“Yes, you will. Your punishment, however, will have to wait.”
Kaede straightened. “What do you want me to do with him?”
The bronze gaze settled on Fane. “A good question.”
Fane studied the stranger, taking careful notice of the witch mark and the peculiar horizontal lines that ran the length of his neck.
The man didn’t feel particularly strong in magic, but there was something . . .
Something dark and dangerous that lurked just below the surface.
Something Fane could sense, even if he couldn’t pin it down.
He shifted so he could keep an eye on both men, allowing only a brief glance at Serra to make sure she wasn’t hurt.
He couldn’t allow his fear that she remained in danger to interfere with his training.
“Give me Serra.”
The man frowned. “Does she belong to you?”
“Belong? Are you a freaking caveman?” Serra growled, typically displaying more courage than sense. “I don’t belong to anyone. Not now, not ever.”
Fane’s attention remained on the elegantly dressed man. He was the more dangerous of the two.
“We’re not bonded,” he said, answering the question.
“If you’re not her guardian, then how did you find her?”
“Because he’s Fane,” Serra retorted, the bite in her tone revealing she was still pissed at him. Obviously rushing to her rescue didn’t earn him any brownie points. “Sentinel extraordinaire.”
“Ah.” The leader waved a hand toward his companion. “Kaede. Do a sweep to make sure he came alone.”
Kaede hesitated. “Bas.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Fane snorted. “I wouldn’t count on it.”
Kaede stepped toward his boss, his expression tight with frustration. “Dammit, Bas. Your arrogance is going to get you killed.” He jerked his head toward Fane. “This isn’t just another Sentinel.”
Bas sent Fane a mocking glance. “You don’t have to explain, Kaede, even I have heard of Fane.”
“Then you know this is no time to screw around,” the servant muttered.
The bronze eyes held an unnerving confidence. “Trust me, Fane is going to behave himself.”
“If you believe that then whatever you heard about me is a lie,” Fane assured him.
A cold smile stretched the man’s lips. “No, I know that you’re one of the most feared warriors the monks ever trained.”
Fane narrowed his eyes. “Then you know I won’t hesitate to kill you, or anyone else who gets in my way.”
“Not if this female’s continued good health depends on your cooperation,” Bas taunted, grasping Serra by her upper arm and dragging her to his side. “Go, Kaede.”
Serra hissed in outrage, yanking her arm out of his grasp. “Get your hands off me.”
Fane growled low in his throat, the air heating as his anger slipped its leash. “Do you have a death wish?”