* * *
Ashton iseasy to be around. As we walk, she speaks in a soft voice with a hint of a Southern drawl. “This must be intimidating for you, Delilah. I remember when I first arrived. It’s a lot to deal with.”
I’m curious, wondering if she came here running from something. This isn’t the time to discover her story, though, so I merely listen.
“I’ll show you to your room first and then perhaps you would like to grab some food. You must be hungry after that long journey.”
“I am.”
I hate how nervous I am, and as we reach another steel door set in the impersonal walls, I drag in a deep lungful of air as we step outside into the cool breeze.
“The women’s accommodation is in this block over here on the right. The men sleep in the one on the left. Don’t be intimidated by any of them, honey. There is not one person here who doesn’t have your best interests at heart.”
“I appreciate that.”
I really mean it, and then I’m surprised when Ashton says with emotion, “I must thank you for what you did to help Cassie, Jack and Imogen. If you hadn’t gone to Drake, well, I hate to think what could have happened.”
She stops and, to my surprise, pulls me in for a hug, and I almost forgot that they were part of this family.
When Drake came to Rockwell as a teacher, none of us knew he was sent there to watch over the kids. I approached him for help because I saw the way his eyes burned pure venom when he directed them at Angela, and I saw a way out of the madness.
As it turns out, he was a Reaper sent to investigate The Serpent Society, and it was only because of him, the Reapers were there that night and altered the course of history for us all.
Ashton pulls away and smiles, and I whisper, “I’m so grateful to Drake. Is he here?”
“Yes. I’m sure he’ll check in on you.”
“And Cassie?”
“Oh, she’s here all right. Ryder is mightily pissed at her, and she has been grounded. Jack is currently being put through his paces, and Imogen is recovering. Drake hardly leaves her side, which has caused a little friction with her father, Flash, another Reaper.”
She tosses her eyes. “I’m sure everything will settle down.”
“I’m glad they’re all okay. Angela was evil, and it was only a matter of time before her sins caught up with her.”
“Time wasn’t on our side, so we thank you for that. Whatever happens next, the Reapers have your back, with the added bonus that they also owe you. You are in a powerful position.”
“I don’t feel very powerful.”
If anything, I am exhausted with emotion and, to be honest, this is all a little overwhelming, but I won’t tell Ashton that. Not while she’s being so kind.
We carry on our journey and soon reach the accommodation block she referenced, and as we step inside, I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s nothing like the main building, which is almost industrial.
This place is warm and decorated tastefully like an exclusive hotel, and Ashton smiles. “You’ll meet Bonnie soon. She is responsible for all the interiors in the compound. You get thepleasure of decorating your individual space, but she has studied interior design and lets loose on the communal areas.”
“She’s very talented.”
I gaze around in awe as we move through what appears to be a reception hall and head to a staircase set in the center.
“I’ve assigned you one of the prettiest guest rooms overlooking the lake. It will become your room for as long as you want it and are free to redecorate to your taste. Anything you need, let me or Bonnie know. Failing that, Lucy places most of the orders, and you will meet with her tomorrow, where she will issue you a credit card and assure you receive all the security details and instructions for life here.”
“Blade mentioned Lucy. Is she Ryder’s assistant?”
“He likes to think so.”
Ashton chuckles. “Before Lucy came here, the guys’ idea of organization was tragic. Lucy is a good administrator and took over the running of the compound—administratively speaking. She works closely with Brewer, another Reaper, to gather intelligence, and nobody messes with her systems—they wouldn’t dare.”
“I like the sound of Lucy.”
