Page 26 of The Eternal Choice

“Who are you?” I snap.

“I was going to ask the same question,” a familiar voice states from behind the young man I’m pressing the tip of my sword against.

“Creed.” I grin. “Long time no see.”

The centaur shifter, who is also the vice president of the motorcycle club my father works with, shoots me a wink. “Missed me, sweetheart?”

Knowing Creed has a handle on our prisoner, I shove the sword back into the invisible bag and take out some rope to tie the man up.

“She’s not your sweetheart, and she doesn’t fucking miss you, whomever you might be,” Ernestino snarls.

Creed slowly turns his head and while I’m tying up the prisoner, he smirks at my mate and states, “His cock and balls outweighs his ego, you did very well for yourself, princess.”

A low growl vibrates from deep within Ernestino’s chest and I quickly step in front of him.

“None of that. Creed here is a good friend, one I grew up with and is basically another brother I didn’t need. And I do miss him a tiny bit.” Ernestino’s body grows tight and I quickly add, “Because we used to train together. Centaurs fight each other from time to time and don’t hold back. It’s great training.”

Ernestino huffs. Leandro appears and shoves gray sweatpants in his brother’s direction.

“You found a live one,” Leandro quips.

Pulling on his pants Ernestino orders, “Take him down to the dungeon and lock him up. I’m going to the gate.”

“You got it boss,” Leandro rumbles and grabs the rope I tied the prisoner up with.

“Oh, and don’t tell anyone we have him. I’ll be the one to question him later, on my own, understood?”

“Want me to stand guard?” Creed offers.

Ernestino’s gaze meets mine and a burst of warmth spreads my chest due to feeling respected the way he’s valuing my opinion. I give him a slight nod.

“Yes, please,” Ernestino grunts. “If anyone has issues, tell them to come find me.”

“Follow me,” Leandro grumbles and the three of them walk away.

Ernestino steps closer and cups the side of my face. “I don’t like other men interacting with you.”

The corner of my mouth twitches. “Interacting with me? Well, I’m sorry to break the news to you, dragon man, but many men will talk to me and I will acknowledge them in return. Other than a conversation or whatever social activities is required, I have no need to get friendly or interact with whomever. You’re my fated mate, Ernestino, there simply isn’t anyone else out there suitable for me because we align on all levels.”

His chest rises and falls, eyes staring deep into mine. “I didn’t like hearing someone call you sweetheart and interact in a familiar way.”

I roll my eyes. “Careful now, I might think you put me in the women’s building for those first two weeks to keep me away from other males.”

He releases a frustrated breath. “You’re never going to let it go, are you? I know I fucked up.”

Chuckling, I grab his hand and tug him in the direction of the gate. “I like teasing you.”

A low growl rumbles through his chest and it makes me smile.

We fall silent until Ernestino asks, “How did you pull that sword out of nothing?”

“I didn’t pull it out of nothing,” I mutter, and realize I should open up instead of keeping stuff to myself.

In the distance I can see the gate, along with a bunch of people who I consider family. Such a difference from what Ernestino and I have…a strong bond which is the foundation of creating our own family.

Letting my gaze find his, I admit, “My whole life I’ve been obsessed with training to fight in all different ways. I enjoy knives in any shape and size and when you don’t need much sleep.” I shrug. “I started devouring books about angels and their abilities. My mother is one with the angelic touch, which means she was literally pulled into this world by an angel and that touch made the angel’s abilities seep into hers. Some abilities are magical, hence me diving into magic books after I read all the books I could find about angels. I picked up a thing or two and created an air pocket.”

“An air pocket,” Ernestino echoes.

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