Chapter Three
ARGHET DIDN’T KNOW what had happened between him and Skehl, but he could feel the male inside him now. As if he and Skehl had bonded.
Not what he’d had planned for his future.
They passed others who’d clearly been enjoying themselves, and as they made their way back to their own, he wondered that he felt discomfited about what he’d done. He stopped in his tracks, and Skehl nearly knocked him over, following closely behind.
“Go on. I’ll meet you there.”
Skehl studied him, the joyful glow that had earlier been present now gone from his face. Instead, the emotionless giant riddled with scars nodded and moved on, obeying without question.
Arghet scowled. He didn’t want Skehl to behave as he had been. And he sure the hell didn’t want anyone else thinking they could take a bite of the male he’d claimed—had sex with.
Frustrated and confused, he stomped after Skehl and shoved past his companions, not pleased at the many grins and jokes tossed his way.
“Ah, so Arghet’s finally fallen, eh? Found yourself a sweetheart, did you?” Tattan laughed.
Efhel and Drotek slapped him on the back. “Way to go, stud.” Efhel chuckled. “Who knew you liked them so big?”
Thinking to protect Skehl from their teasing, not sure the male would understand they meant nothing mean hearted toward him, Arghet stepped in front of Skehl to potentially stop him from doing anything. “He’s mine. Fuck off.”
The others erupted into laughter.
Skehl only sighed and hugged Arghet from behind. And Arghet felt his spirit drifting closer to the big man at his back, keeping him safe, near. He gently pulled away from his—not mate, lover would do—and nodded for Skehl to find shelter.
Skye wound through the warriors to join him. She nodded to the food everyone had gathered. “You two need to eat. Talzec told me you’re first tomorrow, Skehl. Feats of strength, eh?”
“Yes.” Skehl followed Skye’s directions and began eating. And eating. And eating.
Everyone watched in awe. Arghet had never seen a male eat so much.
“Guess he worked up an appetite.” Talzec slapped Arghet on the shoulder, and the blow nearly had him off his feet. “Nice work, Arghet.” Obviously everyone had scented his marker on Skehl.
What had he been thinking? “I just wanted to protect him, Alpha. Nothing more.”
Talzec drew him away from the others. “That’s why he’s glaring at me for standing so close to you. And why my mate is keeping him in his seat by force.”
Arghet swore under his breath and turned. “Stay there, Skehl. I’ll be right back.” He purposefully walked farther away with Talzec, alarmed to see Skehl still scowling at their alpha. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to him.”
“No. This is good. Skehl has been living a half-life for too long. His spirit is strong, but the Nasuhl hurt him. He’s a part of us now through you.”
“I don’t—”
“His strength can only help the clan. I like that you’ve connected, Arghet. Though you did not have to do so.”
He felt his face heating, not pleased when Talzec looked on the verge of laughter. “I claimed him for our time at the games. He’s safe. Now let’s talk about our strategy for tomorrow.” He opened his mouth to say something else when that scent hit him. “It’s her.”
Talzec frowned. “Who?”
“The female I’m tracking. She’s here.” He would have gone after her, but Talzec stopped him, holding him back.
“First we play the games. Then you may chase after her. Arghet, we must focus on the competition.” Talzec paused. “We must remain vigilant. The Nasuhl are not the only ones we needed to watch.”
“But there’s no fighting at the Cloud Games.”
“And how often do those with no honor obey the rules?” Talzec raised a brow. “I’m not saying we will need to war. But there are many here who do not share our sense of discipline.”
Arghet thought back to the Chamra clan, and in particular, to Ackhlen, that bastard with a blade he’d bested the last time they’d fought. Ackhlen had always seemed a bit off to Arghet, and he’d noticed the male’s interest that hadn’t waned.
