Page 65 of Ravaged Devotion

“I don’t want to risk it,” Rue said. It felt too scary, relying on a drug that completely knocked him out and prevented him from waking. “If something does happen, I want to be able to help you.” He glanced at the clock on the end table. “You’re switching shifts in six hours. Better get some sleep.”

“You aren’t coming with me.”

“I am.”

“It isn’t necessary.”

“I know.” Rue shrugged. “I’m still coming.”

Ryker gave up, lying down and then moving in closer. His arm went around Rue’s waist, and then he pulled him in, nuzzling the back of his head. “I’m not going to do anything,” he reassured when Rue tensed. “Sleep, sweetheart. If you don’t wake on your own when it’s time for my shift, I’m leaving you behind.”

That was eerily similar to what he’d said when he’d abandoned Rue in the forest.

Rue chose not to bring it up.

* * *

Six hours later, they found Ellery sitting on top of the check-in desk, kicking his legs against the side.

“Anything?” Ryker asked as he and Rue approached.

Rue rubbed at his tired eyes and barely held back a yawn, noting with some annoyance that Ellery appeared to be wide awake and bursting with energy.

“Nada.” Ell leapt down. “Uriel said it was quiet for him as well.”

“That’s good.” Ryker glanced around the area, checking to make sure everything was still closed, and all the rooms with windows had been shut. The entrance had been designed to be rustic, so fortunately there wasn’t much glass there and they hadn’t needed to figure anything out.

“Here’s the hand off.” Ellery held up his palm, waiting until Ryker gave him a halfhearted high five before heading toward the stairs they’d just come from. “Catch y’all in the morning!”

“He is way too chipper,” Rue couldn’t help but state, grimacing as he watched Ell practically hop up the stairs. “He is aware of the situation we’re in, right?”

“Why do you think he’s in such a good mood?” Ryker chuckled.

“Psycho.”

“Just imagine how disappointed Ares is going to be when he finds out he missed this.”

“You guys are so weird.”

“You say that as if you’re not one of us.” Ryker stared at him. “You’re technically a Black Hart too, Rue.”

“My mom wouldn’t shut up about it. She was so disappointed in me for not claiming the title,” he said, eyes going to the front door, to the last place he’d seen her. The last place he would ever see her. “I can’t believe she’s really gone. Just like that.”

“Are you hungry? Thirsty?” Ryker was riffling through a pile of snacks Ellery must have gotten from the kitchen. They were laid out over the end of the counter, sorted by type, with a selection of bottled drinks organized in a neat row.

“He really is a weirdo,” Rue grunted, helping himself to a water and candy bar.

“He’s…eclectic.” Ryker smiled fondly.

“You’re glad he’s here.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? If we need something dead, he’s the first person I’ll turn to.”

“No wonder you wish Ares had come.” Rue had grown up around all of them, though he wasn’t particularly close with anyone aside from the twins. Still, he understood who the vast majority of them were at their core.

And which of them would be the best allies to have if shit hit the fan.

“So, what’s the verdict,” he turned back to the Black Hart. “Do you think we’ll need something dead?”