Sweet Redemption: The Morningstar Series Book 3
Sweet Redemption Chapter 22

Minutes later we're both dressed, and running out the door. Thankfully Ahkari and I are the same size shoe, and I was able to borrow a pair of tennis shoes from her.

I followed behind Ahkari as we rushed to the school. Ahkari entered, and weaved her way through the halls. I know she grew up here, but this place this like a damn maze. Finally, we came up to a set of double doors. Ahkari pushed one open, and held it as I walked through. We entered into a large gymnasium. It looks just like any other school gym. A group of kids, maybe 30 in total, sat on the floor. In front of them were large blue mats. All of them turned their heads up as we walked in. Heat traveled to my face.

The teacher that was waiting with them crossed her arms, and tapped her foot in irritation. Ahkari walked past me, and to the group of kids. I followed behind quietly. "Hey guys!" She greeted, and then turned to the teacher who's glaring at us. "You can go. I got it from here." Ahkari told her.

The teacher rolled her eyes, and mumbled something under her breath as she left. Honestly the disrespect she showed my mate had me more pissed off than it should. What the hell is her problem?

"Sorry I kept you guys waiting." Ahkari addressed the class. "I brought a friend with me I hope that's okay with you guys. This is Bianca." She introduced me.

A kid with chocolate skin, and purple eyes raised his hand.

"Yes Emery?" Ahkari called on him.

I was surprised that she knew his name.

Does she do this often?

"Where is Ambrose?" The kid asked.

"He had an emergency." She told them, and an audible sigh sounded from the crowd.

Ahkari smiled, trying to hid her laughter.

"Awh, I thought you guys missed me." She said to them.

"I did Ahkari!" Called out a red haired girl.

She stuck her nose in the air, and crossed her arms.

"Boys are stupid, and unfortunately your brothers are no exceptions." The little girl stated nearly making me snort.

Oh I like her.

A dark haired boy with forest green eyes turned to glare at her. He opened his mouth, but quickly shut it. His head turned back to the front of the class. He's now glaring daggers at my mate.

"Karla," Ahkari addressed the girl calmly. "Not all of my brothers are stupid. Ambrose isn't. He's taught you guys a lot right?" She asked.

"I

I guess so." The girl replied. "But if that's true, then why did you bring a girl?" Karla asked making me choke on a snort.

Ahkari turned her amused eyes on me before looking back to the kids.

"I said boys aren't stupid, not that they're better fighters." Ahkari teased making the girls giggle, and the the boys grumble.

Laughing Ahkari asked, "What is the first rule we teach you in self defense class, or even offensive class"?

All of the kids hands shot up except for the dark haired boy who's still glaring at Ahkari.

"Axton."

The kids grumbled in annoyance from not being called on. Karla turned her head to the dark haired boy.

"Can you tell us?" Ahkari asked him.

The boy clenched his jaw, and then sighed.

"Do not underestimate your opponent." The boy said.

"Hmm, guess not all your brothers are stupid." Karla snickered.

I had to put my hand over my mouth to hide my amusement. Axton rolled his eyes, and crossed his arms. Now it makes sense why he was glaring at Ahkair, and why she called him out, and also his clear reluctance to be here. "Alright. I'm going to show you guys a few new moves with my partner here." Ahkari said gesturing to me.

She turned her body towards me.

"Do you want to be on offense or defense?" She asked me.

"Hmmm." I hummed, thinking. "Offense." I decided.

Ahkari smiled brightly at me. In the blink of an eye her face turned serious. She took a defesive stance, and I wasted no time attacking.

I gave my mate everything I had, and she took me down everytime. Ahkari is hands down the best fighter I have ever seen. It was impossible to land a blow on her.

Everytime she took me down she paused to explain what I did wrong to the class, or how she found my weak spots. Information I was also glad to have. I wonder if she could teach me more.

Finally after about 20 minutes of getting my a*s handed to me, Ahkari had the kids pair up. Apparently, they were assigned partners at the beginning of the year so that they didn't pair up with their friends.

