Changed by Fire (Phoenix Rising #6) - Harper Wylde Page 0,132

problem. Besides, I did warn you.”

“Rune. Leave. Now.” It was Hiro who spat the order in a growl as his Kitsune pushed toward the surface.

“Yeah, yeah.” He hesitated at the door, turning to look at us. “For what it’s worth, I hope you kick their asses, Phoenix. While I belong amongst the animal shifters, it’s clear you don’t.” With that surprising comment, he slipped from the room.

“Come on.” Valleria grabbed my arm, her expression pinched as she towed me from the room. “You need to get changed. You can bet they’re going to make you fight in both forms.”

“Fuck that,” burst from behind me, as I let Valleria drag me along. I was right there with my mates. If they wanted blood, they were going to get it, but it was not going to be mine.

Thirty-One

Nix

The training area was packed when we stepped outside, most of the refugees and soldiers having crammed into any available nook and cranny they could find. My eyes spotted little figures dipping and darting, and a distinctive pair of horns made me realize the hybrid children were amongst the melee in front of us.

A male I didn’t recognize stood in the ring with Valleria, his shoulders stiff and his head high as she whispered to him. It didn’t shock me that he was unfamiliar, since I didn’t tend to socialize with the males outside of my family.

“Fuck, it’s Hugo,” Damien growled.

“Mean bastard.” Gaspard’s dry tone had me sighing. Of course he’d be here to see this. “Got yourself into some trouble, didn’t you, granddaughter?”

I shrugged. “She was being nasty about you and about my mates. I didn’t know about the no mythological power rule.”

Gaspard arched a brow. “Really now? That was quite an oversight from your intake committee,” he commented innocently. “That’s one of the first rules I’ve been impressing upon our newcomers—even the children.”

I froze, playing over what he was saying before squeezing my eyes shut on a sigh. “Ciarán.”

“I’ll kill him,” Killian hissed. “He’s gone too far this time.”

“Now, now.” Ciarán appeared at my side. “I didn’t really think it would be my little sister in the ring. I was with Rune—my bet was on you, brother dear.”

“Ciarán, get out of our sight.” Damien’s Gargoyle was clear in his voice, his words a dark rumble. “You put our mate in danger. You’re lucky I don’t tear you to pieces right here.”

Ciarán sighed, his green eyes meeting mine. “I am sorry, Nix. I do believe you can do this, though. You’re strong and you’re ready.” He popped away before my mates could grab him. Wise man. “Make them pay,” his voice whispered in my ear.

Gaspard shook his head. “Boys. Enough.” His sharp eyes turned to me. “I happen to believe he’s correct. Opal was a problem that we were ill equipped to deal with. If you take over as the leader of the faction, you will be able to moderate their influence.”

“You want her to fight?” Damien questioned in shock, his horrified eyes staring at his grandfather.

“No,” Gaspard answered slowly. “I never want my grandchildren to fight. However, given the circumstances, I can’t say it’s a truly negative thing. I’d like to remind you of your mate’s strength, since you all seem to be inclined to push doubts into her head right now.” The admonishment was a clear warning, and my mates shuffled their feet and ducked their heads, nearly making me smile.

“Hugo is a strong fighter,” Killian warned. “I’ve sparred with him a few times. Aim for the sensitive areas, remember his size compared to yours. There’s no such thing as fighting too dirty in a match like this.”

“Hugo’s big, like Killian is,” Theo continued, “but he’s not nearly as fast.”

“Okay,” I murmured, nodding. “So aim for the nerve bundles, the kidneys—”

“The balls,” Ryder interjected. When he received glares, he shrugged. “You were all thinking it, someone had to say it.”

“Don’t be afraid to use your teeth or nails,” Joshua added. “Especially if he gets you pinned.”

“If you start to shift, you’ll draw out his creature,” Hiro advised. “Your magic is strong, so it will call to his, especially during a battle.”

“Anyone know what he is?” I inquired, stretching my arms over my head to warm up the muscles. My mates looked at each other, as if hoping someone else would fill in the blanks. “I’ll take that as a no.”

“I haven’t spent time with him or seen him shift,” Gaspard told me. “I assume searching his mind now would be considered a