Garrett winked at Rick and moved to the remaining group of ladies who were watching him with wide eyes. “Who would like to dance with me?” Several of them said yes.
Liam was next, then Sasha, leaving Kellaine and Elle standing with me watching our males dance with other females. It was wonderful. All of the females were nervous at first, but inch by inch they were charmed into relaxing and having fun, most of them ending up chatting happily with their partners. Even Rick, a goliath, was accepted by two more of the braver fae trainees, including Filenne.
But Ami wouldn’t budge. She’d moved from the fireplace to a more comfortable armchair at least, but no matter how many times Garrett or Sasha or Liam asked her, she shook her head and refused. After my second glass of wine, I came up with an idea.
“Ami, will you dance with me?”
“Get ready to cut in,” I sent to Garrett.
“Is this proper?” Ami asked, as I drew her out to the cleared space where the others were dancing.
“Sure. Girls dance together all the time. Sometimes it’s really hard to find a guy who wants to dance, or else he’s sooo bad at it you don’t want to be seen on the dance floor with him.” At that exact moment Garrett and Sash spun their partners with great finesse. The girls laughed and the guys smirked at me.
“Sometimes a guy can dance well, but he’s such an arrogant jerk, you’d rather floss your teeth than dance with him.” Rick laughed so loudly I though his partner Filenne was going to take off running, but when he apologized for scaring her, she stuck around.
Farrell arrived, late as usual, and invited one of the other females to dance. At first she was very shy around him. “You are a High Seelie Lord.”
“And you are a lovely fae maiden with whom I’d very much like to dance.” She blushed and nodded. Farrell called out to Rick as he led his new partner to the center. “Can we pick up the beat here?”
“Not yet.” Kellaine said, whacking her little brother on the head with a rose she’d extracted from a vase. “Why are you late?”
“Personal business.” Farrell countered by pulling another rose from the same vase and extending it like a sword. Kellaine took up the challenge and they battled for thirty seconds until rose petals were everywhere and they were both giggling like kids. The fae were known for their reserved natures, but the ones who tended to hang out on the Mortal Plain with my crazy group let loose pretty fast. Farrell apologized to his partner and they began to dance, stirring up petals with their feet as they moved.
Ami was doing well with me, seeming to find moving to the music to be a soothing experience. “Have you ever danced folk dances like they do at the Solstice Festivals?” I asked.
“Yes, when I was a young fae. Before I was called to court.” It was the first time I’d truly seen her smile.
“Oh my! Come Laera.” Elle and her friend raced up the stairs only to reappear with two instruments. Elle held a wind instrument, kind of like a recorder, and Laera carried a stringed, harp-like contraption.
Elle whispered in Sasha’s ear and he grinned, running over to turn off the speaker. Farrell moaned when the music stopped, but when he saw the instruments he grinned and ran into the kitchen, arriving back with two large wooden bowls and two wooden spoons. The drummer had arrived.
When Elle, Laera and Farrell began to play, the entire room lit up with smiles and laughter. Wine and beer made another round and everyone clapped when Filenne led Ami into the center of the room. “Wait until you see her dance.”
Ami was lovely, graceful and spirited as she lost herself in the music and the movements she’d learned as a child—before life kicked her in the gut and tried to tear out her heart. But her heart was still strong, as were all the hearts in this merry room. We non-fae were taught the dances, although Sash already knew quite a few of them, probably because of his time spent with Elle at the wood elves’ Winter Solstice Ceremony. Everyone ended up dancing with everyone and there wasn’t a frown or a head bowed in submission to be seen.
When we took a break and the desserts were served, Garrett slid up behind me, pulling me closer and moving my hair aside so he could whisper in my ear. “You’ve worked a miracle tonight.”
“They won’t like me two days from now when I hand them over to Sasha for training. He’ll work them hard.”
“They expect that. What they didn’t expect was to be welcomed warmly, to be accepted without judgment.”
