WHY IS HE staring at me? What the hell is that expression? It almost looked caring. No, don’t be ridiculous. My mind was in turmoil as I stared back. Just go away! You have no idea how much my heart aches when I see you. Idiot! Leave me alone. Drawing a breath I gave him a cool look. 'Alek. What can I do for you?'
SHE SOUNDED SO calm. Then he noticed her hands, clenched fists at her sides, knuckles stark and white.
'Are you going for a run? Do you mind if I join you?'
I GAPED. HE wants to join me?
Shocked, I stammered my reply. 'U-uh… If y-you want to.' Ugh way to sound like a moron, Cat. He gestured for me to continue and after a moment’s hesitation, forcing my stupid legs to work, I did. The awkward silence while we made our way to an outer door seemed deafening. Made all the more so by servants who spotted us and stared in open mouthed astonishment. Oh my God, is nothing private around here? Alek took the lead once we stepped outside.
'I’ll show you a favorite track of mine.' He beamed at me, then turned and started to jog. My head did serious spins as I followed him. What the hell is going on?
CAT HADN’T RESPONDED but Alek heard her footsteps behind him; I’ll take a slow pace and maybe she’ll jog beside me.
I FOCUSED ON my feet for the first part of the jog, concerned that with the chaos currently un-reined in my mind I’d trip and fall. It looked like he’d led us to the track around the forest, in the gap between the inner and outer walls. The trees grew rather thick. I hadn’t registered how large the gap between the two walls was. Makes sense I guess, you wouldn’t want an enemy to be able to jump from wall to wall. Birds chattered and sang in the trees, darting past us as we ran by. Alek hadn’t spoken to me again, for which I was grateful.
Maybe he’s trying to be friends, the silly voice in my mind suggested. My rational voice refused to consider that, he must just want to make sure we can be civil to each other, to stop the gossiping. That thought left a nasty dead feeling in my chest and I fought back tears.
Wish I could talk to him, I thought, but knowing that wasn’t possible I lifted my head and watched him instead. My heart ached while I traced the lines of his figure with my eyes and in my mind re-ran the image of him smiling at me.
I wish he’d do that again, and mean it.
ALEK RESISTED THE urge to look back at her; the prickly sensation on his back suggested she watched him. I don’t know what to say now. I’m just so grateful she’s close to me. I’ll have to talk to her at some point. Yakov did say to take it slow and I can see how much this has affected her. Guilt weighed heavily on him. She’s lost weight and I know she normally has a healthy appetite. I didn’t realize I meant that much to her. Delight filled him at that comprehension. I mean something to her!
IS IT RIDICULOUS that I wish this run could last forever? The tense air between us had lightened but I knew that would change when we reached the end. I felt my heart sink when I saw the track getting lighter. Before I knew it we stood back in the courtyard staring at each other.
CAT APPEARED RATHER pale, considering they’d just completed an hour long run. Alek had to fight the urge to touch her. Her green eyes stared up at him, anxiety and nervousness apparent in her gaze. He wanted to reassure her. 'Cat.'
HE SAID MY name, he said my name! I have no idea why that thrilled me but it did. His eyes didn’t seem to be guarded at all. My stomach felt like it had turned into a giant bouncy ball and pinged up to my ribs and down to my feet.
In an unexpected move, he leaned forward and kissed me.
HIS BRAIN HAD frozen when trying to think of what to say, so he acted on instinct and bent to kiss her. The familiar snap of energy greeted him and he felt a rush of delight.
Then a hard slam to his sternum.
AFTER THE INSTANT of sheer joy came the fury. How DARE he!
A hard punch to the chest sent Alek staggering back, bent over and gasping for breath. The anger rushed through my veins like nothing I’d felt before and like that time on the griffons my vision was tinged with red. 'How DARE YOU!'
A FURIOUS SCREAM sent the girls leaping out of their beds and scrambling to the windows.
'Oh my God,' gasped Loi when she spotted them. Kassie and Sian let out shocked sounds too, as Cat continued her tirade while Alek appeared to be doubled over in pain.
'Shit. You don’t think she stabbed him do you?' Kassie looked at Sian and Loi with an expression of horror.
