Note: This deleted scene was originally a part of A Battle of Past and Present book tour and was first shared by Lisa on her website.
I never intended for this scene to be a part of A Battle of Past and Present but when it came time to come up with some extra material for the book tour, I thought it would be the perfect scene to bring to life as part of Griff’s history. This scene is referenced in A Battle of Past and Present so when you read the book, you will have a picture of this moment.
To give you some context, and not to give away anything from book 2, this scene takes place in Viho village in Hoken when Griff was 15 years old and Alo was 14. Griff and Halyn were friends at this time but she is back in Elu village. I imagine that if she had been present, Griff would have capitalized on this opportunity… ;)I hope you enjoy!
“You’re not going to get a girl just by staring at them,” Griff teased his baby brother. “You’re more likely to scare them away with that approach.” He sat down on the overturned log next to Alo before the massive bonfire where a dozen or more Hokens were dancing and stomping around the flames in celebration of the Makawi’s union earlier that day.
“What do you know about it?” Alo retorted with a huff. “You’ve never had a girl.”
Griff bristled. “Who says I haven’t?”
“I’ve never seen you with one.”
“That doesn’t mean I’ve never had a girl,” Griff countered, watching the dancers hop and clap to the rhythm of the drums beating in the background.
Alo snorted in disbelief. “Sure. I bet you’ve never even kissed a girl.”
“I’ve kissed plenty of girls!” He hadn’t.
“Oh yeah? Name one.”
“That’s none of your business.”
Alo scoffed again. “You’ve never kissed a girl, because you’ve never had a girl.”
“I can get a girl anytime I want,” Griff shot back petulantly. “And kiss them too.”
“Prove it,” Alo snapped, shoving his shoulder.
Griff twisted and pushed him back with more force. “I don’t have to prove myself to you. You’re just upset because you’ve never had a girl and don’t know how to get one.”
“Fine! Then I dare you!” Alo hissed, shoving him off the log with both hands.
Griff shot up to his feet, clenching his fists at his sides as he turned around to face his brother.
Alo smiled devilishly. “I dare you to find a girl here and kiss her.”
Griff scowled at him. “Fine.”
“Fine.”
“Fine!”
Alo crossed his arms and quirked a brow. “What are you waiting for?”
Griff lurched forward and pushed Alo as hard as he could, sending him toppling backward to fall in a heap behind the log before he turned on his heel and marched toward the fire.
He released a heavy breath as he melded into the dancers around the flames, catching the beat and joining in on the stomps and claps. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Alo scramble back up to the log, perching himself upright to watch his dare unfold.
Griff made his way around the fire, dancing and laughing as the rhythm kicked up. He twisted and turned and clapped and stomped and then, mustering up his nerve, he reached for a girl he’d noticed earlier that day and pulled her into a partner’s dance. Yazzie was her name, he thought. She had been part of the bride’s entourage through the village before the wedding ceremony began and had cast small glances his way throughout the day. Griff locked eyes with Alo and smirked triumphantly, pulling Yazzie around the bonfire.
Alo continued to glare.
When the beat slowed and Griff’s confidence was boosted after Yazzie’s interest was made clear by her flirty smiles and playful attention during their dance, he discreetly shot Alo a pointed look before he tugged her away from the bonfire and behind a large tree for a bit of privacy.
His heart was thundering against his ribs as he pulled her up next to him, the both of them giggling with nerves and excitement due to the attention of the other. Before he could give it another thought, he quickly leaned down, keeping his eyes open so that he could be sure his aim was right, and pressed his lips to hers. Yazzie puckered her lips in a quick return peck before she leaned back, face flushed with embarrassment. Griff gave her a goofy grin as she covered her mouth and giggled into her hand before she darted off back to the party.
Buoyant and slightly dazed, Griff loped out from the behind the tree and headed for Alo with confident swagger, ready to crow his victory to his younger brother.
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