“Dangerous. Lethal. Calculating. And prefers to work alone,” Keir said.
“Yeah, I’m peeing in my pants to meet him,” Jedrik mumbled.
“Don’t be rude.” Delara smacked his leg.
He shrugged. “Can’t be charming all the time.”
“Try,” she said.
“Love you, too,” Jedrik said.
Keir turned to Balen and nodded.
Balen continued with the plan. “Jedrik, we need explosives. After Ryker’s out, we destroy the place. Assume the worst-case scenario.”
Balen talked about who should bring what and talked about what-to-expect scenarios. I noticed they all listened and held a high regard for him, asking questions and respecting his answers. It was obvious that despite the past, they still trusted him and were willing to follow his lead.
Delara and Jedrik were like brother and sister, playful, teasing, and argumentative all at the same time. It was obvious they shared a deep love for one another.
There was something odd about Delara, like she was putting up a front. She was casual and straightforward and likable, yet every muscle was tense. Her eyes were . . . I couldn’t put my finger on it. Haunted or something.
Everyone got up and began leaving the room.
“What’s her story?” I whispered to Balen.
“Delara?” Balen frowned. “The girl has had a pretty screwed up life.”
“Does she live at Keir’s?” I’d never seen her there, but that didn’t mean anything.
“She did. After that shit went down with Ryszard, she took off. She only showed up when I did, but she no longer lives with the Talde.”
“She looks . . . I don’t know, like she’s hiding something?”
Balen shrugged. “Probably is. Centuries ago, she and Waleron were in love. But that ended pretty damn tragically.” He leaned down and nipped my ear and my belly flip-flopped. “I’ll never get over how delicious you smell.”
“Like cinnamon?” I asked.
He threw back his head and laughed. “Fuck, yeah.”
“You have the amulet yet?”
Kilter’s voice plowed into my head and I winced. His voice was deeper with a slight rasp and he sounded tired and more pissed off. I focused my mind on the words I wanted to communicate. “No, we’re just—”
“Useless. Do you understand that every second it takes you, Ryker is being tested on like some goddamn lab rat? I want it here yesterday. Got me?”
Kilter was as offensive and vulgar as ever. If I were shy and timid, he’d have me crying every time he opened his vile mouth.
“We’re close. Keep your pants on. I’ll contact you when I have it.”
“Fuck.”
“Why does he have to speak to me? You’re an ancient. Can’t he talk to you instead?” I asked.
Balen chuckled. “Kilter being his usual charming self?” He rubbed his hand up and down my back. “Your telepathy is strongest, making it easier for him. With the distance between us, it would be like a bad connection if he tried to speak with any of us. It also builds strength between the two of you. Even though I can’t say I’m pleased about it, the connection will help when you begin to communicate with Ryker. Kilter and him have been together for a hundred years and are close. Well, as close as Kilter will get to anyone. He knows Ryker better than any of us.”
“I’d like it known—I don’t like Kilter.”
Balen leaned over and kissed me. “Probably the only one left alive who does is Ryker.”
I found that easy to believe.
Hack had already gone into Ryker’s study and was on the computer. Jedrik and Delara were packed and ready to go.
Keir grabbed a satchel from the lounge chair in the corner of the room and slung it over his shoulder. “I’ll contact you once we meet up with Kilter,” he said to Balen.
“Ready?” Balen asked me.
Fuck yeah. Besides, if I didn’t do this, I’d have to deal with Kilter.
“WHY DO YOU GUYS always pick caves?”
“I’d do it for you if I could.”
“No, I need to.” But he couldn’t anyway. Kilter had told me that only I, or a slender type woman, would be able to fit into the tunnel where the amulet was hidden, plus Hannah had given me the bracelet. So, it was meant for me to go.
Balen held out his hand and I took it, instantly feeling the warmth blanketing my body. Ryker’s life was at stake. Keep it together.
I entered the cave and the dampness clung to my skin. Cold air sank into my bones, smothering my breath. My hands started with the pins and needles at the tips and working their way up. I inhaled slow and easy. Balen’s hand squeezed mine and I felt his strength and steadiness shift into my body.
Go to my happy place. I always thought my therapist was shittin’ me with that stuff, but I had to admit, it helped. Blue sky, soft breeze, grass beneath my feet. Trees swaying.
Balen’s voice drifted into my mind. “And fucking in the grass.”
I felt a bubble of laughter at Balen reading my silly thoughts of my happy place.
“Not silly, little one.”
“I’m changing my happy place when we get out of here.”
“To include me?”
I rolled my eyes. “No, it’s supposed to be a place where no one can find you. Where you’re safe from everything.”
“You’re safe from everything in my arms. And I want your happy place to include me.”