The Sins of Anna

After driving for what felt like hours we come to a secluded lodge surrounded by trees. It was massive from the looks of it with no distinguishing markings. Not sure where I had been taken I was nervously escorted into the building by Maliki. When I entered, Maliki was greeted warmly as he was handed something. Then being pushed on my back I was ushered through a heavier metal door that was way different from the wooden door to the front entrance. As we walked inside the second room I see several rows sectioned off and at the other side lined with the sections hung targets. Maliki had taken me to a shooting range. Wanting to turn and run I notice that the people that had greeted Maliki where guarding the door whether it's to keep others out or me in. I'm not sure and really don't want to gamble it. As I let Maliki lead me to a spot on the far end as if to give us privacy.

"Now little sis, this is a secret between us. Ren would have my head if he knew I was teaching you to shoot. However; I also agree with you that you should be being taught because the next time you pull the gun you don't want to be afraid or it will be your life or Ren's and that's something I won't forgive if it happens. A useless member by the lord's side is as bad as expressing emotions to the enemy. You have to make the choice to shoot but you can't hesitate or be scared or you will hurt yourself or someone you care about." He hands me what looks like ear muffs.

"Your choice." I hesitate but take the ear muffs from him I am afraid but not of him; I know how fast he could kill me and not blink an eye but, that's not what scared me. I was afraid of myself afraid if I will be able to even shoot and if I practice and I can shoot someone will I become like him not caring who lives or dies. I take my gun out from the holster on my thigh. Before me he lays several cases of bullet rounds. Just when I'm about to take aim there is commotion outside when the heavy metal door opens. With the noise, I half expected Ren but instead that childish grinning masochist Mike had appeared. As he approached us calling Maliki by cutesy names that agitates him.

"Someone's being naughty." He partly sings teasingly.

"Teaching our little sis here after we were told to hold off, brothers going to be mad at you for once Mali Magpie." He wraps his arm around Maliki's neck poking his finger into Maliki's cheek while grinning delightfully.

"Buzz off Mike or I won't pummel you later." Maliki growls back

"Oh, harsh that won't do though I suppose it'll be alright, brothers been so testy lately my body might break from all the love he's given me." Mike hugs himself squirming with delight. I can't get use to this guy compared to the thought of being killed, someone like him scares me more.

"Don't worry I saw your car heading out of town so I followed, I won't tell brother I just came for the show to be honest, I want to see if she has any skill." He says coming back to reality as he laughs and leans back on the wall.

"Besides I agree this is a must, the elders are talking about marriage candidates. The one by Ren's side will need to be skilled in shooting, and combat as to stand by his side." To Mikes announcement, I stand their speechless I lower my head in despair.

"Shut it already would you" Maliki barks. "Anna, are you planning to quit before even trying. There is a reason this is made as a requirement, it's because as the Don he like his partners will always be in danger he can't afford to protect someone else. So, his partner needs to be able to hold her own to support him. It has been this way for centuries. How about this, before conceding why not let us see what you got and we will train you in secret around work hours how about that." Maliki shows me a kind smile even Mike is smiling sincerely nodding and agreement. These guys sometimes make me feel better when I'm down. Makes it hard to believe there bad.

"Besides we don't want to see Ren with anyone else but you little sis even us men need someone we can relax around when we are alone he can't do that with someone he is ordered to marry." Maliki nods in agreement.

Listening to them I relax I need to try to stay by his side even if he won't be mine. I can at least be there for him. Maliki gave me instructions before I took stance to shoot. I took aim and deep breaths I had 6 bullets in the clip five target areas. As I went to squeeze the trigger I heard shouts from both sides of me.

"Don't shut your damn eyes or you could hurt someone important to you." They both blared in my ears.

Trying again, I try desperately to keep aim and eyes open I slowly shot one round after another till the clip was empty. I felt someone excitedly slap me across the back as if to encourage me. Maliki went to push a button on the wall and the paper target comes close to grab it. To my relief, I was pretty much on mark with the head, heart, both arms, and leg. My last one though the guys looked puzzled.

"Why?" Mike gave a sour look at me when he noticed my final shot. Maliki started chuckling trying to ask why I wasted the last bullet there. There it was a hole where the man's private parts where supposed to be.

"Well I had one shot left nowhere to put it I guess I remembered Maliki had said in life in death even a low blow was fair game so I figure if they're going to try and **** me then its far game to disarm his weapon of choice." This time Maliki is laughing harder as he tosses my hair around, Mike though is bouncing around squealing like a little girl at my explanation complaining that it's so wrong.

"Christ this chick is crazy, worn Ren before he gets his balls shot off or chopped off." Mike is complaining to Maliki. Pulling on his sleeve.

After finishing the rest of the rounds and then coaching me to shot faster as to not hesitate or take too long aiming we headed home. Upon returning Maliki told Ren that I had needed to stay and work after I turned in my manuscript because it had editing to be done and they needed it today. He however didn't question further. Mike following Ren back to his room shakes his head at me and I can hear him whisper that it's still a low blow no man deserves that torture. I try hard not to laugh as he cringes doing a little dance behind Ren as he leaves. Ren however barley looks at me. He doesn't say a word upon arrival to the manor then leaves without saying anything to me at all.