Flame is with them, his stance and expression guarded as he stares down the waves.
“Do you think he intends to pounce on the water if it touches his mate?” I ask conversationally, aware that Flame can shift into a black jaguar form.
Maliki grunts beside me. “Likely.”
“Hmm,” I hum, imagining the scene in my head. “It would be rather amusing.”
Maliki doesn’t reply, but I’m sure he’s picturing the same scenario as me because his lips curl up on one side into a smirk.
“This is why we’ll make a good mate-circle,” I muse out loud. “We’re similar, you and I.”
The enforcer grunts again. “Similar implieswe have a lot in common, such as our likes and dislikes.” He looks at me. “Aside from a mutual interest in Sera, I don’t think we share a lot of hobbies or desires.”
I consider that for a moment. “All right, then I would rephrase my assessment to state that wecomplementone another nicely. We both provide Sera with different qualities that allow for a more well-rounded experience.”
He faces me. “Are you trying to convince me of our compatibility so I’ll stand with you against Hades?”
“No. I don’t need your help with my cousin. I’m merely pointing out that we have a strong foundation for our mate-circle.” Which is important to me because our strength as a unit will ensure Serapina’s protection.
But I don’t add that last part out loud.
Instead, I meet his gaze and say, “I want what’s best for Serapina. And I think that’s you.”
His gold irises flare, reminding me of the sun glittering off the ocean. It’s only midmorning here, but it’s summer, making the warmth intense despite the earlier hour.
Maliki seems to be radiating a similar heat.
“I won’t betray Hades,” he informs me.
“I’m not asking you to,” I return. “I’m saying that Serapina’s pleasure and happiness matter. Which makes you important to me. Becauseyoupleaseher.”
He’s about to respond when Reaper appears in a pair of track pants and nothing else. His silver-blue eyes instantly focus on Maliki as he coyly asks, “Want to play?”
The enforcer evaluates Reaper’s attire and lack of shoes. “Last time we sparred, you tried to take out my heart.”
Reaper gives him a dreamy smile. “That was a good idea, wasn’t it?”
Maliki snorts. “You also drove a blade into my fucking thigh.”
“Only because you sliced up my cheek.” He points to his face. “Facial hits are a limit. I don’t wish to upset my pet by ruining my finer features, even if it’s temporary.”
“You can’t just decide on a limit in the middle of a sparring match,” Maliki tells him. “You stated that there were no rules, so I responded in kind.”
Reaper twists his lips, considering this. “All right. If we define the limits before we play, will you come dance with me?”
“You’re not trying to fight Maliki again, are you, Reaper?” Alina calls from the water’s edge.
Her question seems to startle Serapina, as she instantly turns around to stare at our little trio by the cliff. “They fight?” she asks. Though, I don’t actually hear her voice, just see the movement of her lips. It’s more of a whisper, I suppose.
“Yeah,” Alina replies, her tone just as soft. “And it’s usually bloody.”
“I didn’t ask him to fight. I asked him to play,” Reaper says as he turns to saunter toward his mate. “Fighting implies violent intent. I merely want to make him bleed, pet. There’s a difference.”
Maliki grunts, clearly disagreeing. But I can tell by the intrigued glint in his golden orbs that he’s going to accept the offer.
“Have some tension to work off, do you?” I drawl.
He glances at me. “Sera is a very active sleeper. Her favorite thing to do is slide her thigh between mine.” He gives me a meaningful look as he adds, “So yes. I have a bit of tension to work off.”