"Would you feel comfortable watching them, and giving them tips?" Ahkari asked me. "We usually walk around, and correct their mistakes. I can take this half, but only if you're okay with that." She said. I smiled at her.

"I think I can handle that." I said.

Who am I kidding?

Fighting is definitely where I felt most comfortable, but kids are not my strong suit. I'm a s*x Demon, I don't do well with children. Although, I found myself completely at ease as I walked around correcting the kids. Each of them listened intently, and I watched as they applied my advice in their sparing. When I got to Karla and Axton I was surprised to see how lazy he was being.

"You aren't giving it your all." I commented to him.

"Yeah, no shit." He grumbled without looking at me.

"How is anyone supposed to excelle if you aren't giving it your all?" I asked him.

Axton turned his dark green eyes on me.

"If I give it my all, I could kill her." He said.

I gave him a curt nod.

"Fighting isn't just about defeating your opponent. Trianing definitely has a lot to offer. You say that if you gave it your all you could kill her. So, what you're really saying is that it's a challenge for you to hold back." I said. Axton gave me a confused look.

"MMayb, for you, training isn't about improving your strength, but learning to control it." I told him.

I waited for the realization to set in his eyes.

"Karla might not ever be able to beat you, but do you know what they say about strong opponents?" I asked them.

They both shook their heads.

"Even if you lose, you walk out stronger." I looked Axton in his eyes. "Take her down, kick her a*s, try not to break bones, or be too rough."

Then I looked at Karla.

"Defend yourself. No matter how many times you fall, get back up. Find his weak spots." I told her.

They nodded to me, and I took a few steps back to watch them fight. Axton did take Karla down every time but now he was trying to hold back. It's clear he was struggling not to use his full strength. Karla got back up over and over. Eventually she noticed the hesitation Axton had before he would hit her, and she used it. Finally, she landed a hit and apparently it was hard, because it sent him flying back.

I clapped my hands.

"You did it!" I told her.

Karla let out a surprised breath as she smiled back at me.

"I used my magic to make the hit more forceful. Ahkari did you see that!?" She practically screamed. "Your mate is so awesome Ahkari! She's a great teacher!" She boasted.

The moment Karla exposed that Ahkari and I are mates my face heated. Ahkari blushed as well, but she smiled, and cleared her throat. It didn't seem like anyone else was phased by that information other than her brother. "This is your mate?" He asked his sister.

"Okay, you guys are free for the day! Don't waste it. Keep working on your moves." Ahkari announced, dismissing the class.

Once everyone was gone she turned to her brother.

"We haven't told anyone yet, so keep it a secret." She said.

Axton's eyes moved between the two of us.

"I didn't know you were gay." Was all he said.

Ahkari gave him an annoyed look.

"Because I didn't tell anyone. So keep your mouth shut." She said.

Wait, she's still in the closet?

Axton rolled his eyes.

"Fine. Like I care anyways." He said. "But, maybe you guys should come out of the closet before Amory finds out." He smirked at us before turning to leave.

I turned to Ahkari.

"Who is Amory?" I asked.

"My little sister. She's the youngest of us all. She's 7, and can see the future. She will, uhm, out us if she finds out." Ahkari said.

I nodded to Ahkari. All of this is bugging me though. I couldn't stand to not know, so I decided to ask.

"Your family doesn't know you like girls?"

Ahkari shook her head.

"I.." She trailed off.

I held my hand up to stop her from trying again.

"You haven't came out yet. That's fine. People will find out eventually I guess." My voice came out slightly irritated.

I don't know why, but the fact that she hasn't told anyone irritates me. Was that the real reason behind her shyness? Because she was afraid to tell everyone?

I don't want to be closeted. It's almost worse than having a third mate.

"I have to go." I rushed out as I walked to the door.

Ahkari grabbed my wrist stopping me.

"Bianca-" She started, but I stopped her with a shake to my head.

"I don't care if you want to stay in the closet, but I don't like lying and hiding." I said.

I ripped my arm away from my mates hold, and stormed out.