Page 18 of Power of Draken

I jump. For a man Kyrian's size, he moves as quietly as a shadow.

Collin pulls away so quickly that he nearly knocks me over.

Kyrian steadies my elbow before I can make a further fool of myself.

“From what I hear, you frown on fraternization with subordinates,” Kyrian adds to Collin.

Gods. How much had the man heard of our conversation?

“Last I counted, you and I had the same number of pips on our collars now, Sorel,” Collin counters, his shoulders pulling back as he raises his chin in challenge. “So fuck off.”

A predatory smile spreads over Kyrian’s lips and I mentally beg Collin to get himself as far away as possible before Kyrian decides to take him up on the taunt. Fortunately, the man does no such thing, but what he does do—put his arm around my waist possessively—is even worse. “With pleasure, Chambers,” he says, walking us away. “I was just collecting up my squad. Have a pleasant rest of the day.”

“Get your hands off me,” I snap at Kyrian two steps later, but the man is already pulling his arm back to his side. I point my finger at his chest. “And don’t ever play me as a pawn in your cock measuring contest again.”

He laughs. “The size of Chambers’ cock is the least of my concerns. Believe me there.”

“Then what the hell was that about?”

“You know, most everyone here is terrified of me. Not without reason, I might add.”

“Was that an order to cower or genuflect? You’ll need to be more specific, sir.”

“Neither. I just find it curious that you’ve no qualms over telling me off—despite everything hanging over your head today I might add—and yet Chambers doesn’t have to so much as apologize for accusing you of rutting your way up the command chain. Don’t you?”

“Don’t I what?” I deadpan. I can’t believe the bastard had stood there and listened to that entire encounter.

“Find it curious.”

I blow out a long self-control seeking breath. “Was there something you needed beyond humiliating my lover and me?”

“Lover, eh? Sounds serious.”

“It is. We are.” I stop, my voice hardening. Enough is enough. “Was there something else you needed, sir?”

Humor fades from Kyrian’s face and he nods. “Unfortunately, yes. The commandant has moved her mast to now. We are expected in her office.”

I turn from Kyrian before he can see the blood drain from my face. There is only one reason for my mother to move the mast earlier—so that any punishment handed out could be witnessed by the entire group at evening formation.

Chapter 10

Rowan

Kai Grayson is already inside the commandant’s office by the time Kyrian leads me up to it, as are two other officers who’ve been summoned to participate in mast. I look down at my clothes, which are combat black instead of the enchanter red I’m supposed to be wearing, and the pit in my stomach drops a few more miles. I try to at least iron out the wrinkles with my hands. These aren’t even dress blacks.

“I doubt your clothes will be a central issue,” Kyrian says, stopping me a few steps short of the door. He is also wearing training blacks, but on him they look like a panther’s shiny coat and fit for royalty. Even his tousled hair appears artfully arranged instead of unkept.

“It won’t be a central issue, but it won’t help.”

Kyrian frowns then studies me, tilting his head like a dog. “You are terrified.” He says it as if it's news. And curious news at that.

“Of course I am. What were you expecting me to feel?”

He shrugs a shoulder. “Dread, apprehension, annoyance. Take your pick. But terror is taking it a bit far in my opinion.”

“What bloody world have you been living in for the past two years?” the words escape my mouth before I can think better of it. “She is going to order me to the post. And I don’t imagine anything about what that feels like.”

“She?”

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