Hunted: The Warrior Chronicles #2 by K.F. Breene Page A

moment, and then resumed his gentle stroking. “You’re a warrior. You need to fight, to dominate, and to be dominated. Your life is a permanent struggle, and you need that in your intimacy or you can’t completely respect your partner. How often did you beat on me when we were kids?”
    “You deserved it.”
    Laughter rumbled in Rohnan’s chest. “Very rarely. The difference between Romie and me was that I understood the warrior mentality since I was training in it. It wasn’t my calling, either, but it became my duty. Then you gave me the rare privilege of being your Chance. That distinction built up my ego, something I have always needed help with. You made me tough, and your guidance made me better.”
    “If only it improved your jokes…”
    Rohnan chuckled quietly and looked back at the flame. The crackling of the fire permeated the otherwise peaceful night. After a few moments, Rohnan said, “Cayan.”
    That was it. He just said the name. Even so, Shanti went on the defense immediately, and she had no idea why. Rohnan could probably figure it out with his horribly potent Gift , but she wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
    Feeling her reaction, Rohnan smiled. He poked at the fire. The flame rose and whirled into the air, sending sparks up toward the reaching branches overhead. “Your power found a mate. We didn’t think one would exist for you.”
    Shanti shifted her gaze from the orange flame to focus on Rohnan’s face, mostly blank but for the knowing smile.
    “How long have you known my power could have a mate?” she asked.
    “Since before you started east.”
    “And you didn’t mention it…”
    Rohnan sighed. “I overheard your grandfather talking. He asked that I keep it to myself. Obviously I wouldn’t have. My duty as Chance is to tell you everything, but when I found you, you were sitting with Romie under your favorite tree. Even if I couldn’t feel your love for him, I could see it in your eyes. Our future was uncertain, your desire to mate him was more than false hope, and we didn’t think you could ever have a power-mate, anyway. I couldn’t fathom the point in depressing you further. So I didn’t mention it.”
    Shanti dug at the ground with a twig, hating and loving that memory of Romie at the same time. Bittersweet. “I can’t fault you. From what we knew at the time, the information wouldn’t have mattered. But it might have helped avoid some awkward situations on my journey…”
    “We will witness fireworks. Bright, powerful fireworks that will change the world,” the older man, who’d revealed his name was Burson, said in a soft voice. He barely moved within his place in the shadows from where he had been staring at the stars and muttering to himself.
    Shanti rolled her eyes. “What did I tell you about talking crazy in this language, Burson? Forbidden, remember?”
    “It is a wonderful journey on which I find myself. Full of surprise and humor. I did not expect that. But then, we were only given milestones—we were not given personalities.”
    “I think it’s about time you told us more about this Wanderer. And about your Gift . Are there others like you?” Shanti asked.
    Burson rose and slowly moved closer to the fire. He sat opposite Shanti and stared at the flames. “I do not like to repeat myself. There are many journeys we will take. I’ll tell you more about myself and my mission when the two halves…” Burson paused and switched languages. He glanced back up at the sky with a smile. “When the two halves finally unite and blast power into the sky.”
    “The two halves?” Rohnan asked.
    “The creator needed two hands to mold the world—one for stability, one for flair, and both, together, to hold it tight to his breast and keep it safe.”
    Shanti glanced up at the sky. A blanket of twinkling stars were stitched into the velvety black. “I think we should at least hear why humor makes you look upwards like a madman, Burson. Are you hearing