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He scanned my face slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. I watched as his gaze flickered down to my lips, then back up to meet my stare. For a second, I thought he was going to kiss me.
For a second, my heart stopped.
“This is how you greet your oldest friends?” The two men from the shooting range walked up behind Alek, breaking whatever tension had built between us. He held my stare a beat longer before turning to talk to them, but he stood directly in front of me so I was hidden from sight. The space his body left suddenly felt cold.
“Blade. Kyler,” Alek greeted.
“Surprised to see us again so soon?” Blade asked.
“Not at all,” Alek responded. “It’s just like you to show up where you’re not wanted.”
Blade laughed. His friend didn’t say a word. “We’re still part of this legion,” he said, his voice holding a dangerous edge. “Don’t forget that.”
I could have sworn I heard Alek growl.
“What you said the other day must be true. If she’s still around, you must actually be dating. Tell me, how did she get so lucky as to take big, bad Alek off the market?”
Alek seemed to stand even taller. “She’s not your concern.”
They peered around him, both of them taking their time getting a good, long look at me. I didn’t cower this time, even as every screaming instinct told me to run.
You’re untouchable,Alek had said.
“Move aside,” Blade barked. “Let me formally introduce myself, since I wasn’t able to at the range the other day.”
Alek hesitated, and if there hadn’t been chills on my arms already, I was sure there would be now. He waited another second before he moved to stand beside me.
Now that I could get a good look, Blade and Kyler looked exactly how I imagined them to. They were both tall, although not as tall as Alek, and they each had a few dozen tattoos scattering their exposed skin.
But Blade’s electric eyes blared into me, and I almost looked away.
He stuck his hand out for me to shake. “Alek here has been trying to find a woman to put up with him for quite some time, you know.”
I glanced to Alek, who only directed his gaze at Blade. “I’ve heard,” I answered.
“What’s so special about you, then?” Blade asked, taking a step closer.
Alek’s hand fell onto my hip. His fingers squeezed lightly.
“What makes you think there’s anything special about me?”
He shrugged. “It must take a special girl to impress the demon king. And to be included in the blood bonding. What’s different about you, new girl?”
My heart was beating so hard, I was certain they could all hear it. I had never been talked to like this by anyone except my mother. He was trying to intimidate me. Manipulate me.
Not today. Not here.
I lifted my chin and put the biggest bullshit smile I could manage on my face. “I don’t know, Blade. Maybe the demon king isn’t used to seeing competent, successful individuals around his son. Certainly, neither of you cross those boxes.”
What the hell, Lyra? Why did you just say that?
I relaxed slightly when I heard Alek laughing. I found myself leaning into his body. “Now leave us alone,” he said. “And stay away from Lyra.”
Before turning away, Blade and Kyler both looked me up and down one last time, their eyes lingering in areas that made me want to retreat.
Alek’s warm hand on my hip stopped me from cowering.
This is all just a show,I reminded myself.
