Katya Ironova, third-rank Runebound, the Iron sentinel, and leader of the European Council's peacekeeping force, the shadow sentinels, watched with curiosity and surprise at Erik's transformation.
At the same time, she cooed, "Ooh, you're a fellow shapeshifter, nice!"
When he was done and made his declaration, she couldn't help laughing, "I like you! You've got spunk! But while it's impressive you managed to beat the vampire girl in your human form, beating me will be another matter entirely. Are you sure you're up for it?"
Erik's wolfish lips curled into a grin, "Couldn't hurt to try, right? Either way, I'm not one to run from a good fight."
Katya's blue eyes showed a glint of appreciation and cunning, "You know if I couldn't see the conviction in your eyes, I might think you're trying to play me."
She wasn't an idiot, after all.
Erik shrugged, "Why can't it be both?"
He didn't see a point in trying to lie about his intentions.