Page 38 of Dark Sold Mate

“Feet shoulder-width apart,” Rael instructed patiently. “Weight distributed evenly. Keep your knees bent a little in order to move at a high speed in any direction.

Elle was in the training yard at the back of the house, and she was watching Rael go through the defensive stance for the third time.

She tried to imitate his position but felt clumsy and out of place. Two days ago, she had requested this training, following her encounter with those girls.

She had to learn to protect herself in case she was trapped amongst people who could murder her without even lifting their eyebrows.

Although her odds of actually winning a battle against a shifter were virtually zero.

“Better,” Rael said, going round her. “Now, when somebody catches you from behind—” He quickly threw an arm round her shoulders, in a loose grip. Elle's heartbeat increased, but she had to concentrate on what he had taught her.

Stomp on his foot, drop your weight, twist out of the hold.

Elle executed the moves, and Rael released her immediately.

“Good,” his voice was warm with approval. “You're a fast learner.”

“I'm motivated,” Elle muttered in response.

Three days went by. They continued to train for two hours a day. Rael was tolerant, easy-going, not intrusive in any way, and he always clarified the rationale behind each approach. He reminded Elle of August with his quiet intensity and the ability to make her feel safe even as he taught her how to literally hurt someone.

She turned around as the sound of footsteps drew nearer. Javi came closer with two water bottles. He threw one of them to Rael and one to Elle.

“Thanks,” Elle accepted it, surprised.

Since the interrogation, Javi had been standoffish, obviously not comfortable with what he had done to push her that day. However, he had shown up to assist with her training the day before, showing Elle how to watch a shifter when they were about to strike by watching their body language.

“You are doing well,” Javi said grudgingly. “For a human.”

Elle raised an eyebrow. “Was that almost a compliment?”

“Don't let it go to your head.”

Despite herself, Elle smiled. Javi reminded her of the sharpness she had grown to develop. The sharp edges and defensive walls, but underneath was something softer.

“I would like to go over the escape methods once again,” Rael broke the silence.

The following hour was spent working through a number of scenarios. Breaking various types of holds. Identification of exits and escape routes in unknown spaces.

Elle's muscles burned, and sweat ran down her back, but she pushed through it. This was important. This is one of the things that she could take control of.

Rael finally announced a break, and Elle fell on the ground, puffing.

“You okay?”

Elle opened her eyes and saw her brother standing above her, looking worried. He had been watching from the porch.

“I'm fine,” she said, accepting his hand. August pulled her to her feet effortlessly. “Just tired.”

“You're pushing yourself hard.”

“I need to.”

August studied her face. “Can we talk?”

Elle tensed. Since he had arrived, they had been playing around, having a real conversation, and keeping it very shallow and harmless. However, she was aware that at some point, they would have to deal with the eight-year gap between them.

“Okay.”