Nefertiti

Training was absolute hell today. It’s almost been a week since I was rescued and my dad is ordering this intense training for me. I feel bad for Michael because he has to lead this intense training, so he’s super tired too.

I go inside the horse barn and open my horse’s stable door. She’s an Appaloosa horse named Emerald. She’s gorgeous and strong; everything I want to be. I get her ready and take her out of her stall. I saddle up and we go towards my favorite trail on my property.

It’s so peaceful out here. It’s just Emerald and me, and I go for rides when I need to clear my head. Emerald does a good job at clearing my head. We keep trekking down the path through the trees. There’s a little pond to my right and the sun is hitting the water perfectly, so it’s reflecting off of the water and making this beautiful sight. The pond is my favorite place to hang out when I need alone time.

Emerald stops walking and I give her a little kick to keep going, but she stays still and whines.

“Emerald, go,” I push. She stays still and whines some more.

What is she doing?

I look around the trees and see part of someone’s head sticking out of one of the trees. I dismount and pull out my gun. I slowly walk towards the tree, keeping my gun pointed and ready.

“Hey, come out,” I demand.

They have their hands raised while they come out from behind the tree. It’s Zane.

“Stop!” I hold my gun in one hand and reach for my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. I open it and try to find Michael’s contact to inform him of the intruder.

The phone gets knocked out of my hand and I immediately kick Zane in the gut, knocking him back a couple feet. He raises his arms, surrendering.

“Drop all of your weapons,” I tell him.

“I don’t have any. Don’t call anyone either.”

“Why? Maybe it’s my turn to capture you and lock you away.”

“I just wanted to talk to you.” I am taken aback.

“Why? I don’t believe you.”

“I’m telling the truth. Put down your gun and we can talk.” He looks deep into my eyes with his beautiful hybrid eyes. “Please,” he begs.

“Okay, fine.” I lower my gun. “I’m going to pick up my phone but I’m not going to call anyone, so don’t try to knock it out of my hand again because that really pissed me off.”

He smirks. “Okay.”

I reach down to grab my phone, not taking my eyes off of him. I put it in my pocket. I don’t holster my gun yet because I still don’t trust him.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Beatrix. I told my dad that I went for a drive and I left my phone at home so he can’t track me. It’s just me here, I promise.”

He seems sincere, but that doesn’t mean he’s telling the truth. He could just be really good at lying. I narrow my eyes on him.

“What do you want to talk about?” I ask.

“Well, I wanted to talk to you about this life.”

I give him a confused look.

“Look,” he sighs. “if I’m being honest I just wanted to see you again.”

“Bullshit,” I call out.

“I’m being serious. Ever since you left, I never stopped thinking about you.” He sits down on the ground. “Can I ask you something?”

“What,” I say impatiently.

“Do you like this life you’re living?”

“Yes, of course.”

“But really think about it. Haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like if we weren’t doing this? Imagine living on the beach somewhere warm, without a care in the world. Imagine going to work everyday like a normal person. Wouldn’t you want that?”

“No,” I don’t hesitate. This is my life and I love it. “Why are you telling me this?”

“I don’t know to be honest. I just thought maybe you wanted to live a different life like me.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Okay, then. I’m sorry.” He gets up and turns to leave.

“Wait,” I call after him. He turns around and his eyes capture me once more. “Will you be back?”

A hint of a smile forms and his hybrid eyes shine. “Do you want me to come back?”

I hesitate. What am I doing?

“Umm, ye—yes.”

He smiles wide and shows off his perfect white teeth. “Okay, I’ll be back.” He turns around and starts walking to the road, where I’m sure he parked his car.

I holster my gun, and mount Emerald. All the way home I think about what just happened. Why in the world would I ask him to come back? How do a pair of eyes make my mind turn to mush?