Chapter 17

“Watch it,” Vin muttered jumping back, rubbing his head when Ran contacted a bit harder than either of them had expected.

“Sorry.” Ran waited until Vin had recovered then rushed him. Vin countered, the heel of his palm grazing Ran’s chin before he pulled it back. “I’d be on the ground, probably out cold, if he’d connected,” Ran said.

“Then there’s the joints,” Vin said, beckoning for Ran to attack. He did, tackling Vin to the ground. Before Vin could counter, Ran slid to the side, grabbed his arm, put his foot under Vin’s chin and placed pressure on Vin’s arm, twisting it at an unnatural angle.

“God damn it, Ran. Ease up,” Vin spat out. The second Ran did, Vin grabbed his hand, bending a finger back. “Any farther and I could break it,” he told Davie. “That would make him, or any attacker, think twice about doing anything more.”

“Now it’s your turn, Davie,” Ran said as he and Vin got to their feet. “Remember, Vin’s a friend, not a foe, so don’t go overboard.”