Warrior (Relentless #4)(182)

I couldn’t imagine what it felt like to have all that power inside her, especially now that it had gotten stronger. I wished there was something I could do to help her, but her sylph friend was the only one who could help her with her power.

“Is that why you were upset when you came to training today?” I asked.

She was quiet for a moment. “We were working in the lake, and I was trying to make waves. It used to be so easy for me, and now I can’t do it without worrying I’ll hurt someone. Aine kept telling me to try again, and I got so frustrated and angry I…yelled at her. And then Eldeorin showed up and asked what was wrong. I got so upset, and that made the two of them fuss over me. I yelled at her, and she tried to make me feel better. I feel awful about it. She’s been so good to me and I yelled at her.”

I stopped walking and pulled her around to face me. “Aine understands what you’re going through. I only wish there was something I could do to help you through this.”

Her eyes met mine. “You are doing something. I needed this.”

She turned away and we started walking again, but I couldn’t stop thinking there was something else on her mind. Was she homesick? Did she miss Roland and Peter? Or Nate?

“What else is troubling you?”

“Nothing,” she answered, but I heard the hesitation in her voice.

“Liar,” I challenged her.

“It’s just that there’s not much to do at Eldeorin’s. I have my training during the day, but it’s kind of boring at night. I’m not used to being idle.” She kicked at the sand. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”

I looked at her bent head and wanted to kick myself. How could I not have noticed how unhappy she was? As work demands had increased, I’d started going to the command center more often. I would have asked her to join me, but I’d thought she preferred to stay at home with Jordan.

“It’s not nothing if it’s bothering you. I know I’ve been spending a lot of time next door, and I’m sorry for leaving you alone so much.”

“It’s not that,” she replied quietly. “You have an important job to do, and I don’t want to be coddled or entertained. I just need something to do. I need to feel useful.”

We found a wharf and turned onto it. The wind had a chill to it, but she didn’t seem to mind.

I thought about what she’d said, and it bothered me a lot to hear she didn’t feel useful. The last thing I’d wanted was to make her feel that way.

“You and Jordan don’t have to stay at the house all the time. You can go next door whenever you want.”

“Oh.” She said the word so softly it was almost lost on the wind.

I glanced at her and caught her look of surprise. I’d invited her to see the command center, hadn’t I? The answer to that question made me feel like a total ass.

“The work we’re doing concerns you, too. I’m sorry you thought I didn’t want you there.”

Her lips curved into a small smile. “I should have asked instead of assuming it was off-limits.”

We reached the end of the wharf, and she went to the rail to look down at the waves. Watching her, I was reminded again of how at home she was near the ocean. It also reminded me of another day on another wharf and of our rocky start.

I went to stand beside her. “You’re not planning on jumping, are you?”

She smiled and shook her head then took a deep breath of ocean air. The wind tossed her hair, and she held it to the side with one hand as she stared out over the dark water. She looked almost content. I hated to make her leave, but we’d been away too long as it was.

“We should be heading back,” I said regretfully.

Her smile dimmed a little. “Okay.”

She was quieter on the ride back to Eldeorin’s, not saying much until we pulled up in front of the house.

“I had a great time tonight,” she said as she pulled off her helmet. “Next time I’ll remember to bring gloves.”

I could still feel her hands against my stomach as I moved closer to smooth her hair. “I don’t mind if you forget them.”

Her lips parted, and she trembled slightly under my hand. “I guess I should go in. Jordan’s probably waiting to grill me about every detail,” she said in a breathless voice that made my pulse quicken.

I smiled and lifted her chin. If Jordan wanted details, I’d better make this kiss worth talking about. My stomach fluttered in anticipation as I lowered my head.

“Good, you’re back at last.”

I swore silently as Sara jerked away from me and whirled to face the faerie who stood several feet away, looking far too pleased with himself.

“What are you doing here?” Sara demanded, sounding as unhappy as I was to see him.

He gave her a smile that was too familiar for my liking. “I’ve been thinking about the problems you’ve been having with your magic, and I have an idea that will help you.”

She didn’t return his smile. “That’s great, but shouldn’t we talk about it tomorrow when Aine is here?”

He walked toward her, and it was all I could do not to growl at him when he took her hand.

“This is not part of Aine’s training,” he said with a gleam in his eye. “It’s time for you to start your training with me.”