Something to Prove

I

Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

"Hey Zack, the goal of this exercise is to drive the knife through the target, not just simply hit it," I mutter.

The clatter of knives hitting the floor makes me look up at him. He's running his hand through his cropped brown hair and his dark green eyes are filled with frustration.

"I'm trying Skylar," he grumbles, folding his arms across his chest. "What the hell am I doing wrong?"

I stand with a sigh and pick up one of the knives. "You have to follow through." With a quick flick, I send the knife flying straight into the center of the target. "Just like that."

"That's my girl," a deeper voice says from the doorway. I look over and see my dad standing there with his hands in the pockets of his black suit. I give a small smile instinctively. "Come on Skylar, we have to leave soon."

I nod and begin walking to the door, but not before I turn around and point my finger at Zack. "Keep practicing." He gives a small nod as he reaches down to pick up the rest of the knives.

My dad is one of the most powerful people I know. He's the leader of a gang, the golden serpents. His dark hair, dark eyes, and hard facial features make it easy for him to strike fear into those who are against him, and even those who work for him. He's always got a passive expression etched on his face, and the only time he breaks it is when he's with me.

I was born 19 years ago to Trey and Andrea Morris. Generation after generation there have only been boys in my family. My great great great great grandmother was the last girl to be born into the Morris bloodline, until May 23, 1998, which is when Skylar Jay Morris was born, breaking the all male bloodline.

My father couldn't have been happier, and I know how much he adored me the second I was born, but he needed a son to be able to take over as the boss when he isn't fit to do the job anymore. Sadly, two years after I was born, my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and it wasn't until I was seven that she passed away.

Trey Morris was left with a young daughter and the grief over his wife. Worst of all, he was left without a son. One easy fix would be for him to simply remarry, but my father never found another woman like my mother, she was one of a kind.

So it's just me and him, and a mansion full of members. This is my family and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

"What are you thinking about?" Dad asks from beside me.

I glance over at him before shrugging slightly. We talk about my mom a lot and Dad has enough on his mind as it is with this meeting.

"Just the dinner," I reply simply.

He smiles at me with his perfectly straight and white teeth, dimples hinting on his cheeks. "I have never lost a sale when I have you by my side, you must be my good luck charm." I smile sheepishly. "Now go get ready, we leave in half an hour."

"Yes sir," I say and turn to go up to the flight of stairs leading to the third floor as Dad goes down the set to the first.