Blood Warrior Read Online Free Page B

explain to me what’s going on?” I asked, clenching and unclenching my teeth.
    The two exchanged a look that once again gave me the feeling that they were hiding something from me. Understandably, my irritation grew.
    Nelly spoke first. “I just had a feeling we should stay home today.” When I just stared at her, she added, “I just… I just felt like it was important for us to stay home today.” I struggled to maintain my cool. “Okay…”
    This got no response from either of them. I hated being left out, and I felt my mood grow darker and darker. Clenching my jaws, I forcibly brought my attention back to my food. Then, rather abruptly, I decided I couldn’t take it anymore. They were going to start explaining. I was going to see to it. Consequences be damned. Anger surged through me, and I swear I could feel the strength of it in my bones.
    “Alright,” I said, as calmly as I could manage. “What the hell is going on? What aren’t you telling me?” I switched my gaze slowly back and forth between them. They flinched every time I met their eyes. I didn’t blame them. I was starting to scare myself.
    Seeing them cringe diffused my temper a little, though. I didn’t ever want them to be afraid of me. Especially not Nelly, though I doubted my Mother was afraid, I’d probably just surprised her.
    I looked down to see that my fists were clenched. What was wrong with me?
    Why was I so angry lately? I lowered my voice and looked at Nelly. “Look, I’m sorry. I… I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. But I do know that there’s something you’re not telling me. What is such a big secret that you can’t trust me with it?” Again, Nelly and my Mother exchanged a look that seemed to speak legions. And, again, I got no response.
    I threw my hands up, all that anger rushing back into me. “Fine,” I said, shoving my chair back and standing to leave the kitchen. I had to get away from them before I really lost it.
    I took two steps before my Mother stopped me. “Alexa,” she said.
    I turned back to face her, not caring that I was openly scowling. Like I said, consequences be damned.
    “It’s for the best, I promise you,” my Mother continued. Her voice was surprisingly gentle, and when I opened my mouth to protest, she held up a hand. “No, I know you don’t believe me, but I swear to you that it’s better this way. Even if you don’t trust me, I know you trust her.” She nodded toward Nelly. “Please, sit down. I have something for you.” I hesitated before moving. This had to be some kind of trick. My Mother never
    “had something for me”. Unless you counted a punch to the face.
    Noticing my delay, my Mother stood up. Subconsciously, I shifted my right leg back, so that I was standing in a fighting position. My Mother chuckled. “Fine. Just stay there. I’ll be right back.”
    She left the kitchen, and I looked over at Nelly. She was staring down at her hands, pointedly avoiding my gaze. I sighed and relaxed my stance. “Nell, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m just frustrated, and I can’t help but feel like there’s something-“
    “Here.” My Mother walked back into the kitchen and held out something wrapped in cloth.
    Weary, I took the gift and ran my fingers over the velvet encasing it. It was a deep crimson, and it held something heavy. “What is it?”
    “Open it.”
    I slowly unwrapped the cloth, revealing a silver, oval, handle-thingy. It looked like the grip of a sword. It was brilliantly shiny and had some sort of floral design wrapping all the way around it. It was beautiful. I ran my fingers along the design, all earlier thoughts of anger forgotten.
    “Um, thank you.”
    My Mother just nodded. I looked back over at Nelly to see that she was staring wide-eyed at my strange gift. I gripped it in my hand and felt a strange peace wash over me. The vines and flowers carved into it seemed to wrap around my fingers in an embrace, leaving a smooth cool surface for