Page 18 of The Never List (Never List #1)

Kal

“So, tell us,” Pierce says, raising his glass from where he sits on the cushioned floor of one of my favorite rooms in my house. “Is it love?”

I glance at the square pool between us—the center of the room—to give myself a few moments to respond. The water looks crimson, since the walls are painted red and the ceiling sports a detailed and carved section of rubies. Two chandeliers illuminate the room in blush light, and candles line the walls made of bookshelves, offering a golden glow.

The pool is surrounded by cushions made for relaxing or fucking, but right now, my friends take up the space. Pierce sits across from me, Jax to my left, and Axl to my right.

“Come on,” Axl says. “You can tell us.” He curls his fingers where he relaxes on the edge of the pool, and droplets of water rise to his call, spinning with each flick of his wrist.

It’s been a month since Rylee joined me in my city, and I can’t remember a time I’ve felt so… happy.

Genuinely happy—hopeful and frustrated and lust-crazed and fiercely protective, but happy. She drives me mad with how much she keeps locked tight, but it’s only been four weeks. I must be understanding and patient. She’ll have secrets up until the point when she fully trusts us.

“Rylee is different,” I say by way of answer, and Pierce and Axl laugh. Jax seems content to brood behind his drink. “She is —”

“You are the Dreamer,” Pierce says. “You always see the best in everyone. It’s your tragic flaw.”

My gut clenches. He’s not wrong. I’ve been betrayed more times than I can count because of it.

“You don’t understand,” I say. “She’s not like the others.” The previous potentials—it was easy enough to enjoy their company, but we were never as intimate as I’ve been with Rylee. She’s an addiction. An intoxicating mystery I want to unravel with every breath I take.

“What have you learned?” Pierce asks, always gathering data.

I try to hold back my smile as my mind drifts over the last few weeks, but I can’t. “Coffee and whiskey are her two favorite drinks, sometimes together if she’s in a feisty mood. She wears your two colors to get a rise out of me,” I say, pointing to Axl and Pierce, easily picturing her in the stunning emerald number she wore a few days ago. Wore and then lost because I peeled it off her body and worshipped her for a few hours after.

My dick twitches at the thought. I’ve never been so starved for a person, and I fucked her before breakfast today.

“Does she ever wear black?” Jax asks, the first words he’s spoken since they all arrived.

I think back on the past month. “No,” I say, shaking my head. “I haven’t seen her in black since the Choosing.”

Jax’s slow, sardonic smile stretches his lips as he leans farther back against the red cushions, sipping from his drink in a way that chills my blood. That smile… It usually means bloodshed or chaos, neither of which are particularly favorable when it comes to him.

“You can take the next month,” Axl chimes in, looking at Jax. “Help take the edge off whatever is eating at you.”

So, he’s noticed, too. I glance to Pierce, who nods. They’ve both noticed Jax being more moody than usual these past weeks. I want to ask what’s bothering him, especially since he’s the one who chose Rylee—and thank fuck he did—but I know my friend like I know myself, and he’s not one to open up about his feelings.

“No,” Jax says, studying his drink. “I’m not keen to expose the little liar. I’ll go last, like we discussed.”

I sigh. “You’re twisting it,” I say, shaking my head. “She could easily be withholding some details of her life that she finds embarrassing or shameful. When she trusts us, she’ll—”

“Spill all her dirty little secrets?” Jax waves me off. “You know me. I can’t stand liars. I didn’t sense it at first, but…” His purple eyes get lost as he stares at the water in the pool. After a few moments, he blinks. “I’m not eager to be rejected in the end again.”

Axl flashes me a look, and my gut twists. I may be reading between the lines, but if he’s dreading rejection, it means there’s something about Rylee that’s gotten under his skin in a good way. I cling to that kernel of hope that he’ll come around when he gets to know her and drop the little liar business.

“Tell us more,” Axl says, leaping at the chance to turn the conversation back to where we started.

“She loves to read,” I answer. “So much that I have to be very clever when coaxing her out of the library.” Flashes of taking her against the stacks at the city library last week races through my mind. She’d initiated it after her unfortunate encounter with the Occuli, almost like she needed a physical outlet for the fear the thing had created. I spoke to my father about the Occuli overstepping, and if it weren’t for the kings’ demands I not punish it, I would’ve flown it to the tallest, harshest mountain in Lumathyst and left it there.

But her reaction after… The way she’d clung to me, kissed me with such passion. The way she’d said she felt safe with me…it was everything .

I shift where I sit. If I’m not careful, I’ll have to leave our weekly meeting and find out where my potential mate is hiding. “She hasn’t opened up about her family yet,” I continue. “Nothing too personal. Every time I try, she changes the subject.”

