Page 89 of The Onyx Covenant

Kieran raises a brow. “You’re kidding. You’re actually tired right now?”

I rub my eyes. “We’ve hit a dead end. If that thing didn’t come this way, it’s not likely to. We can retrace our steps after some rest.”

Theron gives the wall another once-over. “One entrance. Defensible.”

We all exchange a look, then wordlessly sink to the grass.

“We’ll take turns watching. I’ll go first,” Theron says.

“I’ll take second,” Kieran grumbles, already half horizontal.

“And me third.”

ChapterSixteen

THERON

“Do you think Aria’s okay?” Lyra asks, her voice cutting through the heavy silence.

“She’s with Orion,” I explain. “She’ll be fine. He won’t let anything happen to her.”

If I were with Aria instead of Orion, I’d tear apart anything that threatened her—not because I feel anything for Kieran’s little obsession, but because she matters to Lyra. And anything that matters to Lyra is under my protection, whether she wants it or not.

Kieran sprawls on his back a few feet away, one boot half off like the lazy fuck couldn’t be bothered to finish the job. Despite everything, affection tugs at me. There’s no one I’d rather have at my back in a fight, even if he drives me insane the rest of the time.

“She’s feisty,” he says, eyes fixed on the stars above us. “Takes no shit. Great with a blade. Kind of terrifying, actually.”

I catch the slight softening in his voice when he mentions Aria. For all his swagger and endless parade of conquests, Kieran’s showing a vulnerability toward the girl.

Lyra smirks. “Yeah, you would know.”

Kieran’s head twists toward her. “Ah. She told you, hey?”

Lyra hums in response, the sound making Kieran narrow his eyes suspiciously.

“Girls share things,” she says, a teasing lilt to her voice that makes my skin heat. “Everything. Every detail, you know.”

I fight back a grin as Kieran props himself up on one elbow. For all his bragging, the idea of being discussed by the women makes him squirm. Hilarious.

“Yeah? Like that?” he counters. “Then I need to know exactly how she painted me—just to ensure fairness. Can’t have you walking around thinking I’m anything less than fucking legendary.”

A harsh laugh escapes me. “Pretty sure it’s not an issue. Lyra only cares about me.”

The words come out as a claim, staking territory that part of me knows isn’t mine to claim anymore.

Lyra’s laugh is tender, but I don’t miss the darkening of her lavender eyes as they meet mine. She still wants me. The knowledge burns through me like fire.

Kieran looks between us, and a slow, wolfish grin stretches across his face.

“Oh. I see. You two as well, huh? Did the dirty deed in the woods? Rolled in the ferns? Howled at the full moon?”

Memories flood my mind unbidden—Lyra riding me, her legs wrapped around my waist, firelight painting her skin. Her nails dug into my skin as she came apart in my arms. The taste of her, like night-blooming jasmine, is addictive.

“Fuck off,” I growl at Kieran playfully. My lips curl into a smile that’s all teeth. “Jealous?”

“Always,” he fires back instantly. “Just wondering if our Alpha-in-training here actually knows what to do with a woman like Lyra or if he just stands around brooding dramatically while she does all the work.”

“Trust me,” I say, eyes locked on Lyra’s as a flush spreads across her cheeks and down her neck. “I know exactly what to do with her.”

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