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I help him remove the daggers from the tree before strapping the quiver to my back. Its familiarity is surprising after such a short time wielding one.
He sheaths his last weapon, then assesses me. We’re close, as if he might kiss me again, but he takes my hand, weaving his fingers through mine. Walking together through the woods is so different from staring at his back. It’s as if he finally sees me as an equal, not an orphaned reject from Avren.
As we draw near to the cabin, he drops my hand and clears his throat. “I don’t want the others to know about us yet. They’ll be no end to Gray’s teasing. Evie will think I betrayed her, and it will devastate Levi.”
“Devastate Levi?” I’d think he’d be happy for us.
“Come on.” He rolls his eyes. “The guy’s had a mad crush on you since the moment you stepped through the door. It’s going to hurt him.”
“But we’re friends.” At least on my part. How did I not see how he felt about me? Levi feels like a close older brother—the one you stay up with for hours telling secrets to. And he’s filled a gap of what I missed out on in Avren.
Bastian laughs and holds the door open, letting me pass by. “Yeah, right.”
Inside, the others are cleaning up lunch. Two plates covered with dishtowels sit on the counter. Levi pauses his dish drying when we enter and frowns.
“How did the combat training go?” Evie sets a mug on the shelf of a cabinet. “You got her ready yet?” It’s her usual mocking tone I’ve grown accustomed to.
Bastian ignores the sarcasm. “Great. We still have dagger and hand-to-hand combat to work on, but her archery skills are above average. There must be a warrior among her ancestors.”
My cheeks heat slightly with the praise.
“We’ll keep working on it this week.” He lifts the towel, tosses it to the side, and carries his plate to the table. “I’ve let my Grove students know Mari is my top priority this week.”
“How does Susan feel about that?” Evie leans against the counter. “Not seeing you for a week?”
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t see her.” Bastian takes a drink of water before scratching the back of his neck, which I’ve discovered is his go-to action when he’s nervous. “My afternoons and evenings are free.”
Heavy lead sits in the depths of my stomach. He’d told me she didn’t matter to him. I don’t want to be jealous. He’s told me how he feels, and I should trust that, not my insecurities.
Levi sits across the table from Bastian, the frown still firmly set on his face. “You said you’d be back before lunch. I have a long session planned for us this afternoon, and you’ve cut into it.”
Bastian pushes his plate to the side, rests his crossed arms on the table, and leans forward. “Then shorten it, brother. I didn’t want to interrupt our progress. I’ll cut my session short tomorrow and give you extra time.”
I carry my plate to the seat beside Levi and place a hand on his forearm. “Bastian told me you can help me resist the glamour of the fae.”
Levi’s entire demeanor changes with my touch. It’s obvious he knows there’s something going on between his brother and me. The others may be oblivious, but he’s intuitive. Having imperfect hearing has heightened his other senses. “Eat your lunch. I’m going to take you to Nevil Falls when you’re done.”
Bastian purses his lips, trying to suppress a smile as he nods his head. “But most people only go there to…”
“Shut up!” Levi glares at him.
This is not what I want. My growing feelings for Bastian shouldn’t impede my friendship with Levi. “I’m going to take my sandwich with me. Am I dressed ok?” My fighting gear now fits like a well-worn glove.
“Perfect,” Levi signs.
“Take weapons with you.” Grayson opens the cabinet to pull out an array of daggers. “Mari, do you prefer a cross-strap belt or a weapon’s cloak?”
“Can I bring my bow and arrows?” I cross the room to pick up my quiver. “Besides, it’s the middle of the day. We’re not likely to run into anything too dangerous.”
“The fae of the Unseelie Court are after you.” Bastian pushes back in his chair. “Or did you forget I killed one of the king’s top fairies?”
“I can sense them a mile away.” Levi attaches the weapon belt over his chest. “I’ll protect her if needed.”
“What if I came along?” Bastian removes a second belt from the cabinet.
“No.” I don’t want him undermining Levi’s capabilities. Each member of the Kindred Few has their own strengths. Bastian’s are obvious. Grayson is the outgoing negotiator who can wield a weapon almost as well as his brother. Levi is the glue that holds the group together. His subtle ways make everyone feel like they belong. And Evie—well, it’s comforting for me to have her female energy around. I hold up my bow. “How will I know if I’m any good with this thing if you’re always there to take over?”
Bastian nods but doesn’t protest. A small smirk crosses his lips.
