“Look Aldrich is my father. Alex was beaten by the one who raised her for a short while. She lived with a monster, a real Jekyll and Hyde, so she more than some of us knows the true meaning of torture. Most females would need years of counseling and therapy to get over the things she endured. Does she seem like a weak female to you? That girl has more cause than some of us in her.” Vivi explained calmly trying to diffuse the yelling that was about to ruin everyone’s day.
“When we found your daughter she was on the brink of death. He had done so much damage to her insides that even if her adoptive mother had come home at that moment and took her to a hospital she would have died. There was no hope for that child in the human hospital. We brought her back and when she opened her eyes a light was there. She welcomed this life with open arms. You should be proud that she has fight left in her after what was done to her. Most women would have hid from any kind of fight. Do you know it was her idea to form teams to go get the rest of these kids? The map worked in our favor however and we didn’t want to put the child at risk when the teams were formed. However, be proud of her and encourage her. What she doesn’t need is another controlling man in her life. She does not need a repeat of the other man that abused her and tried to control her decisions.” Alexi explained.
“They are right Max. If you go all protective on her now you will only push her away more. We have to let her be a woman now. She is not the little girl we left behind. She is a Dragon now and has her mate. She doesn’t need us to be the protective parents. She needs us to be encouraging ones, parents that allow her to make mistakes and learn from them. We need to teach her what we know stuff that maybe she doesn’t know yet. She got up and walked away because you made her mad so let’s get out there and see what she can do?” Laura said as she stood to go outside pausing to wait for her mate.
In the training room Alex was letting her frustration and anger out on Mateo. She had already taken out Donny and he was sitting watching her as he was slumped over exhausted. Max had followed Laura out and they both stood in the doorway watching their daughter. They knew Mateo was a human but he was different and they were unsure why. They watched as Mateo had two wooden sticks in his hands and so did Alex. The way they moved was like a dance, all fluid movements. The sticks were like an extension of their arms. It was a beautiful thing to watch.
Max walked over and asked if he could step in. Mateo said they would have to leave the sticks out if he was going to spar with her. Max agreed and he and his daughter stood face to face bare handed. Max swung and Alex ducked snagging his outstretch fist turning into him she flung his body on the mat. He grabbed her ankle and pulled her down but she managed to catch herself with her palms flat on the mat and pushed herself back up. Her father noticed and moved up into a crouching position. He went to lunge at her legs and she danced away from his grip. Max rolled and stood back up a little stunned he was surprised at her ability.
Max then lunged again with arms outstretched and Alex grabbed him again by one wrist flinging him down to the mat and put him in an arm bar. He tapped out and crawled over to where Donny sat completely spent.
“Don’t try to control what she does man, that only pisses her off. And then I have to pay the price of her anger. She is strong and has a strong will. Just be here for her when she needs.” Donny whispered to Max
“I think I understand that more now than I did before. I am sorry for that.” Max said aloud so Alex would hear his apology. He knew she heard by the slight nod she gave him as she took her place in front of Mateo once again.
Chapter 14
Training
Training went on as normal that afternoon except Donny and Alex went through the endurance training with her parents. They had apologized for their behavior and now wanted to learn. Oliver also helped his parents to learn what he had learned in the short time he was there. Quinn had seen the other two helping their parents and only thought it was right to join them. After all they had only been there about a week and were all in the same boat when it came to training, although Donny and Alex were already proficient in theirs.
Charles and Mateo knew they were going to have to come up with a game plan and soon. Time was not on their side and they knew they were not going to get the ones who had shown up in the last two weeks up to fighting capacity. They were going to have to do this in Dragon form and hone their abilities. Charles and Mateo had a quick meet and then planned to go over it with everyone at lunch.
Jaco had been a bit MIA since his conversation with Vivi a couple nights ago. He had gotten all that he needed. He also knew he was short on time so he and Shiloh kept what they were doing a secret and were in the woods just beyond the border setting everything up. He ran long sections of extension cords to the area and buried those in the ground so that no one would see them. He hid all the wires as best he could. Some of them were so well hidden that even he forgot where they were. He just hoped that the plan he had would work.
Before lunch Morgan and Quinn snuck off to feel if the sealant was dry. It was and so they painted on the lacquer and went to have lunch. As they walked from the woods they ran into Hunter and Clover and they explained that the tables would be done before dinner and they would be able to set them up before then. Morgan had an idea to get it done a little sooner and so she went to Finley and asked her if she could make the day a tad warmer. Finley agreed without any persuasion.
Charles watched as everyone ate lunch. Small groups were all around the area. Charles stood once he noticed that everyone was there.
“Can I have everyone’s attention please?” His voice boomed out around the area. “As you all know Mateo and I are the ones in charge of training. Well we have been talking about the upcoming fight and everything. We believe that it would be best for the ones that have just arrived and the ones that are still not proficient in at least one weapon should fight in their Dragon forms working the elements of their race. That is if you choose to fight.” Charles informed the crowd.
