Destroyed by Onyx (A Dance with Destiny Book 4) by JK Ensley, Jennifer Ensley Page B

you away in the night.” He set her back upon her feet, but held fast to her shoulders as his relief turned to anger. “Never do that again, young lass. Do you hear me? Never leave this yard without me by your side. You have no idea who’s out there just waiting to gobble you up. I don’t even want to think about all the vile things they would do to you.” His eyes narrowed when he noticed the basket of herbs and petals hanging from her bent arm. “If you ever leave without telling me again, I’ll put you over my knee and tan your hide, well and good.” He gave her shoulders a little shake for emphasis. “Do you understand me, Lass?”
    She could only stare, open mouthed, nodding to the giant man yelling at her like she was a little school girl.
    He tightened his grip briefly and then released her. Brodder was shaking his head, still mumbling as he picked up his fallen sword and returned to viciously pummeling the beaten old practice dummy.
    Jenevier watched him for a long moment. Watched the way the large muscles of his back rippled and flexed with each commanding thrust. It was easy to glean by his stance and strength, Brodder Scot was an accomplished warrior. His slashes were powerful and true. Death was the sole intent of his blade.
    This man has known war… years of war , she thought . His opponents must be terrified. I know I would be. Such a mountain of a man… determinedly approaching… blood in his eyes… blade drawn. A small tremor swept over her. She visibly shuddered. Yes, completely terrifying, even to me. How would you even brace yourself for a blow such as his? This gentle man has spilled much blood in his lifetime, rivers of it. How can his heart feel so warm, his songs be so tender, and his might rival that of a titan?
    Without thinking, she withdrew a blade from the nearby rack, using the flat of it to land a quick blow across his unsuspecting backside. She was surprised when the sword bounced off his bottom, jarring her wrists. It was a much firmer target than she had anticipated.
    Brodder froze—shoulders stiff and rigid. He slowly turned to face her. The look he now wore was unreadable.
    The borrowed blade hung limp from her hand, a wicked smirk painted firmly across her pale lips. She let the dull tip trail lazily upon the gravely ground, dragging it behind her as she began to slowly circle the gawking man.
    “What’s this game you now play at, Lass?” He narrowed his eyes. “Did your elders not teach you never to play with fire? Continue to dance upon this painful path, Gealach, and you’ll get burned. I told you I’d show you how to defend yourself. I didn’t mean with a man’s weapon, wee lamb. You might get hurt. You know nothing about—”
    She reached out with her borrowed sword and the jarring sound of metal smacking metal rang abruptly around them, cutting short his words as she popped the blade hanging loose in Brodder’s grasp, silencing his warning. His face flushed crimson when the polished steel nearly fell from his large hand. She could almost smell his rising anger, and it only proved to enhance her evil grin.
    Jenevier raised her stolen weapon, grasping it with both hands, assuming a perfect fighting stance.
    His eyes widened. “What do you think you’re doing, Lass?”
    She used her right forefinger to beckon the giant closer, taunting him. She smiled coolly.
    The mocking gesture proved to infuriate the massive warrior. “Very well, my wee darling. You deserve this tanning for making me fret over you. You asked for it, Lass, so I won’t be heeding any tears.”
    Brodder raised his sword and charged at her. Jenevier blocked the blow, pushing off him to the side.
    The older man laughed when he saw her standing there, shaking her head dizzily, trying to halt the echoing din bouncing around inside her skull.
    “Ha! Rang your bell, did I?” He laughed. “Come get some more, wee rabbit.”
    When his next powerful swing came toward her, she easily flipped out of