Chapter 313

"I think you're lethal enough without any knives being involved," he remarked dryly. There was a hint of respect in his voice and she preened inside at the compliment.

"I was thinking the exact same thing about you," she answered, her own tone respectful as she placed the short sword back inside the chest.

He nodded once in her direction and then turned to the others. "Sparring is essential for honing our skills. Pain is used as a teaching tool so you learn how to ignore it to achieve the goal of protecting our charges. Emotions should not come into play when sparring. Loss of control can lead to the death of your fellow soldier. Control is everything. Remember that at all times."

Lily had the distinct feeling there was something more to Mac's teaching words. Was he indirectly apologising for hurting her? She'd wondered if brutality was part of sparring in the Praetorians but the shock she'd sensed from the others appeared to negate that.

Mackenzie had crossed the line and he was warn