I throw a flirty glance over my shoulder as I climb the basement stairs. No matter what happens, I know these guys will be by my side.
Worm farm and all.
Chapter forty
Iwalk the perimeter of the courtyard again, my boots crunching on the gravel with every step. This is where I like to come when my mind is troubled and I don't want to go all the way to the beach.
My thoughts keep looping back to the image of those rotting corpses, flesh sloughing off bone in a grotesque parody of humanity.
Mass graves. A shiver runs down my spine.
Brick approaches, brows furrowed. "You've been pacing for hours. Talk to me."
Taking a leaf from Aidan's book, I rake a hand through my hair and sigh. "Those fucking mass graves on the other island. I can't stop thinking about them."
"You've seen worse." His tone is gentle but matter-of-fact.
"Not like that." My fists clench at my sides. "Tane's always kept the real ugliness at a distance. But the graves?" I gesture vaguely, even though they’re many miles away. "They’re a reminder that he sees the people of these islands as nothing more than obstacles to exploit or remove. And if he can do that to them..." I trail off, unwilling to voice the fears churning in my gut.
Brick's hand lands on my shoulder, warm and solid. "You’re wondering where it will end?"
"Yeah…” My voice comes out rough. "You've seen what he's capable of. What if—?"
"Stop." Brick gives me a little shake. "We're ready for him. Always have been. He'll get what's coming to him, but not before we're good and ready. You know I’d attack him today if Ithought it would be beneficial, but we have to plan this just right."
His confidence is reassuring, but it does little to quiet the unease whispering at the back of my mind. I know Tane won't stop until he's eliminated any threat to his control.
And we're the biggest threat of all.
Brick squeezes my shoulder. "Come on. Let's get something to eat."
My stomach rumbles in response and I realize I haven't eaten all day. Still, I hesitate. "I'm not really hungry."
"Wasn't a suggestion." He steers me toward the kitchen. "When's the last time you took a break? You'll run yourself into the ground at this rate."
I open my mouth to argue but decide against it. Maybe a distraction is exactly what I need right now. And if anyone can take my mind off things, it's Brick.
"Fine," I concede. "But if I'm eating, you are too."
Brick grins. "Wouldn't dream of letting you suffer through a meal alone."
As we walk, some of the tension eases from my shoulders. Our enemies may be gathering at the gates, but my family is here. Ready to face whatever comes.
Together.
The kitchen is empty when we arrive, the counter bare except for a few stray crumbs. Brick rummages through the cabinets, emerging with a triumphant "aha!" as he produces a loaf of bread, a wedge of cheese, and a jar of olives.
"It's no five-course meal, but it'll do." He slices the bread and cheese, arranging them on two plates along with a handful of olives. “Just don’t tell Slade we’re messing with his stuff.”
I smirk. Slade is rather particular about people touching his things, and the kitchen is his official domain. Although I've noticed he's finally started letting Angel make herself at home in there.
We take a seat across from each other, the empty room echoing with each bite.
I study Brick as he eats, noticing the shadows beneath his eyes and the tense set of his jaw. He's just as on edge as the rest of us, though he does his best to hide it.
"You don't have to put on an act for me, you know." I meet his gaze. "It's okay if you're worried too."
He sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. "Is it that obvious?"