Page 136 of Forcing Fate

“Why did you join?”

I frowned and tilted my head. “Because my father was–”

“No. The truth, Avyanna.” All mirth fell from his features, his expression growing serious.

I opened my mouth, then closed it, pressing my lips together. My gaze dropped to the sand, and I crossed my legs. I had been about to tell him I was avenging my father. If he didn’t accept that, perhaps I would have told him something along the lines of joining because I didn’t want my life to be a waste… but was that the truth?

“I—bear with me.” Shame built, muddling my thoughts. Something about this moment lowered my guard. He was playing a game with me. He wouldn’t rush me as I worked out my reasoning.

He propped his head up on his hand and waited—a model of patience.

“I am vain—selfish, really. I figured if I worked hard and minded what I was told, I believed myself destined for greatness. To be selected as a female First Chosen was a difficult task to achieve, let alone being offered the opportunity twice. I thought I was special, that I could defy the odds and become a great Rider. I would live a life filled with miraculous deeds, and my dragon and I would be renowned.

“When I was refused the second time, I hoped I could still carve out greatness another way. Perhaps I could still make something of my name and bring myself glory. I could be the first female warrior. So I joined.” I bit my lip and shrugged to myself.

He studied me for a moment, before asking, “Do you still feel you’re destined for greatness?”

I smirked, rising to my feet. “You’ll have to win again to get that answer.”

He grunted, but smiled as he rose, dropping into his fighting stance. I exhaled and drew my fists up near my chin. This time, I wouldn’t lower my guard for anything. I wouldn’t let him grab me like that.

He charged me again, and I stepped to the side, not giving him my back. He moved with far more speed than a man of his size should have, and I swung at his head as he doubled-over and barreled his shoulder into my chest.

The air was knocked out of me, but I still attempted to bring a knee up to his face. He wrapped an arm around me and lifted me into the air. He caught the back of my leg with a thick, corded arm. His shoulder dug into my stomach, and I froze, clueless as to what I could do. I hung over his shoulder like a rag doll. I tried to squirm free, but he just gripped my legs tighter. Frustrated, I lurched in a sudden movement that my abs would hate me for later, and brought myself straight up, body parallel with his, before falling back.

I realized my mistake as soon as he let go. My plan was, as my body weight fell, it would bring him forward with me.

I didn’t expect him to let go.

I fell to the ground with a yelp. The sand was soft, but not that soft.

Moaning, I squinted up at him. He moved in line with the sun and placed his bare foot on my chest.

“Surrender.”

“I yield,” I groaned.

My back protested any movement. I needed a moment to gather my strength. Now would be a good time to grab his leg and make a move, but knowing him, I would just receive more pain for my effort.

He grinned and removed his foot, dropping into a crouch beside me. “What would you think of joining a team?”

“Pardon?” I narrowed my eyes. “A team?”

He nodded, face sober.

“What kind of team?”

“My team.”

As if that clarified anything. Memories flashed of him and the Dragon Lord, Ruveel. I rolled to my side and mimicked his pose from earlier. Propping my head up with my hand, I offered him my brightest smile.

“My dear General, that might clarify things for you, but I am but a lowly soldier. I need more of an explanation,” I said sweetly.

He grunted and sat back on the sand, watching me. “You’re not good at anything.”

All traces of amusement left my face. “Thank you,” I replied dryly.

“You know it. I’m offering you a chance to be on a team, separate from the companies.”

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