Was he being deliberately difficult? Couldn’t he just say “it’s a stomach wound” or “there’s a deep gouge in my fighting arm”? “How bad?”
“Bad.” Grayson wasn’t the kind of man to say a wound was bad. Not unless he was dying.
I whirled, avoiding a rebel’s sword, and kicked. My boot met his crotch, and he doubled over in pain. Quickly, before he could recover, I slammed the sword’s hilt into his skull. He crumpled to the floor.
That left three. Including the one who looked like he knew his way around a battlefield. My arm already shook with exhaustion, and Grayson was wounded. We needed help.
I called for the other guards, sending my message straightto their heads, revealing a power I’d hoped to keep secret.I need you!
The floor shuddered with the impact of Grayson’s fall.
Shifting quickly, I stood over his body and fought. Grayson’s breathing was shallow. At least he was still alive—but for how much longer? A crimson pool—Grayson’s blood—spread beneath my boots. He didn’t have much time.
The fighter who’d hung back approached with measured steps, sword held in perfect form. Everything about his stance screamed years of training and discipline. He rolled his shoulders with the casual confidence of someone who knew he’d already won. Behind him, the two remaining rebels hung back, unwilling to engage the woman who’d just cut through seven of their comrades. Let their leader test my remaining strength first.
“You fought well, Shield.” His voice held grudging respect. “But you’re done. Put down your sword and step away from the guard, and I’ll spare you.”
My legs trembled. My sword weighed a hundred pounds. My breath came in ragged gasps. But I refused to give up. I sent another silent message, praying that Pierce or Teal or Flynn paid attention.Please, I’m desperate.
The soldier could see my exhaustion—he was probably calculating exactly how to exploit it.
“Put down the sword.”
I couldn’t win this fight. But maybe I didn’t have to. I had the dagger, and if I could get him close enough …
“I don’t want to kill you.”
“I don’t want you to kill me either.”
His eyes, the only part of his face I could see, crinkled. I got the impression he was smiling at me. “Then put down your sword.”
I sent a final message to the other guards:I need you to come. Now!
“I don’t want to kill you. Step away.”
“I can’t.”
The soldier gave his head a regretful shake. “Then you die. Gentlemen?”
The two remaining men stepped forward, and I retrieved my dagger and lifted my sword.
Chapter
Thirty-One
PIERCE
Ineed you.Haven’s voice pulled me from the depths of sleep. I struggled to open my eyes. Nope, too much trouble. I gave up and snuggled deeper into the soft bed.
Please, she pleaded.I’m desperate.
She sounded breathless, and my cock hardened. Painfully.
I forced my eyes open and found myself alone. Haven wasn’t in my bed, and Grayson was gone.
I need you to come, she begged.Now!
I threw off the covers. “Haven?”
