presence. Alek’s father, however, didn’t even blink. He rolled his eyes and returned to shooting.
“Wow,” Kylar said. “How long has it been since you’ve practiced your shooting? It’s been years since I’ve seen you in here.”
“I don’t need the practice,” Alek replied smoothly. He walked over to one of the booths, not removing his arm from my shoulders until we were there. Dropping the bag on the small, metal chair, he unzipped it and pulled out a few weapons—more than I anticipated.
Anxiety bit at me and I turned away just in time to nearly bump into Blade as he approached, leaning a shoulder on the doorframe.
“And who’s this?” Blade asked. “Bringing your toys to the shooting range now?”
Alek set his gun down and turned to face them, shielding me partially with his body. “Lyra and I are together now. She’s welcome anywhere I go.”
“Together?” The boys blinked. I tried not to cower as both pairs of bright eyes slid over to me. They were nothing like Alek’s eyes, though. Nobody’s could be. “As in…”
“We’re dating,” Alek said. “Does that answer your question?”
The two demons stiffened.
“Enough chatter,” Alek’s father said from behind us. “We’re here to shoot, not gossip like schoolgirls.”
Conversation ceased with the command in his tone. I avoided looking at Alek’s father, although I could feel him glaring at me for a few more seconds before turning back to his target.
“Shooting is easier than it looks,” Alek explained, loud enough for only me to hear through my headphones. He slid the magazine of bullets into the bottom of the gun. “Just point.” He pointed. “And shoot.” He shot, which echoed throughout the room.
Even with my headphones taking the blunt of the sound, I could feel the vibration in my bones. I jumped, just slightly.
Alek paused for a second, scanning my face before giving me a small wink. “This is how the professionals do it,” he said. He raised the gun again. I watched as his forearms flexed, tightening his grip on the gun as he pulled the trigger. Again. And again.
He didn’t stop until the magazine emptied.
When my adrenaline subsided, I looked at the target.
He had shot multiple bullets, but only one thick hole remained on the target. And it was directly in the center.
A whistle came from the boys to our left.
“Impressive,” they said. “Now let’s see what type of damage your pretty little girlfriend can do.”
Alek’s jaw tightened, but he looked at me with brows raised. My eyes widened, my head already shaking. I took a step back and he stepped forward, nodding.
“No!” I hissed at him. “Absolutely not!”
“It’s easy,” he replied. “Here.” He stepped toward me and held the gun out.
Clenching my teeth, I stepped closer to him, aggravated. I knew this day would consist of more than just watching Alek shoot a gun at a target.
Alek grabbed my hand and placed the gun in my palm. It was heavier than I expected. I had to use my other hand to secure it in my grip.