“How could I treat them any differently than I was treated when I returned after Kennet used me?”
“But you were already my heart and my soul. I could never have turned away from you.”
“Some males would have.” I thought of the sort of males who’d turn their backs on their own children.
“Males of that sort are not worthy of love.” He kissed my creased brow. “Or even one of your frowns.”
“You’re right, as usual.” His chest at my back vibrated as he chuckled. I filled my lungs with the sweet scent of Garrett as well as… What was that heavenly aroma? “Did the chef make tiramisu?”
“He knows it’s your favorite. I believe he has a huge crush on you, as do many others.” He nibbled on my earlobe, bringing a satisfied hum to my lips. “But you’re mine.” Sometimes Garrett’s territorial inclinations were exactly what I needed.
“And you’re mine. Don’t think for a moment I didn’t notice how these girls look at you,” I teased, glancing around the room. “Although we won’t be leaving them in dire straights. There are more than a few females with their eyes on Rick and Farrell. Too bad Sasha and Liam are taken. Maybe we should have invited over a few of Farrell’s friends.”
“Playing Emma, are you?” He was referring to my favorite Jane Austin book, about a young female who bungled her attempts at matchmaking.
“Will you be my Mister Knightly?” He was the lead male in the story.
“As I recall, he scolds Emma quite a lot.”
“Nothing different there.” I poked him in the ribs in punctuation. The music had started up again. “Farrell seems to really like the sweet blonde. He’s danced with her three times.”
Garrett laughed, indicating Farrell with a tilt of his head. “That boy will settle down when hell freezes over.”
“I don’t believe one night stands are out of the question, although it’s probably best if the teacher/student line isn’t crossed.” I glanced at Ami, who was smiling at Filenne as her friend danced with Rick. “The evening has turned out perfectly. I’ll thank Sash and Rick tomorrow.” Both of them were currently dancing. I placed Garrett’s slender hand over the cold spot that seemed to shade my heart. “It heated today when Charlie was here. As if I were fevered.”
“Was that why you wanted to speak to him alone?”
“Did I? I can’t remember saying that, but then I’ve forgotten so much over the last few days.”
“I wish you’d told me.” He leaned down and kissed the patch of skin that troubled me.
“After what you’d said a few days ago about me only being suited to work as a healer during the war. I guess…I guess now that I can’t even do that…” I sighed in exasperation. “I don’t want you and Charlie to view me as a burden.”
“Shhh.” With gentle fingers he smoothed the lines of worry from my forehead. “I was wrong to tell you that you cannot ride beside our son. Charlie and I are cavemen, Oui?”
“Oui.”
“It’s after one. Would you like to go home? We could watch a movie or one of the shows we’ve DVR’d.”
“Yes. But…” I looked longingly at the dessert table.
“I’ll ask for some tiramisu to go.”
“You are my Mr. Knightly—my knight in shining armor.”
He chuckled and kissed my nose. “Only a devoted lifemate.”
“Even better.”
Chapter Sixteen
Two days later, the girls were bunched together wearing their warrior garb, most of them chatting nervously. Sasha, Rick and Farrell were clearing some spac
e in the gym, moving heavy equipment out of the way and rolling out extra mats so there would be plenty of room for the larger group. Sparring outside would have been ideal, but the afternoon was sunny and Sash and Rick couldn’t tolerate the UV rays for very long.
Ami was quiet, but didn’t seem depressed or overly-submissive, the way she had before the party. Instead her eyes were drawn to the arrangement of weapons Sasha and Rick had spread on a table positioned alongside a wall near the door. She kept her hands by her sides, but her fingers were moving restlessly, probably itching to pick something up and do some damage. I’d been in her situation and knew exactly how she felt.
As soon as she reached for the sword, Sash was at her side. She pulled back her hand and stared at her feet for a brief moment, but I was so pleased when she squared her shoulders and raised her head to meet his gaze a heartbeat later.
