Off With His Head

26. Bring it on, little girl

The next morning, I arrive at the training grounds early, determined to outrun my frustration. It had been a terrible, sleepless night. My mind wouldn't stop spinning with the revelation of my parents being Hunters and no matter how many times I tried to close my eyes and forget, I couldn't escape the thoughts and memories that ploughed their way through my brain.

How many times did I beg them not to go? How many times did I watch them leave and wish they would stay? How many times did they tell me how important their work was and that part of their business was travelling the world and making sales?

Far, far too many.

Why did I never even question their jobs? I believed everything they ever told me, but looking back now, I can see just how naïve I was. I grew up with nannies instead of parents, people who I barely knew had to look after me. All the missed birthdays and Christmases, the important milestones that I had to face without my mum and dad, were all based on lies.

Okay, maybe I am bitter about it. But I allow myself a free pass for now, resentment doesn't disappear over-night and the harsh sting of betrayal will heal eventually. I just need some time to get over it.

But, as soon as I walk into the training room, I can tell I'm not going to get it. My mother is sitting in one of the chairs in the far corner, her hands folded on her lap, her back poker straight as she watches the door.

"Peyton." As soon as I enter, she gets up and starts towards me. "I am sorry."

I take a step back from her and prepare for the confrontation. I hadn't wanted it, but now that she's right here in front of me, I can't stop the words that leap from my mouth. "For what? Lying to me? Keeping things from me? Constantly abandoning me to go on missions?"

"No." She shakes her head quickly. "I stand by those decisions. I'm sorry for telling you that you can't be a Hunter. I had a long talk with Lideri after you left last night. He says you're a natural. That's extremely high praise coming from him."

"He did?" I ask incredulously, my anger with her momentarily forgotten. I can't believe that Lideri would ever say anything nice about me.

"Yes. But Peyton, I stand my ground on this. I don't want this life for you. It's hard, lonely and dangerous. Your father and I are lucky enough to be a team."

Immediately, I think of Zach's ocean eyes and reluctant smile, of Caleb's messy hair and easy smirk. "I have a team," I argue.

"Yes and I can see that the one boy has a soft spot for you. Zach, was it?"

I almost snort at the ridiculousness of her question. "No way. Maybe you're thinking of Caleb." Although, after last night, I'm more confused than ever about my feelings for Caleb. I'm still angry that he kept such a huge secret from me. I understand that he had to, but that doesn't make the realisation any easier to swallow.

"Possibly." She frowns in thought. "Is there something there? Do you want to talk about it?"

"No offense, mum, but I'm still mad at you. So no, I don't want to talk boys with you. In fact, I don't really want to talk to you in general right now. Besides, don't we have more important things to focus on at the moment?"

"I just wanted a nice, normal moment with my daughter." She shrugs, completely disregarding my remark about not wanting to talk to her.

"You want a nice moment?" I widen my stance and raise my fists, eager for an outlet for my anger. "Let's train."

"Darling, I'm not going to fight you." She crosses her arms over her chest and looks me up and down. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"What's the matter, mum?" I goad her, my irritation with her fuelling my words. "You scared?"