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Well, that and the fact that neither Rosalynn nor Darian has attacked him or called for the guards yet. Nero, on the other hand, looks as if he’s ready to kill. Not that I think he could take Ryker; I still keep an eye on him. Nero isn’t always good at asking permission, and if he comes after Ryker, I’ll happily put him down. I’ve had enough of his bullshit.

We stand, hand in hand, opposite the King and Queen as we wait to see what they will say, Garrett at our back. The sun has risen just enough that he casts us in a shadow that fuels us both.

If things go to shit, I know we can get out of here in time.

Do you really think that Mother won’t love him? She has a thing for lost children who need love.Garrett says through the bond, and I shake my head. I should have known he would be snooping around in my head.

I’m not sure if you noticed or not, but Ryker isn’t exactly a child.I meant for the words to sound sassy, but instead they almost sound dirty, and I mentally kick myself as his wyvern growls low and menacingly behind us.

Watch it, Tiny. Sharing with your mates is one thing, but I’m not sure my beast can handle anyone else.He doesn’t sound mad; in fact, he genuinely sounds as if he’s worried for his safety, and I can’t help the smile that pulls at the corner of my lips.

Turning my attention back to the conversation, or lack thereof, in front of me, I find Darian stalking toward us, and suddenly I’m not so sure that bringing Ryker here was a good idea.

“Maybe we should go…” I say in a rush, looking from Rosalynn to Darian. Her face reflects my worry, while her husband’s is set in his usual blankness that makes it impossible to know what he’s thinking.

“Wait, dear,” Rosalynn calls, quickly moving forward in an attempt to catch up with him. He doesn’t slow, and I know Darian will reach us before she reaches him.

I tug on Ryker’s hand as I take a step back, but he doesn’t budge.

“It’s okay, Darling. Whatever it is, I deserve it,” he says without looking at me, holding Darian’s gaze even when he comes to a stop right in front of him.

Ryker is taller; he has at least three or four inches on him, but Darian is stocky. He grew up farming the land, and even years later, he holds that large form from years and years of manual labor. Ryker, while not weak, isn’t as broad, his muscular frame thinner though somehow just as intimidating.

They stand looking eye to eye for what feels like an eternity.

I feel the guys as they come through the gate, moving behind us and shifting back, an unseen support that helps me breathe a little easier.

I’m seconds from screaming, the tension choking me as I wait to see what Darian will say.

I knew there was a chance this would happen, but I’d expected Rosalynn to help me, and from the look in her eyes as she watches them, she intends to should this go sideways. I didn’t expect Darian to be here, to have to deal with him right away, the second we brought Ryker here.

He isn’t my biggest fan, hasn’t been since we were children. But after Draven attacked the kingdom and made his interest inme clear, I can’t say I blame him. I never wondered why he sent me away; he just wanted to save his people and his family.

I’ve seen the way he looks at me. I know that, like Nero and so many of the people in the village, he hates me, but his son is my mate. He tried to keep us apart once and failed; if he did it again now without reason, Garrett would never stand for it.

So we have a tentative truce.

One I very well might have just blown to smithereens.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ryker.” Darian holds his hand out, and Ryker flinches the tiniest bit, but I feel it.

I don’t blame him. I’d half expected Darian to attack as well. Instead, his hand is extended to Ryker as he waits.

Ryker’s brows scrunch together in confusion before he turns his head, looking to me for an answer.

I’m just as confused as he is, but I’m almost positive Darian isn’t being malicious right now. I shrug, and Ryker’s lips pull down in a slight frown that is somehow just as attractive as his smile.

I love seeing him express emotions other than self-loathing. Every one feels like a big fat fuck you to Draven.

Ryker turns his attention back to Darian, and with a deep breath, he braces himself before reaching out, gripping Darian’s hand, almost as if waiting for something to happen. A smile pulls at Darian’s lips as he shakes Ryker’s hand with vigor, to the point that Rosalynn steps up, pressing a hand to her husband’s arm.

“Enough, dear. You’re going to rip the boy’s arm off,” she says with a smile that’s all warm motherly love as she looks up at Ryker, who quickly looks away.

“Apologies.” Darian laughs and lets Ryker’s hand drop, reaching up to cover Rosalynn’s hand with his own in a rare show of affection between them. “I’m sure you’re all exhausted after all that training. Get some sleep and then meet us for lunch, and we can talk more.”

Without another word, they turn away, heading back into the castle with Nero hot on their heels.

Leaving me with my jaw on the floor as I watch them.