“Not yet, Ami. I know you’re anxious to kick some butt, but we’re starting off with a weapon more suited to a beginner.” Sash’s rich voice was gentle and he kept his large body a few feet away from the sensitive female, having observed her shyness around the males at the party.
“What is kicking butt?” she asked in perfect English.
“Bringing extreme pain to your enemy,” Sash answered.
“Where is butt?” He smiled and indicated the body part in question. “But would not stabbing my enemies in their hearts be better?”
“Oh yes, but kicking butt is a general expression that can also include stabbing hearts or taking off heads.”
She seemed to take a moment to think that through. “So if I have gutted my enemy with a dagger and pulled out his entrails, I could say I kicked butt?”
“Absolutely.” Sasha was grinning ear to ear—getting a real kick out of Ami.
“Good.” She pointed to a staff. “But I do not wish to learn to kick ankles.” She indicated the sword. “Only butt.” Sash laughed out loud, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
“We begin with ankles, but it’s up to you how quickly you progress from ankles to butt. I’ll make sure you get some extra practice time, okay Ami?”
“Thank you, Lord Sasha.” Ami nodded formally.
Rick had come up next to his buddy and Ami. He barked out a laugh and patted Sash’s shoulder. “Lord Sasha needs to line the girls up and give his motivational speech, so if you’d step over with the others Ami, we can get started.” She nodded to Rick and moved gracefully to where Filenne stood with a few other girls.
Sash scowled at Rich’s mocking expression. “Hey, I could be a lord. It’s possible I’m related to some distant Tsar. I have a royal refinement about me, don’t you agree?” Sash spun around to show off his grace and finesse. All the girls took notice. Elle tilted her head and arched an eyebrow, a lovingly indulgent expression coloring her face.
“Sure, Sash. Whatever you say.” Rick was still laughing.
They’d lined up like school children, some looking anxious, others happily excited. I got in line next to Filenne, giving her and Ami an encouraging smile. I wanted them to all feel like I was one of them, and since I was going to be practicing as well as teaching, I was.
Sasha stepped forward. “Welcome. You’re here because you’ve decided on a course of action that could change your life in a very positive way, but I won’t lie to you. It takes many years to reach the standard that Keara, Brina or Aedus have set, so if that’s what you’re hoping for, I have to tell you it is highly unlikely you will ever be able to achieve that level of competence. Those three were born of warrior parents and trained from the time they could ride a horse or hold a sword. Their magic is exceptional and they can focus their minds and block out distractions until their bodies and the weapons they wield become their entire world.
“Genes, magical skill, training, determination and focus: these factors are what make a fine warrior. Like me, you have no control over who your parents are or the magic you are gifted with through them. But with good training, which we’ll provide, and the determination to focus on nothing but the fight and all you’ve learned, you’ll walk away with the power to make a difference. This should be your goal. Not some fairy tale you’ve dreamed up for yourself.
“But you’ll need to work harder than you’ve ever worked—to train every day, sometimes several times a day. Your body will ache and bleed and you’ll be so tired you may not even make it into your bed. You’ll lose your appetite and possibly feel overwhelmed and depressed. This is normal and we’ll teach you to cope with these feelings so you don’t lose your focus or your purpose.
“Perhaps the most important thing to remember on this journey is how important it is to trust and rely on each other. Think of yourselves not as individuals, but as a team who are working together against a common enemy. Take care of each other’s wounds, cry on each other’s shoulders, make sure everyone eats healthy meals, spend time playing games or going for walks. Talk about your successes and frustrations and losses. Think of yourselves as blood sisters.”
He took on a far away look. “I was a soldier for a time. Without the help of my fellow soldiers, I would not have survived the hardships we endured. Take care of each other and you’ll find your training will go much more smoothly.”
