Page 22 of The Anointed's Paladin

“Fresh as a daisy, my dear,” came a sleepy reply. I swept my hand sideways, opening the vines that covered the entrance. Kaine climbed out, stretching luxuriously before rubbing his eyes. His hair seemed to glow in the faint silver lights, his blue eyes glittering as he looked at us curiously. That reminded me—I hadn’t felt Talon’s hair yet. It looked silky. I’d have to do that soon. My hands twitched, and I glanced at him but decided now wasn’t the time.

They looked at each other, and Kaine clicked his tongue, eyes narrowing. “Nidori, my sweetheart, IthoughtI told you to stab anyone else you found,” he leaned back against the tree and folded his arms.

Oh, dear. Guilt twisted in my stomach, and I rushed to explain. “Yes, but when I caught him, I didn’t have anything to stab him with. And he’s got lights and fireandsaid he’d behonouredto help me!” I laced my hands together anxiously.

“Is that so?” he said, raising one eyebrow at Talon.

“Please don’t stab him or make him go to sleep. He’s really nice,” I added.

Talon cleared his throat, eyes fixed on Kaine. “I don’t know that Nidori actuallyneeded to stab me, considering you already did once.”

“Oh, that’s perfect, then!” I said, breathing an internal sigh of relief. “See? Now we’re all happy.”

“This isn’t going to be a problem, is it?” Talon asked. “Nidori was so happy when I agreed to join her.”

Problem? Why would it be a problem?

“She’s the boss,” Kaine said with a small bow, making me glow with pride.

12

Unlikely allies

Talon

Nidori was a bundle of surprises. Sprites rarely left their groves, but here she was, and wearing a tiny dress of all things. Catching me, then happily letting me go. She had made me smile for the first time since the nagai incident. I’d planned to go with her for a bit and then part ways.

But as I looked at the maoferni regarding me with beautiful, cold eyes, something stirred in me. Losing my oath had made me feel untethered, like a leaf blowing in a storm. It wasn’t right for a Paladin to be without something to drive them. Purpose. Blessed duty. Lydes’ stupid quest I’d been forced into wasn’t it, but this situation was like a breath of fresh air. This sprite was in danger every second she spent with this demon, and right now, it seemed I was the only one who could save her from it. If he hadn’t bonded with her yet, I could stop that from happening, and if he had, I may have to kill him.

The initial tense moment had passed, and it seemed he wasn’t going to try and kill me again. For now. He sheathed his dagger and climbed out of his shelter, moving further into the light cast by my orbs. His movements were graceful, almost hypnotic. I stared at him, myheart pounding, and clenched my jaw. Shit, why did he have to be so beautiful? It wasn’t just his looks; it was the predatory way he moved, the sneering smile and confidence. His presence was commanding, and… parts of me wanted to obey.

“I don’t think I introduced myself properly in our meeting earlier. You can call me Kaine.”

Kaine. It suited him.

“Well? Your name?” His voice was sharp, expecting an answer.

“Talon,” I said suddenly. “I’m, uh, Talon.”

“Good boy,” he said, eyes gleaming, and I suddenly found myself very interested in adjusting my pack. And sword. And boots. And just double-checking my cloak was fastened at the front and still covering my pants.

Nidori buzzed down and started gathering her belongings from a tiny nest within the tree root. Kaine was rolling up a thin blanket, pulling out a set of clothes from his pack. He slipped off the thin shirt he was wearing, and I got a beautiful view of his chiselled back muscles shifting on his slender frame. My eyes were drawn to him like a magnet. I had it bad. Jeez, how long had it been since I’d had sex? Sylphia was the one and only, and that had ended years ago.

I forced my eyes down, face burning. Yes, I had been hoping to get laid. But this was definitelynotthe right person. He was the enemy. A stupidly attractive monster I was supposed to be saving the damsel from. Unfortunately, I’d always had a tumultuous relationship with shame, and right now, it was only stoking the desire I felt for him.

“Okay, boys, let’s go!” sang Nidori, who buzzed up again, her pack secured to her side.

Kaine shouldered his bag and yawned, and we started to follow her through the woods. I kept him in my periphery. Partly because of the stabbing incident, partly because I just wanted to watch him. Icouldn’t think of anything to say that I thought he’d be interested in, so I stayed quiet. I had to figure out what interest he had in Nidori.

“You’re a cleric?” he asked, sounding bored.

“Paladin!” interjected Nidori happily.

“Whatever. One of the types to rush to the rescue,” he said.

“You still haven’t thanked me for that,” I added.

He was amused, giving me a dazzling smile. “Nor will I… Although, I should thank you for beingverysatisfying to stab. Not everyone is so…solid. Mm.” His eyes wandered to the muscles on my arms.

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