“Please tell me you’re not hunting fae,” Ivy said.
“And why would it be a big deal if I am?”
“Why? You’re not trained, Bri. You’re not—”
“I am trained.” Irritation flushed my system. “I received the same training both of you did.”
“But you’re not in the field,” Ren reasoned, shaking his head. “You have never been in the field, so all that training means shit.”
“Listen to Ivy,” the King urged. “You cannot interact with Aric or Neal. The fact that they already know you’re involved is bad enough.”
“I can handle myself,” I said. “Pretty sure I’ve proven that.”
“All you’ve proven is that you’re incredibly lucky,” he fired back. “You’re not like them.” He gestured to the others. “You’re not a warrior with years of experience under your belt.”
“I’m a member of the Order. I’m trained and—”
“You are a member, but this is not your job,” Ivy stated.
“If hunting and killing evil fae isn’t my job, then what is?”
Silence greeted me, and damn if that wasn’t telling. I focused on Ivy. “I have been in the field. I have been for the last year and a half, and, hello, not once have I gotten myself killed.”
“A year and a half?” Ivy screeched. “How? Wait. Was that what he was talking about with the costumes and shit?”
“Yes. I disguise myself. Sometimes it’s…elaborate. Other times, not.” I folded my arms so I didn’t pick up something and throw it. “I make sure no one recognizes me, not even other Order members.”
Ivy stared at me.
“Herecognized you.” Ren gestured at the door.
I turned, realizing the jerk King had bailed, along with Tanner and Kalen. How like him. “Yeah, well, he’s special,” I muttered.
“You’re out there, by yourself, without anyone knowing what you’re doing?” Ivy asked.
“Obviously, the King of all douchebags knows.” Thank God the sleeves of my blouse hid the cuffs because I figured if they saw them on me, they’d both stop breathing.
“He doesn’t count,” Ivy shot back. And, wow, that would’ve been funny if I weren’t so angry. “Wait. Does Tink know?” Her eyes widened. “He has to know, and he’s said nothing to me.” She went for her phone.
“Don’t drag him into this!”
“Oh, he’s been dragged—”
“He didn’t tell you because it’s not your business!” I threw up my arms. “And I didn’t say anything to you because I knew you’d react this way. All of you forget that I’m an Order member. I’ve had the same training you have, and the only reason I’m not in the field is because I had to be home to take care of my mother.” Dragging in a deep breath, there was no stopping me now. I was on a roll. “I know you all think I’m not strong or skilled enough, but guess what, I’ve fought fae. I didn’t need backup or anyone to help me. I didn’t need the Order or any of you to tell me that I’m good enough to be out there. I did it all on my own.”
Ivy drew back. “It’s not that we think you’re not good enough.”
“It’s not?”
“Wait a second,” Ren cut in. “You’ve been hunting for the last year and a half?” He came forward, stopping by the arm of the couch. “Basically, after you had enough time to get back on your feet following the attack.”
Pressing my lips together, I said nothing.
“You’re hunting the fae who attacked you,” he said. “Aren’t you?”
“Oh, Bri,” whispered Ivy, looking away.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I demanded. When Ivy just shook her head, I was a second away from picking up a chair and throwing it. “You know what? Yes, I have been hunting them. I know who they are, and I’ve killed four of them.”
