tuned out everything around her except for the large Gargoyle swinging his sword in an X pattern in front of him. Brynna called on her beast for both mental and physical strength. She knew Banyan would never hurt her, but he wasn’t going to go easy on her.
It had been centuries since Gautum taught her how to stand against someone stronger than her, but as she circled her brother, all the training came back. Brynna might not have wings or impenetrable skin, but she was a full-blooded Gargoyle, and she was strong. Banyan held his sword in front of him, and Brynna wasted no time charging forward with a two-fisted strike. Her brother raised his eyebrows in shock before his face became a study of concentration. Brynna knew she had to pace herself. It wasn’t about beating Banyan. No, she only had to keep the sword in her hands for ten minutes.
Once Banyan saw Brynna knew what she was doing, he stopped holding back. Metal clashed against metal as both Holgersens struck and parried. Banyan had at least seventy-five pounds on Brynna, and he was stronger, but she was able to move quickly. Fighting with swords was much different than using epees. Brynna had taken up fencing for a period of time, but the footwork was more forward and back. This was lunging and ducking. Twisting to avoid a blow. Banyan was doing his best to remove Brynna’s shorter sword from her hands, but she held on. Barely.
Who knew ten minutes could seem like an eternity? It took a lot for a Gargoyle to get winded, but Brynna was definitely losing stamina. Banyan swung his broadsword with both hands, and Brynna called on her shifter to hold on just a little longer. The power behind that one strike had Brynna ready to call it quits. Her wrists were aching, and she had more than one broken nail. Brynna nearly dropped her weapon when her brother twisted around, coming at her with his full force. She dove out of the way at the last second, falling on her back. She climbed back to her feet, and Banyan brought his claymore up again.
“Time!” Uri finally called, and Brynna dropped to her knees, her chest heaving. Banyan’s boots appeared in front of her, and she looked up into her brother’s blue eyes. Shouts of congratulations rang out from behind her.
“Damn, Sis. That was impressive.” Banyan held out his hand, and Brynna let him pull her to her feet. She hid a wince at the ache in her arm. Travis was there at her side, pride evident on his gorgeous face. He took the sword from her, and Brynna rubbed her wrists.
“Did I hurt you?” Banyan asked.
“No. You could have, but you didn’t. I know you went easy on me, but I’m proud of staying on my feet as long as I did.”
“My fierce, warrior Princess,” Travis muttered against her mouth as he kissed her. “You can wield a sword and shoot a rifle. Any other weapons you learned how to use?”
“A few,” Brynna hedged. She had practiced martial arts and had become proficient with sais, staffs, and tonfas. She had also learned to use a bow and arrow. Not wanting to get into all the training she’d done over the years, she changed the subject. “Damnit. Now I need another manicure.” Everyone laughed, her comment having the intended effect.
Having sparred briefly with Urijah, he already knew she was good with a sword, but he still fisted his heart and bowed his head. Marcie and Lawrence were talking over each other, and Brynna let their excitement wash over her.
“Come on, Princess. I’ll run you a bath,” Travis urged. A bath sounded like heaven, and if she could convince her mate to join her? All the better.
Travis leaned against the tub, and Brynna settled between his legs. “That was the longest ten minutes of my life,” he said before kissing her temple. He had held his breath for most of the time she and Banyan had sparred. Travis knew it was too soon to say he was in love with Brynna, but damn. Watching her go up against her brother had been both nerve-wracking as well as a huge turn on. And this badass? She was his. The sad part in all that was he wouldn’t be able to defend her if Gargoyles were to attack. That was something he would have to get over.
“At least I’m good at something,” Brynna mumbled.
“What are you talking