Werewolves Be Damned - By Stacey Kennedy Page 0,36

and the boots fall to the floor, inhaling the warm scent of leather.

The design was very similar to Kyden’s, only a hell of a lot smaller. Plus she had a matching brown leather bra with the kilt, and tiny black shorts. Obviously, a man had designed this gear. No woman in her right mind would want to fight anything wearing nothing but blinged up undergarments.

Running her hand over the soft leather, she examined her gear, when she spotted something and did a double take. Along the top of the kilt, resting at the hip, was a willow tree engraved into the leather. As she traced the etching, the design was smooth under her touch. She looked up at Kyden, and he stared down at her with tenderness. Her breath caught with emotion and her voice became stuck in her throat.

Turning away from her, Kyden strode toward the Council’s Hall. “Get into your gear and meet me back here.”

Chapter Eleven

Fifteen minutes later, Nexi re-entered the Council’s Foyer, and Kyden’s eyes flared with a whole lotta heat. Not a big shocker, she was half-naked. The kilt hugged her lower half and the hem stopped not too far after her bottom, and the bra held her girls in place—she was grateful. Her dark brown leather boots had a small heel, not enough to make fighting difficult, and they reached just below her knee, tied tight to her calf with a thick leather string.

Even though she was exposed, the gear on her body seemed…right.

Drawing closer to Kyden, she noticed he held a scabbard similar to his own, only half the size. He also had a dull-looking sword tucked under his arm. However, concerning her more than the idea of the fight ahead were the rumblings from the Council’s Hall.

How many supernaturals planned to watch this?

Five, she hoped.

Ten observers would be her tops.

Once she reached Kyden, he used soft touches with warm hands to place the scabbard over her head and fixed the strap on her shoulder, so it lay flat. His fingers lingered on her skin a moment before he dropped his hand.

Her mind raced as she tried to decipher his firm look. To her disappointment, he’d shut down all emotion and she couldn’t get a read on him. Last night he had kissed her, but what did that mean? Right now, he didn’t look at all interested in her. Did his welcome to my forceful side comment actually mean that things between them were over?

Her chest tightened oddly. “Kyden….”

He shook his head. “Not now, Nexi. You have a tough task ahead of you.” He stepped back, his eyes becoming hard. “Ready?”

She paused, gathering her thoughts. Of course, he was right, and now this thing between them was the least of her problems. Shoving all thoughts of Kyden, as well as the hollowness in her chest, aside to deal with later, she considered the task ahead of her. If she succeeded and joined the Council’s Guard, she gained the freedom to hunt the wolf that had gotten away with her parents murder.

No matter what she had to do to avenge her family, she’d do it—simple as that. “Yep, I’m ready.”

Kyden winked. “Atta girl.”

Nexi watched him stride toward the Council’s Hall, spotting his tight posture, and she wondered what made him so tense. Wasn’t she the one about to get her butt whooped? Inhaling a long and slow breath, she found that bit of bravery deep inside her, then she followed Kyden.

When she cleared the Council’s Hall doorway, she groaned. Within the cathedral were at least fifty male and female guardians, as well as the Council and plus Haven, which didn’t surprise her. Even if they told Haven she couldn’t come, Nexi suspected she’d still be there.

The crowd had quieted as Kyden approached Talon, who stood in the center of the room. Nexi quickened her steps and nervousness dried her mouth.

Once she reached him, Talon gave her a long look, then he turned to the crowd around the entrance. “Tonight it’s our duty to witness Nexi’s challenge.” To Kyden, he asked, “Do you pledge her ready?”

Kyden inclined his head. “I do.”

“Very well.” Talon clasped Nexi’s shoulder. “Fight hard.” Then he left the center and joined Zia off to the side of the crowd.

She looked at Kyden as he said, “Stay strong.”

He turned to join his father, and he didn’t have to tell her what he was thinking, as it was written all over his face: this wouldn’t be easy for him to watch. Now she