The Former Marine

Chapter 97: Back to Basics: Derek at the Gym

The sun was shining brightly over Los Angeles that morning as Derek drove to his gym. He had started training a few people since settling in the city, and training had become a way for him to reconnect with his roots and the discipline he had learned during his years in the Marine Corps and MARSOC. Now, in addition to his public service career, Derek maintained the gym as a place where he could share his knowledge and help people achieve their own physical and mental goals.

As he pulled up to the gym building, he took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nostalgia and purpose. He knew that even though he was in a new chapter of his life, physical training was still an essential part of who he was. When he walked in, he was greeted by some of his regulars, who were stretching and warming up.

"Hey guys!" Derek greeted with a smile on his face as he set his bag down on the floor near the front desk.

One of the students, Mike, a young man in his thirties who had been training with Derek for a few months, stood up from the bench press.

"Hey, Derek!" Mike waved, sweating after finishing his set. "How was the interview with Joe Rogan? Man, I saw some clips, it was awesome!"

Derek smiled and patted Mike on the shoulder.

"It was a really cool experience, man. Joe's a great interviewer, so the conversation flowed naturally. But here, it's time to focus on the training. How's your progression going?"

Mike chuckled, still catching his breath.

"I can feel the progress. I've increased the weight on the bench press, but my cardio still needs work."

Derek nodded, always attentive to his clients' development.

"We'll take care of that. Conditioning is essential, not only for strength, but also for mental toughness. We're going to do some heavy circuits today. Are you ready?"

Mike laughed nervously, but nodded in agreement.

— Okay, yeah. But I'll definitely feel it tomorrow.

"That's the idea," Derek said with a wink. "Now, let's warm up."

As Mike and the other members began to warm up, Derek walked around the gym, taking in the surroundings. The gym was equipped with everything he believed was essential for high-performance training—free weights, machines, climbing ropes, punching bags, and a functional training area.

"Derek!" a familiar voice called.

He turned and saw Sarah, another regular, a young woman in her early twenties who had joined the gym to improve her physical endurance.

"Hey, Sarah! How are you today?" Derek asked as she approached.

"I'm ready for another intense workout," she said, tying her hair into a ponytail. "I'm starting to notice more strength in my legs, thanks to those squats you did."

Derek smiled, pleased with her progress.

"That's great to hear!" Let's stick with the plan, and you'll see even more results soon. Today, let's kick it up a notch, okay?

Sarah nodded with determination, ready for the challenge.

As the workout progressed, Derek led his students through a high-intensity circuit of strength, agility, and endurance exercises. He encouraged them to stay focused, reminding them that physical training was as much about the body as it was about the mind.

"Five more reps, Sarah! You can do it!" Derek yelled, watching her as she focused on completing the squats.

"I'm not stopping!" she replied with determination.

After an hour of intense training, Derek took a break so everyone could hydrate and catch their breath.

"That's it, guys! You're doing a great job," he said as his students sipped water and regained their energy. "Remember, what you're doing here isn't just about your body. Each time they push a little harder, they are training their mind to overcome any obstacle.

As the pause continued, Sarah approached him, still breathing hard, but with a smile on her face.

"Derek, you really do keep us motivated. I never thought I could do this kind of training, but now I'm hooked."

Derek smiled warmly.

"That's the spirit. Progress is addictive, and you're already seeing results because you're dedicated. Keep it up and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve."

The morning continued with more training sessions, and soon it was time for the final class of the day. Derek was leading a conditioning session for a small group of amateur athletes who were preparing for mixed martial arts competitions.

As the athletes sparred in the training area, Derek watched them closely, correcting their postures, giving them strategy tips, and offering words of encouragement.

—"Remember, it's all in the details," he told one of the fighters, who was practicing a sequence of moves. "Control your breathing, keep your eyes on your opponent, and never underestimate the impact of a good base."

At the end of the session, as everyone stretched and prepared to leave, Derek approached one of the fighters, Alex, who had been training with him for a few weeks.

"Alex, you're improving," Derek said sincerely. "Your reflexes are quicker, and your technique is getting sharper."

Alex, still breathing hard, looked at Derek gratefully.

