With no time to spare, I lock my right leg around hers and use the last of my strength to flip her over. I straddle her, and my fingers wrap around her throat.
Gasping for air, I glare down at the woman I loved more than life itself.
She lets out a breathless chuckle. “You certainly have my blood in your veins. Got the guts from my side, too.”
“I’m nothing like you,” I bite the words out through clenched teeth. Letting go of her with a shove, I climb to my feet.
My head spins, and dots explode in front of my eyes, but I blink them away.
Fixing her with a look that says exactly what I think of her, I say, “You’re not my mother. You’re nothing to me.”
She sits up, rubbing her shoulder. “Then why did you work so hard to catch me?”
“Just to prove I’m better than you.”
She climbs to her feet, her eyes locking with mine. “What did you expect to find, Jasper?” She opens her arms wide. “A loving mother?” A bitter chuckle ripples over her lips. “In this world? Do you think it was easy for me, being the wife of the man creating the insensates? They judged me because of his actions, and they will do the same to you as soon as they know who you are.” Her eyes soften for a split second, her mouth not pulling down at the sides. “Dig down deep and rip your heart out, my child. You don’t need it here. Feelings only hurt. They make you vulnerable.”
When she turns away from me, I grab hold of her arm.
“Why do you fight then, Rachel?” I refuse to call her mom. She doesn’t deserve that title.
“I didn’t say you can’t take revenge. I’m going back so I can rip their fucking hearts out for what they did to me.”
I stare at her and only then do I see the anger and heartache. The ecocity betrayed her. They ripped her away from us and tried to hunt her down like an animal.
She had to figure out everything on her own. She didn’t have Chance.
“So while you’re looking for your revenge, you’re going to ignore you have a daughter?” I shake my head at her. “We all have to deal with things we don’t like. I’ve been through hell, and not once did I lay the blame at your feet.” I scoff at her. “You’re a disappointment.”
During this training session, something shifted inside of me. The last of my innocence died, and in its place, a warrior was born.
With one last look at her, I turn around and walk away.
I’ll change everything, so future generations of women don’t have to endure the suffering my mother and I have.
Come hell or high water, I’ll be the change I want to see in this world. I’m done sitting on the sidelines.
Chapter 10
Jai
Clenching my teeth, my hands fisted at my sides, I stalk to the bathroom.
I stop in front of a sink, and opening a faucet, I scoop water in my palm and drink until my throat is no longer dry.
My head spins again, and I close my eyes, taking deep breaths.
“You look like crap,” Morgan suddenly says.
My eyes flick open, and I meet her gaze in the mirror's reflection.
Today is the day I kill someone.
Another wave of dizziness hits, and I sway.
I’m surprised when concern flashes over Morgan’s face. She darts forward, taking hold of my arm. “Are you okay?”
I pull my arm free and turning around, I lean back against the sink. “I’m fine.”
“Look,” she gives me a tentative smile, “I was a bitch yesterday. I didn’t expect Chance to walk in with you.”
“How’s that my problem?” I mutter.
“It’s not.” She lets out a sigh. “I’m trying to apologize. If I had known Chance loves you, I would’ve acted differently.”
I level her with a glare. “Seriously? Do you make it a habit of treating other women like crap?” I shake my head. “Do better.”
Looking chastised, her features tighten. “Can you blame me? To survive here, you need the strongest men to protect you. There’s no one stronger than Chance.”
I straighten up. “He’s mine.”
“I get that. I’m sorry.”
She looks like she really means it, so I lean back against the sink again, rubbing my palm over my face.
“What happened to you?” she asks again. “Should I get Chance?”
I shake my head. “He’s dealing with important business.” Wanting to give Morgan a warning so she won’t try to mess with my man again, I say, “I beat my mother in the drill zone.”
Her eyes widen with surprise.
“I have no problem throwing down fists.”
She nods. “Warning received.” Lifting a hand, she brushes a finger over the side of my head. The digit comes away with blood on it. “You hurt yourself.”
“I didn’t notice,” I mutter, turning to look in the mirror.