Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

V era's heart skipped a beat as Grabon threw her carefully to the ground, guiding her movements to protect her from the fall. Two days had passed since he'd decided to stay, and he'd insisted on teaching her self-defense, ignoring her initial objections. Since she knew that she'd defeated Dekell through luck rather than skill, she'd reluctantly agreed. To her surprise, he'd turned out to be an excellent teacher, patient and thorough. And disturbingly attractive.

She lay there for a moment, looking up at him as she caught her breath, her heart racing from more than just the exertion. The close proximity to his massive frame made her skin tingle with unexpected warmth. A brief image of reaching up and pulling him closer flitted through her mind, but she quickly pushed it away as she scrambled to her feet, brushing dirt from her clothes.

They were training in a clearing a short distance away from the Elvar village, surrounded by the lush greenery of the jungle, the air thick with the scent of flowers. The warmth of the sun danced across her skin, but it was Grabon's presence that left her feeling truly alive.

"Again," he ordered in that deep, rumbling voice.

She looked up and met his gaze, a spark of electricity passing between them and making her breath catch. His expression was as inscrutable as ever but she was sure that the attraction between them was not just on her side.

"Ready?" His green cat-like eyes were still fixed on hers, dark and impossible to read. "Remember. Keep your knees bent, and your weight evenly distributed."

She nodded, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach as she assumed the position he'd shown her. Her skin prickled as he circled her, checking her stance, moving with a grace that belied his size. She was disturbingly conscious of him, of the way his muscles rippled beneath his skin as he moved.

"Good," he grunted. "Now, when I come at you, remember to use my momentum against me."

He lunged forward with startling speed. She managed to sidestep, grabbing his arm and attempting to throw him off balance. Instead, her grip slipped, and she stumbled.

"No. Like this."

He steadied her, then positioned himself behind her, his chest pressed against her back. Her breath hitched as his arms encircled her, guiding her into the correct position. His touch was gentle yet firm, sending shivers down her spine.

"Feel the difference?" he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

She nodded, not trusting her voice. She was acutely aware of every point of contact between them, her body humming with an unfamiliar excitement.

He stepped back, leaving her feeling oddly bereft.

"Let's try again."

This time, when he attacked, she executed the move perfectly. He hit the ground, a rare smile crossing his face.

"Well done."

She returned his smile, offering her hand to help him up. As their fingers intertwined, that spark ignited once more, leaving her breathless. He held her hand a fraction too long before clearing his throat and stepping back.

"Again."

She'd been shocked when he first announced that he intended to remain in the village. It had been after she'd explained her determination to help the Elvar. He'd been studying her face, his own face unreadable. The silence that followed felt oppressive, stretching on for what seemed like an eternity, and she'd braced herself for an argument.

His sudden declaration took her aback, but a wave of relief had washed over her, so intense it made her knees weak. She was relieved not only by his acceptance of what had happened but because she was sure that he could provide assistance to the Elvar in ways she could not. She ignored the secret thrill of pleasure that rippled through her as a nagging doubt took root.

"Why?" she demanded.

He hesitated and she had the impression he was choosing his words carefully.

"I wish to learn more about what's happening here," he said finally. "Such treatment is unacceptable."

She believed him, but a hint of doubt remained - a doubt that vanished over the next few days. He'd integrated himself into village life with surprising ease. The Elvar quickly accepted him, their initial wariness giving way to warm smiles and friendly greetings. She found herself watching him whenever he was near.

She spotted him in the orchards, his tall form a stark contrast to the tiny Elvar as he reached high branches to pluck ripe fruit. Later that afternoon she paused in her work of recording an ancient Elvar myth to observe him repairing the roof of a nearby dwelling. His powerful muscles flexed as he lifted heavy beams with ease, and her stomach fluttered. How could someone so physically imposing handle the fragile Elvar architecture with such care? Would he handle her as carefully?

She quickly pushed the intriguing thought aside, but the curiosity lingered.

Her initial hesitation was replaced by a growing sense of trust and admiration. Despite his gruff exterior, his willingness to contribute to every aspect of village life impressed her. The feeling of safety he provided was undeniable, but there was something more - an excitement that coursed through her whenever he was near. Every time their eyes met she felt a spark of connection and she found herself looking forward to their training sessions, not just for the skills she was learning, but for the chance to be close to him.

He also joined in her evening strategy sessions with Maeve and the other Elders in the village hall. He surprised her again by listening thoughtfully to her ideas. The previous evening they'd been studying his holographic map when an idea struck her.

"In ancient Rome, they used a tactic called the testudo formation. It's like a giant, moving shield wall."

He frowned as she pointed at the open area in front of the stronghold.

"How would that work with our limited numbers?"

"What if we could adapt it? The Elvar could weave foliage into portable barriers."

