***
Arghet glared at Ackhlen, irritated with the male’s arrogance. Clearly overstepping his bounds, Ackhlen put hands on Arghet again, the intent to draw him closer for a “private” discussion.
The warrior was trying to show his superiority in front of others, and Arghet knew it.
He shoved Ackhlen away then kicked him hard in the gut, which caused Ackhlen to fall back. He tripped over a nearby log and sprawled over the ground, appearing undignified.
Arghet smiled. “The Vyctore do not bow to dogs. Or to those in second place.”
Around them, several warriors stopped what they were doing and watched. Arghet had no intention of getting his clan in trouble by fighting outside the organized challenges, but he refused to show himself as weak.
Ackhlen slowly rose to his feet. He brushed the dirt off his legs and ass, then shot Arghet a sharp smile. “Tomorrow, I will defeat you in front of everyone. And when I win, I’ll claim my victory in any way I choose.” The way he looked at Arghet told one and all he expected a sexual prize as well as a battle win.
Arghet shrugged. “Win or lose, you can’t handle me either way.” Then he turned and walked toward his clan, to the approval and laughter of those around him.
He felt the change in the air, the sense of menace, then Raia’s voice in his mind.Arghet, he comes from behind.
I know, female. I did not need the warning. But I thank you for your concern.He could almost sense her huff of displeasure and smiled as hestepped out of Ackhlen’s path and avoided an attack from behind. When he faced Ackhlen once more, it was with the intent to put the warrior down. Hard.
But he didn’t have to. Talzec appeared by his side, a scowl on his face directed at Ackhlen. “We do not violate the rules. The elders have stated there will be no battles outside the arenas. If you wish to best my warrior, do so in the morning on the field. And lose with dignity, warrior.” Talzec snorted. “Not the shame you serve your clan even now.”
The silence felt heavy, especially when Fehlen approached. He took in the scene in tight-lipped silence, then nodded at Ackhlen to follow him. “Talzec, well met. Thank you for stepping in before I had to.”
Talzec nodded.
To Arghet’s surprise, Ackhlen seemed not to care about his alpha’s displeasure. His angry gaze remained on Arghet until Fehlen barked a command to hurry the hells up.
Once the Chamra had gone, the festivities resumed in force.
Arghet followed Talzec back to the lagoon, where the warriors had set up a perimeter, with Skehl hovering over an aggravated human female. No matter how much Skye sniped at him, Skehl refused to budge from her side.
He grinned, saw Talzec’s amusement, then hurried to wipe his face clean of a smile when Skye spotted them and stomped to her mate.
He watched with interest as Skye managed to berate their alpha without using disobedient words or mannerisms. A skill, to say so much without saying it. Her body language spoke volumes though. So much that Talzec dragged his mate to him and kissed the fight out of her.
His hand found her breast, and Skye’s squirming ceased. She moaned as she struggled to get closer.
Talzec wrenched his mouth free. “We will return,” he rasped and tossed a now laughing Skye over his shoulder before stepping away for some privacy. The old Talzec would have mounted his female in front of his clan, but Skye had some offworlder notions of sexual seclusion.
Raia is not happy with you.Skehl sounded almost smug. Apparently Skye wasn’t the only one not conforming to barbarian standards of hierarchy. Skehl was starting to behave differently, more aggressively, since bonding. And the female, Raia, kept insisting that Skehl, and now Arghet, belonged to her. Toher?
Arghet snorted. “She can be as unhappy as she likes. In time she’ll learn her place.”Serving me, as will you,he broadcast, just to needle Raia and Skehl both.
Skehl blinked, then gave a shy smile.
Seeing that smile, Arghet’s heart raced, his feelings softening even more for the brutal warrior who hid a deep well of caring under past hurts.
By the Maker. Arghet had to accept it. He had a warrior for a mate.
And an assassin,came the self-satisfied female response.One you will learn to obey.
Arghet pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed, amused, and needing to find the female so he could show her how to be a proper bond-mate. And to correct her ideas about leaving with Skehl.
Tomorrow, Raia. We will come to terms with our future.
Yes, Arghet, we will.
Skehl crossed his arms, watching, waiting.
