Part 2Leeching My Talent

The entire squad was already drunk on the fantasy of discovering a hidden tactical genius.

"Bella, you have never touched a firearm in your life, and you didn't even flinch. Riley comes from a family of elite marksmen, and she literally cried the first time she fired a gun."

Surrounded by a chorus of aggressive flattery, Bella was practically floating.

"I really don't know what to tell you guys. What is the difference between scanning a bag of chips and pulling a trigger? Maybe Riley is just a little too pampered and delicate."

Not a single guy on the squad cared about the blatant insult she just hurled at me. They were all talking over each other, demanding that Connor recruit Bella onto the team immediately.

Connor's face was plastered with absolute pride.

That was when I stepped forward.

"Captain. Bella has exceptional accuracy, but she has absolutely zero physical conditioning or field training. Throwing a civilian straight into live wilderness operations is a massive liability. She won't know how to move with the unit."

In my past life, Bella joined the squad midway through the season. Her stamina was pathetic, and her survival instincts were nonexistent.

Aside from stealing my shooting skills, her only contribution to the team was constantly dragging us down and putting lives at risk.

I suggested she go through basic physical conditioning first. But Bella immediately twisted it, crying to the squad that I was purely jealous. She convinced them I wanted her gone so I could keep all the glory for myself.

Because of that, Connor stripped me of my sniper designation. He forced me to become Bella's personal pack mule, carrying her heavy rifle and tactical gear through miles of treacherous terrain just so she wouldn't get tired.

This time, the trap hadn't been sprung yet. If Connor had a shred of actual leadership in him, he would know better than to throw an untrained civilian into the deep woods.

Hearing my logic, Connor hesitated.

Bella saw him wavering and immediately turned her crosshairs on me.

"Riley, I promise I won't try to steal your spotlight. Please, just give me a chance to change my life. Please?"

She covered her face with her hands, letting out pathetic little sobs.

"I know I'm just a nobody cashier. I don't have a rich military pedigree like you do. But is it a crime to be born poor?"

I kept my voice dead level, refusing to take the bait.

"That is not what I said. Wilderness rescue means navigating cliffsides, ravines, and highly aggressive predators. One wrong step gets people killed. We cannot risk the lives of the team or the victims just to let you play soldier."

But Connor's expression only darkened with every word I spoke.

"That is enough, Riley! So what if you've held a rifle longer than she has? Stop acting so damn superior. We get it, you've never had a casualty on your watch. Do you want a gold star?"

The words caught in my throat. I suddenly remembered that years ago, Connor's personal negligence on a mission had cost one of our teammates their life. He had just weaponized his own guilt against me.

"I am making the call right now. Bella is the new primary marksman for this unit."

A ripple of shock went through the squad.

"Captain, if Bella is taking the lead shooter spot, what happens to Riley?"

Connor's tone left zero room for argument.

"She just got outperformed by a girl who has never touched a gun before. What right does she have to hold the title? Riley will act as Bella's support element and carry her gear."

The gavel had fallen.

A few guys looked slightly worried about Bella's lack of experience, but since the captain had made it an official order, they just clapped her on the shoulder and offered congratulations.

Seeing that her scheme worked perfectly, Bella couldn't hide her twisted grin.

"Connor, does that mean we get to be partners for the rescue op this afternoon?"

Connor stumbled back slightly as she threw her arms around his neck, shooting a rapid, guilty glance in my direction.

"Don't be crazy, Bella. Riley is standing right here. I can't pair up with you."

Bella rested her chin on Connor's shoulder, her eyes locked onto mine, dripping with pure provocation.

"Riley, you wouldn't say no to us teaming up, right?"

I didn't even blink. "Absolutely not."

Her face instantly morphed into a mask of deep, agonizing hurt.

"Riley, I just want to team up with Connor so we can save lives. It is purely professional. Why does your mind always have to go to such dark, toxic places?"

Connor looked at me like a stranger, his eyes full of disgust.

"Bella's only focus is saving people in danger. Why is your mind so filthy, Riley?"

Even the rest of the guys chimed in, fully convinced I was acting out of bitter jealousy.

"If your aim sucks, go to the range and fix it. Spreading trashy rumors about another girl just makes you look pathetic."

"Connor goes to her supermarket to hang out all the time, and you never threw a fit before. You're just pissed she took your crown, Riley."

A stampede of absolute rage thundered through my skull.

"I said absolutely not, because she cannot walk into a live rescue operation looking like that." I gestured coldly at her outfit.

"She needs properly fitted tactical gear. People project their own insecurities onto others, Bella. Out in the field, there is a lot more to learn than just how to start romantic rumors."

Bella ground her teeth together.

"Right. Because when it comes to actual marksmanship, you clearly have absolutely nothing left to teach me."