Page 82 of Cruel Vows

Noah’s men just became more deadly.

One thing is clear.

This attack was only about the weapons. The casualties were a bonus for him.

Sooner or later, he’s going to be coming for us, and with the theft of the guns, it’s looking like I should hedge my bets on sooner.

There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s gearing up for something big that I don’t know how to protect my people from.

If he could do this in a single night, there’s no telling what he’s capable of once he launches a full-scale attack.

23

ELLIE

My face meetingthe black mats on the floor makes a sickening slapping noise that echoes around the gym.

I groan and push myself up, but Kara’s foot plants in the middle of my back, pressing me down and keeping me pinned.

She laughs. “You’re weak and you’re never going to be able to protect yourself if you keep this up.”

With one swift movement, I reach behind me and grab her ankle, yanking on it and sending her off-balance.

Kara’s stumble is enough for me to get out from beneath her foot and scramble on top of her, knees pressing close to either side of her arms.

“That was better.” She smirks from below me, trying to loosen her arms from where I have them pinned. “But you’re still weaker than you used to be, and if you don’t work harder, you’re going to be a sitting duck for whatever Noah is going to do to you.”

“Well, that’s a comforting thought,” I say, sarcasm dripping from my tone as I stand and offer a hand to help her up.

Kara sighs. “I don’t know what else to tell you. You were the one who wanted to train.”

I tug on the hem of the too-tight sports bra, wincing at the feeling of the sweaty fabric brushing against my skin. “Yeah, I did.”

“And you were the one who spent years of your life training in martial arts before deciding that you needed to take a year or two off the training because it was getting to be too much. So I don’t know what you expect now.”

Linking my hands together behind my head, I pace back and forth across the mats, avoiding my reflection in the wall of mirrors.

Though I know I’m not as in shape as I used to be, I should still be able to beat her in a fight. I’ve always been good at fighting and taking down my opponent, even if they were bigger than me.

Right now, it feels like I’m nothing more than an ant trying to fight a wasp.

I take a deep breath, trying to slow my racing heart. “We’re going to go again.”

Kara shifts her position, becoming lighter on her feet, raising her hands in front of her face. “You should have kept up with the training over the years.”

“Yeah, well, we don’t need to go through the entireI told you solist right now.” I lunge forward, ducking inside her reach and slamming my fist into the side of her ribs before sweeping my foot behind her right knee.

She falls backward, hitting the mats with a heavy thud.

As she lifts the hem of her distressed band shirt, wiping the sweat from her face, she smiles. “So, you do still have it in you.”

“I thought I was going to be getting out of this life.” I hop backward as she surges to her feet and swings for me. “I was supposed to be moving across the country and living a new life by now.”

Kara rolls her eyes. “You never would’ve left me behind.”

She advances on me, swinging harder, her fist connecting with my ribs. I groan and stumble to the side, hurrying to get my footing before she’s on top of me again.

Her body collides with mine, her fists hitting my ribs and stomach until I’m crouched over.

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