Jax laughs again, taking another drink as if that is explanation enough about his reservations.

“Maybe that’s what she’s hiding,” Pierce says. “A troublesome family member? Maybe someone on the enforcers’ radar or in the prisons?”

“I’m not sure.” I press my lips together. We rarely dig deep into the potentials’ pasts unless absolutely necessary, not wanting to be swayed by things out of their control, like family connections. “I understand her hesitance. This is all still so new to her. We’ve been through this six times, but…” I shrug. “Something about this time is different. It’s like all the Choosings before this were just stepping stones guiding us to her.”

“It’s been a month,” Pierce reminds me. “She’s now free to reject us and leave. Has she given you any indication of contemplating leaving before venturing on with one of us next?”

“Not at all,” I say confidently. “I won’t pretend to know her mind like you could, Pierce, if you so wished, but I don’t believe she has any intentions like that as of right now.”

Axl releases his booming laugh, reaching across the corner of the pool to clap me on the shoulder. “Can’t fault your optimism, Kal,” he says, shaking his head. His hair hangs loose and over his shoulders today, a sleeveless blue tunic showing off his inked arms. I cock a brow at him, silently conveying my sincerity. He stops laughing, his eyes widening. “You’re serious,” he says. “You’re not just being your dreamer self…you actually mean it.”

“I do,” I answer. “She’s not performing for the Occuli when they’re observing, and there are times I swear she looks lost when we talk about the history of my city…like she’s never heard the stories before. And she doesn’t hold back out of politeness or some sort of duty to submit to royalty. She calls me on my bullshit.”

“Ohhh,” Axl says, clapping his hands together. “This is going to be so much fun.”

“What else?” Pierce asks.

“She’s expressed her desire to not be left behind the next time we face a Legend issue or a Fader problem.”

“You told her?” Axl asks at the same time Jax says, “She said that?”

My eyes dart between the two. “Yes, she was very adamant about never leaving her behind again,” I answer Jax first, then turn to Axl. “And no,” I say. “Mirren explained a few things when Rylee was worried about where we vanished to a few weeks ago.”

“She was concerned?” Pierce asks, and I nod.

“For all of us,” I say, glancing at Jax. “She was livid when I came home. There was genuine fear in her eyes at the thought of losing any one of us.”

“That soon,” Pierce says, his dark eyes calculating, considering.

“I know,” I say. “I doubted it, too, at first. Assumed she was just afraid of losing her chance at real wealth and power, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“How so?” Axl asks.

I fiddle with the drink in my hand. “I don’t know how to explain it,” I say, struggling for the right words. “It’s almost like she didn’t want or expect to get Chosen. There are times—split seconds—when I can see that she resents the idea of the responsibility that comes with being our mate. But then there are even more times when I see the fire in her eyes, especially whenever we talk about the lower cities and the hopes she has for them. She wants change there, just like we do. And she worries and asks about you all. I swear, she checks on your health more than she inquires about what she’ll receive at the end of this. After she learned about the Faders and the possibility of more attacks against us, she’s on constant alert, like the thought of losing us is abhorrent to her, even if she can’t understand it.”

Axl whistles before taking a long drink. “I’ve always hated it when they don’t voice their own opinions,” he says. “When they only say what they think we want to hear.”

I grin. “You won’t get that with Rylee. She holds nothing back.”

“And she wants to be with us when we…conduct our Legend business?” Pierce asks, intrigue coloring his features.

“More than that,” I say. “I think she wants to be a Legend.”

Jax jerks his head my direction, wearing a look of shock I’ve never seen from him before.

“Not one potential has even wanted to hear about our Legend business,” Pierce says. “Most said they’d rather not know what we do, and none has ever wanted to join us.”

“I know,” I answer. “I get it. And if you get to know her and think I’m off base, feel free to tell me. I’m just letting you know this one is different.” The hope in my heart builds. A true mate, someone who not only understands and supports us but accepts each of us for who we are. That’s worth more than the power we’ll receive at the end of this if she chooses us, if she survives…

My blood goes glacial at the thought of the Athanry. It’s too early to worry about it, and honestly, I can’t stand the idea of losing her. I’m that fucking attached already. Even now, sitting here among the friends I love, I’m already mourning the loss of her to Axl.

“Speaking of the Faders,” Pierce says, segueing into the second reason for our weekly meeting, “they’ve gone silent since the last attack.”

I clutch my glass so tightly it threatens to crack. I loosen my grip. “Any trace of the weapons they’re using?” The same ones that were able to slice me up, burn me, delay the healing process. That’s never happened before. Outside of the kings’ personal powers, nothing has been capable of making me bleed. One of the gifts my mother passed to me.

