Page 75 of A Second Dawn
“Great. Let’s get you started right away. There’s no time like the present.”
He hands me one of the rifles. “There’s a makeshift shooting range on the west side of the furthest cabin,” he tells me.
Then he crooks his finger at Claudette. “You’ll come with me. We’ll take the one on the south side. Let’s see what you remember from the last time I taught you.”
I stride across the rugged terrain, the presence of the rifle in my hands providing a comforting familiarity.
The crisp mountain air fills my lungs, heightening my senses as I lead Ella to the makeshift shooting range. I spotted it this morning on my run and decided to bring Ella here for some training even before Ian suggested it.
She trails behind me, her expression wary. She’s never handled a gun before, and her reluctance is palpable.
Turning to face her, I reach out and gently grasp her hand. “Sunshine, I understand your reservations,” I say, filling my voice with empathy. “But out here in the mountains, we need to be prepared. I want to teach you how to shoot, to protect yourself.”
I don’t mention De Marco and his men on purpose, and the danger they pose. It’s one thing to shoot at an animal. It’s an entirely different thing to fire at a person. I don’t want her to have that on her mind.
Her eyes meet mine, and I sense a mix of fear and trust swirling within them.
“I just… I don’t like guns,” she stammers, her voice wavering.
I squeeze her hand, trying to convey my sincerity. “El, I get it, but this is about empowering yourself and being able to defend what’s important to you. We won’t do this every day. This will be the only lesson until after the baby is born. But I need you to know how to handle a gun and how to shoot.”
She cradles her still flat stomach, contemplating my words.
“Okay,” she finally whispers, a flicker of determination in her eyes. “Let’s do it.”
With a soft smile, I slide the rifle off my shoulder. I explain the parts of the gun to her, and how to get it ready for firing.
Then we move on to her posture. I step up behind her, close enough for her hair to brush my face.
The scent of vanilla and apple hits me full force, making my heart stutter like it always does. I’m like a wolf waking up with a snow bunny in his lair.
Hunger and desire surge through me. As is the unmistakable longing for more. Like her laughter in my mountain home, her singing sweet lullabies to our babies, long walks hand in hand with our dogs barrelling past us.
The chill in the air vanishes with Ella’s body so close. It simply can’t exist in her presence.
Clearing my throat, I force my mind to the task at hand. I adjust her stance, my hands lingering on her waist for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
“Focus on your target,” I instruct, my voice low and encouraging. “Breathe. Steady your grip. The gun will recoil. Don’t be afraid of it.”
As she takes aim, her fingers tremble on the trigger. She gives it a tentative squeeze, and the rifle kicks back into her shoulder. The bullet tears through the air… and misses the target.
The first shot is wide, the bullet disappearing into the butts behind the target. She lets out a frustrated sigh, her shoulders slumping.
“It’s okay,” I say. “You’re doing great. Just take a deep breath, steady your grip, and try again.”
She nods, determination flickering in her eyes. I guide her through the motions once more. With renewed focus, she readjusts her stance and takes aim, firing another shot. This time, the bullet lands just below the target.
“Almost there,” I encourage. “You’re getting closer. Just a small adjustment.”
We repeat the process, shot after shot. She misses every single one, frustration threatening to turn her off trying altogether.
“I can’t do this.” She turns and tries to give me the rifle. I don’t take it, clasping my hands behind my back.
“Uh uh. You’re not giving up that easily. Take a moment to catch your breath.”
“Show me how it’s done,” she says, holding out the gun to me.
I take it, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Time for some trivia to lighten the mood.