Page 43 of The Never List (Never List #1)
Rylee
Jax’s staff prepares an incredible breakfast the next morning, and we fall into this new chapter of life where there are no more secrets between us and we’re all in this together.
I spend the better part of breakfast explaining my reasons for sneaking into the Choosing event and plans to look for Erin once I was there, even though I’ve come to terms with the fact that she doesn’t want to be found. I’m just grateful all four of the Legends looked for her and couldn’t find her, which means she’s not on a Never List mission but likely out on one of her adventures under an alias.
Jax nods in understanding as everything clicks about why he’d found me in the library. We’re still completely unsure who changed my records to say I’m from Cedar and Silk, and having the loose end is driving me mad.
“What if it’s Baydel?” I finally ask after I’ve cleared my plate of eggs and toast and fruit.
Axl sits on my left, Kal on my right, helping themselves to thirds from the pile of dishes laying atop Jax’s onyx dining table.
Mirren ate with us at the start, no shock on her face as I spilled buckets of truths. Naturally, she’s one of the few the Legends trust to help protect my secret from the rest of the world, but she excused herself after an hour, hurrying to work on the upcoming events.
“What if he changed my records so he can hold them over my head later?” I ask again after they all share silent, contemplative looks. “His disdain for me is evident, and even Brooks mentioned that he doesn’t see me as queen.”
Jax drags his finger over his chin, sitting at the head of the table and looking all kinds of delicious this morning. I’ve never seen him so…disarmed before. His shirt is wrinkled from sleeping with me last night, and his blue-black hair is a mess atop his head.
“I could try to sift through his mind to find out,” Pierce offers from where he sits directly across from me.
“You know how hard it is to get past his mental shields.” Jax’s indigo eyes are distant, as if he’s sorting through a hundred different scenarios. “I don’t see my father changing your records,” he says, finally looking back at me. “If he found out you were an Ashlander, he would’ve exposed you immediately. And if he uncovered that you’re a demi…” His features harden, and I feel Jax’s power streak over the table, little bursts of terror popping against my skin. I take a deep breath, using my own power to soothe his, stroking it with reassuring air. “We can’t let him find out.” He settles back in his chair.
“He’s been against me since day one, when I stopped him from conducting his little test.” I tremble at the memory. “Then with the veiled threats toward Erin.” My chest tightens. “If he doesn’t know already, then he senses something off about me. He clearly doesn’t want me to finish this.”
“What about the other kings?” Axl asks, finally pushing his plate away.
“Lucas hasn’t paid me much attention,” I admit, treading carefully. These are still their fathers I’m talking about. “But he’s never come to my aid with Baydel, either. Not like Brooks and Jullian have, though like I said, Brooks blatantly admitted he doesn’t view me as queen material.”
Anger ticks a muscle in Axl’s jaw.
“My father has always been a calculative player.” Pierce raises his mug, taking a sip of his tea. “He may not see you as the next queen, but I saw it in the memory you shared with me…you intrigue him. He was testing you with his offer as much as he was trying to understand you.”
“And mine always follows the power,” Axl admits, shaking his head.
I glance at Kal, who seems the most distant during this discussion. “Jullian outwardly has stood up to Baydel and spoken on my behalf.”
That brightens the depths of Kal’s blue eyes, and he nods. “I trust him,” he says.
“Do you trust him enough to tell him the truth about our Rylee?” Jax asks, and warm tendrils of need spiral inside me at the verbal claiming.
Kal hesitates as he stares at his coffee. “I wouldn’t risk it, no.” He looks at me, sliding his free hand along my thigh under the table. “I’d never do anything to risk you.”
That quickly, I want him.
I want them all.
Memories of last night flutter through my mind, raising my pulse and igniting my blood. Each of them is sitting here, mapping out the best possible future for me, and without a hint of judgment. I have no idea how I managed to get so lucky, but I’m suddenly terrified it will all come crashing down around me if I revel in it too long. Chalk it up to losing my parents, then Erin, but happiness is usually a fleeting thing in my life, coming and going like the rising tides.
There’s a sense of urgency here, begging me to soak up as much time as I can with them before it all inevitably blows up in my face.
“We can keep her away from Baydel easily enough these last couple of weeks,” Axl says, refilling his coffee and taking a massive swig. “We’ve given her our tokens, and she’s accepted them. Well, almost everyone’s,” he says, flashing a look to Jax. “Once her time is up with you alone, Jax, we’re free to be together in whichever city we choose. And then…”
“And then I undergo the Athanry,” I finish for him.
Jax slams a fist on the table, and I jolt in my seat.
“No,” he says adamantly. “You won’t.”