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before the giant, his blade held as much a threat as his own matching stance.
    “A foolish move, elamie.”
    Her confidence rose in stature to the weapon now in her possession. “We will see who is the fool.”
    Her attack obviously surprised the male and Melane pushed her advantage, striking fast and sure, with expert maneuvers. His defending blows were jerky as if stunned and unsure how to deal with her. Keeping him off balance was her only hope of succeeding. The male’s reach was twice her own and to question the power he’d yet to use against her could mean death. Why he held back confused Melane, but she refused to let her attention slip.
    “Your protector trained you well, elamie.”
    The taunt infuriated Melane. “I am my own protector.”
    Her answer lit his expressive eyes, making them sparkling under the sun like tiny diamonds floating in the dark pools. For a second Melane became lost in the spell they cast, forgetting all but the night heaven’s fathomless depths. The lapse earned his lunge, driving her back with his sweeping blade. When their swords clashed, the impact vibrated up her arm, alarming her over the obvious physical difference between them. She was a warrior; no doubt he possessed the same skills. Unlike the clumsy Kibra that relied on brute strength, this man moved with cunning and expertise, wielding the sword in unmatched power!
    When his blade danced about her own, the pulling release from her grip was almost gentle in the taking. Immobile and defenseless, Melane waited for the killing blow.
    “Only a fool would destroy such beauty.” She was that and more standing bravely before him, wishing to slay him with those striking blue eyes. He never encountered such effrontery in an elamie. She was a rare one as well as very pleasing to the eyes. The thick wet lengths of her hair reached past her waist, one he could easily span within his hold. The gentle curve of her hips was firm and smooth, leading to delicately trimmed thighs and legs. There was almost a regal air to her beauty. The unexpected defiance in those exotic eyes caused something inside him to ripple to life. He did not believe for a moment that she accepted her defeat, not when those cool blue eyes shined with bold arrogance, refusing to look down before his own fierce stance.
    A pitiful wail came from the fallen animal. His sword stayed her movement.
    Melane never felt such rage. “You are a cruel beast!”
    “Shall we try that again, elamie? The name is Wylan or…master. Either will do.”
    Stepping back, her eyes grew large in their incredulous glare.
    “Male arrogance!” Melane’s lips curled over his roaring laughter.
    “Maybe my new elamie is not such a prize after all. Did your protector let you loose on purpose?”
    His sarcasm didn’t miss its mark, but Melane refused to humor him any further. Holding silent, she folded her arms across her chest for emphasis.
    Tipping his sword to her in salute, the male started a guarded walk around her.
    Biting her lip she held fast when he retrieved her sword and knife. The loss made her extremely uncomfortable before him. When he lifted her armor and clucked in distaste, she turned her head away “And where, prey tell, did an elamie obtain warrior garb?”
    “If by your word, elamie, you refer to me, the answer should be obvious. I am as you say, a warrior…a Lamar captain of the Grand Guard, to be exact.”
    “Arrogance, now pride, what other surprises do you hold from view, elamie?”
    “None…unless it is to kill you at the first opportunity.”
    Where were her thoughts, to warm him such! She inwardly screamed, he annoyed her so. His laughter was like a lash upon her ebbing control.
    “Already you add flavor to the pleasure I have but sampled from afar. No doubt you drove your previous protector to the edge. Tell me his name so I might relieve the poor soul of his burden.”
    Spinning about to face her tormentor, she herself straightened at his own return to a