Followed by that command to give Syrus a heads-up.
I obeyed only because I don’t want any trouble. The past is best left buried. And I’m going to keep it that way by playing along for now.
Until I board the jet.
Then all bets are off.
I pick up my bag and look out the window as an all-black vehicle approaches. It’s sleek and expensive-looking, telling me it’s my ride.
But before I can leave to meet thewasp, my phone rings and Silva’s name pops up on the screen.
I nearly groan.
Because I know why she’s calling.Tattletale,I think, the word for Syrus.
“Hey, Silva,” I say, forcing my most nonchalant tone. “What’s up?”
“Where are you going? And why is there an assassin escorting you?” She doesn’t waste time beating around the bush. But that’s Silva—direct and to the point.
My lips twist. “I don’t know ifassassinis the right description,” I say slowly. “More like a bodyguard.”
“He’s six foot three with crazy eyes and a too-charming smile,” she says. “He has ‘assassin’ written all over him.”
“Is that your description or Syrus’s?” I wonder aloud. “And I’m guessing Syrus frisked him, right?”
“He didn’t bother. He said the guy looked lethal enough to kill with his hands alone.”
“Sounds kind of like a compliment,” I joke, deflecting. “Maybe they can be friends?”
“Lark.” There’s a subtle bite to her tone. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“It’s nothing,” I promise her, hoping I’m not lying. “My brother just wants me to come home for a bit, and he sent someone to pick me up. That’s all.”
She’s silent for a long moment, and I know she’s not buying any of this. “If you need help?—”
“I don’t,” I interject. “But if I did, you would be the first one I’d call.” That part isn’t a lie. Silva’s a badass. And her pack is… intense. She would be the best person to get me out of a bind.
But this isn’t her battle to fight; it’s mine.
“I’m going to be okay,” I tell her. “It’s a simple family thing.”
“A family you’ve never mentioned.”
“I’m sure there are parts of your past that you haven’t mentioned either,” I point out.
Silence fills the line, confirming my suspicion.
Still, I want to put her at ease, so I give her just a bit more to pacify her. “Remember my guy on the outside? The one I gave all that information to about Gideon?”
I pause for a breath, not needing her confirmation but wanting to provide her with a chance to process my words.
“Yeah,” she confirms, sounding wary.
“My brother was that guy, Silva.” I swallow, aware that what I’m telling her is directly linked with why I have to go home now. “So everything’s good. I’ll be back in a few days.”
She’s quiet for a long moment. “I don’t like this, Lark. Something feels off.”
“It’s the outsider effect,” I reply, infusing a hint of nonchalance into my tone. “Once Noah’s gone, it’ll feel okay again.”
