Page 55 of Beast

“Yes,” she agreed with a small laugh.“He’s already a handful.”

I decided to get a little nosier.“How are Maylin and Nokita getting along?”

She rolled her eyes.“For the most part, better.Nokita has made his intentions clear to the entire island, and he’s patiently waiting for Maylin to figure out she can’t live without him.Maylin still drags her feet, but she’s mellower, if that makes sense.”

I had no idea what “mellow” meant in this circumstance, but I nodded anyway.I’d never been accused of being mellow.“Any word from the outposts?”

“Landan’s doing good as governor,” Ruth said, butting into our conversation.

My eyes snapped to hers.“You’re on guard duty.If your focus is on us, you aren’t doing your job.Expect a punishment.”

“What for?”she immediately shot back, her face going as red as her hair.

“Disrespect.I’ve been proud of you for sitting quietly and watching out for our safety.Now that’s ruined.”

She stomped her foot for maximum effect, shaking the entire boat.“I wasn’t looking out for your safety.I just wasn’t speaking to you.”She folded her arms in triumph.

She had no idea who she was up against.“Good.I like that even more.Add guard duty to your pout and get back to it.”

“Hmph.”

I turned away and addressed Missy again.She had watched the exchange closely.“I hope you know what you’re doing,” she muttered, much like she had when I gave Ruth the sword.

I went back to ignoring Ruth’s pouting and moved on.“Has the Federation made additional threats against the outposts?”

Missy shook her head.“Silence.No communication or sightings.”

I didn’t share my thoughts on the situation.This was a test.The Federation wanted mass casualties of Shadow Warriors and humans.I was sure Smythe wasn’t intended to die, but I knew that wouldn’t slow President Barnes.He had more planned for us.

Missy and I talked about other things, like the gardens and food production, after that.Ruth didn’t say another word.When we made it back to the citadel, she quickly walked away.

“Hey,” I called from behind her.“Grab your sword and have your butt in the gym in ten minutes.”

Her eyes lit up for a moment, then she remembered she was mad at me and stomped off.This should be fun.I headed to my room to change, with King on my heels.

“You’re starting with Ruth already?”he asked as I tore out of my clothes.I planned to be five minutes late so Ruth would be waiting for me.Today would set the tone for what I had planned, and she’d learn exactly who was in charge.

“She’ll have Sundays off but otherwise will train with me daily.I’ll give her enough to work on that she stays out of our hair,” I said, yanking my shirt over my head.

“And your other duties?”

That was something I refused to discuss.“If you need me in a meeting, let me know.”I pulled on new socks and slipped into my old workout shoes.For a moment, the loss of my Doc Martens hit hard.I had loved those boots, but saving Garret had been more important.I knew both he and Axel agreed.

“If you don’t schedule a meeting, there won’t be one,” King said, in a maddeningly calm voice.

I blew out a frustrated huff of air, glad I was heading to the gym to release some of the stress.After three weeks with my mate, it shouldn’t have been this way, and I wasn’t happy about it.I tried so hard not to give in to King’s manipulations, but it was impossible.

“We need to figure out the frequency of the whistles.The sooner we can duplicate them, the better.”

“Would you like me to get someone working on the whistles?”he asked patiently.

With a low growl, I walked to the door.“Do what you think best.”I stepped out, not missing the laughter behind me.He was pushing, and he knew it.I was not the leader of the Shadow Warriors.

When I walked into the gym, Ruth was sitting and waiting for me.

“Get your butt off the floor,” I said sharply.“I expect you to be warmed up before I enter the gym.Place your sword against the wall.You won’t be needing it today.”

“Then why did you have me bring it?”she demanded defiantly.

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