The girl's right hook sliced through the air toward me. I ducked low, feeling the wind of her punch graze my hair. But she wasn't finished her knee shot up like a piston, aiming for my ribs. I leaped back, barely escaping the strike, her movements forcing me to stay on edge.
Before I could catch my breath, she closed the distance again, throwing another right hook. I managed to catch her wrist mid-swing, but she used my grip to twist her arm free, spinning her body like it was all part of the plan.
Her heel came down fast a brutal ax kick split the air. sidestepped, the force of her strike cracking the dirt where I'd been standing. Seizing the opening, I stepped in and threw a quick jab. She raised her forearms just in time, blocking my punch, but I used the momentum to pivot, delivering a spinning roundhouse kick to her side.
It landed clean, and she staggered back, her feet skidding against the dirt.
"Gotcha," I muttered, a grin tugging at my lips
She didn't respond. Instead, she launched forward again, her fists a blur. A jab clipped my shoulder, then another slammed into my ribs, knocking the wind out of me. Before I could fully recover, her hook cracked against my jaw, making my head spin.
I stumbled, clutching my side as I tried to stay upright. She didn't let up, though. Her knee shot toward my chin like a missile. I twisted just in time, grabbing her leg under my arm.
She grinned, pivoting on her free leg. Before I could react, her heel hooked around and slammed into the side of my head.
"Shit—"
I hit the ground hard, the world spinning around me.
Her shadow loomed above me, and before I could scramble up, her fist drove into my stomach. Pain exploded in my core as I doubled over, gasping for air.
"Enough!" I groaned, holding up a hand to signal surrender.
She smirked, stepping back and crossing her arms. "You're stronger than I thought, but you still leave too many openings. I actually have to try with you or you'll beat me up."
"Reminds me of when Lena—" I started to say, but she didn't let me finish.
Her fist shot toward my gut again, catching me completely off guard.
I coughed, nearly collapsing to my knees. "Cheap shot."
"And yet, you still walked right into it," she teased, that infuriating grin plastered on her face.
"Well," I panted, wiping sweat from my brow, "I think we should wrap this up before I drop dead. You didn't have to use your powers, you know."
She shrugged, her grin widening. "I have to get used to them somehow. And when the mafia comes knocking I don't want to be weak and vulnerable. I want to be able to hold my own so I can protect my family from them. Besides, you're the perfect practice dummy. You can actually keep up without outright crushing me like Trevon does."
Unconsciously or not, she just called me weak. Sigh.
I turned to Trevon, desperate to change the subject. "So, Trevon, what's next? We've already messed with some of the mafia's people. They're probably putting a hit out on us as we speak. We need to find their base before they find us."
My voice wavered slightly. I didn't want to admit it, but I was worried. If they tracked us back to where I lived, the old man could get caught in the crossfire. He had nothing to do with this, and I wasn't about to let him pay for my mistakes.
"You need to relax," Trevon said, his tone calm but firm. He leaned against the wall, his scythe resting nearby. "They're not going to find us that easily. Still, we need to lay low. Retaliation is inevitable, so both of you should stay here for a couple of days."
"That works for me," I said, keeping my tone casual. "The old man won't care as long as I show up after a few days. He probably won't even notice."
Ann chimed in, "I'll have to call my mom and let her know, but she'll probably say yes. She doesn't really keep tabs on me."
"Good," Trevon said with a nod. "Ann, you can use the guest room to the left of the bathroom. Go take a shower or whatever you need."
Ann nodded and disappeared down the hallway, leaving just me and Trevon.
I turned to him, lowering my voice. "So, what are we going to do about Keagan?"
Trevon crossed his arms, his expression darkening. "First, we need to stay under the radar. We did a number on their recruiters, and that's going to put us on their radar.
"You're tough, Jay, but not invincible. You keep pulling reckless stunts, and they'll bury you before you even find your sister. Play it smart."
"Fine, but what happens after these next few days? We're so close to figuring out where they're hiding and finding a lead on my sister."
Trevon sighed, his gaze steady but sharp.
"Keagan's not just some thug, Jay. He's been in the game for years, long before the mafia made him their leader he knows how to operate so he will be looking for us or expecting us to show up at his base."
"We need information real information before we move forward. And we need to prepare. You don't even have a manifest yet."
I already knew I wasn't strong enough, but hearing it out loud made it worse. me I Just fists and desperation. That won't save her.
Trevon had his scythe. Ann had her brass knuckles powers. I'm Useless I got lucky the guy I was fighting was highly reliant on his powers.
Trevon must've seen the look on my face because his tone softened. "You should focus on something else for now while we're laying low. She needs you."
He didn't say her name, but I knew who he meant.
As he walked away, his words lingered in my mind.
He was right. I'd been so wrapped up in this mafia mess that I'd forgotten what was right in front of me. Yesterday made it obvious there was something going on with her.
I clenched my fists, even when I try I fall short.