30. A Visit to the Obsidian Palace

CHAPTER 30

A Visit to the Obsidian Palace

T he ground shook beneath Ryker's feet as the pulsing, low base beat echoed through The Obsidian Palace. A renowned fae club in Golden City, this was the place to gather in the capital. White flashing lights burst from the ceiling like erupting stars. Music blared from massive speakers that stretched from floor to ceiling. Everything was black, from the thick columns supporting the roof to the tables and chairs.

The club mimicked a fae temple in the most debauched fashion possible. The men who worked at this establishment wore cropped black priestly robes that cut off at mid-thigh, while the women wore priestess garments that covered their breasts, asses, and little else.

This was a place where bad decisions were made, and Ryker was already on edge. Frowning, he glanced between his watch and the front door for the fifth time in as many minutes.

"Relax, Ryker, she'll be here," River shouted over the booming pop music pulsing through the club.

That was ironic, coming from his sister. He'd purposefully given River the wrong time, knowing her tendency to ignore all social parameters when it came to being on time, and she'd still been ten minutes late when he drove over to pick her up from Waterborn House .

River wore a tight pink dress that was far too short, with a cut-out along the midriff highlighting her new belly-button ring. When Ryker had pointed out the lack of material on his sister's dress when he'd picked her up, she reminded him that she was an adult and could do what she wanted.

This night out was River's suggestion. She wanted to get to know Brynleigh better since they'd be sisters-in-law in three days.

"I hope so." He pulled out his phone, hoping there was a message from Brynleigh.

Still nothing. The blank screen taunted him.

Brynleigh wasn't late yet, but it was getting close.

Two long days had passed since Ryker last saw his fiancée, and he was getting antsy. He wanted to have Brynleigh in his arms again, and this time, he wouldn't let her go.

The bartender, a tall fae with half her black hair shaved and the other half in a high pony, walked over. "Can I get you a drink?"

"That would be great." Ryker opened a tab and ordered a beer while his sister asked for a fruity cocktail that sounded sugary and disgusting.

The bartender went to work, and Ryker's gaze returned to the door. Still no sign of his vampire.

River jabbed him in the side. "Come on, Ryker. Don't you know how to relax?" she teased.

His frown deepened. "No."

Relaxing wasn't high on Ryker's priority list. He had too many things to worry about, too many different obligations pulling at him.

His sister chuckled as the bartender returned with their drinks. Thanking the fae, River took a sip of the drink that was the same color as her dress. "It's not good for you to be so uptight."

"I'll relax when Brynleigh's here," Ryker grumbled.

He wished he had insisted he pick her up.

Unfortunately, Brynleigh's Maker had kept her busy all week. Apparently, Jelisette de la Point cared little that her progeny was getting married in a few days. Even though Ryker had asked about the project occupying Brynleigh's time. She hadn't been able to tell him much about it.

"You worry too much," River said .

"Debatable." As far as Ryker was concerned, not worrying about the important people in his life was an impossible request. It was his job. He'd done it for years, ever since his father fell ill. Right now, when reports of rebel activities were at an all-time high, he had more reasons to be worried than usual.

River snorted and shook her head. Finishing her drink, she placed the empty glass on the counter and grabbed her brother's hand.

"You need to be patient." She tilted her head at the dark dance floor a few feet away, where fae were losing themselves to the music. "Come dance with me. Get your mind off everything else."

Ryker would rather jump off a cliff. It wasn't that he didn't occasionally enjoy dancing, but he had other things on his mind. Before he could decline, someone clapped him on the shoulder.

He stiffened and turned around, ready to yell at whoever touched him, but all tension left his body as he caught sight of his two friends behind him.

"Hey, man." Nikhail grinned. "Thanks for the invitation."

Even though this was a casual club, the air fae was dressed like he was attending a business meeting with high-ranking Representatives. That was normal for him. Ryker had never seen this friend in anything less than slacks and a dress shirt, even when they got together to watch a game of laser. Nikhail worked in intelligence for the government, and his position was so classified that even Ryker didn't know what he did.

"Of course." Ryker gave a one-armed hug to Nikhil, then Atlas. He was glad they came since he wanted them to get to know Brynleigh. After all, they'd be spending a lot of time together in the future.

Like Ryker, Atlas wore jeans and a black sweater. The earth fae waved his hand, getting the bartender's attention. "Two beers, please."

"Sure thing. One minute," she replied.

Atlas leaned against the bar top, and Nikhail moved to Ryker's other side. "You're looking beautiful tonight, River."

River's cheeks reddened, and she sucked on her lip ring before smiling. "Thank you, Nik." Her gaze crawled over the air fae's suit appreciatively. "You look good, too."

Ryker's mouth pinched in a line, and his gaze darkened as it darted between them. What the hell was going on here? He didn't like it at all. The last thing Ryker needed was for his little sister to get involved with one of his best friends.

Especially Nikhail.

The man was like Ryker's brother, but he was known for his dalliances and one-night stands. That was not the kind of fae River should be interested in, especially not so close to graduation.

