Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“Burning bright. So stay close in case I need to ’port us out of here quick.” I followed the safety rail around the perimeter. My senses flared. There. A man in black jeans stretched as if readying himself for training. The denim molded his butt. Mm-mmm.

He selected a two-handed sword from the rack and twirled it in a precise figure eight. Slowly he built up speed, and moved through a series of fluid training moves. He held the battle skills, and only those who had such an affinity for their weapon did.

“Is that him? The one you’re after?” Hope hauled me to a stop.

“Yes, and it appears he needs a battling partner. Wait here.”

“I’ll wait provided you agree not to kill anyone.”

“We’ll see, just don’t draw any attention to yourself.”

“Huh, I can’t believe you’re telling me not to draw attention to myself. Hello. Give yourself your own pep talk.” With a harrumph, she snuck under the railing. She plopped onto the wooden bench and grasped the edge under her knees, squishing her knuckles.

“I would take my own advice, except I don’t think I’m up for listening. That’s why I have you.” She was one of my best friends, even though she’d accepted a protector as her mate. I could deal. Stroking the hilt of my ever-present side sword, I walked toward the one my senses had flared on. “Hey,” I called out. “You look lonely.” Good, keep it casual.

He jerked around, his gaze landing on me.

Whoa. I missed a step. His eyes were to die for. Stunning gold flickered through the darkest shade of brown. The pinpointed gaze of a hunter. My eyes. He had my eyes and my skill.

“Who are you?” He stood an impressive hand over me, and I was close to six feet. Not intimidating, but tall enough I notched up my chin.

“Lieska Alura.”

“Another hunter. Your eyes give you away.”

“As do yours.”

His nostrils flared as he circled me. “I wasn’t aware we had a new recruit with the skill.”

Hmm, interesting. Being a new recruit would explain why I was here, except my skills were too advanced. Best to keep as close to the truth as I could. “You don’t. I came into my adult skills a year ago on my eighteenth and I’ve been training ever since.”

“Not a recruit then. Why’d you walk in?” He shot a look at the gate as a horse and cart rumbled in, loaded with supplies.

“Sorry, it seems the hunter in me couldn’t be denied.”

“Civilians aren’t permitted within this arena.” His gaze moved toward Hope who watched us with eagle eyes. “She’s a civilian too, although I’ve seen her at Loveria Castle with Silas Carver. What’s her name? How do you know her?”

Was this protector within Silas’s inner circle? I opened my telepathic link with Hope. “Do you know this man?”

“No, I would have said if I did. I’ve seen him around a couple of times, but not formally met him. You’re taking care, right?”

“Care is my middle name.”

“Don’t give me that. It’s more like lunatic.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

“Yeah, but lunatic goes nicely with insane.” I waved, and then grinned as she scowled. She was so easy to rile.

“Excuse me.” The man cleared his throat. “You appear rather relaxed for one who just defied Prince Davio Loveria’s rules. No one enters this arena unless sanctioned by him, or Silas Carver, his cousin and second.”

“Then let’s not tell either of them.” I nodded toward Hope. “Hope’s my friend, and also a friend of Silas’s, if that’s of any help.” He’d seen them together, but I wouldn’t go into any further detail. “I simply wanted to see what all the fuss was about, you know, being a protector and all. I’m itching to hone my battle skills, and I’m picking this is the best place for it. You could help me out with that, right?” Although he had a good point about my relaxed state. My hunter skill had calmed and so had I since crossing to him. Strange. Such a thing rarely happened to me, not unless I was amongst my closest.

“Davio and Silas have taken a team out to Sundrimer. I could let this slide, but only if you both remain within my sight. Are you serious about wanting to join the protectors? We could use more hunters.”

“As long as I’m allowed to whip some butt today, I might consider joining.” I probably shouldn’t be trying to antagonize him on his own turf, but I was a warrior. That’s what we did. Riling protectors made our day. “What’s your name?”

“Cole Cyrano.” The wind rushed into him, plastering his shimmery silver shirt to his wide chest. Broad and heavily muscled. So hot.

Hold on. I was relaxed and now ogling the enemy? What was going on?

“Ah, nice to meet you, Cole.” I slid my sword free, tapped it against his. “Feel free to show me what you can do. And don’t go easy on me ’cause I’m a girl.”