Page 35 of Vengeful Guard

I had no idea there was so much behind fighting. As far as I knew, all you did was try to avoid being hit as you did your best to hit your opponent.

But the way he’s talking, it’s clear he knows his stuff.

And I need to learn it. All of it.

I wasn’t able to protect myself at all, and I want to do better. I want to be better.

Want to feel that if something bad happens to me again, I’ll be able to do something for myself. To at least have a chance.

“Now hit me.” He keeps his arms down.

My eyes widen. “What?”

“Hit me.” He tilts up his jaw.

I strike out with my fist without thinking about it.

He catches my hand, pulling me close. “Missed me."

My breath catches in my throat at his nearness, how he smells like pine and oak and sweat. A very dangerous cocktail.

I wrench away from him.

What the hell’s wrong with me? I shouldn’t be finding his scent irresistible.

This is Kael! Grumpy asshole lapdog.

I clench my fist and try it again, and this time, I do connect with his pec, but it’s firm, and my fist bounces right off.

“You’re throwing from the wrist, using only your arm. That’ll get you hurt. You have to use your whole body. Throw from the shoulder. Use your body weight.”

He gets into position and throws a punch into the air in front of him.

“Like this, see? Step forward slightly when you throw your fist. Aim for the nose, the bollocks, the throat. You’re fighting to incapacitate, to get away, not to defeat your opponent. This is not a fair fight, so fight as dirty as you want so you can get away. That’s the goal. Avoid the fight. Escape.”

I nod. And thinking back to my attacker, it makes sense. If I were to fight to defeat him, I’d be setting myself to lose, but if I could’ve hurt him enough to distract him for a few seconds, that was all I needed to get to my brothers. To safety.

I mimic his actions, trying to use my body. The difference in momentum is so clear. How the impact is sure to be harder this way.

I go for him next, trying to apply what he just taught me.

His hand has no trouble catching my fist, as he chuckles a little.

I groan, stomping my foot, unable to help myself.

“Did you...just stomp your foot like a toddler throwing a tantrum?”

My face feels so hot it may catch on fire. “Look, it’s just a habit.”

He snorts, shaking his head. “And you won’t let me call you little princess.”

“I’m not a princess,” I seethe. “I just got frustrated. Let me try again.”

This time, I go for his balls.

“Whoa there.” He lifts his hands in surrender as he steps back before I have a chance to connect. “Let’s take it down a notch, shall we, Rocky?” he drawls, smiling that half-grin of his.

I grin back. “You’re just mad I almost got you.”

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