“I knew something was going on,” Dume said, furrowing his brow. “There has been a large influx ofAatxeenforcers being transferred from The Capital to city departments. They can’t remember why, and the transfer papers they’re given at the gates don’t give a reason.”
Lauren nodded. “They must have become suspicious.”
They sat quietly, absorbing the information, and Rory’s throat dried. She couldn’t promise them anything, so she didn’t. They were important to her, and she would do her damndest to see them again once she and Caius reunited and figured out their next steps regarding Gedeon.
Sitting back, Dume exhaled loudly. “I’ll go with you.”
Rory couldn’t hide her surprise, and once his words sank in, sheshook her head. “I already told you I didn’t want any help. It’s too dangerous. I’ll have Lauren or Sam.” When Lauren snorted, Rory realized Sam might not help her. It would have to be Lauren.
Kordie wiped her face with a napkin and threw her hair over her shoulder. “Then we have things to plan.”
Everyone turned to theAlchemist, and she forced a smile. “We’re spending as much time together as possible until she leaves.” Turning to Rory with watery eyes, she whispered, “I don’t understand, but I know you wouldn’t leave us again without reason.”
“Thank you,” Rory replied. “And you’re right, I wouldn’t. It will be one of the hardest things I’ll ever have to do.”
Keith raised his hand to grab the server’s attention, and after ordering everyone new drinks and a round of shots, he gave them his signature devilish grin. “We’ll start tonight. First one to throw up has to pick up the tab.”
Rory’s headswam as she laughed along with her friends. They traded stories from their past, reminiscing as Sera listened with an amused smile on her face, interjecting playful jabs here and there.She's funny, Rory thought.
Lauren’s phone rang, and she stepped away to answer it. When she returned, she plucked the drink from Rory’s hand and set it down. “We need to leave.”
Squinting, Rory tried to focus on Lauren’s face. “You’re really pretty. Have I told you that before?”
TheAngellooked annoyed instead of flattered. “I shouldn’t have let you get this drunk, but thank you. I have to meet Sam, and I can’t leave you alone in public.”
She scanned the group before landing on Dume. “Are you sober?”
He was already rising from his seat. “Yes.”
“Mr. Stick-in-the-mud,” Keith taunted, raising his glass.
Dume ignored him and returned his attention to Lauren. “I’ll staywith her,” he told theAngeland turned to Sera. “How are you getting home?”
Sera waved her phone in the air. “I’ll call a car.”
“I don’t want you riding in a stranger’s car alone while you’re drunk,” he protested. “We’ll drop you on the way.”
Sera smiled at him. “My hero.”
“You can stay with us!” Rory exclaimed.
After getting up, Sera clapped excitedly. “Let’s go.”
“I want to come, too,” Kordie whined, crossing her arms like a petulant child.
“Me too,” Keith added as he stood. “Lead the way, Dumey.”
Dume shot eye daggers at theShifter. “I will leave you here.”
Keith’s toothy smile was lopsided when he said, “No, you won’t.”
“Good luck,” Lauren told Dume under her breath. “Do not let anyone near her, and do not answer the door for anyone once at the house.”
“You have my word,” he promised, watching the drunkards. “Wait here, and I’ll close out our tab.”
She rummaged around in her purse for her bank card and thrust it into his hand, making him scowl. “I’m rich now,” she reminded him. “I’m paying.”
Reluctantly, he took the card, and when he returned, he and Lauren herded the group to Keith’s truck.
