Page 45 of A Trial of Two Worlds
Xander’s eyes didn’t leave Shaw’s as he spoke. “And your point?”
“Call him back,” I said as Shaw’s power continued to build.
“Shaw, back down,” Talon whispered.
Shaw’s growl only deepened as his magic flowed around him in response to Xander’s challenge.
“Fat chance.” Rhea sighed, leaning over the railing and picking at her nails, unimpressed at the scene playing out before us. “Are we really going to pretend you can take him, Xander?”
The beta’s eyes dashed over to Rhea for a split second, his rage building. “That’s enough.”
“Really?” Rhea shrugged and rolled her shoulders. “Because we all know who our beta should’ve been. Who holds the most power aside from Gilen in this pack?”
Xander turned his attention to her. “You—”
“You can’t do it,” Rhea said, silencing him. “You can’t reach Gilen when he’s that far away, can you?”
I blinked, realizing what Rhea was insinuating.
“Can you?” Rhea challenged again. “You’re not strong enough.”
Xander’s temper was on the verge of unleashing. “I—”
“Stop this!” I roared, putting myself between them, my power flowing through my words as a command.
They all stilled.
“Good. Thank you,” I said, turning to Xander. “I don’t want to fight. War is already here, and fighting amongst each other will only weaken us when we need to unite. I know this, and so do you.”
Xander was difficult to read, but he remained silent, allowing me to continue.
“I need the alpha’s dagger for the final trial, Xander.” I helplessly watched as his expression fell on those final words.
“Sky.” Xander sighed, his aggression softening. “What you’re asking for is impossible.”
“I know,” I said, reaching for his hand, trying to find the rational male I once knew better than anyone. “I know the gravity of what I’m asking, but this is the final trial. I have to retrieve the dagger and return it to the Inner Kingdom.”
“Whoever holds the dagger is the alpha, Sky. Gilen won’t just hand it over to you.”
“He might,” I said, turning my lips in. “For me, Gilen might.”
“Ha! You always did have an active imagination.” Xander laughed, easing the tension.
I felt his magic simmer with Shaw following his lead. For the moment, there would be no blood spilled.
“But for you, he might,” Xander said.
I knew this was a dangerous game to play.
Xander paused for a moment and leaned in closer to me, inhaling a deep breath. “Your scent… It’s changed.”
“Daxton Aegaeon,” I said. “He is my mate.”
Xander stepped back, glancing at the nape of my neck.
“But since I’m in the trials and can’t shift, the bond is unsealed.”
“He didn’t mark you?” Xander asked slowly.
