That was all the encouragement she needed as she raced away, thelu-ongsetting fire to the boat's carcass in a fitting end to the day's events.
TWENTY-THREE
Kira was the first to reach the outer walls of the fortress, its defenses tracking her as she flew over. Graydon was hot on her heels as she came to a halt inches above the ground. Graydon landed seconds later.
He was off the board and striding toward her moments later, his expression fierce as he moved with a predator's grace.
Tension crackled through the air between them. The close call Kira had had, coupled with what they'd uncovered on that boat, pulled the thread between them tight.
Shivers skated along Kira's spine at the intentness on Graydon's face. His gaze was focused. He looked at her like a conqueror seeing something he wanted.
Except Kira had never been good at making things easy on other people.
He stopped a breath away, looming over her and sending a forbidden thrill through her. His gaze was thoughtful as he smoothed his fingers down her cheek.
"You enjoy games," he murmured. A wicked smile grew on his face. "So do I."
Kira blanched. "Wait."
That hadn't been her intent. She'd simply gotten caught up in the fun of it.
Graydon's expression was merciless. "Too late. You opened the door. I'm simply walking through."
"That's not what I did," Kira denied.
He leaned toward her, his gaze playful and sultry. "The Tuann only play with those they consider theirs."
"I didn't grow up Tuann," she pointed out desperately, sensing her actions had cost her more than she'd anticipated.
Graydon straightened as the rest of the patrol landed.
"You have more of us in you than you want to admit," he told her as Harlow stepped into view. "Don't worry, I'll be more than happy to play with you. Anytime. Anywhere."
Kira's choked sputter had him grinning as he moved toward the Overlord.
"Uh oh, that backfired on you," Jin said as Harlow and Graydon conferred, Wren and Maida joining them.
"Not another word out of you, Jin."
"No problem, but we both know it's the truth." The lizard rearranged himself around Kira's neck so he could have a better view of the proceedings.
Quillon walked toward Kira. “I hear you decided not to take my advice on taking it easy.”
Kira’s expression was slightly guilty in the face of the healer’s displeasure.
The skin around his eyes tightened as he held out his hand. Knowing what he wanted, she placed the wrist with the inhibitor on his upturned palm.
His forehead creased, his eyebrows drawing close as he frowned. Unlike the other times he’d checked the inhibitor, she could almost feel the flow of his soul’s breath sifting through her, pausing to linger in certain places.
A feeling of puzzlement floated up toward her from hiski.
“Is something wrong?” Kira asked.
Quillon dropped her wrist. “No, you’ve managed to avoid damaging your channels.”
There was something in his expression that made her think there was more to it.
He jerked a nod at her before striding off.