“Not a hint,” Pierce says, his tone dipping.

He’s never met a problem he couldn’t solve, either, and the Faders have been an unsolvable problem since their recent appearance. They started by only causing trouble where one would barely notice—petty thefts, setting fires, and damaging buildings—such low-level crimes, our fathers assume it’s youths acting out.

But they’ve stepped up their ambitions to outright attacking innocent citizens in any one of our given cities. Plus, the weapons they carry prove they’re nowhere near rebellious youths and lean closer to an organization set on creating unrest in our territories.

“Those weapons they have… It’s either new magic or new materials,” Jax says. “I wonder where they’re getting them.”

“The threat across the seas your father keeps speaking of?” Pierce asks.

“Maybe,” Jax answers. “Erithmore’s hatred for us runs deep, and the kings have sent countless of Lumathyst’s people over there on Never List missions. Who is to say one of those missions didn’t end up joining forces with the locals?”

“It’s a possibility out of hundreds.” Pierce sets his drink down on a little table next to him. “We need to pinpoint their motive. Then we’ll better understand their origins. Figure out where they’re getting their power.”

“Baydel is always concerned about demis,” Jax says. “Do you think that could be the source?”

“Could be…” Pierce shakes his head. “But it’s unlikely. So many demis have been thrown in prisons for crimes less than these. There aren’t enough of them left to create an uprising again.”

“There could be some in hiding,” Jax counters.

“True,” Pierce says. “But the consequences rather outweigh the benefit of anonymity. Being a publicly known demi is hard enough. The penalties for hiding such an existence?”

Jax nods. “So, we’re leaning toward deciding that their strength and show of power has to be enhancements, then.”

“Most likely,” Pierce agrees, and Axl and I nod. “Again, we’re back to ultimate goals. When we figure that out, the rest will likely be revealed.”

“For now, it seems they want to provoke us or kill us,” Axl says without a hint of fear in his tone. He’s fearless to a fault, sometimes taking on more than he can possibly carry. “Are we overthinking this? Could it simply be a group of Ashlanders?” he asks. “Thanks to our fathers’ suppression of that territory, every single one of them has a reason to hate us.”

“I wondered that, too,” I say. “The Ashlanders have always been a problem—”

The door swings open, letting light from the hallway pool into the room.

“Sorry,” Rylee says quickly, backing out of the doorway. “I didn’t realize this was a Legend meeting—”

“No, stay,” I say, beckoning her to my side with an outstretched arm.

She scans the room, eyes grazing over Pierce, Axl, and finally Jax. Something charged happens as their eyes meet, something I think every single one of us can feel. But in a blink, it’s gone, replaced by Rylee tipping her chin up and walking toward me. She drops to my side, settling in effortlessly beneath my arm.

“You all look well,” she says after we’re silent for too long.

Axl smirks at her. “We heard you were worried about us.”

Rylee looks up at me. “Traitor,” she teases, playfully smacking my chest.

I capture her hand there, bringing it to my mouth. “Apologies,” I say, dragging my lips over the underside of her wrist. I relish the chill bumps that appear at my touch. “I told you I have no secrets from them.”

“What were you talking about before I interrupted?” she asks, slightly breathless from my touch. I drop her wrist but keep hold of her hand.

“Faders, Ashlanders, kings… You know, everyone who might want us dead,” Axl says, deadpan, and I clench my eyes shut while searching for patience.

She straightens under my arm. “Why would the Ashlanders want you dead?”

“Ah, so you don’t have any argument with our own fathers wanting us dead?” Jax quickly counters, and she turns her head, focusing on him.

“I don’t pretend to assume why the kings are the way they are, but I can imagine that they like their thrones, their power, maybe even enough to view you all as a threat.” She shrugs. “But then again, maybe I’ve read too many royal fantasy novels.”

I bite back a laugh, shaking my head. That’s my Rylee.

“Clever deduction,” Pierce commends her. “And the Ashlanders could want us dead for multiple reasons: the withholding of noble titles from its people, the scrutinization of the remaining demis who are secluded there, the lack of resources. The list goes on.”

“Are you the ones who put all these restrictions into place?” Rylee asks, carefully casual.

“No,” Axl answers, a crease forming between his eyebrows. “The kings did that long before we came into play.”

Rylee nods, her shoulders loosening beneath my arm so quickly I didn’t even realize they were tense before now. I shift my arm from her, sliding my hand up and down her back. Is she nervous because of how small the room is and the way our powers fill it? I’m used to the constant weight of the power when we’re all together, but I forget that she hasn’t been exposed to it that long.

