“Incredible,” he praised. “No one could feel your anxiety but me.”
She blew out a breath. “Good.”
“Hey, good speech,” Drew said, throwing an arm around her. “When did you learn not to throw up when you addressed a group?”
“Very funny.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks,” she said with a smile. But her eyes flittered over Drew’s shoulder. “Where’s Laura?”
Drew cocked his head to the side. She followed his gaze and found that Brian and Laura had snuck into the room to listen to her speech. They’d had a tear-filled reunion once Reyna and Brian had made it to Beckham’s place. Brian was on the mend and Laura was there every step of the way to help.
“Come on,” Drew said.
They moved across the room where Brian had an arm around Laura. She was beaming and he gave her a tentative smile as if he wasn’t sure this was reality. His eyes were shadowed, memories of his time as a vampire and the torture he’d endured from Harrington would follow him forever. As it would follow Reyna too. She understood that look.
“What a speech,” Brian said.
“You did really great,” Laura said. “Though, I wish none of you had to go.”
“I know,” Reyna said. “But we do. We have to end this.”
“Give him an extra bullet for me,” Brian said fiercely.
She nodded and then pulled Brian, Laura, and Drew in for a hug.
“I hate to say this, but I have to go,” Drew said. He ruffled Laura’s hair affectionately. “First wave and all.”
“Thank you for taking care of her,” Brian said, holding his hand out. They shook, an unbreakable bond forged between them, and then Drew left.
Reyna kissed Brian’s cheek and left him alone with his wife. They needed time together, and she needed to be here for the army.
Drew filed out with the rest of the Elle members, as well as the heavily armed anti-cult crew. Reyna had had more than a few choice words with Everett’s friends about joining the team, butultimately none of them wanted to see Everett’s death be in vain. Luckily, they had guns galore and knew how to use them.
Beckham’s circle spoke furiously to him in a corner for a few minutes before splitting into teams with the other vamps and exiting the room. Beckham nodded once at her and then followed them out to supervise.
Reyna turned then to her own team—Gabe, Meghan, Tye, and Jodie.
“Like old times, huh?” Reyna asked.
Jodie threw her arms around Reyna. “We’ve got your back.”
Meghan smiled brightly. “I’m ready.”
Gabe winked and slung an arm over Meghan’s shoulders. Tye crossed his arms and gave her a cool nod. These were her people. Her team. She wished that she could tell them how much they meant to her, but she could see in their eyes that they already knew.
Tye tossed the keys in his hand. “I call getaway car.”
“Shotgun,” Jodie yelled as she pushed past Meghan and Gabe toward the car.
Reyna took a deep breath, and glanced around Beckham’s safe house. He’d been right when he’d said it wasn’t big enough to house everyone. The place was smaller than the mansion. But it was enough as a base for those who were staying behind. Genevieve had agreed to remain and guard the place along with Brian and Laura. Reyna was relieved by that at least.
Beckham reappeared in the doorway then. “Are you ready?”
She swallowed and nodded. “Yes.”
He crossed the threshold and pulled her into his arms. “I love you.”
