Ruddy closed the door behind him and leaned against it. He’d thrown all of his energy into the contest, hoping to impress Cymber.

  And then Xeke had gotten all the attention.

  He could feel Xeke and Teri’s concern from here, but he walled them out. He didn’t want them to know how stupid he felt.

  I was an idiot to think I had a chance with Cymber anyway.

  Especially with Xeke around. It just wasn’t fair. Xeke was handsome and smart and good at everything. And now he’d proven he was stronger than Ruddy, too.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  “So maybe I can’t throw people around,” he muttered, pacing the room. “Let’s see Xeke take a bullet, or turn into a tiger.”

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “Ruddy?” Cymber said. “Is everything alright? We never got to finish our walk.”

  “I’m fine,” he said. He couldn’t face her right now. “I’m just worn out. I’m going to take a nap. I’ll see you at dinner.”

  “OK ... I’ll save you a spot.”

  He fell onto his bed. His mind was going in a million directions, but he forced himself to focus on maintaining a wall between himself and his friends.

  He knew what he had to do, and he knew they would try to stop him. It would have to be later tonight, after Teri was asleep.

  He wanted it perfect before he showed Cymber.