All Chapters of Her Redemption. His Second Chance.: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

[Elise’s POV]I stare down into Serenity’s face as she greedily sucks the bottle that I offer her while wishing that I could be so easily appeased. If only I were still a child who was oblivious to the viciousness and darkness of the world. Maybe then I wouldn’t have to live day to fucking day with all this pent-up rage and sorrow.“She sure was hungry, wasn’t she?” Marty murmurs, kneeling down in front of me and poking at Serenity’s cheek. “Keep that up, and you’re gonna get chubby.”“Let her be chubby.” I sigh, leaning back into the soft cushion of the seat I sit in. “She’s nothing more than a child. If she wants to be fat, let her be fat. If she wants to be afraid, let her be afraid. Soon enough, she is going to grow into an adult and begin to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders like the rest of us.”Sure, I was being pessimistic, but after seeing that photo of my mother smiling so fucking happily with Denali, I couldn’t help it. All these damned questions just kept haun

[Elise’s POV]Phantoms swirl around, their eyes glowing red. Their clawed fingers reach out and attempt to grab me while their words echo in the air.“Freak.”“Monster.”“Demon.”“Bad Omen.”They echo again and again, tearing at my heart and causing pain to shoot through me.These were the words I was used to, and these were the phantoms that kept me company. They taunted me, tearing me down bit by bit as I tried so hard to build myself back up. Of course, that was only wishful thinking.“How dare you gallivant around pretending to be normal?”The voice pierces through the others as my hair is grabbed and I’m pulled forward toward a much too familiar scene, one that almost turns me feral as I try desperately to flee before I reach. However, just like every other time this familiar dream has come, I'm unable to do anything. All I can do is let myself be dragged back to that shed and wait while the scent of gasoline fills my nose and makes my eyes sting.When it becomes too much, the sm

[Rosco’s POV]‘Have you gone mad?’Fabian’s question sends a wave of annoyance through me as I continue to watch William while he eyes Elise, who is completely oblivious or just doesn’t care.‘Maybe.’ I grumble.‘You’re softening around the edges.’ He chuckles, angering me even more.‘If you’re just going to nag me, you can fuck off.’Instead of responding, Fabian lets out a laugh before I feel his presence disappear, so that I’m in my head alone again.Sighing, I let my gaze travel across the warriors who are still doing their stretches, and when I feel they’re more than ready to begin their training, I draw in a breath.“Fall in line!” I command.Growing quiet, I wait once again as everyone does as instructed, falling into an at-ease position. Once no one is left moving, I begin to pace.“As all of you are aware,” I begin, deciding to address the reason for this sudden training. “Our lands have been attacked by a skilled enemy. A few of our ranks have already lost their lives defend

[Elise’s POV]I let out a sigh of relief as steaming hot water ran over my body. Who knew that Marty wouldn’t go easy on me while we were training and would leave me so damn sore? I felt my muscles screaming at me.“I’ll make him pay.” I growl, beginning to wash my body. “Just wait. Come tomorrow, I’ll make sure that he is the one who is hurting.”‘All those months of being locked up took a toll on your body.’ Anna notes, joining me in my misery. ‘You need to get back in shape.’‘No shit.’ I huff, turning off the water and stepping out of the shower. ‘Tell me something I don’t know.’Letting out a growl of frustration, I grab my robe and pull it around my body. Once it is secure, I head out of the bathroom to find Marty relaxing on the couch with a beer in hand.“Took you long enough.” He says, turning his gaze toward me. “I was beginning to wonder if you drowned in there.”“If I did, it would have been your fault.” I shoot back, snatching his drink from him and downing it. “Do you ha

[Rosco's POV]I watch as William and Elise begin to run away as if they were two thieves fleeing a scene. The sight annoys the hell out of me, but I don't move to chase.“There they go.” Marty chuckles, coming to stand beside me. “Should we chase?”“Leave em be.” Jose chuckles, appearing behind us. “I'm assuming this is what you meant when you said if she was willing to help, huh?”“Yeah,” I sigh, turning around and heading to the couch so I can take a seat. “If there is one thing that woman is good at, it is running.”Growing quiet, I wait as Jose examines me. It is clear from his expression that he wants me to say more, but I don't speak.“What's her story?” He finally asks. “And why is she so afraid of you?”Afraid of me. I wasn't sure if that actually was what she was, but I guess it did come across like that.“Honestly,” I respond, deciding there isn't any harm in letting Jose in on Elise's past misdeeds. “She is a criminal who was brought here to atone for her sins.”“A criminal