BloodLust (Rise of the Iliri Book 1) by Auryn Hadley Read Free Book Online

she threw her back against his chest, moving inside his guard.  As she spun, she passed her main sword into her left hand alongside the first, settling the tip against the inside of his thigh, the other pointing up to block her body.  Her empty hand snatched Zep's curved weapon, wrenched it free, and aimed his sword above her head.  The wooden blade paused against his neck.
    They both froze.  Sal could feel Zep's heart pounding against her back.  She could smell the sugar in his sweat, so close to her, but no other emotions.  Silence hung in the air for a few seconds before Zep spoke up.
    "I yield," he said, calmly.
    The onlookers gasped and Sal dared to look at his face.  Gone was the smoldering anger, replaced with genuine respect.  Pulling herself from the confines of his strong arms, all too aware of his hot body against her back, she wasn't sure what to do.  Clumsily, she offered the wooden weapons to him.  He took the swords and turned away, completely at ease.
    The eyes of the recruits smothered her when she crossed the ring to ease her tired body against the fence post once more.  The respect felt good but the surprise in their eyes brought a whole new resentment.  Before she could dwell on the faults of her human competition, the Lieutenant addressed them again.
    "Now that you've seen my Blades in action, you know what is, and will be, expected of each of you.  Few of you could match them in combat," he said with a nod to Sal and the veteran, "but you will have to be as good as any of them to pass these trials.  If you cannot improve – and quickly – there is no shame in resigning your application.  It will not be looked on poorly if you do and choose to apply again at a later date.  Razor is bunked in cabin ten.  He will arrange transportation for anyone who chooses to rethink his preparedness.
    "You have the rest of the night off.  The pub is behind the barns, next to the arena.  We will meet again tomorrow at 1300, this time at the arena.  Enjoy yourselves, and really think about why you are here."   He strode out of the courtyard in the direction of their cabins.
     
     

 
    Chapter 5

     
     
    Sal staggered into her room and began peeling the form-fitting clothes from her body before realizing she wasn't alone.  The smell of a human permeated the air.  With her shirt unbuttoned, she folded her ears against her skull and pulled her arms from the sleeves.  Tossing it to the floor, she turned to her bed, thankful for the standard issue tank all female military personnel were expected to wear.  Zep eyed her intently. 
    "Go ahead.  Don't let me stop you," he said.  "I won't complain about seeing a woman out of her clothes."
    "What are you doing here?" she snapped, tired and aching to the core of her being.
    "I owe you one.  Whether you realized it or not, I made a bet with you that I could throw you off your game, and you won.  I figured I'd pay up and buy you as many drinks as you can throw down at the pub.  Besides, it won't hurt for you and I to be seen together... pleasantly."
    "Mhm.  A few drinks.  Seriously, sir?" she asked.  "I'm tired, I'm bumped and bruised, and all I want in this world is to pass these trials.  Unless your drinks can miraculously make these aches leave in time for whatever we'll do tomorrow, then the only thing I'm interested in is a hot bath and a long sleep!"
    "Well, I can offer two things to mollify you.  First, all you'll need tomorrow is your brain.  Second..." he trailed off, and she heard him yelling mentally, but couldn't make out the words since it wasn't directed at her.  "I can get someone to help those bruises, too."
    The link clicked in her head when Shift joined the conversation, I can help with that, but Zep, you owe me one.  The image of a woman's cleavage flashed across her mind and Zep laughed.
    You don't like her anyway, man , Zep shot back.  So I think you're the one that owes me!  He dropped the link and looked to her.  "Ok