Bloodlines and Betrayals

Chapter 005

"If I don't show her how to do it, how will she ever learn?" With intent eyes and a voice as low as broken glass, her father, Mathis, snapped. Across from him, her mother stood with her arms crossed over her chest and her brows pressed together in concern. At first, she sighed and looked at Élodie without saying anything.

Mathis grabbed Élodie's arm before she could realise what was going on. This was the same arm that had been scraped and swollen from hours of drills. She tried to stand up, but her legs trembled. Tears streamed down her face, leaving her cheeks discoloured. Her jaw, neck, and temple were all covered in red. She had finished her body. Every muscle cried out for a rest. Her mouth splintered. She was unable to recall when she had last had water. Her throat ached. Both she and the sun had been out since the morning. By this point, it was most likely almost noon.

Her mother began, "Mathis, I understand"

He interrupted her, yelling, "No, you don't!" "What will happen when we are no longer here? You want Marc and Élodie to be weak, naive, and alone out there? In a world designed to crush them, you want them helpless?

Her mother opened her mouth to speak, but she stopped herself. She tightened her jaw. It's unbelievable that you're saying this. and before her.

She is ten years old. She is not a baby.

Élodie wished she could dissolve into the gravel. The shouting made her head pound. Her heart pounded in her chest too quickly. Even though she was able to block out some of the noise by folding her ears, the pain persisted. She was not interested in hearing more. She had no desire to be here.

Mathis, she's still a kid! I understand your intentions and what you are trying to achieve, but is this really necessary? You're acting as though she's a pack warrior.

A hand then moved softly across her head. Fingers scratched her scalp, just as they had done in her nightmares. Leaning into the touch, she did. For a moment, it felt secure.

With a slightly lighter tone, Mathis said, "Come on, that's not what I'm doing." She's already powerful. Yes, Élodie.

He lowered himself slightly and met her gaze. Something else was in those eyes, which were always so bright. It was a silent plea for help. a wish that she would support him. Show him correctly.

She nodded slowly and put her arms around his leg.

Her mother looked exhausted as she sighed and turned away slightly. Mathis, she's not like those Chiens de l'Enfer. She's becoming one of them because of you.

"No," he said, becoming more subdued. "Our daughter is learning how to survive from me."

Her father pushed her back before she could comprehend what was happening. She barely caught herself before she fell after stumbling over the gravel. He growled and charged at her as she straightened up.

Then she became conscious.

Élodie's chest rose and fell too quickly as she jumped up in bed. Sweat-soaked, her T-shirt clung to her body. Her blanket had fallen to her waist. As she attempted to relax, one hand went to her heart.

It is only a dream.

However, it didn't feel like a dream.

It was dark in her room. Outside, crickets were chirping. The silence reigned. The window was dark. The night is still.

She squeezed her eyes shut and whispered, "You're fine."

However, something felt off in the back of my mind. It felt as though the dream was attempting to reach out to her directly. The sense of impending events was palpable. It wasn't good either.

She didn't go for her morning run. She didn't want to argue with Lucien again, and her decision was not due to exhaustion. More stress was the last thing she needed.

She dragged herself to her dance class instead. She didn't care that it was five days early. Try anything to divert your attention.

Sharp beats reverberated off the walls as music poured into the studio. In time with the beat, feet pounded the floor. Over the music, a woman's voice yelled directions.

With her arms raised, her spine arched, and her legs deeply split, Élodie leaned forward. Sweat-slick tights held her in place. She ignored the pain in her body and the thoughts in her mind, instead concentrating on the music.

"Yes, Élodie!" She danced. With a firm yet proud voice, Coach Moreau gave one clap. "I want to see that!"

With a panting smile, Élodie moved to the side of the room. Her heart still pounding, she sank and used her towel to wipe her face. A thin headband held back her drenched hair.

Her hour was up before she knew it. Perhaps she should visit here more frequently.

"Lucien with Coach Moreau, isn't that right?" As they left the building, Sophie gave her a gentle prod.

Élodie glanced over and blinked.

He was indeed there, grinning tall and easy, laughing with Coach as if they were best friends.

Fantastic.

Her stomach turned over. Don't discuss what transpired in the locker room, please. Don't say anything about me, please.

Why would he?

That's right. Don't worry.

She tried to sound informal as she said, "I ran into him earlier."

Sophie's eyes glowed. "How did he come across?"

Élodie gave a shrug. "He was a bit of a jerk." You know, full Alpha energy?

Sophie laughed. "That seems about correct."

Chloé Marin later left the break room at the café, tying her apron as she approached the front desk. A familiar head of dishevelled curls by the window caught her attention.

Élodie looked after her. She let out a moan.

"Why is he here once more?"

"Who?"

"He." She gestured.

Lucien looked up and waved at her just in time. Then he raised an upside-down book.

So stupid.

Chloé laughed and remarked, "He's acting like he's studying." "The cookie straws are the only reason he is here."

"I dislike him."

"Why not?"

"I simply don't."

"I think he's fine." Chloé was drying a mug while leaning against the counter. Additionally, he was unaware of your mother, Élodie. You can't keep blaming him.

Élodie did not respond. She was unwilling to discuss that.

"I still don't trust him."

"Why do you say that?"

She crossed her arms. It's not for nothing that guys like him pursue random girls. Specifically, he's not drawn to the snobbish football types. Something else must be happening.

"Oh, yes?" Chloé c****d her head.

Girls are swooning over him. Why speak with me?

Chloé gave her arm a light squeeze. "Because you're incredible." You simply haven't noticed it yet. He may.

Élodie turned away, her face blazing. "What am I supposed to say to him?"

Chloé grinned. "Speak like a typical individual.

"That's your main piece of advice?"

"You enquired."

"All right."