an Everlasting Pursuit

thirty one

I stood facing Eliza, a grimace painted on my face. We were facing forward, waiting as Rio walked his way back to the front. I hope he felt the daggers I burnt into his back, the flames of vengeance licking at his skin. When he came to a stop and turned around, he surveyed the group.

"What are you standing around for? Find a space." He grunted.

Eyes narrowing one last time, I dismissed my cruel intentions and turned to find Eliza had already wandered off. Huffing, I marched my way after her, glad she took a spot that was fairly centred in the group. It meant we would be more hidden, and hopefully, I wouldn't feel the Alpha's eyes watching me so much.

"Ground rules." Rio's voice carried through the crowd. "No cheap shots, the first to be pinned for five seconds loses. You go on my command."

We all murmured agreement, and I dropped my head with understanding. Turning to Eliza, I braced myself. I didn't know much about fighting like this, but I had learnt enough self-defence whilst growing up, in case of the time I may need it. It was silly to think about, from an outsider's point of view, but I became too terrified. It came in handy a couple of times, but sometimes the fear would overpower me and I would succumb to his dirty touches or sharp hits. He was always stronger.

Darius didn't mind me going to the gym, in fact, he encouraged it to the point he built one at the back of the house for me. I knew it was because he preferred me slim, but I had a naturally wide rib cage and hips so couldn't help it. But with the aid of the gym and standard self-defence books, I learnt some moves and built some stamina to burn those pesky pounds. Most nights when I couldn't sleep, I was busy in the gym. I wasn't the best, granted, I could barely last a thirty-minute run on a treadmill or curl more than fifteen kilos... I was sure Eliza could do just as well, living here for way longer than me she must've had more personal training.

Squaring my shoulders, I felt my body ripple with building adrenaline. Eliza squatted slightly to one side, immediately telling me she was going to launch her leg first. She ran her eyes along my body, aiming to intimidate me, but I didn't care for the faux tactics. I didn't even want to be here in the first place!

As soon as the command go left Rio's mouth, Eliza swung for me. She faux punched with her left arm, hoping to distract me as she lifted her leg at the same time to kick me in the chest. I saw it coming, catching her by the ankle and pushing it down. She was left-handed. She grunted, stumbling as she caught her balance. Her eyes flared with recognition; she had expected me to go down straight away.

Staying in defence mode, I dodged and avoided most of her hits. I let my body take control, moving on its own accord as it saved itself from her sharp hits. She got a few punches in, using all four of her limbs in a coordinated manner. My rule number one; defend yourself and find their weakness.

By the time my agitation started to kick in, we were already breathing heavily. I dropped my stance a little as we circled each other. I let her catch her breath for a moment, more worn out than I was and wiped the sweat from my brow. So much for the breeze today.

A flicker of movement behind Eliza drew my attention away for a brief moment. Asra was circling groups, his hands behind his back as he scrutinised them. The split-second loss of eye contact was enough for Eliza to send a kick my way. My lungs whooshed with air as her foot connected with my jaw, my teeth slicing open the tender flesh of my lip.

I groaned, falling onto my ass as my head pounded with pain and white noise. Hands were suddenly on me, trying to force me to the floor. Eliza's perfume hit my nose but the overwhelming desire of winning took control. As her hands grabbed my shoulders to push me to the ground, I wrapped my own around her waist and flew myself backwards. Her face smacked against the dirt, her body crumpling on itself as a shriek of pain left her lips.