Assassin's Kiss by Sharon Kay

one instance, and to encourage it in another. It was hypocritical. Self-serving. Went against her every belief.
    Yet Torth was full of contradictions and dangers. And Vespera wasn’t above killing.
    “No,” she said finally. “Let our guards do some damage. We aren’t helpless.”
    “I acknowledge that.” He flicked a brief glance to Zeebi, who had come to stand beside Tessa. “But I’m better.”
    Arrogant words, delivered in a strictly matter-of-fact tone. Deep down she knew he was right. Tessa opened her mouth to protest, not able to let that comment slide by, when a hiss split the poplars behind her.
    She and Zeebi jumped. Scorpio moved in front of them. They all stared as a blue ball of witchfire burst through the rustling leaves, its momentum slowed by the branches. It fell to the grass and rolled, then winked out.
    “Either our men are in trouble or that was a totally bad throw,” Zeebi muttered.
    “They’re close. Moving fast.” A low growl rumbled from his chest. “Someone’s bleeding.”
    Tessa swallowed, hoping like hell that she’d see the Vespera mages running in fear, pursued by the Bronwy guards. Noise of crashing feet and snapping branches carried to her ears.
    Shouts echoed off the trees as the men came into view.
    Tessa’s heart squeezed in terror. She didn’t see Fenrick. Doing a quick count, she did see five Vespera men. One clashed blades with Samuel…but the Vespera’s blade glowed a bright green. Samuel stumbled back, swinging furiously.
    Green indicated the most heinous and deadly form of dark magic.
    “Shit,” Tessa whispered. She grabbed a small blade from her thigh, murmured a spell, and flung it at the nearest enemy…
    Who didn’t even turn around, yet held up a hand. Her blade stopped in midair and fell to the grass.
    “What the hell?” Zeebi gasped. “Your knife was on target for his throat.”
    “He didn’t even look. He knew it was incoming.” Dread weighted her stomach.
    “Samuel!” Zeebi shrieked.
    Tessa looked in horror as her friend was steadily and surely outmaneuvered by his opponent. On the ground now, he had become trapped beneath the Vespera, whose sword gleamed extra bright before plunging into his neck. Blood spurted.
    “No!” Tessa yelped.
    Scorpio positioned his body in front of her and Zeebi, but they were too upset and angry to hide behind anything. They exchanged a glance and raised their hands, summoning witchfire of their own.
    The blue orbs shot with precision toward the enemy mages. But again, they were able to stop it midair. And now they turned their attention to the women and Scorpio.
    “What’s this?” one cracked. “A handcuffed Lash demon?”
    “Tessa.” Scorpio’s words were low and urgent. “Two of our men are down and your spells have done shit so far. Release me. I’ll get us out of here.”
    “I can try another spell, it should—”
    “Tessa.” He glanced over one shoulder. “I don’t doubt your skills but I won’t risk your life. Any of you.” The blaze in his eyes burned straight through to her heart and she knew, absolutely knew, that he would save all of them if he could. Tiny doubts danced at the edges of her mind, but urgency shoved them away.
    She had to trust her gut, trust her skill at reading others. No time to waste on weighing the pros, cons, or repercussions. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she gave in to the fledgling conviction she couldn’t even begin to understand. “Okay.”
    On a rapid exhale, the words to unbind his hands flowed from her lips. Next, the spell to release the collar and gloves. Metal thudded to the ground as he yanked off the black leather.
    With a last look full of promise and gratitude, he murmured, “Stay here. Both of you.” Then he charged the closest Vespera.
    “Holy shit, I hope you know what you’re doing.” Zeebi scooped the restraints from the grass.
    “Me too.” Tessa’s gut churned as Scorpio jumped to avoid a green ball of fire. She couldn’t explain