Page 67 of The Tenets of Man

A tree branch snapping nearby has us both whipping our heads toward the sound. I give Delilah one last glance, wondering if she can see the want in my eyes, before releasing my grip on her and pressing up off the ground. I extend my hand toward her and she grasps it as I haul her to her feet, eyes never leaving mine.

“Mav?” Someone—Bec, by the sound of it—calls out before appearing in the clearing. “Oh, there you are. Hey, Della.”

Delilah finally looks away from me, offering Bec a big smile. “Hi!”

“What are you two doing out here?” Bec looks back and forth between us, her keen senses probably picking up on the sexual tension in the air.

I clear my throat. “I’m teaching Mrs. Sinclair some self-defense techniques.”

“Without me?” Bec’s voice goes up an octave. “Rude! You know I love any excuse to kick your ass, Stetson.”

That gets Delilah to laugh—she even snorts—which may just be the loveliest sound I’ve ever heard.

“I would very much like to see that.”

“What have you taught her?” Bec asks, taking off her faded leather jacket.

“Just the basics,” I answer. “I was about to show her how to hold a knife and shoot a gun.”

Delilah’s gaze—back on me—widens once again. “You didn’t say anything about knives or guns.”

I shrug. “We don’t have to today if you’re not comfortable. But at some point, you should at least have a rudimentary understanding of weaponry.”

I can practically see the cogs turning in her head before she straightens, apparently remembering that she was treating me like I’m a member of the Brotherhood earlier. “Whatever you think is best, sir.”

Bec pretends to gag herself. “Ew. Please don’t call him sir.” She pops her knuckles. “Let’s go, big man.”

I roll my neck, knowing I am indeed about to get my ass handed to me. Bec did Krav Maga for years before the Reckoning, and has basically taught me everything I know when it comes to close combat. Even though she’s over a foot shorter than me, she’s wicked fast and knows how to target sensitive areas like a pro. She’s taken me down more times than I can count.

Delilah watches us with rapt attention, and less than two minutes later, Bec has me on the ground with her knee pinned against my throat. I tap her thigh twice, and she releases me with a smug grin.

“Maybe Bec should be the one teaching me,” Delilah mutters.

My number two throws her head back and howls in laughter. “Damn straight I should be. Taught him everything he knows.”

Delilah looks at me in surprise. “It’s true,” I confirm, rubbing my neck.

“Come on, city girl. Show me what you got,” Bec says.

“No way!” Delilah shakes her head. “I’ll be on the ground in two seconds flat.”

“Doesn’t sound like such a bad time, if you ask me.” She winks, which makes Delilah’s cheeks turn a bright shade of red.

She clears her throat, pulling her shoulders back. “Fine. Just go easy on me, okay?”

“I got you.” Bec nods encouragingly.

We spend the next hour sparring, and with Bec’s firm but kind direction, Delilah’s form and ability grow exponentially. We show her how to hold a knife and which spots to go for with the blade if her lifeis truly in danger. With the pistol, we walk her through gun safety, how to load and reload the weapon, how to aim, and spend a few minutes shooting makeshift targets. If I had it my way, I’d drill her on everything she learned until I was one hundred percent confident she’ll be able to hold her own, but I can tell she’s practically dead on her feet by midday.

“You did good,” Bec praises as we walk back toward camp.

Delilah smiles weakly. “Thanks. You’re a good teacher.”

Bec bows at the waist with a sarcastic flourish, which makes me roll my eyes.

We make it back to my tent, and Delilah grabs her spare change of clothes and some toiletries. “I need a bath.”

“You remember how to get to the pond?” Bec asks her.