Free The Raven Series 2 by J.L. Weil Page A

screwed.
    “When you say combat , are you talking Jackie Chan?” I couldn’t see myself as a fist fighter. I was more a hair puller.
    “You have got to learn both offensive and defensive moves if you are going to battle against hallows. They aren’t bound by the same laws of nature humans are. You need to learn to be faster, smarter, and lethal.”
    “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a ninja.”
    He grinned. “Not yet, Princess.”
    Grand.
    Like twilight, a serene silence descended between us. I have no idea how long we stood, leaning on the banisters, our arms brushed up against each other. An hour? Two? It didn’t matter, because I felt an internal harmony I’d been missing my entire life. And here it was beside me in a six foot two, darky and dreamy form. Moonbeams framed my face as I glanced over at Zane. Where I attracted light, he was all darkness. Shadows congregated around him, swathing him in midnight.
    “It’s late.” His voice broke the stillness, a trickle of his accent sneaking through. “I should go.”
    I nodded, because I was afraid if I opened my mouth, I would ask him to stay. And even more afraid he would say yes.
    As he turned to leave, a thought occurred to me. “Hey, what is the origin of your accent? I can’t figure it out and it’s driving me bonkers.”
    His poetic lips curved at the corners. “Is it now?”
    I didn’t know if I liked the troublesome look that flashed in his eyes, but my blood started to resonate. Then he was gone, leaving me wondering. Damn him .
    Friends my butt.

 
    Chapter 8
     
    Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. My alarm went off announcing my day of training perdition was about to commence. After a quick change of clothes and a trip to the bathroom, I jumped into my Jeep and headed to the Black Crow. Standing outside the seaside country club, I bit my lip, contemplating going home to binge watch Netflix with TJ.
    Since telling TJ he was leaving Raven Hallow, he pretty much gave me a wide berth, grunting at me if we passed in the hall. I think we were both avoiding each other. I had my reasons, and I could only assume he was still pissed at me.
    I shifted on my feet, squinting at the sun as I stared at the gray, weathered boards of the barn-like building. The Black Crow sign swung with the wind, its metal links squeaking as it moved back and forth. There was a distinct scent of salt in the air, and if I inhaled deeply enough, I could get a whiff of the freshly baked muffins from the bakery.
    “Thinking about ditching?” A deep voice murmured in my ear behind me.
    Ignoring the goose bumps skating down my neck, I gradually spun around. “At least I know you can’t read my mind.”
    A slow, wry smile teased Zane’s lips. “I’ll only come after you.”
    I stared up at him, the sunlight highlighting his striking features. “That won’t be necessary. So, is there like a secret underground lair?”
    Zane’s lips pursed. “Come on. I’ll show you.”
    “Lead the way.” I pivoted on my heel, following Zane. Inside, rustic beams were exposed across the vaulted ceilings. The place had a sort of beachy southern charm to it—rustic chic as my mom would have said. We walked past the bar area toward the back of the club where the employee offices were located. Although the Black Crow had plenty of history to see, I couldn’t take my eyes off Zane.
    His dark locks were windblown as if he’d been out working on the docks. The sleeves of the Black Crow T-shirt he was wearing were cut off, emphasizing the strength in his arms. Just as my thoughts started to stray to less than friendly thoughts about Zane, we came to a door with a keypad on the wall. The buttons lit up in neon red as he punched in a five-digit code. A series of clicks followed right before the door swung open to a narrow hallway.
    He held the door open for me. “There’s no need to be nervous,” he said as I passed by, brushing his arm.
    A thrill went through me. “I just don’t want to make a