7. Raelyna #3
My nose crinkled, frustration rising in me at his words. “How dare you imply that I’m less than you just because of my affinity mark.”
His eyes narrowed, almost as if in confusion, as he watched me before he spoke. “You do realize . . .” He paused briefly before gesturing toward the rank marking on his shoulder.
Three lines of silver-gray decorated his uniform.
A Royal Solis Guard.
A sergeant, no less.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
He’d meant his Solis Guard ranking.
My eyes widened as I stared in horror at the male before me, then flickered over to the male standing to his side.
Two lines.
I was royally fucked.
How had I missed that he was a member of the RSG? How hadn’t I noticed the other night at the tavern? It wasn’t like I knew every member of the guard—they were rotated into positions across the Quarter every two weeks, so it was rare that all the guards even knew each other . . . but still.
“Anything to say?” he inquired. And I could have sworn that had he not been wearing a dunewrap covering his nose and lips, I would have seen him smirking at me.
I just stood there, frozen in place, shocked that I had missed this piece of information.
“Sorry, Sergeant,” I finally managed to reply, the words coming out in a forced strangle.
“Are you?” he questioned, and I heard a low chuckle come from his companion. My eyes snapped to him, holding his gaze for a moment too long.
Was I? No.
Did he need to know that? Also no.
But at the same time . . .
“My apologies,” I drawled. “I would have recognized you right away had your wings been displayed, as is common for most sergeants in Lucanus’s guard. But perhaps you keep them hidden away because you’re a bit lacking in that area.”
Stars-damned me . . . I really needed to learn to keep my mouth shut one of these days. And yet . . .
The male’s eyes narrowed in on me, a low noise coming from his throat as he took a commanding step toward me.
His large frame towered over me, forcing me to tilt my head back just to hold his gaze.
The scent of amber and leather flooded the space around me, and I shivered slightly even as I held his gaze.
He stood there, taking up my personal space, his eyes narrowed in challenge, and yet he said nothing, letting his eyes convey his words.
I smiled, clearly having a death wish as I opened my mouth once again. “Apologies yet again, Sergeant. I can see that I’ve touched on what appears to be a sensitive topic for you. I’ll just be on my way now.”
He leaned down, close enough that I could feel his breath brush against my skin, taunting me as his scent flooded my senses. Those golden flecks darkened in his eyes, and he chuckled. A low, dangerous tone that carried over toward me, causing my skin to come alive.
“Don’t worry, starlight,” he nearly growled as he captured my gaze with his own, holding me hostage in a wave of chaos and danger.
I tensed, holding my own breath as he spoke, his voice low and daring.
“I can guarantee my wingspan is more than adequate.” His breath brushed across my skin as his words rolled over me, and my cheeks heated lightly at his suggestion.
But I refused to be swayed by a member of the Royal Solis Guard.
Not after everything that had happened to my father.
And certainly not when every member of the RSG answered to the person responsible for his death.
“Says the male with no wings on display.” I smirked playfully as I stared up at the male. “Forgive me if I only choose to believe what I can see with my own eyes.”
I watched as his eyes narrowed, a clear battle waging inside before a soft chuckle fell from my lips, and I began to turn around, adding a slight sway to my hips as I walked away.
“Have a good day, Sergeant.” I smiled saucily over my shoulder as I flicked a mock salute with two fingers toward the male and then sauntered away, my heart racing rapidly.
I was so screwed.
Stars-above, what had I been thinking? If that sergeant ever spotted me again . . . I didn’t even want to think about what he would do to me for my statement. For my blatant lack of regard for someone of a higher affinity—someone who outranked me in every way.
I never could just lie low, that much was for sure. But now . . . I was nearly certain that a particular dark-haired guard would have it out for me . . . and I would be watching my wings for the foreseeable future.
Rounding two more corners and then rushing the elevator by frantically, repeatedly, pushing the button in hopes it would come faster, I finally made it to the back entrance of the court.
My grasp on the back door handle was firm as I tugged hard, pulling the door open and slipping from Solis Court before any other members of his staff could stop me.
My phone vibrated in my back pocket, the vibration drawing my attention as I quickly retrieved it and read the latest message from Finn, saying he had eyes on my sister.
Thank the stars.
My feet began moving, carrying me toward safety, toward my sister, as I shot Finn a quick message to meet me at our usual café.