“Aren’t you already?” I chuckled, happy to just lie on the mat to catch my breath.
“Ha-ha,” Marcus said, in the same position next to me. Although his tone was sarcastic, a smile played on his face. Other people were still sparring around us, their whole body sometimes hitting the ground in loud but muffled thuds. “Where was that fighting spirit when you were attacked a few weeks ago? You’ve got impressive moves.”
“The issue the last time I was attacked was not my lack ofmoves. It was that I was so weak I could barely walk straight or see clearly. Not sure I could have done anything even with a weapon of some sort.”
Marcus hummed distractedly as he stared at the ceiling of the building, an obvious addition to what was already there before. This part of the camp looked more recent, the outside built with similar stones as the second floors of the town center, and inside covered in dry walls and relatively new white paint. I wondered if this whole circle in which the training center, armory, huge parking garage, and different schools were located was added way after Arc and the Guardians decided to settle here.
Probably.
What use would a sect have of a building like this one? This whole area was a far cry from the City hall, Arc’s house and all the shops on the first floor of the main town area.
“We were so sure you were just—well, completely defenseless.”
I shrugged. “That’s fine by me. No matter what people think, they’ll always attack me when their brain is poked by my pheromones. I always found it easier to get out of the situation when they don’t expect me to fight back.”
“If only your pheromones acting up weren’t an obvious sign you’re getting weaker…” he mused. “How long has it been since the last time you—well, you know.”
My throat bobbed. Considering the barrier was draining me at an insane speed,too long. I’d need to find something—someonesoon. The energy I got from both my one on one time with Dimitri and the strange moment with Arc and Carter was wearing thin.
“That bad, huh?” My obvious lack of response was answer enough. He sighed. “Have you considered that maybe—”
“Not sure what you’re about to suggest, but I’d rather you don’t.”
Someone being slammed on the floor next to us almost concealed his annoyed grunt.
“Well,sorry. Just trying to be helpful and ensure the pheromones don’t get out of control in a public place or at our house. I don’t think I could erase the sight from my mind if I ever see Aymeric or the girls make a move on you.” Marcus winced, the idea bringing the same kind of grimace to my face.
“You know that you being a demon and all, you’d be the most receptive in this situation,” I pointed out, only half joking.
He pretended to retch on the floor.Well, fuck you too…
“Don’t worry, threats have already been made.”
What? I frowned. “What threats?”
Marcus rolled his eyes, crossing his hands under the back of his head, like we were simply having a casual conversation while tanning at the beach.
“Carter said he’d kill me if I touched you. So trust me when I say, the second I have even the slightest inappropriate thought about you, I’ll call him to come pick you up. I quite enjoy being alive.”
My jaw dropped as a scoff of disbelief breached my throat. He turned his head to face me with an arched eyebrow.
“What? Yeah, I’m your friend. But I also value my life, thank you.”
I couldn’t believe this. How dare he?
“Wait, are you mad at me?”
“W-well, yeah a little!” I stammered.
“Why?” he drawled. “Am I not allowed to look out for my ass while also making sure you’re not a detonating—sex bomb?”
I gasped. “You’re Immortal, you dumbass!”
He leaned closer, whisper-yelling in my ear. “You and Ibothknow what could happen to me if I make the wrong move. Why do you think both Arc and Kai put you with me? Because Iknowwhat awaits my sorry ass if I do something inappropriate. Becausetheyknow I’m trustworthy. So yeah, at the first sign your pheromones become unmanageable, I’m out, Carter’s in. You’re my friend, and I’d rather it remains that simple.”
My mouth opened and shut a few times, like some blobfish left out of the water for too long. Was I still upset? Yes. I didn’t like the idea of Carter making threats about things like that when he’s been clear about where he stood. But did it make sense? Sure. Marcus had been nothing but respectful on that point, and I understood his fear, especially if he knew what Arc was capable of.
But the thing was, Arc wasn’t here. And I didn’t know if or when he would come back.