“If our children are in this fight then so are we. Alex kicked my ass and I know I can’t take on any of you. But I can do some damage while I am Dragon.” Max agreed
“I agree I feel more comfortable in my Dragon. I just need to hone my skills a bit more.” Hunter said
“You will also need to teach your son and his mate fighting skills in their Dragon forms. Anyone that can assist the newcomers with their Dragon skills would be much appreciated. We don’t know how long we have to train but the sooner the better.” Charles announced. “Start with defensive moves first and then protection. You all may stay within the border and use your skills from a distance.”
“Usually after training and lunch those that want to hone their Dragon skills in an area that best works for them. We won’t have a definite plan of action until we know where he is going to hit from. The forest is one area. I think the water will not be one as he knows we can control the outcome of that very easily. Also the farm land to the west is the best staging ground. It is open and flat and will have the most room. All I know is we got the ocean behind us the forest to the east the farm to the west and huge rock cropping between the only two roads that lead to this area. Most don’t use the road through the forest unless they know it well. We have taken precautions in the forest area but the farm land is quite hard to do anything with but watch. All we have there are weight and motion indicators to let us know when something really heavy rolls over it.” Kaiden informed the group.
Everyone paired off in groups and went to train on their Dragon skills once they were finished cleaning up. Claudia was the only one of the new comers that refused to give up and fight in Dragon form. Even though she had been held captive her fight was a furious fire inside of her. They killed her mate and took her son from her. Not to mention that she would truly never know the love of a mate again. There was no other fury male alive. It didn’t bother her much but seeing the other second chance couples and how they were made her a bit jealous.
Clau
dia spent most of her time with Etana and Charles along with her son. But she loved working and sparring with Etana and getting her groove back. She had to work a bit harder than the other Fury’s but she was determined to get there. She woke early that morning and her and Etana went for a long run. They then had breakfast with everyone and the outburst at the table had given her more fuel on the fire inside if her. At training she worked twice as hard and now that training was over she was once again running laps with John and Tia. After dinner she planned to spar more with Makayla and Colby. She watched them spar and they seemed to be ruthless where Charles and Etana were more controlled. She wanted both.
Zoe and Kaiden sat under the tree with Justine, Gabe, Zach and Halina talking. Zoe was a worried and now she worried about Bronwyn and how many days they had until the final showdown with Aldrich. Zach felt her worry but he had no answers to give her. Little Jacob had started to crawl and he was keeping Justine on her toes. She was constantly up and down running after him but she loved it. Lily was on her tummy on a blanket and had started to scoot a little.
“What’s the first thing you want to do after this is over Justine?” Zoe asked
“I think I would like to take and buy this little guy stuff on my own you know? Things that I think he would like. I think really I would just like to be able to go to town without looking over my shoulder.” Justine mused
“Same here, I know I want to personally get all Briec’s clothing myself.” Zoe announced
“Oh you picked a name?” Halina squealed
“We did. What do you all think of Briec Ethan Michaels?” Kaiden asked
“I love it! We were thinking along the same lines but you stole Briec so we are left with Airic. Hey babe, what do you think of Airic Marcus Devonshire?” Halina asked
“I think it’s perfect. Let’s just hope he talks more than the original Airic.” Zach laughed
“Yeah me too, you know I really am wondering who is going to have the Pearl females? Haven’t you all thought of that? I mean our kids can’t be together so someone is going to have their mates.” Halina announced
“You know I hadn’t until now.” Zoe wondered.
“You know Morgan and Quinn are going to make beautiful babies. She puts us all to shame and I thought I was pretty. Shit sorry Zoe you are an Angel but she even puts you to shame.” Justine joked.
“Oh I know! Once we had her clean it was like I couldn’t wait to show off my new Barbie or something like that. She is a doll and her personality fits her so well. She is quiet and petite and gosh I just want to squeeze her!” Zoe laughed and soon all the girls were laughing. The boys were confused because they all thought their mates were the most beautiful thing in the world.
They all spent the afternoon talking and enjoying their time together. When Morgan and Quinn had enough of the Dragon training they went to go check were Zoe was first and then the tables. When they got there the tables were all ready to go and it seemed Paulo had been there using the left over wood to make matching chairs with the same design that Morgan had on the table. He did after all ask her to make another large trunk when they had finished with the sealant and now there were seventy five completely finish chairs.
Chapter 15
New Talents
Hunter entered the house to find Morgan and Quinn staring at the table. They would stare a moment and then look around behind them. Repeating the looks for a good few minutes.
“What are you guys up to?” Hunter asked
“Well while Zoe is outside and the tables are ready to bring in we wanted to do surprise her. But where do we put this monster of a table?” Morgan asked
“Well how about we push it along the back wall here next to the doorway of the kitchen and then the food can go on it and the plates. I have seen the way Mary cooks and places the food and everyone always chooses something different. Maybe we should ask her opinion though before we just make a decision.” Hunter asked
“Good idea.” Quinn answered and the three of them went to the kitchen and found Mary prepping the dessert.
