The Grey God

His surprise wore off, replaced by cold rage that rose from deep within him.

"I don't have time for this."

Darian strode forward, Xander forgotten as he focused on the two women. The tip of Claire's sword sliced Jenn's collarbone, freeing the necklace. Jenn ducked a second strike, and Claire snatched the necklace from the ground with a triumphant smile. Darian saw the fury cross Jenn's face, and her next strikes were fast and hard enough they might've given her the upper hand she needed.

Darian snatched her sword arm to keep it from falling. Claire was in the surf, her own sword just out of her reach but the necklace clenched in her hand. She scrambled up, ever the actress, and smiled at him as if this was any other day before the Schism.

"Go to Yully," he said to Jenn with firmness even she wouldn't challenge. Darian released her and stepped between the two women. Trust me, he added silently.

He felt Jenn's pain the moment he stepped towards Claire. Jenn's emotion was raw, and it reverberated within him. He knew that kind of pain. He was looking at the only person who'd ever caused it.

"It never pays to be the mistress, love," Claire said to Jenn.

Darian motioned for his former mate to walk with him down the beach. Claire appeared pleased, and he couldn't quite get over just how unconcerned she was with what she'd done to him.

"Did the Others or Watchers set this up?" he asked.

"What matters is that we're here together again," Claire replied.

Others, he told himself mentally.

"Have you missed me?" she teased. "I remember how we used to walk this stretch every night, before the Schism."

Darian looked out over the sea. He'd always loved the teal waters that were neither too warm nor too cool.

"We're not thirty feet from the pool where you used to make love to me," Claire said. "You do remember, don't you?"

"I remember everything."

"They gave me a second chance. I was as much a prisoner to Czerno as you were. I never thought we'd be here again."

Darian said nothing. He expected the sight of her to stir the storm within him. He was as calm as the sea.

"I don't remember you being so quiet, love," she said, looking at him finally.

"A lot has changed," Darian replied. "I've come to peace with some things and am working towards peace on others."