Finding Our Way (Werewolf Wars) (7 page)

“This better?” Nora asked.

Daniel cleared his throat as he met her eyes. He swallowed the lump back down and looked away. “Yeah. There are a couple key areas to aim for. Physically I am stronger than you, but there are seven spots that you can attack that will give you a momentary advantage.” He lifted his finger pointing. “The eyes, nose, throat, knees, shins, the top of the foot, and, uh, the groin. Memorize those points. It could save your life.”

“Eyes, nose, throat, knees, shins, top of the foot, and the groin,” she repeated, her eyes focused on something behind him. “Got it.”

Daniel turned and grabbed one of the practice dummies and shoved it toward her. “Now I want you to practice hitting those areas on the dummy.” He walked to the back of it and braced it. “Whenever you are ready.”

Nora nodded and let out a long breath before throwing her first punch.

“Good,” he encouraged.

Nora threw a few more punches before stopping to shake out her hands. Her knuckles were bright red and had a few scuff marks on them.

“Here, try these,” Devon said, approaching with a pair of gloves. “It will protect your hands.”

Daniel bit the inside of his cheek.

“Sorry, Daniel should have offered them to you,” Devon apologized, unlacing the gloves for Nora.

Anger flared behind his eyes. “If she ever has to defend herself, she’s not going to have a plush pair of gloves to keep her hands safe. She’d do better to know the pain of hitting something going into a fight, then to be taken by surprise in a real fight.”

“You could let her ease into it too,” Devon suggested. Their eyes locked. Devon clenched his fists in an unspoken challenge. The hairs on the back of Daniel’s neck bristled.

“It’s fine. I’m good. I took gymnastics and ballet as a child. I’m used to the no-pain-no-gain motto,” Nora said, breaking the silence enveloping the two brothers. “Thank you, though, Devon.” She smiled at him before turning back to Daniel.

“I’ll leave them here if you change your mind,” Devon said, setting the gloves on the ground beside the dummy.

Daniel narrowed his eyes watching as Devon returned to Lark. The blonde woman said something to him shaking her head, but Daniel couldn’t make it out over all the other noise.

“That was kind of intense,” Nora said, drawing his attention back to her.

“You can use those if you want,” he offered.

“I think I’m all right. I’ll add some kicks into the mix too.” Nora returned to her fighting stance. After a moment, she threw another punch, then another. She stopped every few minutes to shake out her hands, but continued. Each set; she got better—hitting harder, faster, and more accurately.

“How am I doing?” Nora asked.

“I think you’re ready to move onto the next step.”

“What’s that?” Nora asked, her brows furrowing in question.

“Holds.”

“Like someone grabbing me?” she clarified.

“Exactly. You’ll have an advantage here. Juarez’s men don’t think of women as strong. They are merrily mothers and breeders. They’ll underestimate you—especially because you’re human. Use this as an opportunity to take them down quickly and efficiently. Turn around,” he said, motioning for her to spin.

Nora did as he asked. Daniel took a step forward, slipping his arms around her slender, toned waist. He drew her back until she was pressed firmly against him. The sweet scent of strawberries and something else he couldn’t quite identify invaded his senses. Her breathing seemed to quicken, and he wondered if she was affected by his closeness as much as he was.

“Do you remember the seven vulnerable areas we talked about?” he asked, trying to stay on point. “Which one do you think you should strike at in this hold?”

“Top of the foot,” she whispered, breathlessly.

“Good. Tap the top of my foot.” He waited for her to comply, and then released his grip, immediately missing the contact. “Now, that will hurt me, but it won’t hurt enough to keep me from coming back after you,” he explained. “Spin around. Use the palm of your hand and drive it up into the nose. Then,” he grimaced, thinking of the next step. Usually he kicked the shins, but for her... “Kick the groin.”

They went through the motions several more times, until Daniel was sure she had the momentum down. Each time he held her and pulled her close, it became harder and harder to focus on their training. Her firm, supple body fit against his perfectly. There were so many things he wanted to do to her—with her that didn’t involve training.

“All right everyone. I think we did good tonight. Remember, tomorrow night is Sarah’s birthday. We’re going to get started about an hour later so everyone has time to eat and enjoy cake,” Gene called out.

