This past week, Brynleigh had researched Bound Partners. While scholars debated the specific adverse effects that would strike a vampire if their Bound Partner died, they all agreed that losing half of a bond would be mentally and physically devastating.
Something had irrevocably shattered in Jelisette when Emery Sylvain died. From a factual perspective, it was incredible that she was still alive and functioning. Half her heart and soul had perished with her partner.
Brynleigh glanced at Ryker. They weren’t Bound, but she couldn’t even fathom his death. She didn’t even want to think about the fact that while fae were long-lived, they weren’t truly immortal like vampires. She loved him so deeply that there would be no life without him.
At least now, Brynleigh understood why her Maker was so set against Representatives. It made sense, in a twisted sort of way, that Jelisette wanted to inflict harm upon the upper class after what they’d done to her.
If only she hadn’t used Brynleigh as an unwitting pawn in her game.
“I can handle my Maker,” Brynleigh said with more confidence than she felt. “I’m strong.”
Ryker frowned. “I know you are. But this…”
“It’s too late. She’s expecting me.”
“But—”
“No.” Brynleigh waved her left arm, her bracelet dangling over her wrist. “You signed me up for this, remember? This is my job as your asset.”
The words tasted like ash, and she hated them.
His fingers tightened around hers,and with his free hand, he lifted her chin until she looked at him. Storms flashed through his gaze.
“You are far more than an asset,” Ryker growled. “You know that.”
“I do.” She understood that doing this was the price of her freedom, just as she understood that her Maker was waiting for her. “But Jelisette doesn’t. And besides, she… trusts me. I think.”
At least, Jelisette hadn’t killed her.Andshe’d introduced Brynleigh to Dimitri. That meant something. Right?
“She may trustyou, but I don’t fucking trusther.” Ryker’s grip was just on this side of pain. “By the Black Sands and all that is holy, promise me you’ll do everything to stay safe tonight. In and out. No dilly-dallying.”
Ryker’s magic rippled off him in waves, a mighty tempest running through the room.
Brynleigh dipped her head. “I promise I won’t do anything stupid.”
She didn’t want to linger anywhere near her Maker.
Ryker didn’t release her. Instead, he pulled her close and cupped her cheek.
“Listen to me. You’re my wife, and I need you to make it out of there alive. Jelisette might have Made you, but you aren’t hers. You’remine.”
Her heart raced at his words, but he wasn’t done.
“This can’t be the end. If she hurts you, I will make River’s storm look like a trickle of water when I seek my retribution. Is that clear?”
The fae’s possessive words should have probably turned Brynleigh off, but instead, her core twisted.
Brynleigh’s fangs ached, and not for the first time, she wondered what Ryker would taste like. Would his blood be rich, deep, and full of the storms swirling in his gaze? Or perhaps smooth, with a touch of spice?
She’d never wanted to bite someone as much as she did right now.
She squeezed her thighs together. These were entirely inappropriate thoughts to have minutes before meeting her Maker.
What did it say about Brynleigh that her husband’s show of possessive fae ownership turned her on? Probably nothing good.
A problem for another time.
“Yes, it’s clear.” She smiled. “Don’t worry; I’ll be quick.”