The bag swings wildly, my shirt clinging to my sweaty back as I pivot in my spot and force a kick at the beg, watching it spin before it slows to a stop.

I let out a harsh breath, wiping my forehead before turning in my spot and forcing a kick at my father, he blocks it with a well maneuvered arm, smirking at me as his foot comes up and smashes into my stomach.

I cough and stagger back, glaring at him, hazel eyes burning.

"Again" He nods at me, righting himself.

I mockingly mimic him but get into position, raising a brow at him as his face falls into an incredulous one.

I don't let him relax to prepare, instead throwing a one-two punch towards his unprotected stomach before feinting right and ducking under his out thrown fist, shoving my shoulder into his to throw him off balance as I spin behind him dancing on the balls of my feet.

He staggers slightly from my shoulder but its miniscule, his shoulders bunching as he quickly turns to me and throws out a punch, I move to block it but seconds too late, instead using his momentum to shove his arm out of my face as his fist skims my cheekbone.

His knee collides into my abdomen, the breath leaving me as I twist and shove my own knee into his unprotected side, his body folding from the force.

I quickly crouch to the ground, my leg snapping out to make contact with his ankles, forcing his feet out from under him.

His back meets the hard surface of the training mat as the breath is knocked out of him.

I stand above him, smirking my triumph.

"Ooh" comes a smart voice from the door, I turn from smirking at my dad, smiling as mum walks in, Vincent trailing behind her. "That looked like it hurt"

"Shut up, Holland" Dad snaps but it has no fire in it as he slowly pushes himself back up.

Her smile widens as she looks to me, her dark brown eyes staring into my hazel ones.

"Time for a real fight" She says and quickly get into position. "Think you can beat me?" She taunts, tying her blonde hair back into a low ponytail.

I look at my dad, winking down at him "I think we can" I help him up as he tilts his head at mum, pouting mockingly "Sorry, babe, I'm on our daughters side"

"This'll be good." I hear Vinnie mutter as he takes a seat against the wall? Watching us eagerly. "Kick her ass, dad! You have to train me after so hurry."

Mums scoffs "That really hurt" she says sarcastically as dad gets into position by my side, we both lift out fists simultaneously.

"Try your hardest, mum" I hiss, circling her, dad going one way, me going the other.

• • •

I was late to school, our training session had gone overtime.

I'd left my parents in the training room, with mum nursing dads bruised ego after she'd won against us. Again.

The school was silent, the students having already gone to their classes for the start of the day.

My teammates had all left while I was training, all except Ried, who volunteered to stay with Danny and his father, to keep them safe. Obviously.

Aunt Cleo and Uncle Clay were also working on Mr. Ardens case, trying to get to the person who had ordered the hit on him.

Dad was talking about recruiting more people, with the help of Aunt Andy and Uncle Liam. Right now Andy was looking into a girl called Noah - I wonder what her story is?

So with Reid looking after Danny and Michael Arden, the rest of us were the only ones working on the original mission.

Windsor and Ryland were still trying to figure out Jacksons motives and identity, Artemis had assimilated herself within the group nicely, and I, well I had no idea where I stood.

I quickly stop by my locker, opening it and retrieving the things I need for my second class before making my way there, knowing the bell would ring any second.

I walk past my first classroom when the bell sounds, the door opening and students filing out before the bell had even finished its haunting ring.

I turn, putting my back to the flowing sea of students, walking the opposite way to where I was supposed to be going.

A body moves into my way and I stop before we collide.

Rolling my eyes when I see who it is.

"What do you want, Jackson?" I waste no time on pleasantries, cutting straight to the point.

His lips lift in a condescending smile as he leans his shoulder against the lockers lazily.

"Why do you think I want something?"

"Do you usually stop girls in the hallway?"

"If they're willing." He licks his lips.

Disgust clouds my mind. I'm not.

"Cute." I reply sarcastically, going to walk around him.

He steps in front of me and I raise a brow.

"Not too fast." He steps forward, his face moving closer to mine, lashes lowering.