"Thank you, Derek. Training with you is taking me to a level I never thought possible."

Derek nodded, satisfied.

"That's what it's all about. You're pushing yourself to be better every day. And that's something that goes beyond the mat. Keep it up."

As the students said their goodbyes, Derek stayed in the gym for a few minutes, setting up his equipment and reflecting on the day. The connection he had with his clients and the way he was able to help them push themselves beyond their limits gave him a sense of purpose.

When he finally left the gym, the sun was starting to set. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air, and thought about how his life had changed in the past few months. From being a special forces operator to a public figure and now a trainer again, Derek felt at peace with the path he was on.

When he got home, he was greeted by Kylie's smile and hugs from Stormi and Aire, who ran into his arms.

"How was your day at the gym?" Kylie asked curiously as he sat down on the couch next to her.

"It was great," he replied with a smile. "I love being able to go back to my roots and share some of the things I've learned. It feels good, you know?"

Kylie nodded, understanding what he meant.

— And it's amazing to see how you can make a difference in people's lives, no matter where you are.

Derek kissed Kylie's forehead and looked at Stormi and Aire, who were now playing on the floor.

— Yes, and that's what keeps me motivated. Making a difference, whether it's in the gym, in my personal life, or in the world out there.

And with that, Derek felt prepared to face whatever challenges the future might bring, knowing that he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

Chapter 98: "Supermodels at Boot Camp"

It was a sunny morning in Los Angeles, and Derek was setting up the gym, preparing it for the next workout. The place had become a meeting point for those who sought more than just a physical workout, but a space where discipline and intensity met. However, today promised something special.

Kendall had mentioned the day before that she would be bringing some friends for a workout session. Although Derek was used to having clients of all types, training a group of famous supermodels would be something new. He was curious to see how they would handle the intense training style he applied at the gym.

A little after 9 a.m., the gym door opened, and Kendall walked in accompanied by her friends, all renowned supermodels. Among them were Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls, all dressed in high-quality workout clothes, ready to take on the challenge.

"What's up, Derek?" — Kendall waved, a confident smile on her face. — I brought the heavy team today!

Derek smiled as he watched the group approach.

— Good morning, girls. Are you ready to really sweat? — he asked, crossing his arms and watching them with a defiant expression.

Gigi laughed, looking at Kendall.

— Kendall warned us that you work hard, but we're ready. Just go easy on us... or not, right? — she joked.

— Well, you didn't come here just to take selfies, right? — Derek replied with a smile. — Let's start with a warm-up, and then we'll see how you do.

The supermodels spread out across the workout area, starting their warm-ups under Derek's guidance. As he walked past them, watching their movements, he realized that although they were used to keeping in shape, they had no idea the level of intensity he would bring to this workout.

— Let's start with something basic — Derek said, as he prepared the weights and battle ropes. "I want to see you all doing quick circuits of squats, box jumps, and light weights. Nothing too heavy, just to warm up your muscles."

Kendall, who was already used to Derek's training style, took the lead, starting to do the exercises with ease. Gigi and Bella soon followed, with Joan and Karlie watching closely to make sure they were doing the movements correctly.

"That's it, good pace!" Derek encouraged, as he watched them complete their first sets. "Remember to keep your form, and take deep breaths. We're just getting started."

"If this is just the warm-up, I'm starting to regret coming," Karlie joked, as she finished her set of box jumps.

"Trust me, Karlie," Kendall said, already sweating. "It'll be worth it in the end. Derek knows what he's doing."

With the warm-up complete, Derek knew it was time to step things up a notch.

"Okay, guys, now let's get into the real workout," he announced. "I want to see you do battle ropes, followed by burpees, and then finish with kettlebell swings. It's going to be an intense circuit, but that's what you're here for."

Joan, who was used to working out with personal trainers in New York, smiled determinedly.

"Come on, girls. We don't give up that easily."

The workout began, and the intensity quickly increased. Battle ropes whipped across the floor with force as the supermodels pumped up all their energy. The sound of kettlebells swinging and burpees being completed echoed through the gym.

Bella, who was standing next to Gigi, struggled to keep up the pace, but she wasn't giving up.

"This is definitely harder than it looks," Bella said breathlessly.