Sian stared disbelievingly at the scene before them, then looked at Kassie. 'With what? It's not as though Cat carries knives.'
'Not normally,' Loi said dubiously.
ALEK FOUGHT TO get his breath back while Cat screamed at him. Bloody hell her voice is intense. It rang through his head, reverberating about his skull. The pain in his chest passed and he straightened up.
'OH THANK GOODNESS,' Kassie breathed in relief at seeing Alek stand up with no apparent injuries. Then he began roaring at Cat. The three girls started to glow as their energy expanded with their increasing anger.
'What the hell?' hissed Loi to Kass, her brown eyes glowing an unnatural green. 'Where does he come off yelling at Cat? It’s HIS fault.'
HONESTLY, I COULDN’T even register what I yelled. I was so angry. All the bottled words and thoughts from the last agonizing week rushed out of me. I didn’t know what he roared back. All I could hear was a strange rushing sound. The two of us stood about a foot apart, our faces red while we screamed at each other.
A FLICKER OF movement caught his attention and Alek suddenly realized they had an audience, of increasing size. This is ridiculous, he thought and extended a hand to Cat. 'Cat, I’m sor—' Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, he was jerked off his feet and slammed hard on his back into the ground.
'OOOOOH,' THE THREE girls chorused as they watched from their suite windows. Alek looked to be struggling for breath, like a fish out of water. Reminiscent of the throw Kassie did to that moron at the party; how appropriate, thought Sian unable to resist smirking. Cat marched toward the door with such a black look on her face that the observing crowd parted in a hurry. Several people raced forward to help Alek to his feet. Sian felt smug while she watched. One public humiliation begets another, she thought with satisfaction.
I STORMED BACK to our suite. The expressions on the girls’ faces told me they’d witnessed it all which was good, I wasn’t in the mood to explain. After a long hot shower I’d finally calmed down.
I wasn't sure if I should be grateful that I couldn't remember what I said to Alek. Well, not all of it. There was an awful lot of swearing. I sighed and leaned against the side of the shower, watching the water swirl around my feet and then vanish. But then, I can’t remember what he said either. Probably a good thing, I wonder if I’ve blown it? A prickle of tears threatened. No, I thought determinedly. I refuse to cry about this anymore.
CAT STAYED A while in the washroom, by the time she came out the rest of them had dressed and waited for her; not that they minded. Sian felt relieved that the confrontation between them had finally occurred. Anyone could see it coming. Perhaps now she and Alek can actually talk, once she’s cooled down, Sian thought.
Cat didn’t say anything while she fussed about getting dressed. Elena had provided them with more training clothes that looked similar to the outfits they’d arrived in this world wearing. Now that the Sorceress had proof of the girls’ abilities she enjoyed showing them off. So Sian had a beautiful blue top, Kassie a golden yellow and Loi a forest green.
I PAUSED AS I went to pull on another red top Elena had provided and instead turned to Loi. 'Loi, switch?' Red was her favorite after all and green mine.
KASSIE CHUCKLED WHEN the girls exchanged tops. That would make Elena blink. When Cat came over Kassie hopped up from the bed and hugged her tight. 'Well done, Kitty Cat,' a giggle slipped out. 'You really showed him.'
Loi and Sian began laughing and came over to join in the hug. Then they headed out to breakfast.
The Great Hall seemed more crowded th
an normal. When they entered the room fell silent with every head turning. They made their way to their usual places and Kassie noticed Sabyn, Daron and Alek, missing from their usual spots.
Hmmm, I wonder if they’re patching him up or tearing a strip off him. She smothered a giggle. Surely not, Cat tore enough strips off him to last a while.
ELENA AND YAKOV wore cunning smiles as we sat down. I avoided eye contact instead studying my place mat.
'Cat, how was your run this morning?'
I turned and glared at Yakov. 'Far more entertaining than I’d expected. Exactly how is it that he knew I was going for a run?'
A muffled giggle slipped out from Elena. I turned my gaze to her, an eyebrow arched.
'Must have been a serendipitous act of fate,' she announced with a grand gesture of her arm. I’m pretty sure half the room snickered at that. A heavy flush made its way up my neck and I refocused on my place mat with a sigh.
