The girl who chased the moon

Chapter 10

"Bollocks!" I cursed quietly, realising I had no weapon. I stayed suspended in the branches, waiting to see if the would-be attacker would leave. They did not. 

Silent as a spectre, I climbed through the tree without a sound, not even rustling a branch. The person looked up and I ducked behind the large trunk. I realised by the silhouette it was a man, he was tall with broad shoulders, potentially strong, though if he was just human, chances were I was probably stronger. 

As he rounded the tree, a slid to the opposite side and landed like a crouching tiger onto the forest floor. I stalked him stealthily, and weighed him up. I could not tell much as he was wearing a cloak, however his steps were soft, meaning he was probably fast. My eyes scanned the forest floor for any kind of weapon, and landed upon a large branch lying beside a hedge. I extracted it carefully, making no noise. It was strong and I flexed it and it did not break. 

Feeling much more confident, I crept behind the man and watched his walk, judging his steps, I worked out where his lower legs were, and with no hesitation swung the branch at them. It worked. 

The man grunted and lay on the floor, seizing the opportunity, I swung again, aiming for his head but was too slow, he grabbed the branch with lightening speed and tossed it into the undergrowth. 

He jumped to his feet and growled, clearly annoyed. He lunged forwards, attempting to grab me, but I was too quick, diving out of reach and rolling along the floor in one fluid motion. As I leapt to my feet, a saw his face. 

It was bloody Daniel Snow. "You" I growled, launching into the air and kicking him squarely in the jaw. He staggered back and came towards me again with inhuman speed. I did not anticipate such a fast maneuver and he quickly had me pinned to the floor. I did not stay there long as I kneed him right in the bollocks, he doubled over and cursed me. I grinned and grabbed him by his thick hair, slamming his head against the base of a large tree trunk. "Beatrice, stop, listen to-"

He didn't get to finish as I punched him again, and looked for something to tie him up with. He took the opportunity to knock my ankles from under me, the move took me by surprise and he almost had me, but I flipped backwards and launched myself into a tree. I climbed up nibly and he followed hotly in pursuit. "Beatrice would you just bloody-" he began but again stopped as I darted out of reach, leaping into the next tree, my rough bark skinning my palms. "Bugger" I hissed, but climbed upwards before jumping back down onto the forest floor, tackling Snow. 

He twisted me and I landed heavily on my back, winded. My vision blurred and in seconds he was on top of me, my hands pinned above my head. I writhed and spat at him, my nails digging into his flesh as I attempted to break free. He ground his teeth and tightened his grip, my eyes watered but I blinked the tears away, refusing to cry, desperately trying to find an escape. The grapple continued for what seemed like forever until he went shooting backwards. 

My head whipped round, and stood behind me was a vengeful looking Carlisle. I sighed in relief and watched Snow struggle to his feet, his nose bleeding and his eyes fearful. "Go" said Carlisle. 

Snow made no move to back away and Carlisle sent out another wave of power. The trees shook and birds took to the sky in a frenzy. I scooted backwards behind him, and just like that, Snow backed away, disappearing into the trees. Once he had gone I let out the breath I had no idea I'd been holding. "Are you alright?" asked Carlisle. 

I nodded, "thanks"

Carlisle looked at my dishevelled appearance, "it's not like you to be beaten"

"I wasn't beaten! Another moment and I would have had him!" I defended, my slayer pride swelling. 

Carlisle chuckled but wisely said nothing. We walked back to the house in a comfortable silence, I finished my training in the orchard, despite being utterly exhausted and Carlisle watched on, though I had no idea why. I threw knives into the thin trunks of nearby trees, staked the straw-stuffed mannequins that had been placed in various positions. Around my neck the ring connecting me to Felix bounced lightly on the piece of leather lace I had wound it too.