Page 34 of The Firebrand
“A Phoenix.” His lids still clamped tight, he flinched.
She glanced at Chay, who sported the same mark. “Do you all have one?”
The inked plumage under her hand ruffled as if it prepared to fly.
Strange.
“Yep.”
She pictured big, tough shirtless guys, muscles flexing, waiting in a seedy shop for an ink artist with needles. “I don’t understand. Is it a requirement when you enlist in the Firebrands?”
He chuckled, his lids sliding up, outlined with bountiful black lashes. His baby blues popped in contrast. “Enlist?We don’t volunteer exactly. One day you wake up, swearing a harpy’s got your pecker in her talons. Savvy?”
She shook her head.
“Probably not. You have the wrong equipment. Let’s just say it hurts. You throw out a few fucks as your body temp shoots to 150 degrees, your heart committing suicide by slamming into your ribcage.”
Her eyes widened.
“You either report to duty or decline the generous offer. Until you decide, you’re a potato in a deep fryer.” Rein brushed her hand away as if her touch burned. “If you choose the Firebrands, the mark stays on your arm.”
“Why a Phoenix?” Braelyn leaned closer, her breast brushing against him. An instantly hard, aching nipple.
“It’s a symbol of our rebirth as the warriors of the realm. In Chay’s words, we’re BFS.” He cleared his throat.
“That means?”
“Bigger. Faster. Stronger. Upgrades.”
“What about this?” She smoothed a finger across the letters beneath his brand.
Rein shuddered. “Natis in Igne. Probata est in Sanquinem.Born in Fire. Tested in Blood.” He shifted in his seat as if uncomfortable.
“Hmm.” Braelyn curved closer into Rein. She petted his chest with a palm, staring into his ever-changing eyes, now the color of Puget Sound on a clear day in Seattle. “How did you get the scar through your brow?” Her whisper was breathy.
Rein popped forward. “It’s a memory I never want to forget. Now, babe, stop touching me.” He squeezed Braelyn’s hand, forcing it to the couch.
Ignoring the warning, she returned to fondle his chest.
Maybe I’m already too buzzed.
Rein caught her again, his grip painful. “Let’s go. You’re playing a dangerous game. And I promised to keep you safe.”
“Do you realize your eyes change color?” Even with her arm in his fist, she leaned her back against the sofa, refusing to leave.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Don’t know. Don’t care.”
“Your aunt said you are part incubus. What can that breed do?”
Rein hissed, but a smile crept onto his lips. “Are you sure you want to know? Be very sure.”
“I asked, didn’t I? I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t want to know.” She batted her lashes.
Damn. I’m flirting like a Southern belle.
