Hotbloods 6: Allies

Xiphio looked down at his half-naked form. “Oh, sorry about that—I had just finished up my bath when I felt an urge to come in here and say something. Sadly, it could not wait.” His large eyes peered around the room, his expression disappointed. “I don’t suppose you know where Lauren has gone, do you?”

“She went to lie down for a bit,” I lied, wanting to give Stone his moment to confess his crush. He definitely didn’t need to be interrupted by his one rival.

“No, she didn’t. She went to practice with her staff,” Alfa chimed in cheerfully. I shot him a look, prompting him to shrug his muscular shoulders in confusion. Dio leaned over and whispered something in his crewmate’s ear. Alfa’s face morphed into a mask of shock.

Xiphio frowned, walking over to where I sat. “Please, Riley, tell me which one it is. I should hate to wake her up if she’s sleeping, but this really cannot wait.”

“I’m sure it can, Xiphio.”

“No, no, it really cannot. I had an epiphany earlier, speaking with Agent Phocida the way I did. I felt in control, my entire being brimming with confidence and courage. Did you see? I did not falter once, though she expected me to—they all expected me to,” he explained, puffing out his chest, his gills flapping.

“You dealt with that situation better than anyone could’ve, Xiphio, but I don’t see what that has to do with Lauren. She said she didn’t want to be disturbed.” I was determined to put him off.

“Don’t you see? I must ride the wave of this newfound courage and express my true feelings for Lauren. I thought it could wait until our battles were over, but now I see that it cannot. I must tell her before we arrive on Earth, so she may know that I love her, and I may know her feelings. I would charge into the fray with so much more vigor if I knew she felt as I did.”

My heart clenched at his sweet admission. I knew how he felt about Lauren—it was obvious for anyone to see—but I had not seen this coming. Why did it have to be now, when Stone was doing the exact same thing? I grimaced, remembering why I’d sworn not to get involved in other people’s romances again.

“Not now, Xiphio,” I urged.

“It has to be now!”

“Let her finish her training, then you can speak with her.”

He frowned. “Why are you trying to stop me? My love cannot be restrained.”

“No, we can see that.” Angie snorted, getting a playful smack from Bashrik.

“I just think she needs some time to herself, that’s all,” I insisted, feeling exasperated. In desperation, I looked to Navan for help.

“Yeah, maybe you should hold off for a bit,” he said, but I could see there was no convincing Xiphio. His face was set with determination, and he clearly wouldn’t settle until he had all of his cards out on the table for Lauren to see.

He turned and marched out of the room without another word, striding away with his towel flapping. Rolling my eyes, I clambered out of Navan’s embrace and chased after the merevin, grateful that he hadn’t taken off at a sprint. I caught up to him a few yards from Lauren’s room, hurtling around him before coming to a halt, putting myself between him and the door. He eyed me curiously and attempted to push past, but I put my hands out to stop him, feeling the cold of his scales beneath my palms.

To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure why I was stopping him from reaching Lauren. I mean, I had no idea which guy Lauren liked more. Maybe Xiphio was the preferred choice, and I was standing in the way of the wrong one. I supposed I felt like Stone deserved his chance to tell Lauren how he felt, considering he wasn’t nearly as open about it as Xiphio was. Even if she rejected him, he was entitled to that opportunity.

“What is the meaning of this, Riley?” Xiphio asked sternly.

“I don’t think you should disturb her, Xiphio.”

He frowned. “And why not? Why are you so insistent on coming between me and my dear, sweet Lauren?”

“It’s just not a good idea, that’s all.”

A strange smile pulled at the corners of his plump lips. “Riley, I must say, I am flattered that you would consider me in a romantic fashion. Had I not already fallen for dear Lauren, I might have been swayed by your affections. Alas, my heart is already set on another.”

I gaped at him. “What? I just got married, Xiphio!”

“There is no need to be ashamed, Riley. I, too, have endured the suffering of unrequited love.”

“There’s nothing unrequited about it—I don’t like you like that! I’m Navan’s wife and more than happy to be so!” I hissed, struggling to keep my voice down. “Look, the truth is, Stone is with her right now. He had some things he wanted to say, and I think you should back off and let him say them.”

“That wretch is in there with her? What is he saying? Is he confessing his love? No, I will not allow it! He has no right.” Xiphio shook his head. “He ought to know that I displayed my affections first. Does he not understand the code of chivalry?”

I didn’t have time to answer any of his questions, as he charged me, pushing me to the side.

Regaining my balance, I raced after him, terrified that this mess would come to blows. They had almost ended up fighting before, and I didn’t want it happening again. We didn’t need anyone getting into a scrap and injuring themselves before reaching Earth—we needed to have everyone in one piece.

I lunged to try to pull him back from Lauren’s bedroom door, my hands accidentally catching the edge of his towel. It fell to the ground with agonizing slowness, but it was too late now—he had already burst into the room.

“I demand you stop this immediately!” he cried, while scrabbling on the ground to regain his dignity. He managed to pull the towel back up and fasten it around his waist, but I’d already seen far more of him than I’d ever wanted to. By the shocked looks on both Lauren’s and Stone’s faces, they had too.

“What are you talking about?” Lauren asked, recovering quickly. Her cheeks were bright red.

“My feelings for you are far stronger than this rude criminal’s feelings could ever be. I am not one to point out the failings in another man, as it is not my style to be cruel, but he lies and cheats for a living. What sort of romantic relationship could he offer you, considering his nature?” he replied, taking a deep breath. “Forgive me, I should not have said all of that. Stone is a good man, in his own way. The truth is… I love you so very much. I do not think I could stand to see you in the arms of another. I fear it would kill me.”

Lauren turned to Stone, her eyes widening in surprise. “What’s he talking about, Stone?”

The ambaka lowered his head, sighing in exasperation. “Cheers fer gettin’ the jump on me, Xiphio, old pal.”

“Stone?” she pressed.

He looked up, a glitter of irritation flashing in his eyes as he glanced toward Xiphio. “I was buildin’ up to it, Ren,” he said, his tone bitter. “Ye just couldn’t stand to let me have a shot, could ye? Ye just had to come in ‘ere and ruin it, didn’t ye?” He glared at Xiphio. For the first time ever, he actually looked angry.

“I didn’t realize you had not yet told her,” Xiphio mumbled.

“It’s none of yer business, anyway!” Stone snapped, getting to his feet and storming over to where Xiphio stood. “I know yer half nekkid, but it’ll not stop me from knockin’ yer fishy head off yer fishy shoulders.”

“Oh, yes, well, it shan’t stop me from defending myself, either!”

“Ye sure you’re not a snake instead o’ a fish?”

Xiphio scowled. “I am not a fish—that is terribly insulting. I am a merevin.”

“Yeah? Well, I’m pissed off.”

“You’re not seriously telling me that you think you’re a good match for Lauren? Look at her beautiful face—it’s evident to me that she had no idea you were besotted with her. What sort of suitor are you, if you cannot even make your feelings known?”

“I was tryin’ to, before ye burst in here with yer giblets swingin’!”

“An accident, good sir. I was simply trying to stop you from making a colossal mistake. I’m the better suited one. You know it, and I know it. So, let us shake on our differences and allow me to take it from here.”