and his position here. If anyone managed to injure or kill you, he’d lose his shit and slaughter anyone in his path. That grief would leave him vulnerable and if anyone managed to kill him, the amount of power they could absorb would be virtually insurmountable. If it didn’t kill them, they would become unstoppable.”
Uneasily, I looked around at all the people in the hall. Males, big enough and mean enough to challenge most alphas, pummelled each other, their bodies hitting the ground with heavy thuds, while false weapons were being used to simulate kills.
Drake met my gaze from across the hall. You okay? he mouthed, a frown creasing his brow.
I nodded, queasiness rolling through me. Would someone really try and kill Connor? It hadn’t crossed my mind that they would, not with his brothers watching his back all the time. Then again, they didn’t follow him for show.
“Okay.” I nodded. Rawson was right. Fighting Connor on this would be irresponsible. I coughed, clearing the ache from my throat. “Who am I fighting today then?”
“Me.”
I spun around.
Stone’s cold glare was on me.
I groaned. “Really?”
Rawson slapped my back. “Suck it up, buttercup. He’s one of the best fighters in here—and next to Connor and Owen, the most powerful. Right, you two warm up while I go and get us some weapons.” And he left me there with Mr Personality.
Stone’s top lip curled as he glowered down at me. “So, is it clear now why I don’t think you should be anywhere near my brother? You are a weakness for him; one that could wreck him, and I can’t allow that.”
I straightened my spine and glared at the miserable son of a bitch that was Connor’s third. “Yeah, well, that must be damn awkward for you, seeing as you have to keep me safe.”
“Believe me, it is. But, no matter what Rawson thinks, you aren’t Connor’s mate. He hasn’t claimed you.” He leaned in. “And, no one needs a mate to survive, plenty of males in here survive without one, and so will Connor. Mates leave only heartbreak behind when they go, so I’ll do everything I can to stop you from hurting him like that. If I end you now, Connor might go dark again, but he’d get over it. And he’ll be far less vulnerable without you.”
Cold grey eyes glared at me. The hairs on my neck stood on end. He really meant it. So much for trusting Connor’s brothers.
I shuffled away, not willing to turn my back on him. How would he do it? A training accident maybe?
“Right,” said Rawson, climbing back into the ring. His gaze flicked from one of us to the other, a frown creasing his brow. “Everything alright? Ember?”
I kept my eyes on Stone. “Sure. Just fine and dandy.” My nostrils flared. I didn’t like being threatened, but I wouldn’t ask Rawson—or Connor, to fight my battles.
“It will be,” Stone said, his words a promise that sent my blood cold.
“Fine, but remember this is light training for now—no injuries.” He aimed the warning at Stone before turning to me.
We both nodded. I met the gaze of the half-fae and curled my lip. I wouldn’t look away. He snarled back, an alpha unwilling to back down.
Fine. Bring it on, faerie boy.
“Hey, Ember!” A deep familiar voice rumbled.
I allowed myself to glance sideways at Lionel. “Hi.” I gave him a tight smile, and slid my attention back to Stone, who had clearly taken my glance away as capitulation, fear, or maybe even subservience. He’d stepped away and was warming up.
Yeah? Well, fuck you, I told him silently, determined that he’d soon realise I was neither caving nor scared of him.
“D’you need a training partner?” Lionel asked as he leaned into the ring and smiled, his amber eyes bright with the promise of a fight.
I turned sideways so that I could see Lionel while keeping Stone in my peripheral vision. “Yeah, I do, preferably not one who’s promising to kill me.”
“What was that?” Rawson walked over, his eyes narrowed. Had he heard me? I’d no idea. I wouldn’t run from Stone, but I didn’t want to cause tension between him and Connor either. And throwing down with Stone would definitely cause tension. But, oh, how I’d love to slam my fist into that arrogant shit’s face. Still, I supposed I couldn’t fault his loyalty to Connor. Stone thought I made Connor weak. I thought it was none of his damn business.
“Nothing. I think it’s better if Stone goes