Falling for Angels - Hazel Hunter Page 0,8

clan emerging into the courtyard to watch. “Again?”

She nodded and backed away.

An hour later we both collapsed in a heap, both of us grinning as the watching garrison cheered. We’d sparred to a draw in the end, and I’d never known a clansman to learn moves faster or use them better.

“I want to learn that midair hook kick you do,” Val said as we pushed ourselves upright, and wiped the sweat from her brow. “That’s beyond dank.”

“Aye, if you’ll teach me your side flip and back roll.” I silently gave thanks to the Gods that I healed quickly, for I’d need that for the lass’s training. Then my blood chilled as she rose and staggered. “You’re hurt.”

“I’ll live. Or, if I don’t, I’ll come back for a rematch.” With that odd remark she waved at the garrison before she hobbled into the castle.

“Nice work.” Isobel Jennings, the laird’s wife, stepped in my path when I would have gone after Val. “Uh-uh. Training day is over.”

“I forgot she’s mortal.” And I felt like a nag’s ass for it. “Summon your healer.”

“Valerie will be fine.” She studied my face for a moment. “She’s what Kendric calls a borrower. When she touches one of the other girls, she can use their ability for an hour or so. We needed to see if it would work with immortals.”

“Why?” A dull rage rose inside me as I suddenly recalled the flare of heat when I first touched Val. She had awakened my Eagle battle spirit, which since boyhood had given me my incredible strength and speed.

Isobel shrugged. “The girls and I will do what we must to fight for the clan.”

I stalked inside the castle, and went to Healer Ivers’ infirmary. She had Val on her work table, and was examining the darkening bruises covering her limbs.

“Nothing broken,” the healer said, shooting a dark look at me. “Miracles still happen.”

Val smothered a groan as she sat up. “Give us a minute, Doc.” When Ivers left she swung her legs over the side of the table. “I’ll be okay. I was in worse shape after UCA Nationals last year.”

I sat down beside her and took her hand. Like mine it was calloused, square and strong, but it trembled in my grasp. “Isobel claims you borrowed my strength and speed, yet I didnae feel diminished. Your power imitates that of others.” When she nodded I said, “Then take my healing power.”

“I don’t know if I can,” Val admitted. “That’s part of your immortality, not your battle spirit power.”

I pressed her hand over my heart. “Try.”

The heat flared between us again, but this time it enveloped us both. Through a haze of golden light, I watched the bruises I’d left on her face pale and vanish. Through the bond the Eagle forged between us I felt her heart, and how much she had longed to find a love worthy of it.

“You are,” Val said, and curled her hand around my neck as she leaned in to kiss me.

Chapter 8

Tempted

I love my squad, really I do, but sometimes I wish they would just grow up.

“Coach never said we could be eaten alive by these shifter horse-shark things, Liv,” Deb whined as we finished our workout in the courtyard. “I wouldn’t have jumped back in time if I’d known that.”

“Me either.” Gayla grunted as she did her last sit-up. “It’s ratchet AF.”

“Right? I gave up manis and pedis and blowouts to be, what?” Deb threw up her hands. “Demon fish food?”

“Stop Draking.” I handed her the flask of water I’d brought. “We’ve got the guys and the druids, plus the powers.” I just couldn’t use mine without starting a riot.

“Sure, I’ll bedazzle the monsters.” Deb snapped her fingers, sending a shower of glittering sparks up into the air. “See? Pathetic. I can’t even start a fire with it.”

“Aye, but you might blind them for a moment, Sister.” Kendric walked out to join us, looking as perfectly K-pop as ever. Beside him was a shorter druid wearing a hooded cloak. “’Twill give our warriors an advantage.” He regarded me. “Sister Olivia, may we speak alone?”

I’d had the feeling that this was coming, so I nodded to the other girls, who left. “What’s up, Master Gowan?”

“’Tis naught to worry on, Sister.” He gestured at his companion. “The council sent Master Teague to test you.”

I frowned. “Test me for what?”

“The depth of your ability, Sister,” Teague said, his melodic voice like an invisible caress.

The shorter druid pulled back the cloak’s hood, revealing long