“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Darci informed her dryly. “Týr and Blaéz turn everything into a competition, and they go on for hours trying to outdo each other.”
“And you, my dearest friend, mated the worst of the lot,” Echo added. “Be grateful I unintentionally set up the one-dollar-max rule a year ago for bets. But the properties are all on them.”
Týr strolled across to them. “I would protest that,” he told Echo, apparently hearing her comment. “But I’m in too good a mood to bother. Besides, I ain’t that bad.”
“No, you just like taking Aethan down,” Kira said, shaking her head wryly.
He grinned, revealing those slashing dimples. “Can’t argue there.”
“Speaking of which,” Blaéz called out from the pool table. “Don’t forget what we discussed. And the favor you owe me.”
“What is he talking about?” Kira whispered.
Týr shrugged. “Inactivity the past two weeks has addled his gray matter.”
“He insisted you and him would never happen,” Blaéz cheerfully informed Kira, flinging a taunting grin at Týr, who scowled. “I mean, not only did you save his ass, you did it by keeping him in a pretty rainbow bubble.” Blaéz looked like the cat that snatched the canary.
Týr growled. “You ain’t gonna let this shit go, are you?” He got out his M&M’s from the pocket of his black hoodie.
“Indeed, no.” Blaéz smirked. “Not until I’m paid my dues.”
“Yeah,gratitude, afavor,andappreciation,” Týr muttered. “You expect me to do three things separately? They all mean the same damn thing—” He narrowed his eyes at Blaéz. “And, yeah, I’m damn grateful Kira and I were destined, but you really are a screw short if you’re expecting a grand gesture—”
“Chicken.”
Týr stilled, eyes flinted.
Blaéz grinned and lined up his shot.
Oh, crap. This couldn’t be good. Before Kira could stop him, Týr pushed the sweets packet into her hand. “Don’t change the colors,” he ordered and then strode across the huge rec room. Startling everyone, he yanked the Celt up by his biceps and laid a hard kiss on him.
Kira’s mouth dropped open, as did Darci’s. She didn’t know who was more stunned, she, Darci, or Blaéz.
* * *
Týr wanted to laugh at the warrior’s astonished expression. He hadn’t even thought about what he would do, but it sure worked. Bastard needed to learn that he couldn’t mess with him.
“There. You better fucking appreciate that, cause I ain’t doingthatshit again.” He headed for his mate. At Kira’s shocked expression, he winked. As if he’d ever want anyone else.
Blaéz chuckled. “Not what I expected. Hell, just baiting you was enough.”
“Whatever,” Týr groused. “Now quit with the fucking baiting. Are we out on patrol tonight or what?”
“Weare. But you,cupcake, have to clear it with Michael,” Blaéz drawled.
He cut the Celt a dagger-like stare at the endearment. The warrior merely shrugged.
“We’ll see about that.” Mouth clamped tight, he grasped Kira’s hand and headed for the door. She sighed. “Týr—”
“Dammit, Norse! Take the bloody break,” someone groaned.
Ignoring his fellow Guardians, Týr strode out of the room. “Týr…” Kira tightened her fingers around his. “Look, I know being inactive must be chaffing—”
“…just not today.”
“Wait—what?”
He heard the confusion in her voice, didn’t reply. Farther down the corridor, he stopped near the elevator and summoned the thing. The door slid open seconds later. He stalked inside, pulling her with him, and hit the second-floor button.
