Fearless (Nameless #3)(62)

“I want to be left alone,” said Gryphon. He kept his back to her as he tossed a pebble into the stream.

Zo’s stiffened at his cold tone. Empty. She’d heard that tone before. A long, long time ago. So long ago it might have been a dream. Her father sitting on the grass overlooking the valley while sharpening his weapons. He had wanted to be left alone too, the night before the Ram came.

Zo tried not to let disappointment creep into her voice. “If that’s what you want.”

Gryphon’s head whipped up and he was almost instantly on his feet. “Zo!” He closed the distance between them in two strides and took her by the hand. “I thought you were one of Laden’s guards asking me to join another meeting,” he explained.

“No, it’s all right.” Zo pulled away. “I understand if you want some time to yourself.” He’d been devastated by Sani’s death. And he wasn’t alone. The entire camp seemed to be swallowed up in mourning. Mourning for the loss of a Raven prince, and plagued by the reminder that even inside the Allied Camp, they weren’t completely safe.

If Chief Naat’s runners didn’t return soon with news of the Gate, they’d be forced to send another team. If a full mess of Ram had found them, there was a chance even Barnabas knew their location. Whispers around camp said a battle was looming, but no one seemed to know specifics, and Laden hadn’t given her so much as a hint of his plans when she’d cornered him on the subject.

“No.” Gryphon took her hand again and this time held it with more intensity. “I want you to stay.” He cleared his throat as though intending to speak but didn’t. When had things turned so awkward between them? Gryphon was never unsure of himself.

He led her back to the bank of the stream and together they sat with their backs to a granite boulder as they listened to the gentle flow of the shallow water rolling over rocks.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. Something I’ve wanted to say for a while now,” said Gryphon.

Zo shook her head. “I’m sorry I doubted you about the fire. I’ve been feeling so strange and insecure.” She sighed at her rushed, jumbled admission. “I know you’re unhappy here and—”

“Stop.” He turned away and threaded his hands through his hair. “You’re right not to trust me.”

Zo shook her head. She’d been a fool to even think Gryphon could be anything but honorable. Reaching for his arm, she grabbed him and forced him to face her. “I love you, Gryphon. I trust you. I was wrong to question you before, and I will not make that mistake again.”

Gryphon reached out and took her face in his hands. His thumb briefly grazed her cheek. Back and forth, feather soft. Gentle, as though he might break her if he wasn’t careful.

She was stronger than he knew. Much stronger.

His hand trailed down her arm to her side and rested on the hilt of the dagger. “Why do you carry this?” His breath came quick, like he’d been running.

She wrinkled her nose, surprised by the change in subject. “For protection, why else?”

Gryphon shook his head. “You have no business carrying this weapon.”

Zo sat back, shocked. “I think I’ve earned the right to carry a blade, Gryph! Women of your clan carry them everywhere.”

Gryphon climbed to his feet and offered Zo his hands to help her up. She stared at them then used her own power to stand.

“Don’t be offended. I’m not suggesting you’re too weak to carry a knife.”

Perhaps, but you’re still dodging the question. Zo’s hands shot to her hips and in that moment she knew she looked like Tess in one of her fits. “Then what are you suggesting?”

Gryphon folded his arms across his chest. His angular face studied Zo as he considered her.

“What?” Zo’s voice rose.

“Say a man tries to attack you from behind.” Gryphon slowly took hold of her waist and spun her around. The weight of his hands made her blush. She closed her eyes and fought the urge to lean against his strong frame as he stepped right behind her. Thigh to thigh. Back to chest. The heat of his body at her back acted as a tangible energy between them. “He goes to grab you.” Gryphon wrapped his heavy arms around her. Pinning her arms to her side. “What do you do?”

Zo took her time to consider, soaking in the moment, resisting the urge to lull her head back onto his shoulder, to find the warm hollow of his neck with her lips. “I fight.” Zo meant to speak with more volume, but only a whisper escaped her wanting lips.

“Exactly. And when the man realizes you’re not worth the fight … ” Out of nowhere, a dagger pressed to her throat. Her dagger. He turned her around and tucked the knife back in its case.

“Men wear swords because they are strong enough to keep them. Not because they have earned the right to carry them. You,” he touched the tip of her nose in a playful gesture, “lack a man’s strength and must make up for it in cunning. Ouch!”

Zo held her hidden knife to his stomach. They were pressed so close together that he hadn’t seen her go for it. “That,” he pushed the blade away from him, “is exactly what I mean.”

Zo removed the large dagger from the belt at her waist. “I trust your judgment.” She offered it to him with a shy smile. “Here, I doubt anyone will ever have the chance to take it from you.”