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Teresa was absently braiding her hair over one shoulder, the way she only did when she was anxious. “I believe in Stone.”
“And Amelia?”
Teresa quirked an eyebrow. “Don’t push it.”
But she spoke without enmity. I could read Teresa well, and I had the feeling Amelia had won her respect.
“I also believe in us,” I stood, standing from the table. “You and I will watch their backs.”
She tilted her head at me, doubt written across her face. The realization that she didn’t quite trust me anymore pulsed through my gut.
Stone and I had set up an elaborate act of hating each other, but it had been tinged with real feelings, real fury. I would be the bad guy if that was what it took to protect the pack, but I hated the thought that Teresa thought less of me now.
“We always do,” she said, a slow smile blooming across her face, and relief flooded my chest. “Stone is lucky to have us. Do you think he’s noticed?”
“Probably not.”
I met Amelia for our next training session. She was sitting on the steps of the front porch, dressed in one of the tight t-shirts she favored lately and a pair of shorts that exposed her long, pale legs. She reminded me of a pin-up model from World War 2, beautiful in a way that was timeless.
She rose when she saw me, her face brightening. “There you are!”
Deep down, I was furious—and afraid—about how badly last night could have turned. But when her eyes lit up, I couldn’t help but smile back. “Here I am.”
She ran up to me, wrapping her slender arms around my neck as we hugged tightly. Her skin felt warm against mine, and I could smell sandalwood shampoo clinging to her soft, silky hair, a scent that seemed to linger in the air even after she pulled away.
We began to spar, circling each other. The sun beat down on us mercilessly as we moved in wide circles around each other, aiming blows at one another’s defenses. Amelia was fast and agile; every time I thought I had her pinned down she would manage to slip away.
As we squared off in the center of the ring, her eyes seemed to brighten with an inner fire whenever she looked at me. I loved the way she looked at me, but the image of that light fading from from her eyes haunted me.
“Any idea how you got away from me last night?” I asked her as we circled each other.
She frowned. “I wasn’t trying to. I was sleepwalking.”
“I know.” And yet... it still rankled. I’d been trying to protect her and I’d woken knowing she was gone. Dylan had still been asleep in the bed, alone. I’d hunted through the house for her, then ran for help.
“I don’t know,” she said.
“I think you went over the balcony.” I’d found the French doors open. At first, I’d assumed she’d stepped out to read, as she did when she couldn’t sleep, but I’d felt a jolt of panic when I didn’t find her there.
“I’m not an action hero,” she said. “That doesn’t sound like me.”
The two of us traded another quick volley of blows. My growing sense of frustration sent heat flooding through my muscles, so I slowed slightly, watching my movements to be sure I wouldn’t accidentally hurt her.
“Maybe not, but something made you do it,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “And I need to know what that was.”
Amelia’s face grew serious as she blocked one of my hits. “I don’t remember anything after going to bed.”
I felt a surge of anger, and my movements became more forceful. She was lying to me, I knew it. But why? Was she protecting someone? Herself?
“Damn it, Amelia,” I growled, feeling my fists clench. “I need to know what’s going on.”
She paused, her chest heaving. “Do you? Maybe we should have a morning brief like you do with Stone, so I can just tell you all my deepest, darkest secrets all at once!”
“That would be efficient.”
“That would be insane!”
“What’sinsaneis how easily we almost lost you last night.”
