“Coming here, knowing how you'll be treated,” she said. “That takes some humility. Then you sat there and took Dav's bullshit without punching him in the face. That takes some patience. And pursuing Amara when she's already married to these guys,”—Lily waved at my men—“thesegorgeous, incrediblemen, that takes some balls.”
“I love her,” Braxis said simply. “I will do whatever it takes to make up for what I did. I know I'm not good enough for Amara, but that makes no difference to my heart.”
“I like him,” Lily said with a look at the other men in F.E.A.R.
“Shit, man, forget facing down Davorin, you faced Amara after you pissed her off—that takes serious cajones,” Leo said. “I'm good with you for now. Fuck with her again, though, and I'll make those same cajones explode with a single word.”
Braxis frowned. “Are you threatening to explode my stones?”
“You got it, dude!” Jason declared as he slapped Braxis's knee. But he left his hand there and stared Braxis down. “Tell me the truth,” Jason's power swept out from him, into Braxis. “What are your intentions toward Amaranthine and her family?”
We all went still, watching and listening intently as Braxis's face went slack. “I have spoken only truth. I intend to make amends and prove my worth so that I may court her.”
“You're not going to hurt her again?” Jason pressed.
“I would die first.”
“Good!” Jason slapped Braxis's knee.
Braxis frowned at Jason, blinked, then launched to his feet as he grabbed the front of Jason's shirt. “What did you do to me?!”
Jason's shirt was bunched in Braxis's fist, pulled up to reveal a tattoo of Tweety Bird on his hip. His mouth hung open in shock as he stared up at the furious Bleiten.
“Braxis!” I shouted even as Malik lunged for him.
“Let him go,” Mal commanded as he grabbed Braxis by the wrist. “Now!”
Braxis let go, and Jason fell back onto the couch, arms splayed and eyes round.
“He used magic on me!” Braxis pointed at Jason accusingly. “Am I not allowed to defend myself?”
“Jason's magic compels the truth,” Malik said calmly. “And he just proved that you haven't lied to us. He did you a favor. Do you understand?”
Braxis frowned. “A truth seeker?”
“That's right. And you told us that you are here to make amends. To prove yourself to Amara and protect her.”
“Was that in question?” Braxis growled.
“Would you blame us if we doubted you?” Malik shot back.
Braxis sighed deeply. “No, I suppose not.” He looked at Jason. “My apologies, truth-seeker. I wasn't prepared for your touch.”
“That was kind of the point,” Jason muttered as he straightened his clothes.
I gave Jason a prompting look.
“It's all good,” he added.
“Thank you.” Braxis held his hand out to Jason. “It's an honor to meet one of your kind.”
“Mykind?” Jason frowned as he shook Braxis's hand.
“Bleiten have been known to be born with the ability,” Malik explained. “It's rare and highly coveted.”
“It is?” Jason straightened and grinned.
“Truth-seekers in the tribes are revered,” Braxis said. “I hope I haven't offended you.”
