and does whatever important things he has to do. I’ll train with Lionel today.”
Lionel glanced at Stone, then back at me, meeting my eyes with his amber ones. He understood. I didn’t know how, instincts, maybe? But he had Stone’s measure. “Yeah, I’m up for that.” Grinning, he vaulted into the ring. He was extremely agile for such a large man. His long, sandy hair fell around his head like a halo, hiding most of the silver collar. He prowled straight over to Stone. They stood nose to nose but Lionel kept his gaze fixed over Stone’s shoulder, never making eye contact as he told the faerie wolf what was happening.
Stone flashed me a derisory glare.
Whatever… I rolled my eyes, not caring what he thought.
“Connor doesn’t want you fighting anyone other than his brothers,” Rawson pointed out.
“Yeah, well, it’s not up to him. It’s my choice. I trust Lionel. He’s had my back since we got here, whereas Stone would happily stab me in it if he got the chance.”
Rawson grunted, but didn’t refute my claim. “Well, you can deal with Connor later, then.”
Stone prowled over. He looked down at me with his superior expression. “I agree with the lion. I am an alpha, and I deserve better than to spend time babysitting my Prime’s latest piece of ass.” After his declaration, he strutted away.
“Jeez, that guy has one hell of a superiority complex.” But I couldn't help the rush of relief in my limbs now he’d left. He truly believed I was a weakness for Connor, an indirect threat.
Rawson watched him speculatively. “Hmm, well, forget about him now, we have work to do.”
“So? Are you ready for me to kick your ass?” Lionel quipped, grinning from ear to ear.
I put my hands on my hips and contemplated him. “Well, who knew you could grin like that?”
“‘Course I can, just don’t often get the urge. But I’m looking forward to this.” His eyes gleamed with challenge as he bounced around on the balls of his feet like a prize fighter.
I couldn’t help but laugh at him. I’d not seen him so animated since we’d been here, not even when we’d trained yesterday. Then again he was a lion, he lived to hunt, fight, and take down his prey, and he wouldn’t go down in the fight ring, he’d kill anyone in his way. I was glad I happened to be his friend and not an enemy, especially when he fixed his gaze on Santa Cruz, before zoning in on Stone again, who looked to be arguing with Shannon.
I snorted a laugh. Queen bitch looked like she wanted to punch the half-fae, too.
By mid-day I was beginning to shake. Rawson had pushed us both, demanding we repeat locks, throws and break falls. I was tired. I hadn’t seen Connor. And I’d had about enough of Stone giving me the evil eye from across the hall.
“Come on, one more.” Rawson flexed his right hand, which I could see trembling again. I eyed it uneasily, hoping it was nothing serious.
“Come on, wolfie, you got this,” Lionel said, his chest rising and falling in a quick rhythm.
I scowled. Was I collecting nicknames now? If it wasn’t Drake with his easy terms of endearment, it was Lionel.
Lionel grinned at my dark look, then schooled his features into his fighting face and circled me, his penetrating, amber gaze disconcerting. It was like he was eyeing up his dinner—me. I watched him carefully, the only tell he had was his chin, he dipped it minutely before he attacked. I moved swiftly, blocking his punch, and stepped sideways to miss his other hand. I just wasn't quick enough, and his knuckles made contact with my ribs. I grunted in pain but didn’t let it stop me. My momentum kept me going and I gripped his wrist, twisted under his arm and punched his ribs. I pivoted until my back rested against his front and shoved my foot between his legs. Thrusting my hip into his and tilting my body, I yelled with effort. Just as I tipped Lionel’s massive body over my shoulder, the energy in the hall changed. Power rippled through the air. Connor. I ignored it, even though my heart beat faster knowing he was near. Lionel landed with a thud and I stamped my foot down on his neck, twisting the arm lock upwards at the same time. His shoulder would be dislocated and his neck would be broken right now, if this were a