“With respect of the new facts, I now offer challenge for the human to Volder.” Excitement and dread raced through Brenda when the reality of the situation became clear as if a ton of bricks had fallen on her. It sank in that Rever wasn’t legally bound to Tina anymore and it was no wonder he was so happy that Tina was someone else’s problem. He’d have to fight to win Brenda now and she was afraid over the possibility of him getting hurt or killed.

Zalk stared at Rever for a long moment. He turned his head and eyed Volder. “He will kill you, Volder. The human is unknown to you and she obviously prefers Argis Rever.” He paused. “Do you accept the challenge? There is no lost pride to concede under these circumstances.”

Volder snarled. “I accept the challenge to the death.”

Brenda’s knees almost crumpled. They are going to fight to the death and Rever can be killed. He could die trying to win me. She reacted by kicking at Coto, her foot making contact with his shin as she jerked hard at her arm he held, managing to catch him by surprise. He stumbled, releasing her. Rever turned around right as she threw herself at him.

Rever’s arms went around her to hold her in his arms. She felt heavy chains running down her back from his wrists and the other chain was between their bodies where it hung from the collar around his throat. She didn’t care about how uncomfortable that chain was against her breast. All that mattered was they were holding each other and they were touching. His head bent down so he could whisper.

“I will win. Don’t worry, Brenda.”

She blinked back tears. “I love you. I just want you to know that.”

Chapter Eleven

“Release my woman,” Volder snarled.

“Not here,” Zalk roared. “Back off, Volder. There will be no fighting in the chamber. We will take this outside to the arena.” Brenda turned her head, alarmed that Volder was so damn close. He was furious that Rever held her and the rage showed in his dark glower. Rever turned her in his arms and moved her out from between them. He released her but only to gently push her behind him, snarling at the other man.

Brenda peered around Rever’s side at Volder, who looked ready to attack at any second. The guards moved once more, gripping Volder to push him away. Rever’s tense body relaxed. His hand reached back, gripping Brenda’s smaller one in his and he turned his head to look down at her.

“It will be fine. You are mine and I will win. I have everything to fight for.” Staring up into his eyes, she fought tears. “I don’t want to lose you.” His blue eyes sparkled with amusement. “I am Argis and I will win.” Volder snarled. “Don’t be so bold boasting your skills.” Brenda tore her gaze from Rever’s, frowning at Volder. “Do you understand that I love him? Why fight for me when you know I will never be happy with you? I promise that we’d both be miserable if you forced me to be a part of your life. Don’t you want a woman who wants you? I don’t and I never will.”

Fury made the man lunge forward but the guards grabbed him and hauled him back. Rever moved his body totally in front of Brenda’s to protect her in case Volder broke free.

“Outside to the arena,” Zalk roared.

The guards took a furious Volder out of the large room. The witnesses and the judge filed out next. All who remained in the chamber were Brenda, Rever, Coto and Rever’s family.

“Much appreciated.” Rever looked at his three brothers. “I owe you Ral, Vhon and Argernon.”

Argernon snorted. “We are family. Be silent of vows.” He carefully studied his brother. “Are you well enough to fight? Volder isn’t a weak adversary. I have battled him in practice and he recovers very quickly. He is well trained so watch him very closely.”

Rever gave a nod. “Understood.” Rever’s focus shifted to Coto, his expression tight with anger. “You—”

“Blame me,” Hyvin Berrr suddenly gripped Rever’s arm, turning him until they faced each other so son and father stared into each other’s eyes. “I ordered Coto to tell me where you would take the human. He only did so because I asked. He would have died otherwise to keep silent. Volder was ready to have the entire crew of the Drais search the Outlander areas for you. I knew we could find a solution but you needed brought in alive to do so. Direct your rage at me. Coto was loyal.” Rever looked over his shoulder and his features softened when he met Coto’s worried stare. “You protected my bound. Appreciated.” Coto gave a nod. “I am always loyal.”

The expression on Rever’s face softened more. “I knew it but I was angry.”

“Understood.” Coto hesitated. “If you fall I will challenge to protect your bound from Volder’s wrath, with your permission. I know you feel very strongly for your human. Ral and Argernon are already bound so they may not offer.” His gaze shifted to Vhon. “You definitely don’t want to leave her in this one’s care.” Vhon growled. “It was my plan to bring the other human here and I was the one to force the confession from Olt. It was my quick thinking that made this possible.” His gaze slid to Rever. “You should be honored by letting me offer to challenge Volder for your bound if you fall.”

Brenda stared at the tall men around her. “What is he talking about?” Rever lowered his head to gaze at her. “If I don’t win then Volder will claim you as his. Coto will challenge in the event of my death, winning no matter how well of a fighter Volder is because I will have worn him down. If I do fall, Coto will bound to you to protect you. Do you understand? He will cherish you in my place, Brenda.”

“I will challenge for her first if you die,” Vhon growled. “I am the one who made this challenge possible.”

Brenda moved closer to Rever, not caring what the men around them thought of her touching him. Hot tears filled her eyes when she walked right into his chest and wrapped her arms around his thick body to cling to him. He could die and she didn’t want him to. His arms encircled her waist tightly.

“Allow us moments alone,” Rever said softly.

“I will challenge Volder if you fall,” Vhon growled.

Hyvin Berrr snarled. “Enough. Rever will win the challenge. You are not mature enough to take on a bound.”