“So, Uncle Vlad thinks you’re ready to start training with new stuff, right?”
“Yeah. I got the upper hand on him twice yesterday. That was a first, but he says I’m doing really well.”
“That’s great, Sam. Maybe you’ll be as good as my mom one day,” Sorina says with a hint of amusement in her voice.
“No one’s as good as your mother,” Blake mumbles.
“Ain’t that the truth,” Samuel says.
I open my eyes and sit up. Samuel has a five o’clock shadow and, for the first time, doesn’t resemble a young kid. His biceps are thicker, more defined, and the muscles in his legs flex as he shifts to grab one of the picnic baskets.
“You took what I said seriously?”
“Of course,” he says confused. “I want to be an asset here, and if something happens, I need to be able to protect Sorina. Only being able to use guns won’t cut it.”
“True. Well,” I say, getting to my feet and stepping off the blanket. “Let’s see what you’ve learned.”
His eyes dart from Sorina to Blake. “Ma’am . . . the doctor said—”
“Yeah, I know what the doc said and what my fiancé said. Now, get up off your ass and come over here. Let’s see what you’re made of.”
Hesitantly, he gets to his feet and moves about two feet in front of me. His hands tremble at his sides.
“Samuel, are you nervous because I’m injured?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t be. At my worst, I’m still better than most. Show me what you got.”
Without warning, he swings with a right hook and I barely duck under it. Spinning around him, he twists and misses me with a kick by inches. He’s quicker than I expected. My fists flash out in rapid succession, aiming for his face and ribs in alternation until he underestimates a swing and I land a jab on his right side.
He clutches his side and stumbles back with a gasp. “Shit, you hit harder than I thought you would.”
I raise my eyebrow and dart forward, sweeping my right leg toward his feet. He jumps over my foot as I spin completely around and lands a right hook into my cheek. I curl up on one knee, holding the side of my face. A moment later, his hand presses onto my shoulder gently.
“I— I’m sor— “
I reach up and grab his wrist, spinning into a standing position and kick his leg out. He falls to his knees as I grab his hair and yank back, fully exposing his neck.
“If you were an enemy, I’d have already slit your throat. Don’t ever underestimate your opponent. If they fall down, make sure they stay down.”
I let go of his hair and he stands, turning to face me, his face devoid of color.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Other than that, you did wonderfully. That speed will be your advantage. Keep training though. The more you know, the more likely you are to live another year.”
I strut over to Blake and sink down between his legs, again, wincing as a sharp pain shoots through my back.
“That’s what you get for showing off,” he chuckles.
Samuel sits down, smiling, his leg barely touching Sorina’s knee.
“Once she’s fully healed, have her spar with Uncle Dresden. I hear that’s a real show,” she says giggling.
“She and Rhett are pretty fun too,” Blake laughs.
I can’t help but chuckle, remembering the display we gave the day I met Blake. That memory seems like it’s from ages ago.