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While Walker fought for his life, Tanner introduced Jade to the very nasty reality of de They started sets Though, ad vampires turned out to be more complex than she’d anticipated They didn’t practice on real ones, obviously, but Tanner pinpointed the exact area of entry to the heart that would stake a vampire and she had to work endlessly on her aim

Tanner hung a burlap-encased dummy from a tree in the forest, and as it blew in the wind, it al forward or lunging to the left or right Even retreating at times

Mostly, Tanner sighed and scowled at her

“You’re quicker than this, Jade I’ve seen youon the red ‘X’ I drew Keep your eye on it at all times Go for the kill”

Perhaps it was thoughts of Sheena thata vampire She forced herself to rise above that notion She wasn’t taking on Sheena Her ene’s alliance

After ht her to do so similar with the horned demons They also required a direct hit in a precise location, between their horns

“It’s a small, soft spot,” Tanner explained

He pressed a fingertip to her forehead to indicate the precise area

“Unlike with vampires, there’s no need to drive deep with your sword The h and cut off their heads With the horned demons, you just need to penetrate the skull an inch or so It triggers a violent reaction that, for lack of a better descriptor, skews their brain cells and sends them into seizures They also tend to spew yellow pus from just about every pore and orifice, so don’t stay too close after you’ve made your attack It’s vile”

She spent another week learning to satisfactorily achieve her objective Tanner seemed impressed

“It takes years to accomplish this,” he said, “but you’re a natural”

“I told you”

“Okay, sreen eyes “Let’s see hoell you do with shapeshifters”

The next day, he showed up at the cottage with a crate Inside was a live chicken