Page 45 of The Onyx Covenant

“Stop fidgeting,” Theron murmurs as he pulls out my chair, his breath warm against my ear. “You look like you’re planning an escape.”

“Maybe I am,” I shoot back, sliding into the seat as he takes my jacket and sets it on the back of my chair, which is carved with moon phases.

Theron drops into the chair beside me, his thigh pressing against mine beneath the table. His dark hair falls loose across his brow, framing sharp cheekbones and those storm-silver eyes that always stare at me. Like the rest of us, he’s dressed in the ceremonial training gear, though his is Umbra black, the fabric stretching across broad shoulders that seem to take up too much space beside me.

“That would be ill-advised,” he says, his lips quirking upward. “I’d have to come after you, and we both know I’d catch you.”

I half laugh. “You sound awfully confident for someone who needed my help to win today’s challenge.”

“Is that what happened?” He leans closer, and I catch the scent of pine and winter frost that clings to his skin. “I remember things differently.”

“You would.” I try to ignore the heat that spreads through me at his proximity, focusing instead on the feast laid before us.

Aria slides into the seat beside me, her movements fluid. She’s cleaned up for dinner, but her cheekbone still bears a scratch from training, angry red against her honey-toned skin. Her chestnut hair falls in waves past her shoulders, and her amber eyes sparkle with her grin.

“Holy mother of moons,” she whispers, eyeing the spread of food. “If I die tomorrow, at least my last meal was spectacular. I don’t remember ever seeing so much food.”

“Don’t even joke about dying,” I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one heard.

“Please.” She rolls her eyes. “Everyone’s thinking it.” She reaches for a platter piled high with roasted pheasant, the skin crisp and glistening with a honey glaze. “Besides, if we’re going to die, we might as well do it with full bellies and smiles on our faces.”

On her other side, Orion sits with his back ramrod straight, looking out of place in his formal training clothes. His emerald eyes remain fixed on the others at the head of the table.

“You could at least try to look like you’re enjoying yourself,” Aria tells him, nudging his arm with her elbow.

He doesn’t even glance at her. “This isn’t a celebration. It’s another test.”

“Does everything have to be so serious with you? I’m sure this is just them spoiling us before the big event.” She piles food onto his plate regardless of his dour mood.

Orion’s lips twitch, the closest thing to a smile I’ve seen from him. “Pure stubbornness might keep us alive tomorrow.”

She grins triumphantly when he finally picks up his fork.

I turn away, giving them privacy, only to find Theron watching me with an intensity that has my cheeks burning up. He’s already filled his plate, but he hasn’t touched the food.

“What?” I demand, reaching for a small loaf of bread still steaming from the ovens, along with the butter.

His eyes follow my movements with that predatory focus I’m starting to recognize.

“Just wondering if you’ve accepted your fate yet… being stuck with me.”

I narrow my eyes. “You mean being forced into this nightmare because you broke every rule selecting an Omega from the enemy pack? No, I haven’tacceptedanything.”

His smile is sharp, dangerous. “Though you can’t deny we work well together. Or have you forgotten how I lifted you up that heart tree to collect the token? The way youclimbed meto reach those higher branches.” He’s grinning like a fool.

I laugh at him as I spread butter on my bread, watching it melt into the warm crust. “I told you yesterday and the day before—selecting me was a mistake.”

“We’ll see about that.” He leans closer.

My body buzzes all over at his whispered words.

Before I can respond, Kieran slams his goblet down on the table, sitting next to Theron, drawing everyone’s attention. Dark hair wild around his strong face, a faint shade of growth on his jawline, his smirk bright in the candlelight.

“To all of us making it through today’s trust mission!” he announces, raising his goblet high. “Though some of us”—he winks at Theron and me—“did it with a bit more style by coming in first. May tomorrow’s trials be just as successful!”

Cheers erupt from half of the wolves, though a few others can’t help but smile at Kieran’s infectious enthusiasm. He has that effect on people—making you like him even when you know you shouldn’t.

Rachel, his Omega partner, yanks him back into his seat by the hem of his jacket. “Do you ever shut up?” she asks with a teasing smile.

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