Page 36 of The Dragon's Mate

“We totally are,” Tyler said enthusiastically.“Right, Corey?”

“Yeah, we’re ready,” Corey said.

“Good.” Kaida started toward a narrow paththat ran through the woods beyond her cabin. “Follow me.”

* * *

“Try again,” Kaida said.

Panting lightly, a huge grin on his face,Tyler ran full speed at Corey and grabbed for him. The smaller boy turned his bodyat the last moment, socking his hip into Tyler’s body and wrapping his handsaround Tyler’s biceps. Tyler sailed into the air, landing with a thud on hisback in the soft sand that had been put down in a thick layer in the circularclearing.

“Good,” Kaida said. “The easiest way toget a larger opponent down is to use his size against him.”

Tyler popped up to his feet with the energyand grace of youth that Bren envied, and held his fist out to Corey. The foxshifter bumped it and the two teenagers grinned at each other. They were bothcovered in sand, Tyler had a small rip in his shirt, and Corey’s hair wassticking up, but they looked very pleased with themselves.

“Okay, what’s next?” Tyler asked.

“That’s enough for tonight,” Bren called fromhis spot on the sidelines. “It’s getting late.”

“We’ve only learned a couple things and it’sbarely eight,” Tyler said.

“You’ve got homework to finish, school in themorning, and,” Bren glanced at the darkening sky, “it’ll be dark soon.”

Tyler glanced at Kaida who nodded. “Yourbrother is right.”

He sighed. “Fine. When’s our nexttraining session?”

“How about Friday night?” Kaida turned toBren. “Unless you have plans?”

He grinned at her. “Nope, no plans. I’llbring the boys by around six again?”

A pink tinge covered her cheeks. “Sure.”

“Sweet.” Tyler took Corey’s hand.

Bren followed Kaida down the narrow paththat led back to the cabins. He was very aware of how amazing her ass lookedin her pants as Tyler and Corey kept up a steady stream of chatter behind them.

When they were back at the cabins, Brenunlocked the SUV. “Get in, guys. I want to talk to Kaida for a minute.”

“Bye, Kaida. Thank you,” Tyler said as heclimbed into the passenger seat.

“Thanks.” Corey smiled tentatively at Kaidaand slid into the back seat.

When the doors were shut, Bren turned to Kaida.“Thanks again, I really appreciate you helping them.”

“You’re welcome, human.” Kaida’s gazeflicked to his mouth before she looked away. “What is it you wanted to talk tome about?”

Here goes nothing.

“Would you like to go out to dinner with metomorrow night?”

Kaida’s body stiffened and she took a stepback. Her gaze landed on his lips again and then slid away. “I can’t.”

“Because you’re busy or because you’re notinterested?” Bren said.

She hesitated. “I’m not interested.”

Disappointment flooded his body. He’d beencertain that Kaida was into him. “Okay. I’ll see you Friday night with theboys.”

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