The airport is congested because it's the weekend, and the air smells like beer and sweat. My eyes water as I try not to breathe it in, making my way up an inclined walkway toward a row of windows. As I’m glancing outside at the parking lot, a man with a squeaky suitcase bumps into my shoulder as he walks by me. He curses me out even though it wasn’t my fault.
I resist snapping at him and instead lean against the wall and watch people stroll by. My mind drifts to Maddy and how tough she is. People-watching here helps me understand why she’s like that. Everyone is tense and in a hurry, unlike the energy in the Royal City, where people can often become so bored that they get lazy.
It hurts in my chest as I think about what she’s been through, and then what was done to her by James. He forced her to marry Finn and then kidnapped both of them. God knows what they’ve been through, but I know that man’s cruelty enough to understand how bad it probably was.
About five minutes after I wander off, River comes and finds me. “I’m more than ready to get on our plane.” He slumpsagainst the wall and pinches the brim of his nose. “The smell here is giving me a headache.”
“It doesn’t help that we’ve barely slept,” I point out as a man snags my attention. He’s wearing a nice suit and a red tie that is definitely designer, his hair is slicked back, and he’s in his mid-forties. He’s not carrying any bags either. I nudge River in the side to get his attention. “Don’t be obvious about it, but there’s a man at our two o’clock that definitely looks Royal.”
River casually straightens his stance, then rubs his forehead, and sneaks a glance at the man. Then he spins around and faces the wall. “Shit, that’s my uncle.”
“Your uncle as in your mother’s brother?” I ask stupidly with hope.
“No,” he hisses, giving me a sidelong glance. “He’s my dad's brother. And if you think my dad’s bad, this guy makes him look like a saint. And he won’t be here alone either. He’ll have his bodyguards with him.”
I peer around the airport. “I don’t see any anywhere.”
“They won’t be dressed like my father’s. My father likes to show off his wealth and protection, but Elijah is the opposite. He’s discreet about it, but don’t be fooled. He does that to lure in his prey.”
“What’s his prey?” I ask as I watch Elijah scan the crowd around him.
“Mostly vulnerable women, but it’s pretty much anyone who gets in his way with something he wants.”
“You think he’s here for us.”
“Yes. Why else would he be in the northside airport?”
“What about Sylas?” I ask. “Will he recognize him?”
“Probably.” River peeks over his shoulder, then mumbles a string of curses with his fists balled at his sides. “I need to find a place to hide. Go warn Sylas. He shouldn’t be able to recognizeyou, but to be on the safe side, try not to make eye contact with him.”
“On it.” I start toward the seating area while River rushes off toward the restrooms.
When I reach the area where Sylas was sitting, I find our bags are gone, and the seat he was in is empty. Perplexed, I steal a glimpse around at the sea of faces, searching for him.
And my gaze ends up landing right on Elijah. I do my best not to react as our eyes briefly lock. I keep my attention moving as if he’s no one, but my heart is slamming against my chest, and my mind is swirling with jumbled thoughts and sending a rush of panic through my veins.
This is so bad.
Why is he here?
Did James send him?
Are they here for Sylas?
River?
Me?
Why would they be here for me?
James has always loathed me, even before he had an affair with my mom. Him and my father were business rivals, and while James clearly is the better businessman, he still wanted to destroy my father. When I became his stepson, I became my father’s proxy to James. Selling drugs and paying him money wasn’t the only thing he’s made me do.
I try not to think about the other things, though, or else I start to shatter. And once I do, I won’t be able to be whole again. If that’s what I am anymore.
I’m trying to be as calm as possible as I cross the room and head toward another gate, but Elijah is following me. Two other men slip out from the mob of people and tail me as well. Sweat drips down the back of my neck as I struggle not to run. I couldoutrun them, but then what? I miss the flight. Miss my ticket to get the hell out of here.
As I round a corner, I start to sprint, hoping I can veer around before they turn the corner and blend into the crowd. I weave around people and?—
