Chapter Twenty-Three

                                    

                                          
I rode Alastor beside Broderick who was atop a sturdy, handsome black gelding. Although Alastor was a little over a hand taller than Broderick's gelding, Broderick still towered over me as we rode. The journey was uneventful and I spent most of it listening to Hale and Graham's bickering. 
    The army around me, some on horseback, some on foot, were brimming with excited determination. This battle was a long time coming and many of them were eager to finally shed Calma blood. I shuddered though, when I felt the disturbing happiness from a man excited to kill. He would revel in the killing and I got a sense that it had nothing to do with the rivalry between Arghan and Calma. 
    When we stopped to make camp, a group of soldiers set up tents for their General and military officials while I led Alastor to a small stream nearby. There was plenty of budding grass and he nipped at it leisurely, snorting every now and then. I tied him to a thick tree branch and crouched by the water, dipping my fingers in and brushing the smooth stones beneath the surface. 
    Bodies of water had always intrigued me even as they calmed me. I stood and looked up at the birds rustling through the budding trees, smiling at the excitement they felt. The smell of new life was everywhere and I soaked it in for as long as I could because tomorrow would bring death. 
    Arms circled my waist and I smelled pine and snow. I leaned back into Broderick and placed my hands over his as he kissed my neck. 
    "You need to pay attention to your surroundings," he murmured in my ear. 
    "Maybe I heard you coming."
    "You didn't," he said and nipped at my ear.
    I felt his smile and on impulse, slammed my heel on his instep and pushed hard back against him, just as Graham had taught me. His arms let go and he stumbled back, nearly falling down. When he righted himself, his smile was wicked and I took a step back as a nervous and excited giggle left my lips. 
    "My sweet, violent Evelyn," he said in a husky voice. "You're learning."
    He kept stalking toward me and I kept backing away. 
    "Brod..." I drew out the syllable in his name.
    He made a low sound in his throat that had me turning to run, laughing and screaming. His arms encircled my waist once more and he lifted my feet off the ground. 
    "What will you do now, Evelyn?" he breathed in my ear. 
    I'd show him what I'd do now. I reached between us and worked my hand down toward where I could feel the hardness pressing against my bottom. I rubbed him through his pants and he hissed. 
    "Clever woman," he chuckled and set me down. 
    "What has you all riled?" I asked teasingly. 
    "You," he said in a low voice as he pulled me against him. "You drive me mad, Evelyn. You haunt my dreams and every waking moment."
    My breath hitched and I fisted the fabric of his shirt. All teasing was gone now and all I knew was those blazing blue eyes. His lips met mine in a sweet, desperate kiss. I traced his bottom lip with my tongue and he moaned deep in his chest. 
    Then, a throat cleared very loudly from beside us and we both looked to see Graham standing a few yards away with his arms crossed. 
    "Yes?" Broderick drawled with exaggerated patience, still holding me against him. 
    "The tents are set up," Graham informed him. "It's time for the meeting."
    Broderick cursed before pressing a hard, deep kiss to my lips.