Yvonne woke up abruptly from an exhausted sleep. Her mind racing. Phoenix! She looked at the clock and felt a deep since of loss and shame. 11:43 PM. She couldn't believe she forgot to go meet her. She needed to say thank you. Her tiredness from the intensive training was no excuse. That tiny rogue had given her hope. She needed to repay that.
She got out of bed and began to dress in dark wash genes and a navy shirt. Braiding her hair quickly, she grabbed a pouch and hurried to the stream. Saddened that the chances that Phoenix would still be waiting were slim.
Her heightened senses allowed her to see the area clearly. The moonlight added a bright edge to the branches and rocks. No one. Her shoulders slumped, she sat down on the bank and stared out at the water. With an angry huff, she picked up a rock and threw it into the stream. It made a big splash. She lowered her head into her hands.
"What that rock ever do to you?" An amused voice asked close to her shoulder. Yvonne jumped and, twisting, let out a relieved sigh.
"You're still here!"
Phoenix's smile gleamed. "Or am I?"
"I am so sorry I'm late! I was afraid you would have given up on me."
"Not my style. So you found out that the law exists?"
"Yes! It truly does! And I came to thank you!" Yvonne pulled a plain Platinum signet ring from the pouch.
Phoenix eyed the ring for a moment, but made no move to take it. "To thank me? Not to learn?"
"Oh! My oldest brother, André arrived with his Beta. I have all the help I need. But I still owe you a debt. Please take this, it'll allow..."
"I know what the ring does. But I haven't earned it." Phoenix narrowed her large eyes. "Are you sure you want to turn away my help?"
Yvonne slowly lowered her hand. "I don't want to insult you. Not after what you've done. But what can you teach me that my Alpha of a brother can't?"
Phoenix grinned. "I've always believed in action rather than words. I'll tell you what, Alpha blood. If I can take you down, you give me a chance to help you take your nightmare out."
Yvonne began to feel an odd combination of annoyed and amused. Tucking the ring back into the pouch, she set it aside. "I'd actually really like to see you try. What do I get if you can't 'take me down'?"
Phoenix shrugged, "I guess I'll take the ring, then."
Yvonne began to laugh. "So you win either way?"
"I am a rogue after all. So? Deal?"
"Deal."
Phoenix sprung away and taking a fighting stance, beckoned Yvonne mockingly. Yvonne squared up with the tiny girl, feeling like a giant and a bully. Phoenix, using her unsure pause, rushed forward, slammed her body weight into her, hooked her leg around Yvonne's ankle, and flinging herself sideways, caused Yvonne to lose her footing.
Yvonne landed hard and found herself on her back with Phoenix's small knee putting pressure on her throat. She stared up into dark eyes and a solemn face. A trickle of fear began to enter her mind before Phoenix smiled and bounced away.
"I told you before. I know how to fight dirty. I learned how to fight without any honorable rules interfering. I have no doubt that your brother could win with what he'll teach you. Or that you could win against someone your equal. You need me to win against someone better. And he's an Alpha. He is better. Always will be. Now I've shown you what I can do. You are much bigger than me, after all. Will you let me help you? I only take that ring if I earn it."
"I doubt he'll let me take him down like that."
Phoenix laughed. "No, he'd use the move I used on you to his advantage. As you could have, if you'd known how. You'll want to fight him with distance. And strategy. Speaking of strategy. You need to make sure he has a drink and food in his hands from now till the day you say 'no' to him. Let's soften him up. And you go get some sleep. Come back tomorrow at ten. We'll have our first real lesson."
"Why?" Yvonne asked softly.
Phoenix's smile faded. "Because I had no one to fight for me. And standing aside when something bad is happening because it's 'not my business' is why this world still has this type of awfulness. Your 'no' should be enough. And I can help you make sure it is. So I will."
Yvonne blinked back tears. "See you tomorrow."
"At ten."