YAKOV WENT TO WATCH THE girls at practice with the Lieutenants the next day. They all paused mid-strike when he entered, then set back into it. Today was staff practice. Kassie sat out, waiting her turn while the other three trained.

The petite brunette smiled at Yakov as he had a seat next to her. 'Good morning, Kassie. How are you?'

'Good. Just waiting my turn.'

A loud crack and thump made them both look up in time to see Cat stagger back, staff broken in two ...