Chapter Seven
For some reason, Basic Movement was a bit awkward. While Bryn had seen Valmont in a shirt and jeans before, she’d never seen him in a too-tight Directorate-issued T-shirt and track pants. And she might have felt the muscles beneath his shirt, but now she could see the outline of pecs and biceps. Where Jaxon and the Blues were lean and muscled like runners or swimmers, Valmont was built thicker through the shoulders and chest. Not nearly as muscular as the Reds who were built like pro-wrestlers, but somewhere in between. He walked toward her with an evil grin on his face, and her temperature spiked.
“Funny that his body type is somewhere between the Red and the Blues,” Ivy said. “Sort of symbolic, don’t you think?”
When Valmont reached them, he jerked his thumb over his shoulder toward the jousting platforms. “Any chance I can face off with Jaxon?”
Clint laughed. “I’d pay to see that.”
“That’s probably not a good idea.” In fact, Bryn knew it was a terrible idea. “Jaxon has been working his butt off to prove he’s the alpha of the Blues, so people will leave Rhianna alone.”
“You’re right,” Valmont said. “When I beat him, it would cause problems for Rhianna, and I like her.”
“I am secure in my masculinity and therefore have nothing to prove.” Clint put his arm around Ivy’s shoulders. “But I think a lot of the other males are wondering how strong your knight is. You better pick an activity he and you can do alone, before someone challenges him.”
Valmont winked at her. “We could finish what we started in the library.”
“And what did you start it the library?” Ivy asked in far too cheery a tone.
Bryn whacked Valmont on the arm. “Knock it off.”
Mrs. Anderson waved at Bryn from across the room and pointed at Valmont, then gestured they should come see her.
“Maybe she has something planned for you two,” Ivy said.
Valmont grabbed Bryn’s hand, and they walked over to investigate the situation.
“I heard you two fought together in Dragon’s Bluff,” Mrs. Anderson said.
Valmont’s grip on her hand tightened. “We did.”
“Flying with a knight on your back had to feel different than flying by yourself. I think you two should practice aerial maneuvers.”
And Mrs. Anderson was her new favorite teacher. There was only one problem. “We’d need a saddle and a place to practice.”
“Follow me.”
They wandered to the lockers on the far wall where different sports equipment was stored. Mrs. Anderson unlocked one of the larger lockers and stepped back. Saddles and lances rested inside, encased in what looked like giant Ziplock bags.
Valmont opened one of the bags and pulled out a saddle. The saddle at her grandparents’ house had been made of highly polished tooled leather. This scuffed leather saddle was purely utilitarian.
Next he grabbed a lance, testing its balance in his hand. “Too bad there isn’t someone to joust with.”
“With the way things are going, I fear that won’t be a problem for long,” Mrs. Anderson said. “Leave the lance, and follow me.”
They exited the large gymnasium and headed back toward the door, which lead to the new ice rink addition, which was under construction. The memory of Zavien taking her back there for a tour of the place, which had turned out to be an excuse to kiss her where no one would see them together, pestered Bryn like an annoying mosquito. A few weeks ago, the memory would have flattened her. Now it was more irritating than anything. That must mean she was moving on with her life. Which was good. Or sad, depending on how you looked at it.
Two stories high, the ice rink would be impressive when it was completed, but now it was just an open room with a high ceiling. “This is under construction, but it gives you a place to maneuver away from curious eyes.”
Nervous excitement shot through Bryn’s body. “Cool.” She shifted and crouched down.
Valmont threw the saddle onto her back, settling it between her wings.
“Move your tail around for him to use as a step,” Mrs. Anderson said.
So that’s how this was supposed to work. Bryn moved her tail around, and Valmont climbed onto her back. As soon as he was in place, a sense of power filled Bryn.
Mrs. Anderson sucked in a breath. “You’re glowing. The legends are true.”
“What legend?” Valmont asked.
“When a knight and dragon fly, their powers flare up and combine, which is what the glowing signifies.”
Bryn itched to take flight. “Ready, Valmont?”
“Always.”
Bryn pushed off and flapped her wings, flying in a tight circle. Flying outside with the wind and the sunshine would have been better. Still, flying anywhere was awesome, especially with Valmont along for the ride.
“Try a few dives,” Valmont shouted. His voice rang loudly in her ears.
“Talk in a normal voice,” Bryn said.
“How would you hear me?”
“I don’t know, but I just did.” It had to be due to the bond. “Hang on.” She spiraled up toward the ceiling and then dove into a low glide. “You okay up there?”
“That,” Valmont’s breathing came faster, “was amazing.”
“So no dizziness or fear you won’t stay seated? Because I worried about that.”
“No problems.”
They flew until Mrs. Anderson blew her whistle.
“Hold on,” Bryn said. “You know landings aren’t my strong suit.” Concentrating, she dove to the floor and landed in a crouch. She stutter-stepped a bit but managed to stay upright in a semi-dignified fashion.
“Not bad.” Valmont dismounted and removed the saddle.
A sense of loss swamped Bryn. She shifted and threw her arms around him in a hug. He hugged her back, kissing the top of her head.
“Sorry to intrude on this personal moment,” Mrs. Anderson said, “but you two need to be careful about how far you let the bond take you.”
Valmont cleared his throat. “What are you saying?”
Bryn turned around to face Mrs. Anderson. Valmont kept his arms around her, and she leaned back against him.
“I can see the bond has created a connection between you two. From everything I’ve read on the subject, that’s part of what makes it work, but be aware of the magic’s influence and don’t do anything that would endanger your future relationships.”
Oh my God. Was Mrs. Anderson telling her not to hook up with Valmont? Not that she was thinking about that. Much. They hadn’t even kissed. It’s not like she was in the habit of jumping into bed with some guy on a moment’s notice.
“I have the utmost respect for Bryn, and I would never do anything to hurt her,” Valmont said. There was an edge of anger to his voice.