The barn quickly cleared out. Nora stepped back from him and bent down to retrieve her water. “Thanks for helping me out tonight.”

“No problem. We could partner up tomorrow night. If you wanted?”

Nora grinned. “Yeah. I’d like that.” She wiped the sweat off her brow with the back of her arm. “Are you doing something tomorrow?” she asked quickly.

“I am helping with the new building in the morning, and it’s grocery day. I usually go to the store with my mom.”

“Do they have a pharmacy there?” Nora asked shifting on her feet.

“Yes.”

“Would it be all right if I tagged along? I only have a few days left of my meds and I would feel more comfortable if I were the one to pick them up.” Her eyes drifted to the dirt floor and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Sure.” He hadn’t gotten to spend much time with her the past few weeks, because of his duties. If she accompanied them to the store and bakery, he could get some time alone with her—well, semi-alone.

“Great! I’ll see you then,” she sighed, letting out a rush of air. She waved and then trotted toward April, who was waiting for her at the barn door. The two linked arms and giggled about something as they exited the building.

“She doesn’t seem like your type,” Devon said, approaching him. Lark followed behind him, her eyes shifted from Devon to Daniel, then back to her lover.

“If you don’t like me teaching her, just say it,” Daniel ground out. He gritted his teeth, instantly regretting his words. If Devon told him he couldn’t train Nora, he would technically have to follow his orders.

“Actually,” Lark piped up. “I think she needs someone who won’t hold back with her. Sarah, Nora, and I have an unfair advantage. You’re a good fighter. She trusts you.”

Devon looped an arm around Lark. “Don’t push her too hard. She just got her stitches out,” Devon grumbled, giving him a sneer before the two of them left the barn.

Daniel closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. He just wanted to fit in here. To call this place home. Although, the more he and Devon clashed, the harder it was becoming. It occurred to him that their roles had reversed. At that moment, he couldn’t blame his brother for his retaliation. Devon had spent years being the outsider—now it was Daniel’s turn.

D
aniel placed the last plate in the dishwasher, before closing it. With a sigh, he leaned against the counter.

“I think we’re ready to go,” Claire said. She picked up a towel from the counter and dried her hands.

“Nora’s asked if she could come with us. I told her it wouldn’t be a problem,” Daniel stated.

Claire’s eyebrow rose up as a smile slipped over her features. She set the towel on the counter and wiped up the excess water. Once finished, she looked out the large window. His mother tucked a graying strand of hair back up into her bun. “We’ll have to take two cars then.” She shrugged. “Probably ought to anyway. Goodness knows we scare the poor cashier every time we come through there.”

Daniel chuckled. “We do buy a few cartfuls of food.”

“There are a lot of mouths to feed. Besides, I was hoping you could stop off at Lark’s bakery. If we take two cars then you can run and get the cake after shopping. With this heat, we don’t dare get it before. The icing would melt right off of it.”

“Mom-“

“I told her I’d send someone by The Cookie Jar to pick up the cake,” Claire interrupted. “She is bringing home pizza for everyone for Sarah’s birthday tonight, and doesn’t want to risk the cake. Sarah’s been having such a rough go of it lately, Lark just wants it to be perfect. Lark is really worried about her and I can’t say that I blame her,” she sighed, a forlorn expression overtaking her features. “Anyway, Devon is tending to his own affairs and you’ll already be out.”

“You know Dev doesn’t like me near Lark,” Daniel grumbled, gripping the counter. The last thing he needed was another confrontation with Devon. He just wanted to fit in here and fly under the radar.

His mother sighed and shook her head. “I used to hope the two of you would be good friends. You’re not that far apart in age. Devon was entranced with you when you were born. Emmett ruined that. He destroyed the brotherly bond. And I let him do it,” her voice broke.

“Mom-“

Claire reached out and grasped his shoulder. “No, it’s not okay. I should have done more for both of you.”

“I know how impossible father was. We both did what we had to do to survive. If Dev and I can’t come to some sort of peaceful resolution, then that’s something I’ll have to live with. It’s on my conscious, not yours,” Daniel assured her. “Regardless of Dev and I’s past, I’ll do what needs to be done to protect both packs.”
And maybe someday I’ll earn his trust.
He thought.

