Page 41 of Immortal Burden

“To use your infamous powers of persuasion, you mean?”

“To put it bluntly, yes.”

“Ryker isn’t disillusioned with our work, he’s disillusioned with me. He wouldn’t walk away from it, he enjoys the work. It gives him a greater sense of purpose, the ability to help people, to meet and bond with beings across the supernatural world, and to challenge himself when it comes to his magical abilities and know-how.”

“I am aware, however, given that Ryker was unable to answer a Guardian call earlier, I am concerned that Cornelius will attribute it to that and it could result in undeserved action being taken against him.”

“Why did he miss the call?”

“He was sleeping off a night at my club,” I said, giving her a half-truth, rather than absolute honesty, which would likely only serve to provoke her. I also doubted very much that Ryker was ready for anyone to know about the development between us. He seemed to barely be able to acknowledge it to himself.

“That’s where he went? To Polaris?”

“Yes. Does that surprise you?”

“These days, yes. He’s kept to himself for a while. But a few years back, that sort of wild night out would have been par for the course.”

It was obviously him getting back to his true self now he was no longer held back behind her constant need to repress herself, her needs and desires.

She ran her hand through her hair. “You’re right, given what’s happening, Cornelius wouldn’t have interpreted him missing that call well at all.”

Color me surprised.

I hadn’t expected her to agree with me without one hell of an uphill battle first. Considering how well I was usually able to read people, the fact I was caught off guard by her reaction said a great deal.

She was worried.

I could even see it in her eyes and her demeanor as she shifted her weight uneasily.

“You know why he gave me that command concerning Ryker?”

“I can deduce as much. He’s trying to pull you together. All three of us, actually. He just used that as an excuse.”

“For what purpose?”

“For something that he believes needs to come to pass in the fight against Draco.”

I frowned. “We’re already joined in that mission through being Guardians.”

“No. This is much more than that. An altogether greater weight that I’ve tried to find an alternative to for too long now. A way to spare you from the burden I already bear.” Her eyes locked with mine. “The Covenant.”

What on earth? “I’m going to need more than that. Specifics, a detailed explanation.”

She looked back up at her bedroom balcony in the distance, then swung her head back to me. “Do you have your phone on you?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Call Ryker. I think he’s in danger.”

“In danger?”

“From Cornelius.”

“They might try one another’s patience every now and then, but Cornelius wouldn’t actually harm him.”

“Earlier today he cast a blended magic spell on me to adjust my memories.”

Hell. “He violated your mind?”

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