“So, you think the Faders and Ashlanders could be one and the same?” she asks.

“Perhaps,” Pierce answers, and Rylee gives a little laugh that shocks us all.

“What’s funny, love?” I ask, unable to stop my own smile. I love the sound of her laugh, especially this raw, unexpected one.

“It’s funny that you think an oppressed people who barely scrape by for food , let alone money, could amass any sort of magic and create the weapons they attacked you with a few weeks ago.” She shrugs. “Doesn’t add up to me. If I had to guess,” she continues, “I’d put my money on Erithmore. They have the numbers and the wealth, and rumors abound about their magical capabilities. The only things that have kept them off our shores for so long are the protection from the goddesses and the threat the kings and yourselves pose. And with the Choosings happening every year—if their spies have learned that finding your mate will unlock the full potential of your already impressive powers, that would be another reason to keep them from a direct attack. But a stealthy one? Before you come into your full power?” Another shrug as she reaches for my drink, then drains the contents.

I look to Jax. Rylee expressed the same theories he did not moments ago. There’s something there—pride, maybe, or curiosity—but he doesn’t open his mouth to say anything.

“Time will tell,” Pierce says. “We’re working on uncovering who they are and what exactly they want, but they’re very good at slipping into the shadows.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Rylee asks, genuine concern fluttering over her face. “To help you?” She poses the question to each of us.

“You’re already doing enough,” Pierce answers.

“By being here,” I explain. “By entertaining the idea of choosing us.”

“Oh,” she whispers, a little surprised. “Well… I meant—”

“We know,” I say. “I promise, if there is a job you can do for us, we’ll let you know. For now, you have enough on your plate learning the ins and outs of our cities, our people, being in the public eye every time we step outside, and not to mention tolerating the four of us.”

Rylee laughs. “That’s not exactly a hard day’s work. I’m capable of more. I can carry more of the weight, if you need me to.”

I feel the guys’ powers crackle in the room at her declaration—a snap of curiosity and warmth that lets me know they’re starting to see what I’ve seen for weeks now.

On a silent cue, each of us stands, the meeting coming to a close. Rylee steps out of my embrace to say goodbye to Pierce, who kisses the back of her hand before leaving. Jax barely gives her a nod before he disappears, and then it’s Axl who’s scooping her up into one of his traditional bear hugs, holding her at his eye level. Something hot zaps through me at the sight. She looks so small in his big arms, and he maneuvers her so damn easily. Fuck, I can’t wait for the day when I can watch him make her come.

“I have a job you can do,” Axl says, his tone lilting on the side of seduction.

Rylee is grinning at him, their chemistry an undeniable, palpable thing. “What’s that?”

“Say yes to me now,” he says, smiling at her. “Tell me yes, Rylee. Tell me yes right this second, because the moment you step foot in my territory, I’m going to claim you so many times you won’t be able to explore my city for at least a week.”

I see the heat churning in her eyes, the delight at his directness. Just the thought makes me contemplate asking him to stay. Asking him to find out right here and now if she can handle us both, but I clamp down on the idea. I have two nights left with her all to myself, and I won’t waste them. Sharing her will come soon enough.

Rylee runs her fingers through some of Axl’s hair, the touch familiar, claiming, but she glances at me, almost as if she’s asking permission. She doesn’t belong to me solely, and if there is anyone I’d ever share a treasure like her with, it’s my friends, the Legends.

I dip my head, winking at her, and she turns her focus back to Axl.

“Yes,” she whispers, a giddiness to her tone.

Something like a howl comes from Axl as he spins her in a circle. “I like you,” he says, sliding her down his body before setting her on her feet. “You’re adventurous. We’re going to have so much fucking fun.” He playfully smacks her ass as a way of goodbye. “See you in two days,” he calls over his shoulder before leaving the room.

Rylee huffs out a laugh before padding over to my side. “That was fun,” she says, sliding her hands up my chest. “What are the plans for the rest of the time you have me?”

“Tomorrow evening, we have a dinner with the kings,” I answer, and I swear the air goes right out of her. I crouch slightly, snaking my arms around her and lifting her to my height. “I know,” I say. “But it’s standard. You’ll have one at the end of every month in the cities.”

She nods, and I watch as she accepts the information and files it out of the way.

“But,” I continue, “tonight, I have something special planned for you.”

“You do?”

I trail my nose over the tip of hers, breathing her in. Fuck, she smells good, feels so soft and pliant against me like this. “It’s our last night together,” I say, knowing from history that tomorrow after the dinner she’ll be in no mood to play. “I’m going to make it count. You up for it?”

A shiver works through her as she nods. “Always.”