"That's where the magic is," Derek replied, walking past them. "The challenge is mental. You've got the strength, you just have to stay focused."

Kendall, who was always in excellent shape, led the group, encouraging her friends.

"Come on, girls! Faster! Don't stop now!"

Sweat was pouring down their faces, but their competitive spirit kept them moving. It was a unique sight: famous supermodels, accustomed to runways and high-profile photo shoots, now immersed in an intense and brutal workout, determined to prove that they could face any challenge.

Derek watched with admiration and respect. He knew this workout wasn't easy, but the models were exceeding expectations.

"Great job, guys!" Derek shouted, as they finished the last set of the circuit. "Now, just one more round!"

Gigi looked at him with an expression of mock surprise.

"One more? Are you trying to kill us, Derek?"

"Nothing like that, Gigi," he replied with a smile. "I'm just showing you how strong you can be. And you're doing great, by the way."

With the last few reps completed, Derek finally gave them a break. The supermodels sat on the floor, breathing heavily and trying to catching her breath.

"I knew it was going to be hard, but that was insane," Joan said, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

"I think I understand now why Kendall is always so fit," Gigi added, throwing her head back as she caught her breath.

Kendall, still panting, smiled and winked at Derek.

"I told you Derek's training is something else. He doesn't go easy on anyone."

Derek laughed and walked over to the group, extending his hand to help the girls up.

"You guys were amazing today. Not everyone can handle a workout like that, especially the first time. I'm impressed."

"I don't know if I'll be able to walk tomorrow, but it sure was a good workout," Karlie said, accepting the help to get up.

"Well, I hope you guys come back more often," Derek said sincerely. "Progress doesn't happen overnight, and you have the potential to improve a lot." The supermodels laughed, still recovering from the effort, but they were already beginning to feel the positive impact of the workout.

"We'll definitely be back," Bella said, still breathing deeply. "But next time, we'll have to prepare our minds before facing you again, Derek."

"You're always welcome," he replied, with a smile. "And next time, maybe we'll increase the challenge even more."

With the workout over, the models took a few photos together, including one with Derek, to record the experience. It wasn't every day that they faced such an intense workout, and they wanted to remember the moment, even if it would be a painful reminder the next day, when muscle pain inevitably set in.

As they said goodbye, Kendall approached Derek.

"Thanks for today, Derek. You were amazing with them, and I think I learned a little more too."

"It was a pleasure, Kendall. And you're always improving, so keep it up."

With a satisfied smile on his face, Derek watched as Kendall and her friends left the gym. He knew there was something powerful about sharing your passion for fitness with others, and this particular group had proven that no matter what your profession, anyone could rise to a good challenge.

And so another day passed at Derek's gym, where physical and mental strength continued to be forged, one intense workout at a time.

Chapter 99: "A Surprise for My Little Stormi"

February 1st had finally arrived, and the house was filled with an air of anticipation. Derek woke up early, before everyone else, determined to create a special moment for Stormi, his "little girl," as he affectionately called her. Although a big party was planned for later, with Kylie's entire family and even Travis Scott confirmed to be there, Derek wanted the day to start on a special note, just between him and Stormi.

With a plan in mind, Derek headed down to the kitchen. Dressed in his usual black t-shirt and sweatpants, he began making breakfast. But this would be no ordinary breakfast, he was determined to create something that Stormi would love. Knowing that the little girl loved rainbow pancakes, he set aside a bowl for each color, mixing the batter and carefully adding the food coloring.

As he waited for the batter to rise, he stared out the window, watching the sun begin to light up the house. Smiling, he began to decorate the table with balloons, flowers, and some toys he had hidden for that morning. Moments later, Kylie appeared in the kitchen, still sleepy-eyed, wearing a robe.

"Good morning," she said, smiling at Derek's effort. "What are you up to?"

Derek turned around, his face lit up with excitement.

"I want to make something special for Stormi before everyone arrives. A surprise breakfast just for her, you know? Something she can remember forever."

Kylie smiled, touched by the attention and affection Derek showed her. "You're amazing, Derek. She's going to love this."

Derek shrugged modestly, but the smile on his face showed how happy he was to do this.

