Nox nods and continues to eat his food. It’s as if we are amusing him with our plans. Something is going on behind his facade. His own plan, perhaps?
“I demanded they bring it with them when we retrieved the vampire. It’s too valuable to be left unprotected.” Nox and Torque’s casual demeanor is putting me on edge. I’m missing something.
Umbra takes a seat, but the anger is still there. I have so many questions that need answering. I don’t know how this world operates, and if I’m to be a part of these battles, I must know the rules.
“Later, we can speak of war. This may be the last time we share a meal without preparations getting in the way. Let us enjoy it,” Torque says, squeezing my thigh under the table.
The bond hums to life, and my entire body feels like it’s on fire. Denying it is taking its toll. I can feel him more clearly now. The thoughts of us together hang around longer.
“I sense it—your arousal,” he whispers in my ear.
I shift in my seat, trying to find a more comfortable position. This breakfast went from talks of war to talks of… other things.
“This is not the time,” I say through my teeth. My gaze drifts to our tablemates to make sure they aren’t looking.
“It will be soon. You can’t deny this forever.” His hand climbs higher up my leg until it’s almost at the apex. I smack it, the crack echoing around the room.
Scowls come from Nox and Uriel, but Umbra’s harem looks quite amused. I imagine their mate wasn’t easily persuaded either.
“I think I’ve had enough to eat,” I say, standing. “Umbra, I’ll take you up on that offer to spar. If you’re finished?”
She gets up from the chair without a word. I figured she’d need an out. Being in the same room as these males has my head spinning.
We head for the door of the banquet hall and down another short hall. Neither of us speaks until we’re outside in the blinding sun. I can hear shouts and clashes from around the building. When we near, I see the reason for them.
A huge training yard lays before me. Excitement overcomes me, and I’m itching to try out all their toys. I didn’t bring Hubris down with me, as I didn’t think I needed my sword of death, but there is no shortage of weapons.
“I think I’m in love,” I say, smiling over at her.
She returns it. “Yeah, it’s the one thing my brother did right. From the time he killed my father for the throne, he changed a lot of things.”
“He killed his own father?” I ask, wrinkling my brow.
“Yes. My father, King Titus, was an asshole and a tyrant. He abused his powers. We’re demons, not perfect, but he never valued his people. As soon as Nox was of age, he slit his throat.”
I’m no stranger to death, but killing your father seems a little harsh.
“Let’s see what Donaas is up to. He’s our lead trainer. He takes on all the new recruits and molds them into warriors. He’s also sexy as hell when he’s sweaty.”
She gives me a devious grin and moves over to a small building on the opposite side of the arena. It’s a wooden structure with two guards standing outside. They both bow when Umbra passes but give me a rather unfriendly look. I can’t wait to fight.
There is a line of cadets against one wall. In the center of the mat is a pair of grappling students. Their form is okay, but the one on the right needs to strengthen his core. Otherwise, he’s going to get flipped.
“Block the punch, Sam. Keep your hands up!” Donaas screams. He has his shirt off, which showcases all his muscles. I have to agree with Umbra—he is sexy when sweaty.
The boys continue to grunt until one falls to the floor. When Donaas whistles, they break it up and return to the line, breaths coming in heavy pants.
“Who’s next?” Donaas questions, his back turned to us.
“Me,” I shout. He turns around and stares at the two warriors walking up to him.
“Princess, are you ready to get your hands dirty already?” he questions, lips pulled into a smirk.
“My hands are always bloody.” My sinister grin has him brightening up.
“Let’s see what you can do then. Severn, you’re up. Try not to break the princess.”
Umbra shakes her head at her mate, then goes to stand with him off to the side. I place my daggers on the ground. I don’t want to stab the poor kid accidentally.
“Rules?” I question, stretching my neck muscles and shaking out my hands. I jump up and down a few times to get the blood flowing.
“The first one to the mat is the loser. No magic. No blood.”
Severn walks toward me. He’s a brute of a man. Around six feet, his arms are strong and his legs thick. This will be easy.
“You’re the new princess. Funny, I thought you’d be more,” he quips.
“More what?”
“Just more.” He gestures with his hands.
Before Donaas can call it, he rushes me. Trying to get the easy takedown. I sidestep and watch him fall to the ground. He gets up lightning quick, trying to attack again. This time, he fakes left and tries to barrel into me. I jump back on my hands, flipping over and avoiding his blow.
He stalks toward me, breathing heavily. He’s going to tire himself out if he doesn’t conserve his energy. Switching tactics, he goes in for a right hook. I block it with my forearm and pivot, hitting him right in the side.
A blow of air comes out of him as he stumbles back. I dance back, waiting for his next move. The fury in his eyes is clear. He doesn’t like to lose.
“Stupid bitch.”
“Is that how you talk to a princess?” I laugh, the barb not affecting