His mom brushed her fingers against his cheek before pulling him into a hug. “I know you will.” She pulled back and wiped a few tears away with her thumb. “So, this girl Nora, is there something more going on between the two of you?”

Daniel groaned. Talking girls with his mom was one of the last things he wanted to do. “She’s nice.”

“The two of you should ride together in one car. It will give you a chance to chat.”

“Please don’t play matchmaker,” Daniel said, scrubbing a hand through his hair.

“And why not? She’s a pretty young woman,” his mother paused, grinning at him. “Who actually has a personality and a good heart. She is by far better than those girls you and Vincent used to sleep around with back home. That girl didn’t have to stop when she hit you, but she did. After everything that she’s seen—that she’s been through these past few weeks, she still wants to help. Nora is a good person. I know your father thought humans were weak. But when you find someone like Lark, or Nora, who are loyal and loving, you don’t let them getaway. We could have a thousand wolves here with us, but it doesn’t mean anything without loyalty—without love. Love is what wins wars, nothing else.” She took a step back, her eyes appraising him. “It’s okay to be happy, Daniel. You just have to allow yourself.”

Daniel closed his eyes, and balled his fists at his sides annoyed at how well his mother knew him—could read him. It was unnerving.

“Come on, Son, we best go round everyone up if you’re going to get that cake before Lark leaves.”

***

N
ora adjusted the car vent so the airflow wasn’t blasting directly on her. She wrapped her arms around herself and shifted against the leather seat.

“You cold?” Daniel asked his hand hovering over the control dial.

“A little,” Nora admitted.

Without hesitating, he adjusted the knob.

“Thanks,” Nora smiled as her arms started to thaw. “How has your day been?”

“Good,” Daniel replied, but didn’t comment further.

Nora tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and chanced a glance over at him. “I’ve been up in my room all day studying for a test. Is it silly I’m still going to school? I mean it seems trivial compared to what is going on here.”

“No, if that’s what you want to do. What are you studying?”

Nora grinned, glad he was conversing with her—happy he didn’t think she was stupid. She didn’t know what to make of him. Sometimes he seemed interested in her like last night when they’d been sparring, but other times, like now, he was so quiet—distant almost. Regardless, she wasn’t about to let the opportunity go. She liked him. “Art history. It’s one of those majors that doesn’t really get you too many places, but it interests me.”

Daniel shrugged. “If you’re going to pay that much for school, you ought to study something you like.”

“Yeah. I just wish I knew what to do after I graduate. I’ll have some student loans, but thankfully not too many. I was fortunate enough to get quite a few scholarships. Not to mention, I have my insurance through the school, I’ll have to figure that out after this last semester. Have you been to college?” Nora asked, curious.

“Nah. My dad didn’t see much need for education outside of what he taught us. Em was home schooled. My brother’s and I are lucky we were allowed to go to public school. That’s one of the very few battles my mom ever won against him,” Daniel mumbled.

“Your mom seems like a no nonsense woman,” Nora commented. She hadn’t really conversed with the elder woman, but Claire McKinley had an air about her. She wasn’t a woman to be trifled with. However, if what Daniel said was true, what did that say about his father?

“She was the alpha female of our pack back home. She had to be tough,” Daniel said in a strained whisper.

Nora had questions—lots of questions, but she sensed that this was a sensitive topic. She didn’t want to ruin their conversation by pushing for personal information. “Did you have any subjects you liked better than others?”

“I liked math.”

Nora snickered. “I hated math. I am horrible at it.”

“It’s not all that bad. I could help you with it, you know, if you needed it.”

“Thankfully, I don’t have any more math classes left. I’m actually in my last semester.”

“That’s why you wanted to finish?” Daniel asked, turning to look at her.

“I like to finish what I start. Plus, my insurance is through the school, and I really need that for my medicine so...”

“You sick or something? You don’t look sick, but you take medicine. I was just wondering,” he rambled, shifting in his seat.

“I’m not sick. It’s more preventative to keep me from getting ill.” It wasn’t a lie. He didn’t need to know that she would be taking drugs for the rest of her life, or that she was more susceptible to illnesses than others. People treated her differently when they found out. They either treated her like a piece of china or ran screaming for the hills. It was infuriating.