He nodded grimly.
“Most of the Southern Representatives send their younglings to Jade Academy. It’s the most prestigious finishing school in the Southern Region, and it’s safe.” Another growl rumbled through Ryker’s chest. “Or it was before the Black Night showed up.”
“You’re certain it was them?” Although, how many rebel groups were there in the Republic anyway?
“Yes.” The word was guttural, and it sent shivers down her spine. “Bomb makers leave signatures, just like artists on paintings. This one was identical to the one that blew up the Masked Ball.”
“Oh.”
Brynleigh rubbed a phantom pain on her neck where she’d been injured during the masquerade.
Back when she thought revenge was the extent of her problems. Back when things had been simple. Back when she hadn’t known the depth of her Maker’s lies.
“I have to go.” Ryker’s hand brushed against Brynleigh’s wrist. “The vampires from the Night Corps are shadowing soldiers to Sandhaven to help with the investigation. I’ll be there for a few days, at least. The timing is horrible.”
Especially considering what they’d been about to do.
Brynleigh glanced at the clock and frowned. “Jelisette is expecting me.”
“I know.” Ryker stepped towards her, lifting a hand as though to touch her before dropping it back to his side. “After you meet with Jelisette, I want you to go to my apartment.”
It took a few heartbeats for his words to register, and when they did, Brynleigh blinked. After everything she’d done, she’d never thought she would be welcome at his home.
“Are you sure?” she asked before she could stop herself.
“Yes. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can.” Ryker yanked open a drawer, grabbed a slip of paper, and scribbled a code on it. “The apartment is warded, but this will turn off the alarms. Make yourself at home. I’ll have someone bring your suitcase over tomorrow.”
A broken part of Brynleigh’s soul repaired itself at his words.
“Thank you, Ryker.” She couldn’t express how much this meant to her. “I… thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He handed her the paper, and his fingers tightened around hers. “Shadow in as soon as you’re done, and don’t go anywhere else. The rebels might attack again, and I don’t want you near them.”
Because he cared about her.
Her heart soared at his declaration. It didn’t care that they stillhad problems. All it cared about was that Ryker was holding her hand, and he wanted to keep her safe.
She glanced upstairs. “What about your dad and sister?”
“Dad’s nurse Megan is here, and the house is guarded and warded. They’ll be alright.” Ryker released her hands, and Brynleigh instantly missed the warmth of his touch.
How had she ever survived the coldness of being a vampire before him?
The captain looked like he had more to say, but his phone started vibrating, the motion driving it off the island.
It was official. Brynleigh was ready to boycott phones forever.
“Fuck.” Ryker grabbed the device, pressing a few buttons before shoving it into his pocket. “I’m out of time. The army doesn’t wait for anyone.”
Until that moment, Brynleigh hadn’t fully understood Ryker’s job.
Most people ran from danger, but he was heading straight towards it. He was a powerful fae, as were his team members, but still. She knew how quickly a situation could turn dangerous.
Worry gnawed at her heart, propelling her forward. She folded her fingers around his and gazed into his captivating eyes.
There were so many things she wanted to say, so many conversations they still needed to have, and yet, all she could manage was to softly say, “Be safe, Ryker.”
Before Brynleigh could lose her nerve, she lifted her chin and closed the distance between them.