Itching for a Fight

[Nox]

Nox and Elyse went round and round for the better part of an hour. Elyse didn't push too hard on his weak spots, though she didn't take it easy she made every opening known, which was good, but it also left a few more bruises than he'd have liked.

The herd of kids piled down the stairs making a large racket. They always did, with their giggling and laughing. Arabella was the first one through the basement doors and bee-lined straight for the dojo mats. She raced for the machines that lined the mats and there was little he could do before the nearest one shot out a green tenisball aimed straight at Elyse. Nox didn't hesitate while he moved in position to take the ball to the back. He grunted as the ball smashed into his lower back at high velocity.

It was par for course if he was alone, but Elyse didn't need to be begged.

"Arabella we've talked about this. Just because we are on the mat does not mean we want the machines on."

The little girl didn't look indignant or even like she'd been punished -- that was the Blackthorn bitchiness he was trying to train out of the three rich little brats. He loved them -- he did, but of the three they were the hardest to get into line. Their parents were not much to be desired -- being monsters and all. Nox gave them some leeway but even that was shedding thin.

Not only was Arabella glaring at him like 'what are you gonna do about it' but they had company. Nox nodded to Rachel and Jared and asked Elyse, "You okay? I didn't hurt you?" He looked her over before he turned back to Arabella and flipped the machine off just as it wound up before tossing another green ball out of the nozzle.

Arabella flipped it back on. "Out now." His voice was cold and held no emotion. He was doing everything to keep what emotions he had in check. Anger always came far easier than any of it.

"You ain't my Daddy." The other kids who had been still and quiet froze.

Sophia rushed forward. "She doesn't mean that." She moved to take Arabella out.

"I got this, just watch the kids." Nox turned to the tiny four year old. "You can either wiling go with me, or I'll carry you kicking and screaming."

She screamed. "That's the way you want it." Nox looked at their guests and frowned. "Sorry for the poor maners. Welcome, enjoy. I'm taking this one with me."

She did as he thought she would. She bit and screamed and carried on as Nox lifted the tiny girl from the floor. It was a bit of a struggle, but he managed. She was strong for four. And she thankfully only bit the arm that couldn't get hurt. Though Sage was going to wonder about the teeth marks left in the skin.