Cat only has the power I choose to give her, with or without my dagger.
The six fliers tense as we approach.
“I think they’ve chosen to not as well,” Sloane mutters to Aaric.
Cat narrows her eyes on Sloane, and I step between them, offering Cat the patch. “Welcome to Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing, also known as the Iron Squad.”
Similar greetings are given around us, but I keep my eyes locked on Cat as she stares at the patch like it might bite her. “Take the patch.”
“What are we supposed to do with them?”
“We sew them onto our uniforms,” Ridoc answers from beside me, making a back-and-forth motion with his hand to simulate pulling a needle through his uniform—as though explaining a patch to children.
“Why…?” Her gaze sweeps over us, catching on the different patches like she’s never noticed them before.
I point to my collarbone. “Rank.” Then my shoulder. “Wing. Iron Squad. Signet. Patches are earned, not given. Riders, and fliers now, choose whatever location they want for every patch besides wing and rank, none of which are worn on flight leathers, which is probably why you never saw Xaden wearing them. He generally abhors patches.” There. That wasn’t so bad. I can be civil.
“I knew that.” She snatches the patch out of my hand. “I’ve known him for years.”
Rhiannon lifts a brow from my other side.
I note the twinge of jealousy that she’s been privy to parts of his life that I haven’t, but there’s no rage, no sour jolt of insecurity, and no self-loathing. I fucking love my daggers for a whole new reason.
Her eyes widen slightly as if she senses that she can’t touch me, then narrow into malicious slits. Civility is definitely not on her agenda.
“Like I said.” I offer her a bright smile. “Welcome to the quadrant’s only Iron Squad.” Pivoting, I hook my arm through Rhiannon’s, and we start to walk away with the rest of the riders in our newly enlarged squad.
“Being in the same squad doesn’t change the fact that it’s still my crown,” she blurts.
“Let’s feed her to Sgaeyl,” Rhiannon whispers as we pause.
I look at Cat over my shoulder. “Did you know that Tyrrendor hasn’t had a crown in more than six hundred years? Turns out they melted them all down to forge the unification crown, so good luck with that.”
“It’s going to be fun making your life as miserable as you’ve made mine.”
Oh, fuck civility.
“Gods, she really can’t help herself, can she?” Rhiannon says under her breath.
“Cat, stop it,” Maren chastises. “You’re being ugly. I’ve told you over and over that she didn’t drop Luella. She fell. It’s as simple as that.”
“You’re welcome to try and make me miserable,” I tell Cat, letting go of Rhiannon to walk back to the flier. “Oh! And one more thing.” I lower my voice just slightly, well aware of every head within our squad that turns our direction.
“What?” she snaps.
“That trick you mentioned? You know, with the fingers?” A slow smile spreads across my face. “Thanks.”
Cat’s eyes bulge.
Imogen laughs so hard she snorts as I walk back to Rhiannon.
“Damn. Just…damn.” Rhi claps a few times.
“I fucking love you.” Ridoc throws his arm around my shoulders. “Anyone hungry? I woke up somewhere I hadn’t exactly planned on and missed breakfast.”
“I would,” I tell him, “but I have plans in the library.”
“The library? Then me too,” Sawyer chimes in, following quickly.
“I’ll go with,” Rhiannon says with a nod.
“If the three of you are going, then so am I,” Ridoc adds.
“You guys don’t have to come with me,” I say once we’re halfway through the foyer.
“Oh, we needed to get away from Cat.” Ridoc waves me off. “You’re just the excuse.”
“Her abilities are…horrifying,” Sawyer concludes. “What if she decides to make me hate you?”
“Make Xaden hate you?” Rhiannon’s eyebrows rise.
“She can’t.” I shake my head.
“Or make you instantly horny for some random flier, and then you’re not the only one in that bed when Xaden rotates back,” Ridoc muses. “Her signet—or whatever they call it—is fucking terrifying.”
“She can only amplify the emotions you already have,” I explain to them.
“We could kill her.” Sawyer reaches for the door handle. “All the fliers are still struggling with the altitude, and their gryphons are still sleeping half the day, according to Sliseag, so they’re probably at their weakest.”
