Part 24 (1/2)

”I'm pretty irresistible.” Colton's c.o.c.ky tone washed over us. ”Brace is just jealous.”

He shrugged. ”What can I say? I'm a jealous guy. But mostly I'm protecting Red from having to see your ugly a.s.s.”

”Colt has nothing on you, baby,” I whispered to him, reaching up to run my fingertips along his jaw line.

He snorted. ”Never has, never will.”

The boys continued to banter. Colton mentioned something about tiny man-parts, although they were not the words he used.

”I'm telling you now, neither of you have a problem with that.” Lucy's eyes were wide and s.h.i.+ny as she said this.

Brace grinned and Colton growled at her words.

”That reminds me, I still have to kick your a.s.s for that, Brace,” Colton said, pointing a long finger at him.

”You can try,” Brace said lazily. ”I don't actually remember the incident in question, but I'm sure Lucy enjoyed the show.”

”Oh, I did.” Lucy fluttered, before winking at Colton's exaggerated growl. ”But my favorite part was Abby's b.u.t.t in the air.”

I blushed. I could feel the heat coating my cheeks and even my ears felt a little warm.

”I'm thinking that would have been my favorite part also,” Brace said in a low voice.

I hid my face against his chest until their laughter subsided and my face returned to its natural ivory color. Brace rubbed my back in a comforting manner.

Finally we moved into the doorway to Nephilius. Seeing the men side-by-side pointed out how similar Brace and Colton really were. In more ways than one. Truthfully, I was yet to see a Walker without a good body d.a.m.n, good was an understatement; they were perfect but Brace and Colton were even a step above this, truly exceptional.

It was hard sometimes and I knew Lucy felt the same way. They were flawless G.o.d-like creatures, as if each part had been delicately carved to perfection. And we were both human-like females with plenty of flaws. Although less than the average Earthling, so we couldn't really complain.

As we stepped out into the white mists of Nephilius, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was coming next. Sure, I wasn't the one battling or anything, but it's hard watching your loved ones fighting and being hurt.

Well, let's just say I'd already had enough of that to last a lifetime.

Chapter 16.

We were like mini-G.o.ds on Nephilius. They were so grateful to us for freeing their dead souls that they'd dropped the arrogance and become very respectful.

”Looks like they're loving themselves some Walker.” Colton smirked as he leaned against a cloud post. ”Can't really blame them.”

Brace smacked him on the shoulder. It must have been pretty hard because he stumbled. ”Don't forget who freed the souls. Red's stronger than either of us, and she kicked a.s.s down there.”

I melted a little inside at his words, so proud and protective.

”d.a.m.n, did you have to dislocate my shoulder to prove your point? I know Abby has bigger ba ” Another punch cut Colton off before he could finish that statement.

”Abbs is amazeb.a.l.l.s. We all know this.” Lucy hugged me tightly. ”And she has excellent taste in friends.”

I shook my head, hoping they were ready to move on to a new topic. It made me uncomfortable when people acted like I was more awesome than I was. I just got into situations and did everything I could to get out. One day soon I'd probably get in way over my head and drown or need to be saved again. I certainly was no great savior. The Seventine kicked my b.u.t.t every time we went head to head with them.

”Are you ready to battle?” Delane strode over to us, her hands gripping twin fighting axes.

The weapons were similar to the smaller throwing style I'd used on Earth, but on a much larger scale. Personally, I preferred throwing knives, but that was probably because my accuracy sucked with the mini tomahawks.

She gestured to Brace. ”You need to get your weapons. Steva has decided, with all the delays that this is one big final knockout round. We'll fight until there's one champion left. Any weapon or style ... freestyle.”

”I thought you usually had champions for each different weapon?” I said.

She shrugged, just the slightest lift of her shoulders. ”Apparently this year will be different. In celebration of our returned Angelica and the freeing of the souls.”

Her tone said she didn't care, but her narrowed black eyes broadcast her annoyance. Brace kissed me on both cheeks, just near my lips, before his final kiss landed on my mouth.

”See you soon, Red. Stay out of trouble.”

I stuck out my tongue. ”I promise not to fall down any crevices.”

”What about us?” Colton's face dropped into an exaggerated expression of devastation. ”I'm starting to think you don't have an appropriate level of ... giving-a-s.h.i.+t about the rest of us, Brace.”

Brace flipped him off, before following Delane across to the weapons area.

”That cuts me deep, man,” Colton yelled after him. ”Really deep.”

I couldn't help the laughter that rang free. Got to take your funny wherever you can find it.

Colton turned to Lucy. ”Want to kiss it better?” She flew up and leaned in for a kiss, before ducking away at the last second. Her wings fluttered as she grinned at him. A light of challenge flared across his face and then he was off after her.

It was actually nice to see Colton in such a playful mood. He'd been much happier since finding out about Brace and me. He was happy for his friend, which made him a keeper in my opinion.

My eyes stayed locked on Brace's broad-shouldered back as he moved through the Angelica. The d.a.m.n flip-flopping of nerves started low in my belly. c.r.a.p! I did not want him fighting again. b.l.o.o.d.y stubborn Walkers. Delane should just get her b.u.t.t to First World.

I wondered for a moment how the other girls were going on their worlds. No one had checked in yet. So I guessed they hadn't found any suspicious energy-gathering areas.

I wondered if I should send my tethers out to check on them, but I was worried that I'd connect to them and freeze them in a vulnerable position. I'd hate to think that I'd left them defenseless to an attack or something. Maybe I'd wait for them to call for me.

I watched as the Angelica transformed the tournament field into the different fight squares. The champions from the first day were stepping out to battle. I could see the field clearly. The white-winged Angelica were batting away the mists and using their powers to halt the freezing winds.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the tall Walker in the center of the field. Brace was against a black-wing, but it was not Delane. She was to battle a white. The judges were gathered together, ready to observe the staggered battles again.

At Steva's command, the first group began. The rest of the Angelica either watched the fight or moved in a series of warm-up exercises. Brace did neither. He stood there looking bored and spent his time watching me. I could feel his warm gaze.

Lucy and Colton came back then, distracting me. They settled in on either side of me, both reaching out to touch my arm, offering comfort. Even though Colton thought it was hilarious, they both knew I was nervous.

I didn't have to worry. Brace's turn to fight came around. He wore armor but had no weapons. He fought hand to hand, using the lighter gravity to bounce around and keep pace with the flying Angelica. It took no more than ten minutes for him to cold-c.o.c.k the black in the face and knock him backwards. He followed this with an elbow to the jaw that knocked the Angelica unconscious.

He moved to the next round.