Page 16 of Across the Crimson Sands

“Not yet,” I growled, placing the weapon between my teeth. “But it will be soon.”

I jumped back down to face the beast, my muscles coiled and ready for action. The Steazel waited for me, its tongue flicking over razor-sharp teeth. A flicker of bloodlust danced in its eyes as they bore into mine. It pawed at the ground, attempting to distract me. Poor creature had no idea it was facing a Vinduthi warrior.

I dropped my gaze, mirroring the Steazel’s mannerisms with a sweep of my leg. Its eyes darted to follow the motion – all the distraction I needed.

My feet planted firmly on the ground, I matched its strength and agility, my knife slashing just below its ear.

The Steazel’s agonized screech echoed off the canyon walls, a blood-curdling sound. Blood dripped from its face, but it continued to pace before me, growling, unwilling to concede defeat.

I noticed the gray fur around its temples, a sign of its age. “We’re a tough old bastard, aren’t we?” I taunted.

It answered with a vicious swipe at my neck. Blood splattered the ground, but in the heat of battle, I couldn’t tell if it was mine or the beast’s. I growled in warning as I struck again, my blade barely piercing its thick hide.

The Steazel let out a mocking cackle before lunging once more. I stepped back, slashing left and right as the animal swerved to avoid my attacks.

“Be careful down there!” Arilee’s voice rang out, momentarily distracting me. The Steazel seized the opportunity, its teeth finding purchase in my arm.

As its fangs sank into my flesh, I roared, “It is no match for a Vinduthi!”

The beast dug in, its powerful jaw locked onto my arm. I held my ground, staring into its wild eyes, using my trapped limb as bait while my other hand hovered above its skull, knife poised to strike.

With a primal cry, I drove the blade down into the Steazel’s head. It whimpered pitifully but, to its credit, maintained its death grip on my arm. As our blood mingled on the desert floor, I felt its final breath ghost across my skin.

“Is it dead?” Arilee called, her voice trembling.

“Yes” I extricated myself from the beast’s jaws, clenching my teeth in pain and annoyance.

“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” she offered, her tone resembling an apology, though I wasn’t buying it.

I snorted derisively, glancing up at her.

“Honest, I didn’t want you to die,” she insisted, cautiously descending from her perch using exposed tree roots.

“No one wants to die,” I gritted out. “But my job is to ensure that you live.”

Arilee approached slowly, still wary of the fallen Steazel. I gave her a reassuring nod, indicating the danger had passed.

“Thank you for saving me,” she said softly.

“It is my duty,” I replied gruffly.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her concern seeming genuine. She reached out, her palm cupping my cheek in a surprisingly tender gesture. Her touch was soft and warm.

I wanted more of it.

What the hell was I thinking?

And now that I had started, why couldn’t I stop?

“I will be fine,” I said, rising to my feet. “Now let’s get moving.”

Arilee extended her arms, expecting me to bind them again, but I shook my head. “This time, you walk in front.”

When we returned to our camp, my arm had mostly healed. All that remained was the real problem: how she was making me feel as I spent time with her.

I sat down on the rough surface of a large rock, the night air doing nothing to quell the heat of my anger—and the unwanted desire that simmered beneath it. Arilee stood before me, her breaths coming fast and shallow, eyes flickering with defiance.

And something else. Something set the air between us alight.

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