The Grey God

"I figured I'd leave these in his bed for him," Darian said with a wink. "Seems to be the custom around here."

"You do that." Jenn turned away. The vulnerability she felt in the immortal world lingered. She didn't like it. She'd kill as many punching bags as she could, until she was numb to the world again. She'd almost managed to return to the zone when Darian gripped the chain at the top of the punching bag, stabilizing it before her and disrupting the swaying rhythm.

"Something happened," he said, gazing at her with the intensity that disturbed her.

"Leave me alone for a bit."

"Wanna spar? Kicking my ass always makes you feel better."

Jenn hesitated. Sparring with Darian kept her mind busy, for the Grey God was unpredictable in the ring. At the same time, she wanted him away from her.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said at her silence. "I just … let me get the blood off before the vamps start circling." Darian stepped away to a towel rack. He peeled off his shredded shirt and wiped himself down with a towel.

Jenn's gaze took in his lean body. There was no part of him that was soft, from the chiseled abs and hips to his thick biceps. His was a body that had been honed until all that stood between muscle and air was a thin coat of skin. She'd always had an eye for a man with a body, and Darian's was perfect.

As if sensing her look, Darian turned. He met her gaze, his intense look steady. Jenn felt warmth bloom in her body in response to his stare.

It's not going to happen, she told herself, striding to the ring. She wasn't going down the path Xander said was hers. Darian was a god, one betrayed by the only woman he'd ever loved. She was the last in a long line of servants. Even if her position among the Guardians was among the highest levels, she still considered herself a slave to her duty. She tried to tell herself this was why she couldn't let them get close. As good as she was a lying to others, she didn't believe herself.

"Go easy on me," he said, entering the ring with her, sans shirt and shoes. "I just took on five Others. You can have the first-"

Jenn didn't wait for him to finish but launched a kick straight for his head. Darian ducked, eyeing her as he moved away.