“No.”
His jaw ticks as his eyes narrow. “Why?”
I can barely think after his speech, but I manage a shrug. “That’s what she wants.”
Another knock sounds at the door and his gaze dips as he huffs, striding toward the intrusion. Swinging it open, he reveals Baron filling the entrance. They communicate without words, glaring at one another for a moment before the new arrival clears his throat.
“We need to work on building up your strength. Are you in?” he grunts, catching me off guard, but I take the distraction without missing a beat.
“Yes.”
Sweat tricklesdown my spine as beads form at my temples.
I can't imagine what I look like; a hot sweaty mess, I’m sure, but it feels invigorating.
My muscles ache, but I can't bring myself to call time.
We've barely spoken a word to each other. I've managed to keep my mouth shut and listen to his instructions. I hadn't anticipated him showing up at my door with such an offer, and I couldn't refuse.
It's not fencing, but the way it offers my body a release is undeniable.
After last night with Archer, I didn't expect to be able to manage one-on-one time with another one of my hated mates,and I think I'm only accomplishing it now because of Alaric's watchful gaze.
My eyes shift to the dragon in question, a soft smile curling the corner of my lips, the best distraction as Baron's shoulder connects with my stomach, knocking me to the ground.
“Be careful with her,”Alaric snarls as I lie helpless, winded and blinking up at the sky.
“The whole point of combat training, Alaric, is to prepare for the unexpected,” Baron mutters, quickly standing as he brushes his hands down his thighs. “And that was unexpected if you ask me.” The dragon rider cocks a brow at me as he plants his hands on his hips, and I roll my eyes.
“I was distracted,” I grumble, scrambling to my feet.
Despite the ache in my stomach, I can’t deny the silent appreciation that he speaks to Alaric out loud. It's clear that he doesn't need to, but he does it anyway, and it can only be for my benefit.
I like how sweet that is, but hate it all at the same time.
He’s not supposed to be nice or considerate. It messes with my brain.
“Are you okay?”Alaric asks, his face dipping as he stares at me intently.
“I’m okay,” I insist as Baron huffs at his dragon.
“She's not made of glass, you know,” he states, and Alaric huffs back at him.
“I don't care what she's made of. She's precious. You should treat her as such.”
My cheeks heat as Baron clears his throat, glancing over his shoulder at me, and I look anywhere but at him, appreciating the clifftop views around us instead.
I plant my hands on my hips, taking a moment to look off at the water in the distance, the line on the horizon calming my breathing as it becomes less labored.
I sense Alaric drawing closer before I see him, feeling the whoosh of air from his nose over my left shoulder as I turn to face him.
“I’m aware you're not made of glass,”he insists, and I nod.
“I know,” I confirm, returning my attention to the view, and I have to press my lips together in a thin line to hold back my smile.
Before I came here, everybody thought I was made of glass, held up on a pedestal I had no control over, and now he's apologizing for any concerns that I might think he thinks the same.
A dragon, of all things.
