Page 30 of The Sins of Silas

Her ochre eyes studied me for a moment longer before she took a deep breath, aimed her bow, and released the string. Justlike I knew she could, the arrow struck true, right at the center of the target.

I grinned. “Told you.”

She beamed up at me, and the sight…it did something to me.

What the hell?

I blinked, my smile faltering, and cleared my throat. “Let’s head back,” I murmured. “We can train more tomorrow…if you’d like.”

Her eyes dropped, but her smile remained. “I would like that.” She looked up at me again. “Thanks, Merrick.”

And then she walked away, heading back to our group to finish the second half of the day.

I loosened a breath as her distance from me increased, and I found that my heart was racing.

How odd.

I shook my head, following after her.

I was finally able to sit down, grateful for Hendry allowing me on his horse. The soldier’s brown and blue eyes showed no distaste, and perhaps his long legs desired the movement.

After what felt like forever, the group began moving again, and as I tightened my arms around Viola’s waist, feeling her desire as she leaned into my hold, I found myself extra excited to get the hell out of this pass.

Chapter Nine

LENA

It was the evening of our second night. After our small break, the rest of our travels went by quickly.

We were now halfway through this wretched pass. Blessedly, we encountered no problems in the day. Though with the sun now set and the fire crackling, I knew that if there were any Vampires out here, they were safe to emerge now.

Roland had cooked us dried meat in a small pot of boiling water I had started, seasoning it with spices Ayla had also packed for us. We were all eating now, aside from Viola, who had shifted into a bat—just until I was finished eating.

It was smart, keeping an eye on things with night vision. And because Merrick insisted she save her shifting abilities during our travel, she coulddo so now with ease.

We decided since my magic was more useful at night, I would take the night shifts. I couldn’t believe I had managed to fall asleep against Roland while riding earlier today…but it was nice.

“How’s it taste?” Roland asked me from his spot across the fire.

I chewed, enjoying the flavor. “Meh.” I gave him a smirk as his eyes narrowed, then chuckled. “Very good. You’re a man of many talents, I see.”

He laughed. “Good answer.” He licked his lips, his smile growing. “Believe me, there are many talents I wish to show you, Lena.”

There was something about him using my actual name instead of the nickname he gave that set my cheeks ablaze.

Edmund groaned, slapping Roland’s arm from his spot beside him, though he, too, wore a smile. “Too much info, man.”

I could safely say I longed to know his other talents…longed to experience them firsthand. I wished I could explore them with him right this moment. But, for Merrick’s sake, I tried to reel those feelings back, shaking my head at Roland as I ate.

Finishing my meal, I stood up and stretched just as Viola shifted back, ready to eat her own meal. I walked a small distance from the fire, enjoying the nighttime summer breeze. It was scary in here, honestly, but the moon looming above provided a moderate amount of light. Thankfully, we started our travels at the time the moon would be brightest—it was full this evening.

I heard gravel crunching from behind and tilted my head, watching as Roland strolled up to me.

I swallowed and tilted my head up to meet his eyes. “What’s up?”

The moon illuminated his handsome face as his lips turned upward. “Honestly? I want to kiss you.”

My eyes shot wide, and I retreated a step. Releasing a scoff, I mumbled, “Quit fucking with me.”

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