No Going Back

xvii

"I was 17 when Carter and Daniel came to take my sister and I. At the time, we were troublemakers and our parents didn't know what to do with us."

I nodded not daring to interrupt as Elijah began telling me his story.

"Isabelle and I had no clue as to what was going on, and back then the choice to kind of leave and start over was tempting."

"So we thought about it and we both agreed that leaving our parents would be better for them since we only ever seemed to cause problems for them."

I watched as he had this sad look on his face but he soon replaced it with a forced smile. "But coming here benefited us greatly, everyone here has been apart of our lives and they're truly amazing."

I smiled at him, thankful that he was willing to share his story with me or well most of it.

He stood up and stretched, "Well we should head down before they think we're doing something."

My face heated up as he winked at me playfully. I could only nod and follow him downstairs to where no one was in sight.

Confused I walked into the kitchen, seeing Carter, Daniel, Nathan, and Veronica sitting down looking at some papers.

"What's up guys?" I asked curious to know why they all looked so confused.

Carter just shook his head, "Nothing you need to worry about Val."

I shrugged jumping up to sit on the island counter. "So what are we doing today Carter?"

Carter smirked at me, as if he was hiding something. "What?" I asked cautiously.

"I won't be able to train you today, however Elijah here is going to train you." As he finished speaking my pulse sped up.

HOW IN THE BLOODY HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO CONCENTRATE AROUND HIM?!

"Alright, well let's get started then." Elijah chirped making me gap at him.

"I still have an hour." I hadn't even realized that Elijah and I have been talking for the past hour.

Elijah just shook his head at me. "Nope, not if I'm training you."

I sent a glare to Carter who smiled sweetly at me as if he did nothing wrong.

₩₩₩

"Again." Elijah ordered as I glared at him.

"I'm trying!" I turned to look at him unsticking the hair from my face due to the amount of sweat.

I woke up at eight this morning, we began at nine, and it's currently 3:45. So we've been at this for about seven hours and so far I've been failing at everything but using Chinese Ring Daggers.

"Not hard enough, now again!" He shot back causing me to glare at him before turning back towards the tree.

I raised the bow once more, pulling the arrow back and making sure to keep my elbow straight. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath before releasing the arrow and watching as it hit the mark.

Of course there wasn't enough of an impact for it to stick to the tree but hey, I still did it!

I let out a cheer, turning to face an impressed looking Elijah. "Congratulations, but trust me it's going to only get harder."

I groaned in annoyance causing him to chuckle lightly. "But for now that's all. Go on inside and relax."

Smiling happily, I handed back the bow and arrow to Elijah before running inside.

Abruptly I couldn't help but stop when I noticed Nat sitting at the table reading a book.

Gathering the courage, I decided to talk to her. "Hi."

Her head snapped up to mine, her eyes hardened as she met my gaze. "Do you need something?"

I was appalled at how rude she could be, when I didn't do anything. Did I?

Walking up to her, I wasn't going to back down. "Okay who bit you in the ass this morning? Honestly, because I sure as hell didn't do anything to you."

She huffed, slamming closed her book. "Now you've ruined my afternoon." She attempted to leave but I pushed her back down onto the chair.

"No. What's with you? I didn't do anything to you and you giving me these glares, is only going to cause problems for yourself." I crossed my arms and she just laughed.

"Well it's nice to know you can stick up for yourself now." I froze, what? "That's right we know about how you used to be weak before your cousin helped you."

She stood up, and leaned closer to my ear. "And if you think Elijah will ever go for someone like you, then you're mistaken."

I looked to the kitchen door that lead outside to see Elijah walking to the door.

I let out a humorless laugh. "And if you think you can hurt me somehow, then trust me Nat you're wrong."

We now up in one another's face and I was ready to sock her. "You don't want me as an enemy." She started but I cut her off.

"And you don't want me as one."

The sound of the door opening made us take a couple steps back. "What's going on?"

"Nothing." We both replied before she went back to reading and I left the kitchen.

Walking up the stairs, it was then that I realized how tired I actually was. Ever so slowly, I walked to my room and pushed open my door to see Veronica and Nathan talking.

"Hey guys." I waved while yawning before plopping down onto my bed tiredly.

Nathan walked over to me, "Val we need to tell you something."

He sounded nervous, afraid even. I pushed myself onto my elbows and I smiled at him.

"Can we talk about it tomorrow? I'm really tired." He looked as if he was about to say something but Veronica cut him off.

"Yes, of course. Get some rest okay?" I sent her a thankful smile before letting my head hit my pillow.

A crunch could be heard but I knew it was only my mothers letter.

"Goodnight Val." Nathan whispered as he and Veronica exited the room.

"Goodnight."