Free Torkel's Chosen by Michelle Howard

has lodged a formal
complaint about the presentation.”
    Marlin’s brow
creased. “He’s not taking this well at all for some reason. Be on your guard
with that one until this is handled by the Commission.”
    Faye was stuck on
one phrase. ‘Formal complaint.’  “What formal complaint? They can’t make me not
choose Torkel can they?”
    Torkel squeezed
her waist and stepped away. “I haven’t checked the communicator but if the
complaint is approved they will send me notice.”
    The men in the
room ceased their training and focused on them. The ones she remembered from
the night before all wore varying frowns. Their reactions revealed the depth of
their concern for their friend and team member. Faye didn’t question her own
concern. They’d been together for one night but already her heart knew she
wanted this man. Wanted to let the small flame inside her soul grow into a
bonfire with all the feelings that could grow between them.
    Jaron came over
and answered her. “They can’t but they can disqualify him and you’d have to
attend another presentation for a Chosen.”
    Torkel glared then
softened the look when he spoke to Faye. “It won’t come to that. Axan is
reaching. He’s spoiled and unused to being told no.” He turned her fully to
face him and cupped her jaw. “We haven’t built a connection yet but I’m asking
you to trust me.”
    Her throat
tightened. His request was simple and anything but at the same time. Faye
thought of her childhood dreams. Her fantasies of a family life. Those memories
helped guide her as she stared into pleading liquid-brown eyes. “I trust you,
Torkel.”
    His mouth hitched
in the corner, revealing a deep groove in one masculine cheek. “Thank you.”
    Faye’s heart
fluttered. A dimple. His already devastating appearance didn’t need a dimple.
    His mother clapped,
disrupting the moment. “I can’t wait to tell your sister Lissi.”
    Torkel groaned and
hugged Faye to his chest. It seemed her husband was very affectionate. “Lissi
is a menace, maman.” Humor threaded his voice.
    “She tried calling
earlier and left you a message. I’ll tell her that your papan and I stopped for
a visit. We’ll leave now since Marlin made me promise we wouldn’t overstay our
welcome.”
    Torkel’s hands
lingered on Faye’s shoulders with a slight caress before releasing her. He
hugged his maman and clapped his papan’s shoulder. “I’ll bring Faye to the home
after we’ve had time together.”
    His parents
included Faye in their farewell and left after a cheery wave toward the others.
    Geile and Gregir
walked over. “If you want to skip sparring with the long sticks Gregir and I
will work with Jaron and Arak. We’ll understand if you decline.”
    Torkel sighed and
arched a brow in her direction. Faye could tell by the eager light in his eyes
that he wanted to. “Is it okay if I watch?”
    He relaxed and a
broad grin spread over his face, teasing her with the dimple again. “Of course
you can.” He waved a large hand. “Sit anywhere. This is the training room where
we hone our skills. We have a strict workout schedule that everyone follows. As
Unit Leader I was listed on today’s roster before…”
    Before he was
Chosen she mentally added. Faye made a shooing motion with her hands. She
had no desire to guilt him into remaining at her side. “I’ll cheer for you.”
    He flushed but
removed his shirt and handed it to her. Now she understood the drawstring pants
and bare feet. He followed the brothers to a sectioned-off mat area and Arak
moved over to stand beside Torkel. Each man hefted a long wooden stick from the
rack mounted on the wall. The slender rods were golden in color and at least
five foot in length.
    She wasn’t sure
what she expected but it wasn’t for them to break into teams of two on two with
Jaron on the sidelines to judge. The brothers worked together against Torkel
and Arak. Similar to martial arts but faster, they attacked and lunged at