“By who?”
“By you, Stef. He told us you were going to be with Henry. That Henry asked you to marry him and then you let him hold you right in front of Velik’s beast.” Adrian said the words like they were part of a big scandal.
“I—technically. Yes. But I’m not going to marry Henry. He moved out. And he wasn’t holding me. It was a hug. He was upset. I was upset. He’s one of my best friends.”
Kovo’s scowl darkened with disapproval. “Atlans do not share their mates with other males.”
“It wasn’t sharing.”
“Did you not also beg for this male’s life, when Velik would have fought for you?” Kovo demanded.
“I didn’t want Henry to get hurt. He’s human. Velik’s a beast. Velik could have killed him.”
“You love him, your Henry?” Kovo asked.
“Yes. Of course, but not like that.”
“There is no other way.” As if that decided the matter, Kovo flipped the box around and reached inside to remove one of the small crystals. He held it up to the light and I noticed there appeared to be a series of fine lines and patterns buried deep within. They added to the sparkling effect when the sunlight struck. “These crystals contain encoded details and access keys to Velik’s estate, his lands, everything he owns. Terra and Alena need only present these on our home world, and they will assume control of everything, under their grandfather’s guidance and protection, of course.”
“Where’s Velik? You two aren’t making any sense. I want him to explain this to me.”
Adrian whispered. “He’s gone.”
“I know. He went back to Miami yesterday. But I just tried to call him. I sent him a text.” I took the opportunity to check my phone. Nothing. “I’m just waiting for him to call back. I miss him.”
“Oh, god.” My sister looked like she was going to be sick, right there on the table. “You said Henry moved out?”
“Yeah, last night. When I told him I couldn’t marry him.”
“Why would you tell him that?” Adrian seemed shocked.
“Because I’m in love with a stupid Atlan, that’s why.”
The silence was thick with tension as I stared at my sister, then her mate, then back to my sister.
Kovo slipped the crystal back inside the box and gently closed the lid. “There will be no call, my sister.”
“Why not? Did he forget who I am again? Because he was here less than twenty-four hours ago, kissing me. Where. Is. He? Just freaking tell me.”
“He left. Last night.”
“Left where?”
“The planet.” Adrian wiped a fresh tear from her cheek and ice cold dread exploded inside me. “He’s gone. Transported back out into space. He left to go on a mission.”
“A suicide mission?” My voice was far calmer than I felt.
“There is no disgrace in choosing an honorable death over execution.”
“Shut-up, Kovo.” I held my hand up, palm toward his stupid face, when he started to say more. The regret in Adrian’s eyes was all the proof I needed.
“You are going to get me to Miami, like now. I am going to transport to wherever he is and stop him.”
“Why would you do such a thing?” Kovo asked. “You rejected his claim and found his beast unworthy. His death is a mercy.”
All. Or. Nothing.
Carmen’s words came back to haunt me.
