Chapter 53 Fight!
Vanessa
Adrenaline pumps through my veins, making me feel like I'm high on heroine. Watching Xander on his knees for me, trying to mask his pain brings me a small sense of satisfaction. That's not sadism, it's heroism for my wounded pride.
The moment he's back on his feet, I don't wait for him to get his balance before aiming for his face. He catches my hand and pushes me back a little.
"You're angry," he says, dodging another blow from me.
"Oh, really? Didn't think you'd notice," I reply, my knee coming up hard but he catches it fast, his grip tightening suddenly.
I try to twist my leg from his grip but he doesn't even budge.
I twist again, using his hold on my leg to bring me closer, enough to slam my elbow into his jaw. I hear a satisfactory crack, and I smirk at the subtle anger in his gaze.
But my victory is cut short when I feel him yank hard on my leg, and with nothing to support myself with, I crash to the floor bringing him down with me. But before my head hits the ground, he cushions the fall with his forearm.
"Nessa, no. Don't let him beat you," Max cries.
"Shut up, Max," Lucinda chastises him.
Now we're locked. Chest to chest, breaths mingling as we breathe hard, too close to think properly.
"Get off of me," I growl.
"Not until you stop trying to kill me," he murmurs.
"No. I won't stop." I shove him hard, breaking free from his hold, and I lunge for him, once I'm on my feet again.
Yes, this definitely isn't training.
This is everything I don't say, so instead, I let my fists do the talking.
We go on like that; blow after blow, punch after punch, and everytime, Xander dodges and never strikes back. It's almost as if he senses how much I need this, how much I need to communicate my bitter feelings somehow. As much as I want to be grateful, it's frustrating.
"Fight me, you coward," I goad, relishing in the murderous gaze he throws at me.
"You can't rage bait me, firecracker," he says. I also hate the way the stupid nickname in his deep voice sends a delicious shiver down my spine.
Then he slips. Just once, and I take advantage of the opportunity. I sweep his leg from under him, driving him down into the dirt with a force that knocks the breath out of his lungs.
I descend in him in a second; one knee pressed into his chest, while a forearm threatens to crush his throat.
He struggles, tapping my arm repeatedly, but it only makes me press harder.
"Are you sorry yet?" I bark.
"I-I... I've... always...been...sor-ry..." he wheezes.
No, I don't think so.
"Let...go," he continues.
"This," I grit through clenched teeth. "is what happens when you mess with me."
"I know," he gasps. "I know, and I'm...sorry."
My grip falters for a few seconds. He takes that opportunity to flip us over, pinning my body under his, and my wrists, over my head in the dirt. My breath stutters.
Fuck. He got me.
"Slapping a bandaid over a wound won't make it heal, Xander," I whisper.
He takes my jaw in his hands, holding my gaze steady. I see the pain, hurt, and guilt reflecting clearly in his eyes. "I failed you once, but I swear, it won't happen again, Vanessa," he says.
I close my eyes, letting the sincerity of his words wash over me. I've actually forgiven him, but it still hurts to remember sometimes.
I had planned on giving him the silent treatment for longer than a week - maybe a month. But then, a pleasurable surprise had filled me when Max had approached me, trying to convince me to spar with Xander, making sure to let him know just how much he hurt me.
At first, I refused, especially when he told me it was a plan he and Cinderella had come up with, making me wonder just what her motive was...I still am.
But the chance of pummeling Xander with a reasonable excuse was too good to pass me by. What can I say? Violence is my best mode of communication.
The rush of adrenaline in my body has now reduced drastically, and the whole place is now so silent, it's almost eerie.
"Just get off," I grumble. A ghost of a smile appears on his lips and he rolls away immediately, standing to his feet.
He offers me a hand, but I ignore it, eyeing him, but there's no real malice in my gaze.
A round of applause resonates, making me jump a little. I turn to see Max and Cinderella heading towards us with smiles on their faces.
"That was...a little intense to watch," Lucinda laughs, a light pink staining her cheeks.
Really? We didn't even do anything.
"So, now that you've resolved your differences, how do you feel?" Max asks, excitedly. holding out his fist in front of my face; a faux microphone.
I snap my jaw, and he draws back his hand, holding it to his chest, as he glares at me. "You're so savage, Nessa," he hisses. Then he turns to Xander. "Xander? How about–Ow!"
I snort loudly when Lucinda smacks the back of his head, rolling her eyes at him. Then she faces us. "I won't be the one to decide for you, whatever you may choose to do from now on. But I do hope this little arrangement has brought you some semblance of clarity," she says, her eyes mostly trained on mine.
I give her a small nod, and a slow smile spreads on her lips. I can't help grinning back.
I glance at Xander, only to find him already staring at me. There is a certain look of expectancy on his face - probably wondering what I'll do next.
I give him a small smile, and his eyes widen in surprise, then he tentatively returns it.
We all leave the training grounds, and just like that, the sky is darker, and it's evening already; the fading sun casting long, pale shadows on the ground with each step we take.
I run forward, hopping on Max's back, the latter who gives a slight shriek. I'm really starting to wonder the magic he pulled to have become the beta of this pack.
"Now, about that gift you promised me if I won," I remind him.
"What? Nobody won! Besides, I was just kidding. I needed to motivate you somehow," he huffs.
"Max," my voice is low. "Give me my gift, or I'll fucking kill you," I say sweetly.
He sighs, but doesn't protest.
Good boy.