Before Ryker could do something stupid, like punch a certain air fae in the face, the club doors opened once more. His gaze slipped to the entrance, and he exhaled as a blonde with black wings entered.

"I'll talk to you guys later." Ryker walked away from the bar, shooting Nikhail a look that he hoped conveyed, Stay the fuck away from my sister, or else .

To Ryker's relief, the air fae nodded and stepped back from River, taking a swig of his beer. The problem, at least for now, was solved. Still, Ryker would be keeping a closer eye on Nikhail. He was a good man, but he wasn't right for River.

No one was.

Ryker pushed his way through the crowded club, moving past hordes of fae grinding against each other to the sensual beat of the music. Most of the dancers' clothes were severely lacking in the fabric department, but he barely noticed. He only had eyes for the vampire making her way towards him.

Brynleigh was a vision of death in her figure-hugging knee-length crimson halter dress and black wings. Her blonde hair flowed around her. As always, her only jewelry was her necklace and the engagement ring he'd given her.

The moment she was within arm's reach, Ryker took her hand and pulled her towards him.

"I missed you, beautiful," he breathed, his eyes sweeping over her before he claimed a kiss.

Their mouths fused, and Brynleigh melted against him. Instantly, none of his other worries existed. Not his sister and the looks she was exchanging with Nikhail, who was definitely off limits. Not the rebel activities or the report he'd received this morning about yet another riot that had resulted in three deaths in the Southern Region .

The only thing that mattered was Brynleigh and how she felt in his arms. It was like they'd been made for each other.

Eventually, he broke off their kiss and slid their fingers together.

She smiled up at him, her fangs peeking out. "I missed you too. Three more days."

"Three days," he echoed. Somehow, it felt like the longest and shortest seventy-two hours of his life. Pecking her cheek, he asked, "Are you thirsty?"

"I am." She leaned against him. "I'm glad we get to spend time together tonight, Ryker."

"Me too." Already, he felt better than he had in two days. Her presence was a balm to his soul.

Ryker led Brynleigh to the bar, never letting go of her hand. The trio he'd left behind was engaged in a heated discussion, which grew more animated as they approached.

Atlas crossed his arms and frowned. "I'm telling you both, the Vlarone Raiders will wipe the floor with the Drahanian Dragons. No one can beat them. They're the best laser team on the continent."

"You're wrong." River glared up at the earth fae, who was more than a foot taller than her. "The Dragons have won every single game this year."

"Only because the Southern Region hasn't come against the Western one yet this season," Atlas argued.

"Ugh!" River threw up her hands and huffed, "You'll see. They'll win, and you'll eat your words."

This scene was familiar. Comfortable, even. Ryker had mediated more than a few disagreements between River and Atlas. Both were enthusiastic about sports and willing to talk to anyone who would listen.

Ryker chuckled, pulling Brynleigh up next to him. "Atlas, did you make the mistake of asking River about sports?"

"Apparently," he grumbled, raking a hand through his hair.

"You know how seriously she takes them," Ryker said. "Dad and River have watched laser games together ever since she was a toddler, right, Shortie? "

"Right." River crossed her arms. "That's what makes me qualified to speak on the expertise of the Drahanian Dragons."

Tension simmered between Atlas and River.

Nikhail, in an apparent effort to relieve it, swigged his beer and walked between them. "Personally, I don't understand what you're fighting about. There's little appeal to the game."

River's eyes widened, and she sputtered as she turned on her heels and faced the well-dressed fae. "What? Inconceivable. Everyone loves sports." She looked at Brynleigh. "Right, Bryn? Which team is your favorite? It's the Dragons, isn't it?"

The hand Ryker held stiffened. "I… uh, don't know." Brynleigh pressed herself against Ryker's side, her wing brushing against his other arm. "I've never watched a game of laser."

In a dramatic move that proved River was Tertia Waterborn's daughter, she gasped and pressed her hand against her heart. "What? We'll have to rectify that immediately. This is an absolute travesty."

Ryker could think of other things that were actual travesties: the poverty crisis in the Republic of Balance, the rebels, the stack of papers piling up on his desk waiting for him to return after his honeymoon. This didn't exactly fit the bill. Still, his sister meant well.

"If Brynleigh agrees, sure." Ryker would never force his bride to do something she didn't want to.

River turned her eager gaze back to the vampire. "Will you come over and watch a game with me after the wedding?"

Brynleigh drew her bottom lip through her teeth before nodding slowly. "Sure, I guess."

That seemed to be the correct answer.

"You will love it." River bounced on the balls of her feet. "I promise. It's the best."

"It's—" Ryker's phone buzzed in his back pocket. He pulled it out, wincing. "Shit."

The number flashing across the screen was reserved for emergencies.

"What's wrong?" Brynleigh asked.

"It's work. I have to take this." He kissed his vampire's forehead. "Do you mind? "

Brynleigh shook her head and retracted her wings. "No, go ahead. I'll order a drink."

Promising that he'd be back as soon as possible, Ryker slid his credit card to the bartender before accepting the call. Pressing the phone against his ear, he yelled, "Hello?"

"Captain Waterborn, this is Major Ulysses. There's been a situation, and…"