“Kuat take you, Nero!”
“You better talk to me, or I’ll throw another big one and hit that ugly face of yours.”
“I have a busy day,” I snapped. “I cannot stand around and tell tales like a female.”
“Sure, you can.” Nero raised a brow. “You’re a prince. You can do anything you wish.”
No, I couldn’t, and he knew that.
“I can’t be near you right now.”
“I hadn’t noticed,” Nero said dryly. “Tell me what brought on the sudden rage. You told me you’d kill me in the human females’ cookery, kin.”
That surprised me. I couldn’t remember telling him anything. I thought about it when I heard him ask Levi for her intention, but I didn’t think I mentally projected that to my kin.
“It is nothing.”
When I turned to walk away, Nero shot forward, covering the space between us, and shoved me, knocking me off balance enough that I stumbled until I had my footing. A snarl tore free as I felt every muscle in my body tense as I turned to face my kin.
“Tell. Me.”
“Levi!” I snapped. “You asked her for her intention!”
“So?” Nero scowled. “What does that have to do with you?”
Absolutely nothing.
“Forget it.” I shook my head. “It does not matter.”
When I turned to walk away, Nero suddenly hit me, and before I knew it, I swung, and my fist connected with his jaw. He rammed his knee into my stomach, punched me twice, and attempted to bite me. I couldn’t believe he’d resort to cheap tactics such as biting. With a roar, I speared him to the ground and pummelled him. Nero was an excellent fighter, but I was better. He got in three more well-placed jabs before I heard a bellow that made Nero and me submit.
“Enough!”
I rolled off my kin, remaining on my knees next to him, and kept my eyes locked on his stupid smiling face that was marred with fresh cuts, bruises, and trickles of blood.
“Do you feel better now?”
Panting, I realised then that he attacked me to help relieve me of some of the anger and stress I felt. Instantly, I felt bad for hitting him with so much force.
“Yes, I do.”
“Good.” Nero grunted. “Thanas, you hit hard.”
“I am sorry, kin.”
“Don’t be.” Nero grinned, wiping away the blood on his mouth. “I love a good spar.”
I couldn’t muster up a snort.
“Me too.”
We both got to our feet and brushed off our clothing. We looked to our right as my father passed us by. He had been the one to shout for our fighting to halt, and I knew it was because he feared I’d reach the edge and kill Nero.
“You’re getting much quicker with your strikes, Nero.”
Nero smiled. “Thank you, Uncle.”
“Your mother is resting in your parents’ wing. She is alert but weak. Your father wants to spend a few intervals alone with her, so make sure not to disturb them.”
Nero straightened and nodded. My father glanced at me, looked me up and down with a grin, then left without another word. I looked down at myself, and other than dust and some dirt, I didn’t know what he found so amusing.
“I couldn’t draw blood,” Nero said. “He is amused because I am so bloody, and you only have some bruises forming.”
“Not for your lack of trying. I can’t believe you attempted to bite me like a youngster.”
“A warrior must use every tactic available during war.”
War. While fighting me? Funny.
“So …” Nero brushed his bottoms free of dust and dirt. “Talk. You’re less agitated now. Do what Nova always suggests, use your words.”
“I do not know what to say,” I admitted, shifting my stance. “My head is confused when it comes to Levi. We’re friends. We agreed on that, but … I … I don’t know.”
“You care for the human.” Nero’s eyes suddenly widened. “Thanas, save me. You care for Levi.”
“No!” I blinked. “Well, yes. Maybe. I do not know. I shouldn’t feel anything for her or for any female.”
“But you do,” Nero pressed. “Feel something for Levi?”
“Something,” I acknowledged. “I just do not know what.”
“Thanas. This was the last thing I expected from you, kin.”
I was surprised too. I could no longer deny that I was very attracted to the little human, but would a mere attraction have me entertaining thoughts of ripping my cousin’s throat out for asking her for her intention? I wasn’t sure.
“I am a horrible male.” I looked down as thoughts swam around my head. “Kovu is dead. My heart should be too.”
“Ezah.” Nero sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder. “What promise did you make sweet Kovu before she left this world to go and be with Thanas?”
I did not answer.
“Kin,” he pressed. “What promise did you give your intended?”
“That I would not shut down,” I rasped. “That I would find a female who makes my heart happy and make her my mate.”