“I apologize for the time, but Ryder needed me.”
I didn’t like the way that statement made me feel. I hated it, in fact. But again, I was glad Ryder had Atlas.
I laughed. “Are you purposely trying to aggravate me?”
“I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention.”
“I know, I know. I’m only giving you a hard time. I have to commend you for making me feel something yesterday that I’d never felt before.”
“What was that?” he asked.
“Jealousy.” I paused for a moment and turned to the end table to pick up the coffee mug. I took a sip and then said, “I’d never felt jealous of what another man had. But when I saw you, I knew the young man you were walking with was him. I hadn’t so much as heard his voice or knew anything about him. All I knew was that he was going to be mine, and I was instantly hooked.”
“I saw you talking to him in the hallway. So now you can say you’ve heard his voice and seen him up close. I’m thrilled you’re happy with what you saw.”
“Very much so. You did exceptionally well. Seriously, my friend, I wouldn’t want Ryder with any other mentor.”
“Well, let’s not count the eggs before they’ve hatched yet,” he said.
My pulse started to race. “What are you talking about? What happened? Is he all right?”
“He is, yes.”
“Healthy and all of that?”
“Yes.”
“Are you with him now?”
“No. No, I had breakfast with him and made sure he was okay and calm again before I left the hotel.”
“I’m not going to make it if you don’t start explaining,” I said.
“Ryder has a very different background from other Omnias.”
I narrowed my eyes as I sat on the chaise.
“In what way?” I asked.
“How much have you gone looking for information on him?” Atlas asked.
“All I know is his full name. I behaved myself and wanted to wait.”
“That’s admirable. I’m impressed.”
“And I’m quickly losing my patience.”
“When you have a chance, pull up the file on Ryder. I won’t even have to tell you the hard time I had getting Kaleb to just go along with me and accept Ryder into the academy. After I met him, I knew he was perfect. He’s unassuming, street savvy, smart, self-driven, and I could instantly visualize him with you.”
“He sounds just right. He isn’t hard on the eyes either.”
Atlas laughed. “No, he isn’t, is he?”
“How is he different? What doesn’t Kaleb like?”
“Kaleb is concerned over Ryder fitting in among the Omnias and how much he’ll struggle with the curriculum.”
“Why?”
