Before I can question this cryptic statement, he steps away. The sudden absence of his warmth makes me shiver.
“Lithia,” he calls. “Come forward.”
The scarred enforcer approaches, her movements liquid and predatory. Up close, her beauty is even more striking, all sharp angles and deadly grace.
“The Alpha Female will attempt to see your next move,” Ryker explains. “Nothing lethal.”
Lithia’s smile is all fang. “Of course, Alpha.”
My heart pounds against my ribs. “I don’t understand. What am I supposed to?—”
“Focus on her,” Ryker instructs, circling behind me again. “Don’t look at what she is doing, try to see what shewilldo next.”
Lithia begins to circle me, her silver eyes never leaving mine. I’ve seen that look before—a predator sizing up prey.
“I can’t just—” I begin.
“You can,” Ryker interrupts, his voice a low command. “Your gift is part of you, not separate. Stop waiting for it to arrive and start reaching for it.”
Easier said than done. I’ve never been able to control when the visions come or what they show. They’ve always been wild things, untamed and unpredictable.
Lithia moves closer, and instinctively I step back. Through our bond, I feel Ryker’s disapproval.
“Don’t retreat,” he growls. “See.”
Swallowing hard, I force myself to stand still as Lithia circles. I try to focus on her, to see beyond the presentmoment, but nothing happens. No visions, no flashes—just my own hammering heart and the enforcer’s predatory smile.
“This isn’t working,” I mutter.
“Because you’re thinking too much,” Ryker says. “Stop trying to force it. Let it come naturally.”
“That’s what I’ve been doing my whole life!” Frustration makes my voice sharp. “Waiting for visions to come naturally while people demand I produce them on command!”
Lithia’s smile widens as she senses my distress. Without warning, she moves, a blur of speed leaving me no time to react. Her hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist and twisting, not hard enough to hurt but enough to demonstrate how easily she could.
“Too slow, seer,” she taunts softly.
Pride stings, but before I can respond, Ryker is there. His hand wraps around Lithia’s wrist, applying just enough pressure to make her release me.
“Again,” he says, his voice carrying an edge of warning. “And remember who she is to me.”
Lithia steps back, inclining her head in deference. But when her eyes meet mine, they hold a challenge that makes my blood heat.
“Again,” Ryker repeats. “But this time, don’t think about seeing. Feel it.”
I take a steadying breath and focus on Lithia again. She resumes her circling, more cautious now but no less predatory.
“Close your eyes,” Ryker instructs, surprising me.
“But then I can’t?—”
“Trust me,” he cuts me off. “Close your eyes.”
Reluctantly, I do as he asks, plunging myself into darkness. Immediately, my other senses heighten. I can hear Lithia’s measured breathing, the soft pad of her feet against stone, the rustle of fabric as she moves.
“Now,” Ryker says, his voice close to my ear, “reach for our bond.”
The claiming mark pulses at his words. I focus on it, feeling the connection between us humming with energy.