I take a measured step back, face screwing up as he follows.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"What does it look like?"

I narrow my eyes.

"It looks like you were about to kiss me and get thrown on your ass!" I hiss.

"Well that's not what was going to happen" he smirks cockily before his hands are on my face and pulling me forward.

I roll my eyes so hard as his lips skim mine, afraid they will fall out before pulling back.

"And it look like my hypothesis is correct, now fuck off!" I hiss, slamming my arms against his shoulders, my mind filling with satisfaction as he stumbles back.

A body blocks my vision, my glare no longer directed at Jackson and now at the wall of students opposite. I didn't even notice they were there.

I hiss through my teeth, glaring at the boy as he sprawls on the ground, skidding back and hitting the feet of two students.

They skitter back.

Alessio stands in front of me, muscles tense on his back as he glares down at Jackson.

Jackson sneers, lips split and staggers up. Charging forward.

Alessio catches his flying fist and I see his knuckles whiten as he crushes it beneath his.

He pushes him back but Jackson doesn't repent, charging forward and throwing a punch. Alessio ducks, winding his arms around Jackson waist and forcing him to the ground. Landing on top of him.

I don't hear the words they exchange as he throws fist after fist into Jackson's poorly protected face.

Any other person would want to break up the fight. I'm not any other person and I'm smart enough to know it'll only land me in trouble.

The lockers hit my back as I lean on them and enjoy the show.

I count the droplets of blood before I feel a presence at my side.

I flash a smile at Artemis and she winks.

"Boy trouble?"

"It's under control."

She scoffs a chuckle. "Can't relate."

I roll my eyes, a sadistic part of me enjoying Jackson face being pummelled into the tiles.

"What is going on!"

"Shit!" Artemis mutters by my side, blending back into the crowd.

I look up, eyes widening when I see the principal making his way here.

The crowd parts and I make a decision I know is going to cost me.

"Alessio." I step forward. Throwing my self into the fight and expecting a fist to make contact with my face.

It doesn't happen.

I open my eyes, raising a brow as his blue eyes trace my face. He's breathing heavily, face still holding murderous intentions.

I put a hand on his shoulder, his muscles relaxing and slowly drag him up as the Principal arrives.

His volcanic glare focuses on me before narrowing on Alessio.

He looks down at Jackson, the boy slowly getting up. Blood coating his lips and bruises already forming on his jaw.

His face is malicious and dark as he spits the blood out. It lands at my feet.

"Principals office-"

"No." Jackson hisses. "I have another punishment in mind." He looks at the principal and the man nods.

I narrow my eyes.

Interesting.

Jackson flicks his chin and the Principal leaves, dispersing the crowd of students as he does.

Jacks steps forward, eyes murderous.

"You'll regret that, Vitale."

Alessio's shoulders bunch, tenseness lighting his features on fire.

"I already do." His words are soft, the emotion behind it causing my heart to speed up.

Jackson smirks, red lips on show.

"That's not going to save her."

My eyebrows furrow as Jackson sneers once more before storming off, wiping the blood from his mouth as he goes.

He flicks his wrist and the tiles splatter with his blood.

Alessio turns to me, shoulder ridged with tension and face falling. His eyes are haunted, concern flashing through them as he jaw clenches.

His eyes swing to mine.

"Are you okay?" He asks softly, blue eyes tracing my features

"Yes." I nod my head, walking up to him.

His fists flex, bruises marring the skin. Blood spotting his knuckles.

I grab his fist, running a thumb over the knuckles as he hisses.

"It's not broken."

"I know." He replies.

I run my fingers over them once more absentmindedly before dropping it back to his side gently.

I look up at him, the concern in his eyes growing as I watch them trace the direction Jackson left.

Agony flits across his face before he masks it.

His concern isn't for me.

So who is he concerned for? Himself.

"C'mon." I flatten my hand against his bicep, dragging him gently towards the door. "Let's get out of here."

"Go where?"

"Where do you want to go?"

His eyes connect with mine.

"I have a place."