“Why do we have to practice takedowns? Can’t we just use our magic?”
“Not everyone will develop magic, and even if you do, it’s not always reliable. Magic can be subdued, weapons can be taken away, but you will always have your body. It’s your most valuable weapon, so we must treat it like one, and practice.”
Training must’ve wrapped up on the other end of the grounds because a few demons have gathered to watch Frankie. I don’t like it.
“Alright, take a break,” I call over my shoulder as I hurry toward them.
“You’ve got quick hands, Realm Eater. Show me how fast they really are.”
Frankie looks him up and down and smiles. “You want to spar?”
“Just a friendly round. I’ll even go easy on you.”
I don’t fucking think so. I step between them. “Why don’t you spar with me instead?”
Frankie tugs on my arm, but I don’t break eye contact with the warrior. “What are you doing? I want to do this.”
The demon steps back, shaking his head. His eyes shift to my mate. “I guess you're more fragile than I thought.”
Once the demon takes a step back, I relax and turn to Frankie. She’s pissed. Her nostrils are flaring, eyes narrowed at me.
Her chin lifts. “I’m doing this, so you can either watch or go away.”
Shit! I fucked up, but I don’t care. I won’t stand here and let a seasoned warrior fight my mate.
A few chuckles come from the onlookers. The demon backs away. “Sorry, sweetheart. It’s not worth it. I withdraw.”
“Good.” Fucker challenges a female to a fight.You better work on your warriors, Macen.
The small crowd clears. I reach for Frankie, but she pulls back. “I’m sorry, Melita, but—”
“But nothing. I’m an adult. I wanted to spar with someone other than you and Ronin. When will you learn that you can’t protect me from everything?”
“I can try.” It’s a privilege to protect her, and I don’t take that lightly. Tears are starting to form in her eyes. I’m such an asshole.
“Maybe try trusting me instead,” she says, walking away.
Little voices come from behind me. “Where’s she going?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and look down at the child she helped with the throwing knives. “I think I fucked up.”
He reaches up and pats me on the lower back. “Then go make it better. We like her.”
Chuckling, I ruffle his hair. “I do too, buddy.”
CHAPTER 17
Frankie
Ispent the last hour cleaning myself up and applying makeup, trying to hide any evidence that I’d been crying. God, he can make me so mad sometimes, but at least I got to feel how the necklace works. I touch the pendant, knowing it’s the reason my darkness stayed in check at the training grounds today.
“Do you want something to eat?” Zarreth reaches for my hand, but I pull away.
“I’ll get something when I’m hungry.”
“Melita.” His voice is gentle. “I’m sorry for earlier. I know you can take care of yourself; it’s just hard for me to let go sometimes.”
I know he was only protecting me, but it’s suffocating, and he needs to learn that’s not okay. Instead of accepting his apology, I say, “I’m tired of fighting you on this. Let’s just drop it.”