"That could work," he acknowledged, reluctant approval in his eyes. "Although it's not just about the formation, but how you move as one unit."

She watched as he explained, his face shadowed. He was clearly knowledgeable about warfare but just as clearly reluctant to share his personal experience. She'd wanted to ask him why but the questions died on her tongue when he met her gaze. She could see the pain in his eyes, and she had a sudden overwhelming desire to comfort him. But then Maeve asked a question and the moment passed.

After the meeting he escorted her silently back to her nest - the small shelter Maeve had helped her create out of a prior storage building. His silence seemed grimmer than usual and she finally asked him why. He came to a halt, looking down at her with that intense emerald gaze.

"You do realize that if it comes to open warfare many of the Elvar will be killed? It's easy enough for you scholars to discuss strategy and tactics on an intellectual level. It's an entirely different matter when you are surrounded by the bodies of the dead and dying."

Her breath caught at the image, and she swayed. He swore under his breath, then reached out to steady her and it seemed like the most natural thing in the world to lean against his huge, warm body.

"I don't want anyone to die," she whispered, and he sighed.

"What did you think a rebellion meant, Vera?"

"I hadn't thought of it in those terms. I just know it's wrong for the Farlain to treat the Elvar the way they do."

The knowledge that it was her appearance that had driven them to decide the time had come to rise up against the Farlain only made her feel worse and a half sob escaped her lips.

He drew her even closer and she buried her face against his chest. He stroked her back, his big hands warm and comforting as his scent surrounded her. It reminded her of something and she tried to distract herself by deciding what.

"What if it doesn't have to come to war?" he asked slowly.

"Do you think there's an alternative?"

She looked up at him eagerly and their eyes met, that spark of electricity flashing between them. He groaned, and then his mouth crashed down over hers. His tusks bracketed her mouth, not painful but firm against her face. She gasped and he took advantage of her parted lips, his tongue surging into her mouth, long and agile and delicious. Chocolate . He tasted like bittersweet chocolate, dark and rich.

Her head spun as her body lit up, tingling with need. She pressed closer, her hands sliding up around his neck as he ravaged her mouth, dominating her, claiming her. The kiss went on and on, heat blazing through her veins as his hands roamed up and down her back, squeezing and massaging her ass and adding to her arousal. When he finally pulled away, they were both breathing hard.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that," he said, his voice rough.

"Why not?" she whispered.

He closed his eyes for a moment, his jaw tight.

"It was inappropriate," he said, but the response seemed more automatic than sincere.

"It seemed appropriate to me," she said, and he scowled.

"I'm not the right male for you, Vera. I'm a battle-hardened warrior. You deserve a male who's capable of tenderness."

"And that's not you?" she challenged.

He sighed, running a hand over his face.

"It hasn't been for a very long time. Go inside, Vera."

She obeyed, even though she wanted to argue. He made it sound like the door was shutting for good, but she wasn't convinced that was true. His body had responded to hers. The hard press of his cock had been unmistakable. His resistance might be strong, but she could still feel the echo of his mouth on hers, the taste of him lingering on her lips. She touched her mouth, her eyes darting back to him.

She knew she shouldn't pursue things with a male who wasn't interested, especially one so closed off and distrustful, but the memory of his body against hers, the feel of his lips on hers, stirred something in her that she couldn't resist. She was thinking about the kiss again as the training session came to a close and they settled down under the shade of an ancient tree to cool off.

As he handed her a flask of water their fingers brushed again and that same spark of electricity flared between them. She peeked at him from under her lashes. His massive form seemed out of place in the lush greenery, sweat glistening on his grayish-blue skin, and she found herself mesmerized by the play of light across his muscular frame. She was gathering her courage to bring up the kiss again when he spoke.

"I noticed something interesting during my morning flight," he said, his deep voice low and casual. "Or at least I think I did."

He went for a flight every morning, to "stretch my wings," and she'd found herself envying the casual freedom of his movements. He'd never discussed them before and she gave him a curious glance.

"What was it?"

"There's an area in the hills behind us where the trees grow in an odd pattern," he said thoughtfully. "Almost as if they were planted, except they're ancient, massive."

Her heart skipped a beat, a different kind of excitement coursing through her veins.

"I've seen that before. It happens sometimes if there are ruins buried beneath the trees."

He gave her a skeptical look.

"Given the size of the trees, any ruins would be ancient."

"Exactly." She nodded eagerly, thrilled at the possibility. "Can you show me where?"

He hesitated briefly, studying her face. Then he gave a curt nod and rose to his feet.

"Very well," he agreed, extending a hand to help her up. "Let's go."

She took his hand and let him pull her to her feet in one easy movement, her heart racing with anticipation. Her hand still tucked in his, she followed him into the jungle.