“No,” I gasped, “no, you can’t do this. I won’t risk you. I’ll go with him until you can figure out how to rescue me.”
He laughed in his low husky tones. “Thank you, baby girl, for trying to protect me, but it is my job to protect you, and I will not fail.”
“Besides, even if Josian did fall, which is practically impossible, I would claim you and he would have to face me.” Brace’s features were dark, his eyes black.
If this was going to be so easy, why were both of them disturbing the airwaves with their palpable anger?
“So say I just left with him now, because this is my choice to make – don’t think it isn’t – what would happen then?” I wanted to know all my options.
“He will perform the mating ceremony with you, whether you consent or not, and then we cannot touch you without risking retribution.” Josian’s eyes twinkled.
As if he had read my previous thought, his worry dissipated.
“Dad, you’re not taking this seriously. He’s going to hurt or kill you.” I tried to contain my panic but it spilled out in my words.
I had felt this Walker’s power. It was debilitating.
“Have some faith in me. I am not that easy to defeat.”
“Your arrogance is going to be the death of you, Josian,” I said, beaten.
I couldn’t stop him accepting the challenge. But I was ... annoyed, yeah, let’s go with that.
“What does the ... other Walker want with me?” Talina blurted out.
I could tell she’d been as patient as possible.
Josian faced her, his expression sympathetic. “Family can also claim females, as a manner of keeping them safe until they are mated. We don’t own you.” He looked at each of us. “We protect you. Women are precious, and without their seed of life nothing would exist or continue.”
My eyes widened. Over-share. Thanks, Dad.
“In short, I am going to have to battle both of them to keep you.” He faced Talina. “I know you probably want to go with your father, but until we are sure of his intentions and whether he is who he says he is, I would advise against it.”
“I will battle for Abby.” Brace spoke up. “You shouldn’t have to battle for both of them, and I owe this Doreen for every single mark he placed on her.”
“You can’t, Brace. You know the challenge for Aribella has been issued directly to me; however, you can battle for Talina. She’s of your clan, so it’s acceptable. We might as well get them out of the way.” His bronze eyes narrowed. “And I promise he will not be around to hurt her much longer.”
My panic threatened to overwhelm me. This was what I’d wanted to avoid: people I loved in danger – especially because of me. Josian stepped away to take three long strides down the beach. My right arm lifted to grab him back, but he was too quick, and I knew I’d never be able to stop him.
“Neither of the females wish to leave with you, so we will accept both challenges. I, Josian of Doreen for Aribella of Doreen, and Brace of Abernath for Talina of Abernath, will convene here in ten minutes for the first challenge.”
He was back at my side. “If by some chance we fail, I need you to trace to your room again, baby girl. They can’t follow either of your energies so if you can stay hidden, you should be safe. I have contacted my brothers and they will protect you and Talina.”
“It is against the rules to use a doorway to escape a challenge,” Brace explained, “but there is nothing about tracing.”
“Shit ...” I said again, softly this time.
But no one was listening to me anymore.
Brace and Josian were discussing tactics, and Talina had sat down on the sand, her head hanging between her legs as she took deep breaths.
I just stood there glaring down the beach at the two Walkers, and Gladriel more than any. She was evil. If looks could kill ...
“Where is Raror?” Talina’s question caught my attention; her voice was unnaturally high and breathless.
I moved over to sit next to her. “I don’t know, Talli.”
“I’m so worried. He wouldn’t have left me alone like this unless something was wrong.”
“You can bet Gladriel knows; she’s been planning this,” I said tonelessly.
“I should have ended her maniacal tirade a long time ago.” Talina’s tone was hard and brittle.
She sounded as if a swift breeze would break her apart and she would drift away.
“You have two more minutes. Prepare yourself, Walker.” Traktin, the stalker-Walker, had stepped away from the other two.
He stood in the space between our groups.
“I love you, baby girl.” Josian pulled me to my feet.
I examined his features, relieved to see no nerves or fear. I had to trust my father knew what he was doing.
“Love you too, Dad. Just win,” I said to him firmly, “or I’ll be hunting down your free essence and kicking its ass.”