"I'm going to finish the pancakes. Can you go wake up the birthday girl?"

Kylie nodded and went upstairs to Stormi's room. The little one was still snuggled in her bed, covered in her colorful sheets. Kylie approached softly, stroking her daughter's hair.

"Happy birthday, my princess," she whispered.

Stormi slowly opened her eyes, blinking to adjust to the morning light. Her face, still sleepy, soon lit up with a smile.

"Is it my birthday already, Mommy?"

"Yes, my love. And Derek has a surprise for you downstairs. Are you ready?"

Stormi's eyes widened with curiosity, and she quickly stood up, running towards the stairs.

"What is it? What is it?" she cried as she came downstairs, her curls bouncing.

Derek was standing next to the table, holding a plate full of colorful pancakes decorated with whipped cream and fruit. When he saw Stormi enter the kitchen, he smiled and opened his arms.

"Happy birthday, my baby girl!" Derek said, his voice warm.

Stormi ran to him and hugged him tightly, squeezing him around the waist.

"Thank you, Derek!" Did you make this for me?

"Of course I did!" he replied, crouching down to her level. "Today is your day, and I wanted to start it off in a special way, just the two of us. What do you think?"

Stormi looked at the table, her eyes shining with happiness.

"I love it! Rainbow pancakes! And balloons!"

Derek picked Stormi up and placed her in a specially decorated chair positioned in the center of the table.

"Now, Miss Stormi, are you ready for the best breakfast ever?" he asked theatrically.

"Yes!" Stormi replied, nodding enthusiastically.

Derek began serving the pancakes, placing a large stack on her plate as Kylie watched with a smile. He made sure everything was perfect—a drizzle of syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and some cut-up fruit for garnish.

"Here you go, birthday girl. I think you'll like it," Derek said, handing her the plate.

Stormi picked up her fork and, grinning from ear to ear, took her first bite.

"Delicious!" she exclaimed, her mouth full.

Derek laughed, and Kylie leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"You really know how to spoil our little girl," she said, stroking Derek's arm.

"She deserves it," Derek replied, kissing her back.

As Stormi happily ate, Derek watched her with a deep sense of happiness. He wasn't just a stepfather; he loved this little girl as if she were his own daughter. And in that moment, he realized how much his life had changed, how much he valued being with Kylie, Stormi, and Aire.

After breakfast, Derek had one more surprise in store for Stormi. He left the kitchen for a moment and came back holding a box wrapped in a pink bow.

"This is for you, my love," he said, handing her the gift.

Stormi took the box with curious and eager eyes, quickly tearing off the wrapping paper. Inside, she found a huge dollhouse, decorated with details that made her eyes shine even more.

"It's a giant dollhouse!" she exclaimed, jumping for joy.

"Did you like it?" Derek asked, smiling when he saw her reaction.

"Yes! I loved it! Thank you, Derek!" Stormi ran to hug him again, her joy overflowing.

"I'm glad you liked it. Now we can play with it before your big party, how about that?" he suggested.

Stormi nodded enthusiastically and started to arrange the dolls in the new house, while Kylie watched the scene with an expression of love and gratitude.

"You really are an amazing father to her, Derek," Kylie said, approaching and hugging him from behind.

"She made me a better person," Derek replied, looking at Stormi tenderly. "I couldn't ask for anything more than that."

After playing with the dollhouse for a while, the clock was already showing the end of the morning, and it was time to start getting ready for the big party. Kylie's house was about to be overrun with family and friends, but Derek knew that this time alone with Stormi, before all the hustle and bustle, was what really mattered.

While Kylie began to set up the party, Derek and Stormi spent the rest of the morning together, playing and laughing, creating memories that he knew they would both cherish forever. By the time the afternoon rolled around and the first guests began to arrive, Stormi was beaming, excited to share her day with everyone.

"Thank you for everything today," Kylie told Derek, holding his hand as the guests began to settle in.

Derek smiled, watching Stormi play with the first gifts she had ever received.

"Always. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you guys."

And with that, February 1st became an unforgettable day in Stormi's life not just because of the party, but because of the love and affection she received from Derek, her family.

New stories in my Patreon 

This story is already complete there 

[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07 

Just replace the @ with an a