He walked along the line as if he were a general inspecting the troops. Each female stood straighter and lifted her chin as he passed, perhaps not wanting to appear unworthy. Ami’s expression was fierce. “I’m going to ask you to promise me that you’ll give one hundred percent at all times and that you will obey the rules Rick, Farrell and I have set down.” He pointed to the table with all the weapons. “One careless moment, one instance of just kidding around, and one of you could die. If I see that any of you are not taking this training seriously, that you aren’t following the safety guidelines or aren’t showing up for training sessions, I’ll send you back. You may despise me by the end of the first month, but if you’ve learned what you’ve needed to learn, I’ll be happy enough for the both of us.”
He’d gotten to the end of the line where I stood. We smiled at each other, remembering all the times he’d bruised and battered me during training. “Feel up to a little demo, Mistress?”
“Sure, sensei. Why not?”
“It’s good for them to see a female fight a male. Get the staffs.”
I trotted over to get two Bo staffs, then trotted back, throwing one to Sash. He held up a hand meaning I shouldn’t take position just yet. “This is a bo staff. We’re all going to work with these later, but I thought you should get an idea of what I’m going to want you to do with them.
“First, you’ll get used to the weight. I’ll give you specific exercises to do.” He arched an eyebrow at me and I started swinging it around in a controlled manner, shifting it back and forth, holding it in the center and using one hand to move each side up and down, then adding another hand which changed the center of gravity. I didn’t do anything fancy, just basic movements that might benefit the group of beginners.
“Get into position for the strike.”
We demonstrated strikes and blocks at a slow pace, then sped everything up slightly so they could see how a simple stick could become a lethal weapon in the right hands. When the females saw us bow to each other, they nodded in appreciation.
Sash called each female over, and made her promise on their honor to take all the safety rules to heart and to support each other throughout the training. He also made sure to let them know that he and Rick were always available if any problems popped up or if they had questions.
Farrell taught them to stretch their muscles before beginning training and to try to find a quiet moment to themselves so they could draw in their focus. Then the Bo staffs were distributed and training officially began. They worked in pairs and Sash asked me to walk around with Rick and Farrell to check stances and hand positions.
It seemed to be going fairly well, until Ami whacked Filenne in the forehead with the end of the staff, cutting into the skin and causing a little blood t
o flow. Elle took Filenne into the house to clean up and Ami started working with Farrell. Even though it had definitely been an accident, she felt bad about the whole thing. Ami tended to be a little too rough when sparring, although I got where she was coming from.
I rolled my shoulders and ran in place for a few minutes. The scent of blood and the violence of the hit had stirred up some adrenalin in my system. My gaze shifted to the table where the sharper, big girl weapons were hanging out. I glanced at Sash and crooked my finger. He ambled over. “Can we…um… The katanas look bored.”
“They look bored?” He curled his mouth in a puzzled expression.
I did a few jumping jacks. His eyes widened. “I need to spar. Work off some energy. Isaiah said this might happen,” I lied.
“He thinks you have enough control to use swords?”
“Definitely,” I lied again. Sasha couldn’t read auras and after all, I wasn’t going to hurt anyone. My skin was tingling all over, as if it wasn’t large enough to contain me.
“Let’s do it,” he said. We walked together to the corner, and I tried to act all nonchalant about it, but I was having trouble holding in my excitement. The weight of a sword in my hand, the potential for some fun, maybe even some playful devastation, was a siren’s call to my demon blood. Of course I wouldn’t hurt Sasha. He was my friend, my team member and one of my trainers. Sash was one of the good guys.
“I thought you were more into fighting with daggers,” he asked suspiciously.
“I’m in the mood for a jumbo dagger today.”
He shook his head. “If I see you’re losing control we’re stopping.”
“Oh, sure.” Like he could really stop me. “No magic or vamp speed, okay?”
“Agreed.” And that put the ball completely in my court. Sash was fast enough to dart around behind me and stab me through the kidney or maybe puncture my lungs. Not that he would or anything. At least, I didn’t think so. We picked up our weapons and moved to the other side of the large gym, so as not to be a distraction to the females on the mats.
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