Page 56 of Dark Fate

"And get this—Erik tracked me down afterward. He's been training me," I say, a bit of a brag in my tone.

Rhyland smiles knowingly. "Ah, Erik schooling you, huh? Should've known he'd take you on as his new protégé."

Planting my hands firmly on my hips, I give my hair a theatrical flick over my shoulder. “That’s right, I’ve picked up a few tricks. So watch it, don’t push me, or you might find yourself flat on your ass, Viking.” I say with a playful but challenging spark in my eye.

Rhyland's laugh rumbles deep. "I'm itching to test these new moves of yours, baby. Think we should arrange a little one-on-one later." He shoots me a smoldering glance that sends a flush to my cheeks.

His face hardens, the playfulness slipping away. "Listen, about that shit with Faderyn earlier... I'm sorry I got so riled up. When mates are bonded, we can legitimately smell it when someone else hungers for our other half. It triggers some fierce protective bullshit in me."

My eyebrows arch high with intrigue. "Well, that's a new one."

Rhyland firms his jaw as he nods. "Yeah, it's like an extra sense that kicks in." He takes my hands with a gentleness that belies his rugged nature. "I'll call out any bastard who dares to lust after what's mine."

I flash Rhyland a sultry smile, my heart racing with a thrill I can't deny. As much as his possessive streak isn't needed, it kindles something wild within me.

My hand lifts, fingers gently tracing the contours of his face. "Listen to me, Captain Complicated. There's only you. This whole 'being apart' gig has made me a sentimental sap. Yeah, Faderyn’s been a decent friend, but that’s where it ends." I lean in, my kiss barely grazing his. "This heart right here? It beats for you, only you, forever and always."

Rhyland's stance softens, the stress melting from his broad shoulders. I back up and lean against a tree, still feeling the heat from Rhyland's gaze. "So tell me, how's that stone-faced brother of mine keeping his shit together?" he demands, a trace of brotherly unease roughening his voice.

"He's been Mr. Stoic, as usual," I smirk. You know Erik—he acts like he can bench press a mountain but gets all gooey inside when someone needs help."

Rhyland's lips twitch in amusement. "Classic Erik, always the rock. He's been taking care of you?"

"Taking care? Please, it's me who's been keeping him on his toes with a bit of rough and tumble in our training sessions," I retort with a sly smirk, feeling a burst of pride bubble up inside at the thought of my own progress. "But I'll give you that—amidst all the craziness, he's been as solid as a rock."

Rhyland nods, his vivid blue eyes glinting with approval.

"He was the one who kept air in my lungs when the bond felt like it was suffocating me," I say with a soft smile, the memory of Erik’s steadfast presence comforting me through countless nights. "He’d chase away the nightmares that tried to take hold, dry my tears, and keep my outlook looking up, aimed straight at hope." Pausing for a breath, I continue, "But honestly? His relentless training—it was a lifeline. It kept my mind from spiraling; it might've kept me afloat through the worst of missing you."

In a heartbeat, Rhyland's before me, his firm grip coaxing my chin upward. My gaze lifts to lock with his deep ocean blues, "I'm so damn sorry you had to deal with that, sweetheart. It kills me that I put you in that situation. I promise I'll do whatever it takes to ensure nothing like that ever happens again." His lips softly brush against mine. "And then I'm going to tear Erik a new one for laying a finger on you."

I raise an eyebrow mischievously. "What, you jealous that your scary right-hand man—brother— turned out to be a cuddly teddy bear? Maybe I should be the one getting territorial over him." I punctuate it with a playful wink. "I could watch you two wrestle it out...preferably shirtless and covered inbabyoil." I gesture up and down atRhyland, "my smoldering, alpha-licious Viking."

Rhyland flashes a roguish grin, his eyes glinting with mischief, before letting out a low growl as he nestles into my neck. "You're just begging for it, aren't you?" he growls into my neck, his teeth grazing my skin, "begging for an ass-whooping with your sass." he punctuates his words by gripping two handfuls of my ass and squeezing.

A chuckle escapes me while Rhyland's teeth playfully graze my skin, the man oozing jealousy and possessiveness like it's his day job. Honestly, wouldn't have him any other way.

I quickly shift the conversation, "We need to go get Lucian."

Rhyland nods his head, his expression turning serious. "Come on, Angel."

As we head out, I match his stride, determination fueling my steps. It's time to save the smart-ass known as Lucian and maybe come up with some more creative pet names for Rhyland along the way.

Rhyland

24

We thread through dense foliage, the moon's silvery beams casting elongated shadows onto the forest floor. The chill of the night air contrasts sharply with the heat radiating from Dani's proximity. I feel her hand in mine, her grip firm and solid.

"Meadow," I begin, sensing it's time to clear the air. "She's an enigma, that one. We crossed paths deep within Amara's stronghold. She has this... fire within her, despite being a nobody among the fae elite."

Dani nods, her golden eyes sparkling with keen interest as we continue our trek.

"She's the reason Lucian and I aren't still rotting in that hellhole, or worse," I say, my voice laced with gratitude. "And the girl's got some sight—visions or something like that. Sees things before they go down."

"A seer?" Dani asks, tilting her head slightly.

"In a sense, yeah. But the role she's played—damn important."

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