“I might have a soft spot for your team,” Auron said, looking right at me.
The sword in Auron’s hand warped and fell from his grip.
Jace stalked toward Blake. “Damn it, Axefire! If you keep that possessive bullshit up, we won’t have a weapon left to our names.”
I chuckled, raising an eyebrow at Blake. “He’s right. Please, fix the sword.” Blake looked slightly sheepish as the sword came back to shape, though he glared at Auron for good measure.
I dropped my voice, addressing Auron quietly. “Everyone is sensitive about what happened at the Annihilation,” I said. “And Blake—he lost his twin brother there.”
Auron stared into my eyes, his intensity growing, heat wafting off his palms in waves. “I lost my family, too. It was not just one dominion that suffered. It was us all.”
42
After dinner, I went back to the training grounds, quiet except for the soft rustle of wind. I lingered by the stables where the tygers roamed, stretching and running.
When I heard footsteps approaching me from behind, I smiled to myself, sensing Blake.
His powerful frame was relaxed, bronze hair catching the fading light. I could see the focus in his eyes.
I turned back to Flame as Blake settled in at my side, though I was aware of his slightest movement.
Flame paced, her golden eyes locked on Kingsolver. His silvery form moved with predatory grace as he circled her, his muscles rippling under his scarred hide.
My tygress had been playful at first, flicking her tail at him, teasing him. But now the air between them felt as charged as the energy between Blake and me.
He’s trying so hard, she purred in my mind, her eyes narrowingin a mock challenge as Kingsolver rumbled, his sapphire eyes watching her every move.He thinks because he’s bigger, I’ll roll over for him.
I smirked.Sure seems like you want to.
At that, she let out a low growl that was as much for me as it was for Kingsolver.
The silver tyger was used to being in charge, and he expected Flame to fall in line. But she wasn’t having it.
Let’s see how far he’ll push before he realizes I’m the one in control, she mused, amusement rippling through our Bond.
I couldn’t help but smirk at them.
“Your tygress is about to tease my Kingsolver into a frenzy,” Blake murmured.
My smile didn’t falter. “And your tyger is riling up my tygress.”
His bicep pressed into my side heavily as he crossed his arms.
Flame’s sleek form darted around the massive, battle-scarred Kingsolver, her amber eyes flicking toward me.Just go mate with him again. You know you want to. You humans make everything so complicated.
At that, I stumbled and almost fell on my butt.
“Easy,” Blake said softly, his voice low and teasing. “Are you okay?”
“Just fine,” I managed.
Are you Mating with Kingsolver?I asked.
Of course not.Flame snorted, but hesitated, pausing in her dance around him.Maybe if he manages to convince me. Someday.
“Perhapsweshould spar,” Blake offered, pulling me farther into the empty rings.
I shook my head. “We don’t—”
