“No problem.” I glance at Magma. “Would you like a refill of your coffee?”
“That would be great.” He gives me a quick nod. “The borders officially opened three and a half hours ago. We’re officially no longer at war with Mistveil.”
“Then why is there a half-dead shifter in my OR?” Robyn asks.
“Like I told the Council, we can’t expect everything to do a one-eighty overnight.” Magma sighs.
“Are you expecting more trouble?” Robyn asks.
“I hope I’m wrong, but yes, it’s not all going to be smooth sailing after years of hating one another.”
Robyn looks worried. She is frowning heavily, her mouth a white line.
“I’d better go and rest while I can,” she says.
I head out of the office and down the corridor toward the kitchenette. The hospital is in that strange middle-of-the-night hush.
Once there, I start the next pot. The smell of fresh grounds hits me, and I close my eyes for a second.
I rinse out two mugs and line them up on the counter, and I’m just reaching for the milk when the door at the end of the corridor opens with a soft buzz.
I lean out of the kitchenette to look.
Ridge is at the security checkpoint with a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. The guard at the door radios in, and a second later, they wave him through. He sees me down the hallway and lifts his chin in a small greeting.
I wave him toward Robyn’s office, and he heads that way without breaking stride.
I finish making the coffees. I take a coffee for Magma. As I walk over there, I notice that Robyn’s office door is half open, and I can see them through the gap.
Ridge has the bag on the desk. He’s standing close to Robyn, who is on her feet now. He’s cupping her face with one hand and saying something I can’t hear. She’s nodding, and her eyes are closed, and there is the smallest smile on her mouth. Then he leans in and presses his forehead against hers, and they just stand there for a second.
I feel guilty watching them, but I can’t look away.
I feel a small ache right under my collarbone. Not jealousy. I love Robyn. I’m thrilled she has Ridge. If anyone deserves love and a happy ending, it’s her.
But, at the same time, I want that too. I want someone to drive across town in the middle of the night to bring me a toothbrush. Someone who looks at me like I’m the only thing in the room. Someone who shows up for me.
Maybe one day. Maybe sooner than I think.
Ridge brushes his mouth across Robyn’s. She wraps her arms around him, and they melt into one another. Then, they break the kiss, and he holds her against him.
I force myself to walk away, taking the coffee to where Magma is still working. He doesn’t seem to have an off switch.
The door is open, and he’s standing at the window with his phone to his ear.
“…and the watchtowers, are they manned?” he is saying. “All of them?” He pauses, listening. “Good. I want eyes on every mile of that border. The frontline might be further back, but I want everyone vigilant, and for the love of god, I want no unnecessary action taken. The borders are open; we can expect visitors.”
I put the mug down on the corner of the desk where he can reach it.
He glances over his shoulder. His eyes meet mine, and his expression eases a fraction. He mouths a thank you. I nod and let myself out, pulling the door shut behind me.
I head for the main entrance. The double doors swish open and I step out into the loading bay.
Flint is there; his eyes turn to me. When he sees me, his whole expression shifts, and he straightens.
“Hey, you,” he says.
“Hi.” I’m trying very hard not to smile too wide. I’m failing. “Long night.”
