then, and because of it, he seemed to think he had some kind of control over me. He needed to be set straight.
He strode toward the group, each step accentuating the domineering confidence that had been a pain in my ass since the moment he first saw me. I’d already told him, in no uncertain terms, last night that I wasn’t interested. Why wasn’t that enough?
“Will I stay here?” I asked. “I don’t remember making that decision for myself.”
Thallirin’s gaze flicked to me. Not a hint of what he was thinking or feeling showed in his expression. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. He looked as deadly as ever.
“It is not safe outside the walls. You take an unnecessary risk leaving.”
“Since the earthquakes, everything is a risk. That doesn’t mean I should sit in a house and stop living.”
“You will not sit in a house. You will guard the walls and live here.”
Unable to believe what I was hearing, I glanced back at Ryan. He raised his hands, a clear sign he wasn’t going to get involved.
“Do you see any other females in this group, Brenna?” Thallirin asked, reclaiming my attention. “There are no females because no male would allow that risk.”
“I heard that you learn words the moment you hear them,” I said. “Here’s a word for you. Chauvinist asshole.”
“That was two words,” one of the fey bystanders said.
“Your anger due to the facts that we are stronger, faster, more agile, and resilient is misplaced. I do not think less of you for your weaknesses. I only seek to protect you because of them,” Thallirin said.
“He doesn’t get it,” Zach said.
“Obviously,” I said. I shook my head and turned away from Thallirin. “Whatever. I’m going.”
“No one will take you,” Thallirin said.
Ignoring him, I looked at Ryan.
“I can run a six-minute mile. I’ll meet you there.”
A growl rose behind me, and I felt a rush of cold fear. However, I knew better than to freeze because of what I felt. Turning, I glared at Thallirin.
“Animals growl, not intelligent people capable of communication.”
“I am communicating, and you are choosing not to listen. It is dangerous for females outside the wall. You will remain here.”
“Communicating means that both parties speak and listen. It doesn’t mean giving orders and expecting the other party to obey. You’re not my parent. Stop trying to tell me what to do.”
He took a menacing step toward me.
“Sorry I’m late!”
Thallirin paused at the sound of the female voice. We all looked at Angel jogging our way. Although I’d heard the news that she was about six months pregnant, she didn’t look it. But, it was hard to tell with all the layers she wore.
With a smile on her lips, she stopped beside Thallirin and looked at me.
“Hey, Brenna.”
“Hi. I’m glad you’re here. It’ll be nice to have some female company.”
I looked pointedly at Thallirin.
“I’m so relieved. When I heard you might be going to Tenacity, I didn’t think teaching a pregnant lady archery would be as adventurous.”
“What?”
She glanced at Thallirin.
“He didn’t tell you?”
“Oh, he told me plenty, but nothing about archery lessons. Let me guess. This is an excuse to keep me safely inside the walls where Thallirin can continue to stare at me like a creepy pedophile stalker?”
His face darkened, and I knew I’d struck a low blow because all fey were super sensitive about this underage thing. However, I couldn’t bring myself to care. The fey were the ones hung up on my age, not me.
“I think we better go,” Ryan said. “Maybe next time, Brenna.”
“I’m going,” I said firmly. “I’ll be home by dark, Angel. If you want to stop by my house, I’d be happy to teach you then. Although, I’m sure any of the fey would be able to teach you just as well.”
I didn’t miss the way she caught Thallirin’s arm as I turned to go. Her soft words burrowed into my head as I followed the group to the wall.
“You’re not protecting her; you’re alienating her. If you want to keep her safe, then you go with her. No female wants to be told what to do. She needs to be able to make her own choices.”
Shaking my head, I stuck next to Zach as we climbed over the wall. On the other side, each fey paired up with a human.
“What’s your carry-style, Zach?” I asked. “Princess, wild game, or backpack?”
He made a face at me.
“Why do you have to ruin it?”
I chuckled and walked up to a fey.
“I’m Brenna. Thanks for