Page 231 of A Warrior's Fate

Literally.

“He’d love to.” Isla nudged him forward, and Adrien tripped just enough that he had to brace his hand on the woman’s arm. Something behind her stare flashed, and she shivered before her eyes flicked briefly between Isla and then Kai.

“Sorry,” Adrien apologized, stealing her attention.

Isla waved him off, though a part of her twisted became unsettled. “Have fun.”

Adrien gave her one more look over his shoulder as the woman dragged him away, too far into the crowd and the noise for Isla to hear who she’d introduced herself as.

“Are you playing matchmaker?” Kai asked as the bartender brought over their drinks. He turned and rested his arm on the wood behind her, then began fielding waves and shouts of thanks from patrons whose orders were being taken.

“No,” Isla said, grabbing her glass. “I just think he should get to enjoy himself after…everything.”

“I thought he’d be different,” Davina said quietly.

“Yeah, he’s not bad,” Rhydian said, not nearly as soft, gulping from his ale.

“I expected him to be worse,” Jonah added bluntly. “Both of them.”

“I heard that!” Sebastian’s voice came from the pool table, and the group turned as he pointed at the shop owner and then tapped his chest. “And I appreciate it.”

Jonah lifted his glass.

Isla scoffed and rolled her eyes, garnering her brother’s attention. His gaze traveled between her and her mate. “Don’t think I didn’t see you two.” He grumbled before going back to his game. “Gross. And I’m going to be stuck in the same fucking house.”

Isla had forgotten that they’d be their guests for the next few days.

“Maybe you will have to be quiet.”

Isla was about to agree with Kai when she caught Sebastian glance up at Ameera, his brows lifted in question and interest. Another place for him to spend the night?

The general sunk the final black ball into her called pocket and won the game. “Not going to happen.”

A chorus of snickers followed, along with a challenging, doubtful look from Sebastian. Though Isla’s laughter faded as her eyes drifted over to Adrien in the distance. His silhouette that she could find in any crowd.

Any grin she’d been wearing faltered.

She knew her friend. Had known him since before she could speak, could walk. And she could tell, in a manner as easy as breathing, when he was off.

There was something—something—stiffening his muscles and darkening his eyes and forcing his smile.

She needed to figure out what.

CHAPTER 47

“You’re staring.”

Isla averted her gaze away from Adrien to Kai, who was reaching for the food on the bar top. “Should I be afraid that you’re jealous?”

She gave him a flat look. “No.” Though it was a struggle not to turn her head for another glance.

Sighing, she leaned her elbow on the wood and rested her chin in her hand. She tapped her foot anxiously to the beat of the music against the leg of her stool.

Kai offered her the greasy chip he’d picked up, and she opened her mouth for it. As she chewed, his eyes drifted down to watch the movement closely. They rose when the corner of her lips did, and when he met her amused stare, a silent tell that he wasn’t subtle, he laughed. But it didn’t feel like it was at her.

Isla finished her bite. “What?”

Kai took hold of his drink and forced himself to look down at it. Away from her. “Nothing.”

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