POOR CAT KEPT her eyes fixed on the table for all of breakfast while it seemed nearly everyone else in the room had a comment or three. It kept up a jovial atmosphere and Sian soon discovered that all the new additions to the room were members of the General Guard. 'They’re not just here to tease Cat?' she whispered to Rumal.
The man choked on his food. Kassie pounded helpfully on his back. Laughter was evident in his voice when he replied in now hoarse tones. 'Just to laugh at Cat? No, they’re here to receive training from the four of you. Though I’m sure they all have heard about this morning’s incident.'
Kassie looked nervously at Sian. 'We’re to train them?'
Elena leaned over. 'Yes. Today’s training is all physical. I think a break will help with your Elemental training.'
LOUD LAUGHTER RANG out from the solar. Chortling, Sabyn managed to get out. 'Gee I wish I was a Prince so I could have such a way with the ladies.'
Alek scowled while Daron and Sabyn howled again with laughter. Daron, bent over in his seat, elbows on knees, said, 'Suave, Alek, really suave.' He gave up saying anything else, falling back in his seat with laughter.
Alek glared at them again and unintentionally rubbed the bruise on his chest. He winced when his hand touched it. Ouch! Cat sure has a good arm.
MY FEET DRAGGED as we headed to the library. The guys and the Lieutenants of the General Guard would meet us there.
'It’ll be okay, Cat,' Sian gave my hand a squeeze. 'At least it’s out in the open now.'
Kassie sniggered. 'Very out.'
'Humph.' The butterflies in my stomach appeared to have permanent residence at the moment. Ugh, it’d be so nice to have everything back to normal, whatever that is. We reached the library and paused at the doors. My hands trembled so I jammed them into my pockets. I hope I haven’t ruined everything. The pause at the door got longer.
Yakov cleared his throat behind us. 'C’mon then, let’s get this over with.' He pushed past us to open the doors and bowed low to Elena when she passed. I blinked in surprise. It almost looked like she’d traced her fingers against him.
The three Lieutenants sat on the couch opposite the guys. Elena took a seat at the head of the couches and Yakov pulled up another chair beside her. Alek sat next to them.
I gulped.
There was a space on the couch beside each of the men. Oh no, I’m so not up to that yet. I perched on the couch arm beside Loi and Sabyn. Loi gave my leg a squeeze then Elena introduced us again. It wasn’t really necessary, we’d become quite friendly with the Lieutenants Rashid and Patel. Lieutenant Ignatius, however, appeared to regard us in a permanently suspicious light. Waves of disapproval flowed off him whenever the four of us were close by. He wasn’t discreet about it. Loi and I exchanged a glance. Seriously what is his problem? Lieutenant Ignatius cleared his throat and gave us a thinly veiled look of disgust. 'Yakov, what’s the plan for today?'
Yakov gave the man a polite smile. 'The women will be training with the Griffon Guard until lunchtime and then begin instructing the General Guard.'
'Humph.' Lieutenant Ignatius stood. The other Lieutenants exchanged a brief look of annoyance and stood with him, but smiled at us.
'We will see you this afternoon then. I look forward to seeing your alleged skills.' He marched out. All the men stiffened at the slight. I, however, sat shock still. We were training with the Griffon Guard.
Oh shit.
DECIDING TO BREAK the tension, Kassie spoke up. 'Where are we practicing?'
'The training room, it’s not far from the Armory,' Daron said, his eyes still dark from Ignatius' insult. The men stood and Rumal offered a hand to Kassie, his molten eyes slanted with pleasure when she flushed and beamed at him. They headed toward the training room.
THEY GAVE US each a wooden sword and because there were four hours until lunch, the men had decided we would train for an hour with each of them. 'This way,' explained Sabyn. 'You’ll get to learn a slightly different technique from each of us. It’ll be a good overview.'
So we paired up with a guy. Ten guesses who I now stood opposite.
CAT HAD HER eyes fixed at the floor while Alek stared hard at her, neither appeared to notice that everyone in the room watched them. Sian could hear the sound of Cat’s energy rising and she began to glow a dark red. Hmmm it might be a good idea to leave them alone for a bit. She caught Daron’s eye and jerked her head at the door. He gave her a smile then spoke while eyeballing Rumal and Sabyn. 'I believe we’ll practice in the corridor.'
