As if the rebels hadn’t just blown up a school. Fucking hypocrites.
“Yes.” An Alpha command was laced through Dimitri’s voice, and even though Brynleigh wasn’t a werewolf, she recognized the power in his words. “That’s exactly what I expect. You may not trust her, but you know her Maker.”
He gestured to Jelisette, who stood to his right.
The werewolf continued, “For decades, Jelisette de la Point has worked tirelessly for our cause. Because of her endless efforts, we have satellite groups in each of the five regions. Without her, we never would’ve been able to accomplish half the things we have.”
Mercy gripped the back of the chair in front of her. “So, you speak for her? After what Representatives did to Eme?—”
In a movement too quick for even Brynleigh to track, Jelisette crossed the room. Her hand circled Mercy’s throat.
“Do. Not. Fucking. Say. His. Name.”
Shadows flooded the warehouse, and Mercy clawed at the hand holding her in the air. It was a useless endeavor. What was a measly, weak human against an almost thousand-year-old enraged vampire?
Mercy squeaked like a terrified mouse, and tears ran down her cheeks.
A twinge of pity ran through Brynleigh. After all, she’d been in that position not long ago.
Snarling, Jelisette shook Mercy back and forth like a rag doll.
“If you ever say his name again, I will rip out your throat and feast on your blood so gods-damned fast you won’t even know what hit you. You don’t even think abouthim. Is that understood?”
If Brynleigh had any doubts about Emery Sylvain’s existence or that the Representatives had killed him, this violent display would’ve rid her of them.
Mercy gasped something vaguely like, “Yes,” and then Jelisette released her hold.
The human dropped to the floor, gulping in deep, echoing breaths.
“My progeny desires to see the Representatives taken down a few notches, just like the rest of us.” Jelisette turned and addressed the crowd. “Does anyone else have any concerns?”
Silence was the only answer.
Jelisette nodded at Dimitri.
“Very well,” the Alpha said calmly as if a woman hadn’t almost been murdered a few feet away from him. “As I was saying, we have several ideas for how to make our cause known soon. First…”
As Dimitri continued speaking, Brynleigh’s stomach turned to lead. Their plans would make the attack on Jade Academy seem like nothing.
By the time the meeting was over, Brynleigh knew one thing for certain: they had to stop the rebels, no matter the cost.
It was time to tell Ryker where she’d been.
CHAPTER 24
Ruination
Shadows pooled on the living room floor, and Ryker exhaled a sigh of relief.
Half an hour ago, he’d returned home from his meeting to an empty apartment. He took Marlowe for a quick run, hoping to distract himself, but it didn’t work. His vampire was strong, but he didn’t trust her Maker.
Even exchanging messages with River hadn’t calmed Ryker’s nerves. His sister and her best friend Ember were coming over tomorrow night to watch a game of laser, along with Nikhail and Atlas. Cyrus was doing well on his meds, and River felt confident going out for the night.
This would be an excellent first step for Ryker and Brynleigh to practice for the Reunion. It wasn’t a public event, but they needed to get used to being around others again.
As soon as Brynleigh’s form materialized by the couch, Ryker strode towards her.
“Are you okay?” he asked, even as his eyes swept over her and confirmed she had no visible injuries.