The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1) (45 page)

Anyone could see it coming. Perhaps now they can get back on track.

Cat didn’t say anything as she fussed about getting dressed. Elena had provided them with more training clothes. They looked similar to the outfits they’d arrived in this world wearing. Now that 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 was mine.

Kassie chuckled as the girls exchanged tops. That would make Elena blink. When Cat came over she hopped up from her bed and hugged her tight.

'Well done, Kitty Cat,' a giggle slipped out. 'You really showed him.'

Loi and Sian started laughing, and came over to join in the hug. Then they headed out to breakfast.

The Great Hall seemed more crowded than normal. As 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 were missing.

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 studiously studying my place mat.

'Cat, how was your run this morning?'

I turned and glared at Yakov.

'Far more entertaining than I 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 in the room had a comment, or three. It kept up a jovial atmosphere, and Sian soon discovered that all the 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 as 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 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 as Daron and Sabyn howled again with laughter. Daron was bent over in his seat, elbows on knees.

'Sauvé, Alek, really suave.'

He gave up saying anything else, falling back in his seat as he continued laughing.

Alek glared at them both again, while unconsciously rubbing 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 were meeting 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 as she passed. I blinked in surprise. It almost looked like she had traced her fingers against him as she entered the room.

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 was seated next to them. I gulped. There was a space on the couch beside each of the men.

Oh no, 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 discrete 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 apparent 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 Iggy’s 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.

We were each given a wooden sword and because there was four hours before 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 seems so much simpler to stay the way it is. But it wasn’t. Simple that is. It was anything but. Every time I was near him I was so aware of it. It nearly felt as though someone rung a bell above our heads whenever we were 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 was 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 it was as though, in that instant, 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 as 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 been aching 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. 'I’m 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 as 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. The 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 stake here to leap back in head first, Alek. Please.'

The hurt in his eyes faded.

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 ‘feel’ each others 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.