Page 29 of Marked

“True?” He folded his arms in front of his chest again. “I’ve heard the stories, but until a few days ago, I’d assumed they were just made up. Everything I heard about you while I was away didn’t fit the meek little girl I remember growing up nor the naïve young woman you were when I left. It’s hard to know what is true and what is embellished.”

Was he questioning my ability? Surely not. “I am one hundred percent real and so is my record.”

“Then you wouldn’t be opposed to a little demonstration?”

“I have nothing to prove,” I said, lifting my chin. Shortly after Ace had left, I’d found Nala, but I’d been a great hunter even before I gained the powers that came with a bonded familiar.

I might’ve followed Ace and Paul like a lost little mouse, but I’d never been meek a day in my life and he phaaning knew it.

“I disagree,” he said. “I am doubting your value as a guide and mentor. Prove me wrong and show me you’re capable.”

I stuttered, torn between swearing at him, and just stomping off to the forest without him.

His lips quirked up in the corner, almost as if he was waiting for my outburst, almost as if he baited me on purpose. Just as I’d planned to do to him. Was he trying to find my triggers?

Well, I wouldn’t fall for it.

I took a deep breath and rolled my shoulders back. This was a perfect opportunity to show him who he’d work with, to remind him how fierce and badass I was. “It seems like we are at an impasse.”

“How so?”

“You doubt my worthiness as a guide, and I question your value as a partner. Clearly, there is only one solution.”

“Scaring toddlers?” He quirked an eyebrow.

“Of course not. That’s only for weekends.”

The muscles along his jaw line popped as he clenched his teeth. “What’s the solution then?”

“A competition,” I said. “Unless you’re afraid to lose to a girl?”

He unfolded his arms and leaned closer. “You’re on.”

12

“Who died?” Sley’s voice fractured the silence. “You look so serious, Em.”

I jumped and whirled around to find my friend sauntering into the clearing. I opened my mouth to explain when Sley’s gaze slid away from me and snagged on Ace. Her mouth turned down and she looked over at me, worry etched in her brow.

I sighed and shook my head, hoping she’d take the hint and save the questioning for tomorrow. “Sley, meet Actaeon.”

“It’s Ace,” he grumbled.

Sley flashed him a half, closed-lipped smile before pointing at the target laying at my feet. “What’s going on here?”

“Friendly competition,” Ace said.

“Minus the friend part,” I added.

Sley clapped her hands, her gaze sparkling with a conspiratory gleam. “Excellent. You need a witness.”

“We don’t—” Ace started.

“Absolutely. We’re here for your entertainment.” I winked at my friend. She had excellent timing.

The sun had crested to its midpoint by the time Ace and I finished setting up the targets in the forest near my cabin. Before Sley showed up, we’d struggled to agree on the test, but we finally settled on three distances for each target. The best shot at each target would win that distance, and the overall winner would have to win at least two of the three targets. I wasn’t worried.

I’d win all three.

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