“Hey Mary can we ask your opinion on something?” Morgan inquired
“Of course dear.” Mary smiled at the three of them.
“Ok well Zoe asked for another long table but we sort of made five large round ones that seat about fifteen each. Anyway the long table we were wondering where to put it and Hunter thought it could go along the wall right outside the doorway here” Morgan pointed to the doorway “and we were thinking maybe like the food and plates and stuff could go there then you wouldn’t have to make a whole bunch of dishes for five different tables.”
“Oh honey, I think that is a great idea besides you all arrive for food at different times so there shouldn’t be long lines or anything. Plus it saves me on dishes.” Mary loved the idea of just walking to the side and along the wall instead of up and down and around the table to get things.
“Great! We will go set it all up then. Thank you so much.” Morgan giggled and skipped out of the room. The men pushed the table to the side and started taking the chairs to the front and back porches to make seating areas since there wasn’t any on either porch. They then went and got the tables one at a time while Morgan got the chairs.
They set them all up and put the kiddy table in the middle. They made sure to make enough room that two people could pass through even when the chairs were pulled out. Cassie, Brielle and Aubry came through the back door with five vases made of the vines all tightly woven to hold the dirt and water along with the beautiful flowers that they held. They placed them all in the center of each table.
Just as the last chair was placed in the correct spot Mary came out of the kitchen. “Oh my, these are lovely! Which one of you made these?” Mary looked around at all of them.
“Well at first it was a group idea and then little Morgan here made one while we were teaching Quinn how to work the wood. The base and vine work is all hers and it is just lovely. And trust me these tables are solid.” Hunter replied.
“Morgan, would you make a crib for me with the same vine work? I just love the rustic look of it. I will pay you of course.” Mary asked with excitement filling her face.
“Oh? I would love to but I do not want your money I would rather make it as a gift for you, any preference on the wood?” Morgan asked
“Cedar please, that way it matches all the furniture I already have.” Mary smiled and gave the girl a hug then went back into the kitchen.
While they were standing there Zoe walked in through the front door. She made her way over seeing they were all standing there facing the kitchen and then she noticed the tables and she squealed really loud making them all jump.
“OH I love these! Thank you so much Hunter. I think this is better than my idea of two long ones and wow the vine work is amazing. I think I might just ask you to make things more often.” Zoe smiled at him then went back to admiring the tables.
“Uh Zoe it wasn’t me. Morgan is the artist that created the tables. I just had the idea of five round ones. Plus there are ten more spaces then what you originally asked.” Hunter informed her.
“Well Morgan I absolutely love them. Thank you so very much. I think you have a talent for furniture and if you’re lucky people in the house are going to be offering you money to make them things. I know I will be soon.” Zoe said with a smile.
“I would be happy too. I actually really enjoyed doing this. And now I have a crib to work on for Mary.” Morgan replied
“Oh a crib? Like a one of a kind crib?” Zoe inquired truly interested.
“Yes ma’am, I take it you would like one too?” Morgan laughed
“Um actually I would love two of them but different of course.” Zoe replied and looked like she was holding her breath.
“I would love to. Do you think Halina would like one too?”
“Ohhh I do but let’s keep that one a secret and surprise her with it.” Zoe asked very seriously.
“You just love your surprises don’
t you?” Morgan teased
“Actually I do, this is the first time in my life I am able to do that and the faces of pure unexpected happiness, well it just warms my heart. Oh! You know I bet once all this blows down you could open a shop in town. Your stuff would sell like hot cakes especially with this detail.” Zoe laughed.
“Oh that would be fun. Morgan’s Wood Works Custom Wood Furniture. I think I love that idea!” Morgan squealed. “Actually Earthly Creations that way if anyone else wants to partner with me or make it a group effort we can. I don’t want to make it just mine if others want to be involved.”
“That is a wonderful idea my little Petal. I know I would love to work beside you and create things together.” Quinn lovingly looked down at Morgan.
“And I would love to do the same. You did really well with the rock today at training maybe once the time allows we can try to make sculptures and fountains.” Morgan mused
“I would love that.” Quinn agreed
Mary was setting the long table with platters of food while everyone was talking and as the crowd trickled in for dinner they all commented on the beautiful work of the tables. They all made plates and as they turned to the tables they tried to mingle the seating. No one wanted to make groups and self segregate so they blended. Of course couples sat together and it seemed where Zoe went Justine went too. Paulo had even made a special chair for little Abby so that she could fit at the table next to Ben.
At dinner Max had asked Mary and Mateo what was different about them. The whole room hushed as Mary told the story of the wedding and how Marsali appeared with Airic. The parents that had just arrived were a bit saddened that they did not get to meet the couple but they were amazed at the story and how she had blessed Mateo and Mary with such a gift.
Jaco had come out of his room a bit later and handed out papers to all the ones that came within the last week. They were the details of the bank account with all of their money and informed them that he had put it all in different accounts. He had moved the money just in case. Him and Shiloh then made their plates and joined everyone else in the conversations.
Redemption (The Extinct Race Series Book 4) Page 8