Moving across the room toward them, I couldn’t help but greedily look over Niz in this form, especially now that he was on the mend and no longer in such rough shape. In the short time between first seeing him shifted and now, I had somehow forgotten just how large the man was and how much space he took up. Even in a shirt and sweatpants, he held himself like a warrior, his arm spread out along the back of the couch as his dark gaze ran over me with interest.
The look only served to stoke the flames within my core higher—something I definitely didn’t need help with today.
“Kieran, you look beautiful.” My eyes widened at the unexpected compliment from Niz. Bastian made a sound of agreement that had my cheeks flushing, feeling shy over their attention. Specifically Niz—everything between us was so new that his words invoked a softer, more vulnerable reaction in me than my normal confidence.
“Thank you,” I offered before sitting on the arm of the chair perpendicular to the couch. “You’re looking much better, though I’m surprised you’re shifted back into human form. I know Ronan mentioned it was easier for you to heal in the other one.”
“He’s right about that, but at this point with how quickly I’ve recovered, it’s okay to be in this form for a bit. I feel ten timesbetter than before, I promise,” he assured me, reaching out to squeeze my hand.
“Because of me,” Bastian pointed out, causing Niz to chuckle in response as he released my hand.
“I already said thank you, you insufferable fool. I would even consider us friends now?—”
Bastian offered him an arched brow. “I hadn’t realized I hadacceptedyour friendship yet.” Niz groaned at Bash being difficult, and I broke out into a laugh, unable to help myself.
My heart felt so whole, knowing all of them were safe and well enough to be here, joking around.
Before they could continue their back and forth, the pounding of footsteps on the stairs had all of us looking to the foot of the stairs, where Steele now stood. “Everyone ready to go?”
“Nearly,” Ronan said, turning off the stovetop while finishing up the last sandwich.
“Yes!” I called out, drawing Steele’s attention to the three of us.
“Niz, you staying here or do you plan to come to training?” Steele asked.
I almost let out a snort. Niz had almost died yesterday and Steele was already assuming Niz might be well enough to train. It was so on brand for the commander.
“I’m going to take the opportunity to rest a bit more,” Niz answered, stretching an arm above his head. “But I may take you up on training in a few days.”
“Sounds good,” Steele nodded sharply, going toward the coffee machine.
I had to give him credit for not looking disappointed in Niz choosing to rest longer. The Steele who had kicked my ass in training when we first arrived would have judged him, without a doubt. Perhaps old dogs could learn new tricks. However, Iwas still a little suspicious of this massive change in Steele’s behavior. Part of me still felt apprehensive, waiting for the harsh man to come back out.
Looking back at Niz, I tilted my head in thought. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay here by yourself?” I knew it was ridiculous to fret over him like this, but my protective streak for Niz hadn’t disappeared, even after finding out he wasn’tjustthe adorable little wyvern I’d met back in Alfemir.
His eyes lit up with amusement as he called me on it. “Are youworriedabout me?”
It seemed there were nowtwopeople with a pension for the dramatic living under one roof. Just my luck.
I huffed, rolling my eyes. “Well, now I’m not?—”
Niz caught my hand once again as Bastian stood and made his way toward the kitchen, leaving the two of us to our banter. “What if I told you Iwasn’tgoing to be okay?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, my brow dipping in actual concern…only to realize that he was messing with me.
“I’m simply saying that if youdon’tgive me my normal goodbye, I may have a lousy day. It may even impede my healing.”
“You want me to kiss your nose?” I deadpanned, wondering if that was actually what he was getting at.
“No, I don’t want you to. Ineedyou to,” he corrected, flashing a smile. “It’s a medical necessity at this point, don’t you see?”
I let out a snort of laughter as my head shook at his antics. What was I going to do with all of these men?
I was done overthinking things, though, so I let my gut and own desires urge me on. I leaned down and pressed a kiss to his nose. Pulling back, my eyes widening at the intense way he watched me with a playful scowl on his face.
“Well, that wasn’t nearly long enough,” he grumbled.
“It wasexactlylike normal,” I pointed out with a knowing smile.
