Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

“No. You’re not going anywhere.” Silas grabbed my arm, only, I was a little too slick.

I bobbed away with a smile. “The boss man isn’t going to get his way on this.”

“We can’t have the warrior here.”

“You can’t, but she can.” Faith pinched his cheek. “Just deal with it. It’s only for one night.” She crawled to Loveria and kissed him. “I’ll return in a few minutes, and I’d appreciate you not moving the boat, or I’ll end up in the drink when I return.”

She flashed away and I came in closer to Silas. “How did you expel your excess energy from your rising?”

“In the arena, with the sword. I think I’ll come in.”

“My hormones are raging and I’d be all over you in a second. You have to keep your distance for now, plus I’m not cold, even out this deep. Maslin and Elizara can swim with me.”

“I want you to keep a distance from Sol.”

“He’s a warrior and my friend. We work together.”

“You chose him when I released you.”

I huffed, wanting to kiss him and smack him all at once. “Barely, and so long ago, my mate, it doesn’t count.”

“Hope.” My name was a growl from between his lips, and as Faith reappeared with Maslin, his fists clenched.

She raised her shoulders in a shrug. “Sorry, I can’t spot Elizara. She must have snuck into the gray area. As soon as I see her, I’ll get her.”

“I’m here, Hope.” Maslin shucked off his jeans and stripped down to a pair of shorts. “I can produce the gel, but you’ll need to help me breathe underwater if we go too deep. I can’t form the bubbles.”

Silas glared at Maslin. “Touch her, and I’ll remove your head from your shoulders.”

“You don’t frighten me, Carver. She’s my princess. I’ll protect her as I see fit, even from her own mate.”

“No fighting, you two.” This I didn’t need.

Maslin dove in, came in underneath and grabbed my legs. The water slid over my head as I went down.

Ten feet under, and Maslin came face to face with me, his gaze locked on mine in the murky depths. “Do you hear me?”

“Yes.” The telepathic link of trust was strong.

“Create a bubble of air for me, larger than what you make for yourself.”

I did, and he leaned in then chased it up a foot as he drew in a breath.

Returning to me, he grinned. “You are my perfect woman.”

“You are going to get yourself into trouble with that kind of talk. I’m mated.”

He shrugged, his copper hair floating about his face. “Do I look like I care?” No, he didn’t. He grasped my hand, and even with our slippery gel, kicked us upward.

We hit the surface and I swam for the boat. Silas was swearing, rather full on.

I grabbed hold of the looped side rope then dispersed the gel from my hands for a better grip. “My redhead has a temper. Come here.”

His gaze speared into Maslin just a few feet behind me. “I’m trying to see the bigger picture, but right now, there isn’t one.”

“Uh-huh. Right, so I have to go for a swim, but I’ll stay in a straight line from this point, keeping parallel to the beach.”

He maintained his glower at Maslin.

“Silas, I truly need you–” His gaze jolted to mine. “–to remain sane.”

“Usually I am. That’s currently impossible.”

I drew in closer. “Kiss me. We’ll both feel better.”

Faith clambered in between us. “Okay. Here I am. I think we’ve covered this whole kissing thing already. Silas is out of bounds for you during your rising. And a lot longer, if I had my way.”

“Having you around is frustrating.” I frowned.

Silas crossed his arms with a slap. “You don’t know the half of it.”

Faith held out a bottle of water toward me. “You want a drink?”

“Oooh, but I still love you, sis. Yes.” I unscrewed the lid and gulped. A surge of energy raced through me. “Whoa. That’s got a power-punch to it. I have to dash.” I touched my necklace and held up the gift Silas had given me. “You’ll always be with me.”

“Not the way I intended to.”

Best to go. So I did.

I swam to Maslin, who lifted his chin while he treaded water. “Don’t forget you’ll be running at triple the strength for your rising. I’ll try and keep up, but double-back to me if you need.”

My blood fired. “Will do.” I dove then swam underwater where I had to work harder. I surfaced every sixty feet so the others knew where I was. But nothing could have prepared me for what happened. The sudden clarity between mind and body and the massive wave of energy which rode me.

It was the most magical experience, even with the roar of the boat’s motor close.

“This is the perfect night for a swim.” Maslin spoke directly to me, and as the hours passed, I did as he instructed, making sure he was never too far away.

So many hours, I lost count.

At times, we dove deep, finding schools of fish. I created air pockets as we needed them. Other times, we swam along the surface, the moonlight rippling over its midnight beauty.

“Do you need some water, Hope?” Silas called out.