Page 128 of First Ritual

“I couldn’t say.” Should I tell him my quipu told me to do it? He’d look just as baffled.

Barrow glanced at the team leaders before facing the rest of Vero. He blinked and the names on the list switched. “We shall see what this week has to bring. It’s time to separate into focus groups. Those included in the attacks this week will assess their matched opponents. Please bring that assessment to the entire attack team after to discuss group strategy. Defense, please do the same. Ploys, I’m sure you’re in the thick of things already.”

The mood was subdued as we were dismissed.

Rooke grabbed my arm. “Girl. You’ve got serious vagina.”

Maybe. I’d grown up with women who weren’t afraid to challenge. I wasn’t either. In my current state, challenging and antagonizing were all I wanted to do. “Thanks. I think. Do you know where I go?”

“Nope. Let’s see who you’re matched to first.” She ran her finger down the list. I’d interrupted Barrow before he got to my name.

Rooke covered her mouth.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Don’t look.”

“Who?”

“Huxley.” Rooke winced.

I snorted. “So much for easing me in.”

“Why do you seem so happy about that match?”

Because I couldn’t fucking wait to fight a battle where I didn’t have to hold back. I wanted to detonate, and Huxley would give our fight his all. “What do you know about his fighting? All I know is he kept his own against Wild.”

“Bronte,” Sven said, walking up behind me. “The team leaders want you with a small team today to get settled in. We’re teamed against Huxley. You also have a novice fight.”

I had to share Huxley? Dammit. I did get two fights though. That was something.

Sven jerked his head. “Come on. We should get started.” He slid a look at my cousin. “You can come too.”

Rooke folded her arms. “I’m on defense. Why am I going with you?”

Sven looped an arm around her waist. “Because I like looking at you.”

“Is that so?” she purred. Purred.

He brushed his nose against hers. “Sure is, gorgeous. I want you in sight all hours of the day and night.”

Mother be, was this an act or for real?

Rooke cleared her throat, straightening a pink pastel short and tee set she’d borrowed from me. “I’m going to my actual focus group.” She took a step, then threw him a sultry look. “Catch you later?”

“Will do, girlfriend.”

Rooke wrinkled her nose and walked off, leaving me staring at Sven.

He grimaced. “Will do, girlfriend. I can’t believe I just said that. Damn.” He pulled a face. “She makes me nervous.”

Sven was all-in on the possibility of more with Rooke. The same couldn’t be said for Rooke. I’d warn the guy, but she’d been more than clear about her outlook on him. He’d gone in with his eyes wide open. A little emotional smackdown may be good for Sven, yet was Rooke enjoying this more than she’d expected to?

They’d been very believable just now. “I don’t think she heard,” I told him.

Sven exhaled in a rush. “You think so?”

She’d absolutely heard.