“I… I can’t do this tonight.” His voice cracked, and he groaned. “Just… come outside when you’re ready.”
Footsteps announced his departure, and moments later, the front door slammed shut.
He was gone.
The brokenness between them was a gaping ocean.
“Fuck.” She’d meant for the word to come out strong, but it was a half-mangled sob.
Her heart had been twisted and stomped on, burned and frozen. It hurt so much, and she didn’t know what to do about it.
So, she didn’t do anything.
Brynleigh gave herself five minutes to cry. Five minutes to let all the pain pour down her cheeks. Five minutes to sit in the hurt washing through her.
And then she stood, wiping away her tears.
She had a job to do, and even if her heart was in pieces, she would do this. Because she’d made a deal, and she wouldn’t go back on her word.
She dressed mechanically, barely noticing the black V-neck sweater and jeans she slipped on.
It took everything she had to put her confession aside and focus on what was to come.
Grabbing the phone her Maker had given her off the floor, Brynleigh shoved it in her back pocket with Jelisette’s credit card. She put on black ankle boots and zipped them up, before striding out the front door.
With every step she took, Brynleigh fortified a wall around her heart. She couldn’t let feelings hamper her mind during this mission. Emotions did not mix with killing.
Instead, she dove headfirst into her inner darkness. Her shadows sang a somber tune as she approached the door, and she found solace in their dark lullaby. She released them, letting the shadowy wisps curl protectively around her.
Brynleigh thought she had succeeded in erecting a wall around her heart until she opened the door. The moment she stepped outside beneath the golden glow of the porch lights, her breath caught in her throat, and she froze.
Charcoal clouds covered the night sky. Bright lightning bolts raced through the heavens. Mist hung heavy in the air, warning of an impending storm. But this wasn’t a natural occurrence.
No.
This storm was contained. Controlled. Deadly.
And the source of it all stood with his back to her.
CHAPTER 10
The Rosewood
Brynleigh’s heart raced as she stared at the powerful water fae in his element. Ryker’s arms were extended, his fingers stretching skyward as magic flowed from his hands. Powerful. Strong. Dangerous.
The storm clouds churned.
Her fingers curled into fists, and her breath came in short bursts. Her legs trembled.
Flashes of another storm went through her mind. Screams. Cries. Water. So much fucking water. It was everywhere. Her sister, drowning.
Oh gods.
She’d somehow never considered what it would be like to witness Ryker unleash the power he kept beneath his skin.
A tremor ran through her, and she swayed.
This is not that night. You are not in danger.