She cringed and eyed the tall man.
“All of us will contribute where we have the most skills,” I said. “Your excellent knowledge of our history has been noted, Kerralyn. But all warriors are required to learn at least the basics in self-defense. Even libraries get attacked on occasion.”
She gave me a pert nod. “I can’t wait to learn.”
“Fenna? I’ll match you with Lexie.”
The two women eyed each other.
“Are you any good?” Fenna asked with a slightly conniving tone.
Lexie rubbed her hands together. “I think we’ll soon find out.”
The two women shared a grin.
“Derren will fight Bryson.” I waved to them both. “Try to go easy on him, will you, Commander?”
“I’ll treat him the same way I do my son.” Bryson leaned closer to Derren, lowering his voice. “That boy learned everything he knows about fighting from me.”
Derren lifted his chin. “I can’t wait to see what you can show me.”
Isi had frozen in place. A smirk filled Maddox’s face.
“That leaves you two,” I said in a clipped tone.
Maddox’s smirk warped into a sneer. “Finally. I’ve been dying to see what our supposed leader istrulycapable of.”
I quirked a brow but didn’t call him on it. I didn’t have to. He needed a swift lesson, and this glorious woman would deliver it.
“No weapons,” I barked out. “And if it isn’t obvious, there will be no killing or maiming. You’re members of a team, and you will protect and respect each other at all times. Battling amongst you is reserved only for the sparring mats. Fight with your hands. Your feet. Your bodies. Your minds.”
I drilled Maddox with my gaze.
“If you harm your sparring partner,” I said, “you’ll be responsible for taking them to the healers and taking care of all their needs until they’re cleared to return. That means cleaning their room, fetching them meals, and delivering them any lessons they’ll miss.”
Maddox’s jaw clenched. He knew the warning was for him, and so did everyoneelse.
When I turned back toward the group, my gaze snagged on Isi.
She stood with her arms loose at her sides, ready and dangerous in a way the others may not realize. I slid my gaze down the line of her throat, taking in the shape of her shoulders beneath the black leather, the subtle dip of the tunic at her waist.
My cock stirred, and I forced my attention away before I lost what little control I had left.
Derren and Lexie shifted on the balls of their feet, exchanging a glance.
I kept my voice even. “Some of you may not have had any training. That’s alright. We’ll help you learn. Today is for seeing what you can do. Show me your best.”
Fenna and Crey nodded. Maddox bounced on his feet, flexing his arms to warm them up.
Isi watched me with a question in her gaze, a warning in the twitch of her jaw.
People moved around in the viewing gallery built into the wall above, on my right. I couldn’t see beyond the gleam of the glass, but I could feel watchers behind it. Probably a few retired warriors who’d remained after the bonding ceremony.
Nostalgia, maybe. Or curiosity.
The mats had been placed close together, though with enough space between them for footwork and falls, plus for me to pass between them to observe from every angle. I wanted to see what they were made of. Not just physically, but analyze their tells. Their instincts.
“Remember the rules. If you hurt someone, you’ll face me.” This was for Maddox, and when he flinched, I knew my message had been received. “Take a mat. Warm up. Then let loose.”
