“Nobody fed me anything. And I can’t look up any of the answers. They took our cell phones when we landed,” I reminded him.
Talon’s eye twitched. He wasn’t convinced. “You can hide things. Or just lie. Stop trying to fool Thystle. I’m the real Aquila.”
Anger flared within me. I’d had enough of this.
“I’m not fooling him about anything,” I shot back. “And if youarethe real Aquila, you would’ve won the challenge.”
“I was going to before Thystle asked me an impossible question!” Talon snapped.
At this point, my feathers were beyond ruffled, but I was done giving Talon any more of my time or energy. I knew the truth, and so did Thystle. I had no reason to convince Talon of anything.
“Then why are you threatened by me?” I asked calmly.
Talon narrowed his eyes. He wanted me to fight back, but I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.
“You know, I hate smug assholes like you,” Talon spat.
Well, that came out of left field. I blinked, stunned by his sudden insult. How did someone even respond to that?
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” I said.
He edged closer, his shoulders blocking the cameras from capturing the whole picture. I stood my ground. If he wanted to bully me, he’d have to step up his game. I’d already taken one beating during my time here. Hell, what was one more?
“There’s nothing special about you,” Talon muttered, glaring at me.
Despite the situation, I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re right. There isn’t.”
Talon seemed even more agitated that I’d agreed with him. His lip curled into a scowl. In a flurry of movement, he thrust the palm of his hand into my solar plexus. I coughed out a gasp as he shoved me against the wall. It didn’t hurt, but it startled me.
“I don’t know what Thystle sees in you,” Talon growled. “He deserves better. He deserves—”
Thystle’s knife-like voice cut through the air. “Tell me what I deserve.”
My heart leapt into my throat, fluttering like a fledgling. Thystle stood at the end of the hallway. Fury radiated from him, filling the space and making him seem bigger than he was, like his dragon soul would burst free from his human skin any second.
Talon blanched. He leapt back from me, but it was obvious he was in my face seconds earlier. Plastering on a flashy grin, he said, “Good evening, Thystle.”
“Answer the fucking question,” Thystle snapped.
Talon visibly winced.
I bit my tongue to stop from chuckling. Poor guy. I wouldnotwant to be on an alpha dragon’s bad side.
Standing up straighter, Talon said, “You deserve the best omega. A mate who is strong, capable, and talented.”
Thystle didn’t respond. He maintained his position, like a dark omen at the end of the hall. His glare was sharp enough to cut glass.
“Andyouare that omega, I presume?” he asked without intonation.
Talon thrust out his chin. “Of course. Like I tried to explain before, I’m the man of your dreams.” He put a hand to his puffed-up chest. “I’m Aquila.”
I had to admit, Talon was a good liar. He proclaimed it like a fact. Anybody else might’ve believed his story. Too bad he threw it in the face of two of the only people on this island who knew otherwise.
Thystle walked slowly towards us. Talon was frozen to the spot. Meanwhile, I lounged against the wall Talon pushed me against. I was pleased to watch this play out without getting involved. After all, Thystle had everything under control. Talon wouldn’t dare utter another word or lay another hand on me while he was here.
Thystle shot me a playful glare. “You didn’t show up, so I came to find out why.” The warmth vanished from his gaze, turning icy as he focused it on Talon. “Tell me why you’re harassing Matteo.”
His order was ironclad. Not even Talon could talk his way out of it.
