Page 10 of Twist of Fate

Connal shook his head. “Would a cat actually….no, it’s ridiculous to think such a thing.”

His human laughed.

Connal shuddered. “Your eyes are as beautiful as the Aenc Sul.”

“Is that a good thing?”

Connal nodded. “Tell me your name.”

“Luke. And you are?”

“Connal of the Bairrfhionn.”

Luke’s eyes sparkled. Connal had been mistaken to describe them as the flowering vines in the water. No, not even the glory of the vines that grew in the Lady’s Lake were as perfect as the green of Luke’s eyes.

“Well, aren’t you fancy?”

“None other than you have described me in such a way. I will allow it, though.”

“Oh, you’ll allow it, will you?”

Connal nodded. Although some warriors may see fancy as some sort of slight, Connal could see his human meant no insult.

Wait. His human?

Connal’s breath caught. He reached out to touch Luke’s arm. A spark of magic flared between them. His human. His mate. Goddess be praised.

Something behind Connal caught Luke’s eye. Luke’s smile dimmed, if only slightly, before he stepped to the side so that Connal’s broad form shielded him.

Connal resisted his instinct to check the threat. It would only draw unnecessary attention. “We should leave this place,” Connal said.

Luke looked up and met his gaze. His brows furrowed so sweetly in confusion. “I don’t⁠—”

“Come with me,” Connal commanded.

He held Luke’s arm and moved to his side. Nothing would get to his human—his mate—unless it came through him first.

His Luke moved quickly, freeing himself from Connal’s hold.

Connal scowled again.

“I need to get to my ride,” Luke said.

“You do not need a ride in this port. You have me now.”

Luke frowned. “I don’t think you⁠—”

“The Consort assured me this port of air was safe, but now, I think he must have been mistaken.”

“I don’t know what…okay, I’ve got to go.”

Connal grunted. If only he’d not sworn an oath to refrain from causing a scene in the port of air, he could easily prevent Luke from departing. “To your ride. Yes, I will go with you.”

Luke narrowed his gaze, but then his smile returned. “You’re trying way too hard. You should just ask for my number.”

“Hmm. Yes. I will have your number so that I may contact you through your communication device,” Connal said. “I like this plan very much. You are wise, my Luke.”

Luke’s smile brightened as he adjusted the strap to his backpack. Was the bag too heavy? Human strength—or lack thereof—confused Connal greatly. He could carry such a minuscule weight without bother should Luke require his assistance.