“Yeah.”
“That sucks.”
“It sure does.”
“But you’re back. Safe.” His gaze scanned my frame. “I should’ve gone with you.”
I would’ve felt the same if he’d left on a similar mission. “Everything went fine.”
“I would’ve watched your back.” He held up his hand to cut off my protest. “I get it. You’re capable of taking care of yourself, but we’re family. We watch out for each other. Always have. Always will.”
My friend truly was back, and I couldn’t be happier. This time,Ihuggedhim, and he rubbed my back in a way that felt warm, comforting, and amazing.
“I wanted to thank you for all you did to protect me at Bledmire,” he said, stepping back. “You and Vexxion. I’ll tell him when he . . .” He sucked in a breath and released it with his words. “When he’s back. Which he will be. You did it for me, and you’re going to do it for him. You won’t give up until he’s with you once more. That’s one of the things I admire the most about you, Tempest. Your dedication to friends.”
His support meant everything to me.
“I have a collar for him,” I said.
Bro’s breath caught, and his eyes widened. He traced a fingertip across his nape. “One of these?”
“Yes.”
Concern shadowed his eyes. “Where did you get it?”
“I negotiated for it after I spoke with the commander. Jessia’s in charge now.”
“Really?” he gushed. “She’s perfect for that role.”
“I think so too.”
He gripped my arms, making me meet his eyes. “You didn’t endanger yourself to get that collar, did you?”
“No.” Thought I would’ve.Anything.
What had Vexxion given in exchange for four collars? The Liege drove a hard bargain for one. Was Vexxion’s deal complete? It didn’t matter. We hadn’t seen the last of that Liege.
“Did one of the fae give it to you?” Brodine shook his head. “No, that can’t be right. You went to the fortress. But Jessia wouldn’t have anything like that.”
“No, she wouldn’t.”
“I thought Lieges made the collars.”
“That’s what some believe.”
I wouldn’t tell him where I got it even if he pressed me.
Thankfully, he let it go. “You told Jessia about the flying dregs.”
“Right away.”
“Good. She’ll let the other commanders know and they’ll be on high alert. We’ve done what we can to help our friends.” His posture loosened, and he rubbed his palms together. “I bet you can’t wait to place that collar around Vexxion’s neck. Do you mind if I watch?”
“Why not?” Striding over to Vexxion, I stared down at him.
His gaze remained locked on nothing, as if he awaited directions to complete a simple task. A vise gripped my throat and cold claws sunk into my lungs. The air around us thickened,every word and touch Ivenrail had stolen from me worse than stinging grit in my eyes.
A storm raged through me, a cyclone of need. I was desperate to pull him back to my side, but so far, it felt like I was trying to grasp mist. I’d loved this man almost from the moment I met him, and my feelings would never change. Desperation settled on my soul, a heavy, unmovable weight.
