Sky and Storm ( Warriors of Vis #1)(30)

Storm smirked and shook his head. “Really, now? You’re never this disciplined when it comes to fanfare, Eagle.”

Eagle shrugged and smiled, looking more like a menace than a sheepish subordinate. “Well, I reckon the circumstances are special.”

“Because I found you on top of my husband?” Storm crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow.

“Now, you wait a damned second,” Eagle said, taking a half-step forward and pointing at Storm. “That was training. There was armor involved. And swords!”

Storm’s eyebrow went higher.

“Not those kind of swords,” Eagle defended, shaking his hand dismissively. “No offence, Dragon, he might be all manner of hot, but he’s not my type.”

Unable to keep up the pretense any longer, Storm let his laughter loose. “Oh, gods, you’re funny. You should just see yourself, Eagle. In all seriousness, never try to tell me you wouldn’t fuck my husband because he’s not your type. We both know you don’t really have a type.”

Eagle shrugged again and sat on the bed, his head in his hands. “Oh, fuck me sideways! What do you want from me? If I am to leave your riders, say it plainly. I didn’t touch your husband in any inappropriate way.”

“Oh, hells and firestorms! I know all that, you fool. You’re young and can’t keep your cock in your pants. But I trust Sky, and I trust you as my fighter. That’s not why I am here.”

“So why are you here, then? I don’t think making fun of me is so high up your list of priorities.”

“Do you know why Sky’s training with you?” Storm went and sat by Eagle on his bed, bumping the younger man with his shoulder.

“He tells me he wants to join your riders.”

“Do you think he could?”

Eagle looked away and rubbed his chin. “I don’t know what to say.”

Storm rolled his eyes. “You don’t know the answer, or is it that you don’t know what I want to hear?”

Eagle smiled sheepishly and shrugged. “I’ve trained with him for a while now. I’d be a poor excuse of a Dragon’s rider if I didn’t know if he can cut it.”

“So talk to me. Be blunt, Eagle,” Storm encouraged, squeezing Eagle’s shoulder.

“Sky needs to build stamina. He’s come a long way fast, but he still needs to build it. In terms of skills, brains, and knowledge? He could take on most of your riders right now.”

“How much longer would it take for him to be in top shape?” Storm asked.

“A couple of months. Three at most. He’s a very fast learner and he’s stubborn in his determination. I haven’t seen anyone train so hard. I’ve been wounded recently, but even fully healed, he’s very close to keeping up with me.”

Storm wanted to curse, but beyond the fear and anger that masked it, he was proud. Sky made him proud, even if his accomplishments were military. He knew Eagle wouldn’t embellish anything, he was too honest of a fighter and forever dedicated to the riders. He’d never recommend Storm brought in someone who’d put them all in danger.

“One warning, Dragon,” Eagle said, looking around as if they were being watched.

“What is it?”

“He’s brilliant, a visionary. He’s got good instincts. Sky will make a great leader.”

Storm chuckled and wrapped his arm around Eagle’s shoulders. “Why do you say that as if it’s a warning?”

“Because I know you and how protective you are. If you bring him into the riders’ party, you must be his Dragon. And that means letting him shine. Don’t stifle his flame just to keep him safe.”

Storm nodded. The Dragon and his riders had strict rules. It was meritocracy throughout Vis’s army, but more so in his elite ranks. If Storm treated Sky differently, it would stand out like a sore thumb.

“The thought of my husband in battle, it terrifies me.” Storm took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair. “I understand why it would be hard to be sidelined and worry day in and day out. I’d hate it. On the other hand, what if my fear of Sky getting hurt distracts me?”

Eagle smiled and clapped Storm’s shoulder. “I think once you get used to the idea of Sky being there, you’d be too busy rising up to the challenge.”

“Challenge?”

“With a little experience, he could be as good as you are.”

Storm laughed, the sound booming in the small, cozy room. “Never! I’d always become better, faster than him.”

“And that right there is why you’d make each other better warriors.”

Storm stood. “You’re stationed here until he’s ready. You will both return to the riders when you think you’re done training him.”

“Me? He needs more than me, Storm,” Eagle said, jumping off the bed.

“You can enlist anyone’s help. The academy, generals, other Dragon riders. It’s your call.”

“Sky doesn’t need more riders. He needs you while you’re here. And I’ll figure out who else.”

“Why me?”

Eagle smirked. “Because nothing will motivate Sky more than trying to become a warrior you’d approve of. He wants you to be proud of him, be confident in having him in your ranks.”