Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(119)

“Let me get that,” Dagaa took the chair. He then handed Cyprian and Metcor a mug of cold brew. “You two look like you could use it.”

“Thanks,” Cyprian took a big swig. It was refreshing after his run through the jungle.

“Good going, saving our hides,” Madhava commented in appreciation.

“Actually, the Toufik found, then killed the Jurou Biljana.” Cyprian nodded his appreciation to Metcor. “And Riley remembered the phrase to disable those orbs. I just ran around like my tail was on fire.”

Cyprian glanced up at the villa. There was still no sign of the females.

I should’ve kept her pinned in the grass till I told her everything. That would’ve gone over well. What would I say? I’m not mated to someone else. You’re my mate. Yeah, every female wants to learn she’s been mated against her will, while wallowing around in the dirt. Cyprian cringed as he pictured Riley kneeing him in the shaft.

“Why am I still surprised by those females?” Dagaa shook his head.

“That’s a good question,” Kagan laughed. “I don’t have any profound answers. Instead, I suggest we celebrate victory over our enemy.”

“And tomorrow, we’ll attempt this mating again,” Tytus clapped Metcor on the shoulder. “Speaking of mating, there’s my gorgeous female.” Tytus beamed as he focused on the veranda doors of the villa.

Cyprian’s eyes roved the small group of females.

Where is Riley?

Cyprian started toward the villa, only to have the females intercept him. They all wore the same scowl they’d had for him all day. The females clearly weren’t happy with him. But only one mattered, and she wasn’t present. Cyprian bowed to the females, since it was the respectful thing to do. He then sidestepped the group, before anyone attempted to stop him. He was done being deterred. The general continued to the veranda, then halted.

There stood Riley, at the edge of the patio. She wore a sleeveless, golden yellow dress that hugged her body, then flared out below the knee. Her violet streaked hair was down, like he preferred. Cyprian noticed the bandage on the back of her neck was gone. If her long dark hair shifted, his conjugo mark would be more than obvious. Add to that, the last half of his name was clearly legible, peeking past the dress, just above her breast. There would be no doubt to anyone present that Riley was his.

This explains why the females were looking at me like I’m a bastard. I guess Riley’s not pissed because she thinks I’m mated to someone else anymore. Based on her expression she wasn’t thrilled hearing the news second hand. This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen. Cyprian debated cupping his shaft as he approached her.

“Riley. We must talk.”

“If you value your safety, you will let me have several drinks before we do this,” Riley glared at him as she brushed past, heading for the row of tables.

Dammit.

Cyprian growled and spun to follow her. Riley took the lone empty seat nearest their friends. Cyprian stomped over to the seat next to her, and tapped the male on the shoulder.

“Move,” Cyprian rumbled.

His brow rose when the male opened his mouth to object. Wisely the warrior got up without uttering whatever foolish thing was on his lips, and Cyprian sat.

“Real nice,” Riley hissed under her breath, without bothering to look at him.

“He was in my rightful spot.”

Riley swung to face him.

“Really? And how do you figure that?” She asked then turned back to her drink.

The way Riley spoke so calmly made Cyprian pause. It was like she was asking some banal question about the weather.

How in the goddess’ name can someone so small, be so damn intimidating?

Cyprian delved his hand into the hair at the nape of Riley’s neck, and ran his thumb over the conjugo mark.

“I think you already know, Little Manx.”

He was glad Riley didn’t brush him off, as his thumb caressed the spot on the crook of her neck. Instead Riley took a large swig of her vinum, then glanced at him.

“No, I don’t, General. Why don’t you enlighten me?”

“Don’t lie to me, Little Manx.” Cyprian had to work hard not to growl. “It’s plain to see the females told you. This is not how I wanted you to learn about the conjugo mark.”

Riley polished off her drink, then grabbed his, and took a large gulp.

“You want to talk about lies, General? How about the one where you told me I was free?” Riley gestured to the mark. “Neither of us are free. Are we? Then there’s the sin of omission. You had several chances to tell me. But, no, you squandered that time playing mind games, treating me like I was your slave.”