Page 67 of Third Offense
“How about this? Once one of your sentries can outmaneuver my shields, I’ll consider letting him protect me. And until then, I’ll handle myself,” I offered, very aware of how arrogant I sounded. But honestly, none of his Noir were qualified to handle me.
Auric and Novak were the only two around here that even came close, something I wouldn’t admit out loud because it would just piss off Amadeal more.
“I’ll be speaking with King Vasilios about this,” he threatened.
“Please do,” I encouraged him, then used a subtle shift of energy to move him out of our way. “Until next time, Amadeal.”
He cursed in my wake, only intensifying my grin.
Auric said nothing, but I sensed the approval in his aura.
Hmm, maybe there’s a future for us yet,I mused, catching a faint hint of Layla’s scent on the wind.We’ll be together soon, mate. Soon.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
NOVAK
I squinted at the horizon,my eyes playing tricks on me. Because I could swear that I’d just seen Auric flying with Ketos in the sky.
I blinked, trying to clear my vision.
Then the two males in question touched down before us on the rocky sand, startling Layla into a gasp.
Auric had claimed earlier that something strange was going on. I believed him now. Because he’d just landed on the beach with Ketos at his side.
Where the hell have you been?I demanded with a look.
“Oh!” Layla sounded a bit breathless. “Umm, hi. We were just heading back to see my mom again.”
“For afternoon tea?” Auric guessed, his eyes flashing to Ketos before settling on our mate again.
“Yes,” she answered, frowning. “Is that a problem?”
“Why would it be a problem? It’s what we do every day at two o’clock. Why would today be any different?” The edge in his tone wasn’t lost on me. I nearly grabbed him by the arm to demand what his problem was, but Ketos started speaking, thereby introducing a brand new issue into the equation.
“Would you mind if I join you?” he asked.
Yes,I thought, glaring at him.
“No, of course not,” Layla said. “The more the merrier.”
Auric snorted.
I nearly growled.
And Ketos gave her a blinding smile. “My thoughts exactly.”
Yeah, I bet those are your thoughts. But he could keep on dreaming because that was sure as fuck not happening.
“Maybe you could escort Lay while Novak and I go check on Sorin and Zian,” Auric offered.
I gaped at him.The fuck are you going on about? Escort Lay? Have you lost your fucking mind?
“I would be delighted,” Ketos said as he offered Layla his arm. “Shall we?”
She blinked at him in surprise. “I, uh…” She glanced at Auric, her confusion evident.
“It’s all right. We’ll catch up. Besides, isn’t Ketos supposed to start teaching you some history?” Auric said.
