Ryker wasn’t even sure his mother could express emotions like most people. She loved her family, but she showed it differently from Cyrus. Ryker’s father had always been there for his children, always present, ready and willing to talk. Day in and day out, he’d been available to them.
Tertia was more of the “I will provide for you, but don’t come talk to me about your feelings” type of parent.
Right now, Ryker didn’t feel an ounce of affection from his mother, and he wanted her to leave.
Brynleigh would be back soon, and the last thing Ryker wanted was for Tertia to still be here when that happened. This already volatile situation would become ten times worse.
“I will, Mother.” Pecking Tertia on her cold cheek, Ryker steered her towards the door. “Have a good night.”
She frowned, and even though Ryker towered over her by a foot, she looked down her nose at him.
“That is an impossible task when one’s children are such disappointments.”
What a loving mother.
Unfortunately, Tertia wasn’t done.
“Why did the Obsidian Sands not see fit to bless me with offspring who understand the value of their name and know how to act properly? Instead, I got you two.” Her red lips curled into a hateful sneer. “The vampire-lover and the Cursed One.”
Ryker bristled at his mother’s term for River. It was one thing for River to call her power a curse, but it was another for their mother to use that term.
Staying silent was no longer an option.
“River trains every single day, Mother.” Ryker gripped the door, wishing he could shove the Representative out of it and force her to leave. “You know she’s worked tirelessly to keep things under control.”
The temperature in the room plummeted as Tertia straightened her spine.
“Your sister trains because she knows I will not tolerate another blemish against the Waterborn name. Untamed, wild magic will not reside beneath my roof. Not when your father could be injured.”
It took every ounce of restraint Ryker had accumulated in his entire life not to snarl at his mother.
“She’s yourdaughter.”
Did familial bonds mean nothing to her?
Sometimes, Ryker wished Cyrus wasn’t the parent who hadcontracted the Stillness. It was a horrible thought and would probably land Ryker in the pits of hell, but it was the truth.
Tertia narrowed her eyes, and the look in them would have made a lesser fae run for the hills.
“I’m well aware of that fact, Ryker, thank you. One does not simplyforgetthey’ve given birth. It’s a rather painful experience.” She sniffed. “Some days, I wonder if procreating was even worth the effort of carrying on the Waterborn name.”
Ryker growled.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,Mother.” He nudged the door, hoping Tertia would get the hint. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Or not. He’d rather swim naked in the icy Black Sea for hours.
Thank all the gods, with a final huff and glare, Tertia left.
When the elevator doors closed, Ryker slumped against the wall. He ran his hand through his hair, shut his eyes, and groaned. That was, without a doubt, one of the most miserable conversations he’d ever had the displeasure of having with his mother.
He wasn’t sure how long he remained there before a wet nose pressed against his hand.
Marlowe’s black tail thumped enthusiastically, and he looked up at Ryker with wide, anticipation-filled eyes.
“Want to go outside, Marlie?” Ryker scratched the dog behind the ears.
Woof.