'Good idea.'
'I’ll grab the swords.'
They all filed out the room.
'CAT.'
I didn’t want to meet his eyes. Since we had arrived on Gar'nyse I’d been able to keep the whole soul mate thing out of my mind. Yet here and now, I knew it. I knew the answer, I understood. And it scared the crap out of me. What if I’m wrong? What if it doesn’t work out? It seemed so much simpler the way it was. But it wasn’t—anything but in fact. Every time I drew near him I knew it. It almost felt like someone rang a bell above our heads whenever we stood close. Even during our screaming match I could feel it. Now that I understood my energy, I could feel it respond to his presence.
My rational voice sounded cynical; since when are you a coward? I gulped and pressed my trembling hands hard against my thighs. Then lifted my head and met his gaze.
HER GREEN EYES met his and he felt his body jolt in shock. With their eyes locked, in that instant it seemed like he could see all the thoughts in her mind. Words screamed through his head as he stared into the green abyss of her gaze. She began to glow a brighter red, then blinked, breaking the intense hold between them.
'Alek.' A tear spilled from each eye while she gazed at him.
HE STEPPED TOWARD me and my energy flared out enveloping us. I snatched it back in and looked up into his eyes. Finally he did what I’d ached for him to do for the past week. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, not wanting to ever let go.
ALEK TUCKED HER head under his chin and tightened his hold. He didn’t want to let go, it felt so good. She drew in a deep breath, then let it out in a shuddering sigh and he felt her tears against his throat. 'I’m so sorry, Cat,' he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. 'So, so sorry.'
She nodded and mumbled into his neck. He chuckled at the sensation and pulled back a little. 'What was that?'
'I’m sorry I threw you.'
Her guilty expression had him laughing. 'What about the punch?'
'Oh you totally deserved that.'
I LOVED THE sound of his laughter. He didn’t let up his tight grip while he laughed at my response. I didn’t either, relishing the feel of him. Snuggling down in his arms I twisted my head up and watched him laugh. His wide smile revealed the dimple in either cheek and made his eyes seem a brighter blue than normal. He looked down at me when he’d finished and I saw his expression change.
Uh-oh.
I pulled out of his arms quickly. 'No. We go slowly,' I frowned, wanting him understand what I meant. 'Too much is at st
ake here to leap back in head first, Alek. Please.'
The hurt in his eyes faded.
A FAIR ENOUGH point. Alek nodded to her and her frown disappeared. 'But hugs are okay?' She nodded. He reached for one of her hands and drew it to his mouth, pressing a long kiss to it while letting his eyes say the rest. Her energy flushed out around her again and he grinned. 'And this?'
MY STOMACH FELT like a whirlpool as I tried to reign in my body’s response. I wrinkled my nose at him twisting my lips before he could see the smile.
'Hmmm. I think you’re pushing it,' I attempted a glare and failed which made his smile grow wider.
'Only a little,' he winked.
OUT IN THE corridor everyone listened intently and the girls tested their ability to sense each other’s energy.
'I think it’s good now,' announced Kassie. She glanced at Loi and Sian who agreed.
'Okay, I’ll lead the way.' Yakov stepped to the door and gave it a light rap with his knuckles, then after a pause, opened it.
They followed him in.
Alek and Cat stood close while Alek instructed her on her hold using a wooden practice sword. The atmosphere in the room felt free and easy. Cat looked back to them and gave a bright, delighted smile. Kassie exchanged a happy smile with the others; it had worked! They all settled into practice while Yakov, acting as the time keeper, watched.
SHE’D DEMANDED HE not hold back and he didn’t. Within a quarter hour Alek had smashed the first of Cat’s swords. Her eyes belied the fear she felt but she fought back hard and when she broke his sword near the end of their session she let loose a shriek of delight. He laughed at her, she was on to her fourth sword now and sweating hard but wouldn’t give up. Cat hadn’t stopped smiling the whole lesson and neither had he.
The Arrival Page 27