Page 66 of The Firebrand
“Aeternals? Yes. Species on Darque? It depends.”
Rein guided Braelyn down the hall into the armory, his hand on the warm skin between her skirt and sweater. He pointed out storage racks against one wall. “Over here. Let’s get you better spikes and blades.”
He outfitted Brae with two wrist sheaths, each loaded with three black-handled spikes. “The metal is a Firebrand special. Silver, iron, and wolfram. Effective on vamps, demons, and other breeds.” He added a chest harness with throwing knives.
“Remind me. What’s silver do to you?” Braelyn scrunched up her pretty freckled nose.
“It hurts like hell.”
“You better be good to me then.” She flipped a practice blade tip to handle and back again.
“You’re getting a little cocky, aren’t you?”
“That’s more your thing. I’m just enjoying the moment.” She examined her weapons and fingered the cross-chest sheath. “I’ve always wanted to be Xena Warrior Princess.”
“Who is that?”
“Never mind.”
“Here. Take these throwing stars along with the pouch. You can practice with them later.” When she was metalled up, he held her at arm’s length, glancing from feet to spiky auburn hair. His eyes made a return trip. “A tall female with knives, a short skirt, and boots. Sexy.”
“You think I’m sexy.”
With her gaze pinned on the growing bulge in his pants, Rein shrugged, a breath hissing from his lips. “Don’t let it go to your head. If it’s got a pussy, tits, and a blade, I get a hard-on.”
Braelyn slid her tongue across her upper lip. “Too late. You said it. But nice save.”
He couldn’t help it. A deep laugh rolled out of his chest.Damn. He rarely even smiled.
What’s wrong with me?
ChapterFourteen
Earlythe next morning, a sleepy-eyed Braelyn shuffled into the kitchen. Rein slammed a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast on the counter, growling about how she needed to put some hustle into her step. He was late for a mission with Chay. Under his relentless glare, she scarfed down breakfast and speed-dressed in yesterday’s workout clothes borrowed from Sabine.
A fast trip through a portal, and they arrived at the gym, where Braelyn felt like a toddler being dropped off with the sitter. Sabine, Galena, and Jez met them.
“You three work with her while the ylve and I interview Stefan. No males. Do you read me?” Rein’s finger bounced up and down as he pointed it at Sabine. “Do some defense on the mat. Practice throwing. When you’re through, return her to my place. Only you. Call me once she’s inside so I can put the warding spell on my condo again.”
“I hear you loud and clear,freron. But if you aim that annoying digit at my face one more time, I’m gonna break it off. Read me?” The nymph stood hand-on-hip, eyes narrow, her mouth a grim slash.
The vampire shot her a deadly glare, his specialty. “As long as we understand each other.” Rein stalked toward the door.
“I’m chalking your assholishness up to nerves,” Sabine said to his back.
“Whatever works for you. Just remember what I said.” Rein pounded into the hallway.
The minute he was out of hearing, three sets of eyes swung toward Braelyn.
“Dish, female. What’s with you and the hot mix?” asked Jezzi.
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s loosen up the muscles while you work on getting your mouth limber. Shifter, you lead,” said Sabine.
Jez dropped to the mat, stretching her legs straight, pulling her toes back, resting her head on her knees.
Sabine took a spot behind her, motioning Braelyn to the floor.
