Page 135 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

She wanted to do so much more than that, but she’d settle for this… for now. “I mean, the crowd is demanding it, Ry. We don’t want to let them down.”

He smirked, “Then I suppose we must.”

His mouth lowered to hers. Their kiss wasn’t soft or gentle, but little about her new husband was. It was filled with lips and tongues and teeth. His mouth worked hers as if he’d spent years researching how to kiss her in the most effective and passionate manner possible.

It was the small moments like these that made it seem impossible that she and Ryker had only known each other for a couple of months. They fit together so well; it was like they were always meant to be this way.

When they finally broke apart, Ryker’s mouth went to her ear. His warm breath brushed her skin, and he whispered, “Soon.”

One word. A promise of what was coming. And gods, Brynleigh couldn’t wait. Before she could reply—or yank her new husband with her through the Void in haste to get to their hotel room—a swarm of black shadows pooled on the ground beside her.

That was all the warning Brynleigh had before her Maker appeared beside her. Jelisette’s black dress clung to her frame, a deathly dichotomy to Brynleigh’s bridal gown.

Jelisette met her progeny’s gaze and raised her brow in silent question.

Brynleigh dipped her head, the movement subtle enough that only the most perceptive vampire would notice it. She had anticipated this moment, and yet her stomach still tied itself up in knots.

Leaning over, Brynleigh brushed her lips over Ryker’s cheek and whispered, “I’ll be back soon.”

She had to pretend one last time. For both their sakes.

Ryker’s thumb brushed the back of her hand. “I’ll miss you.”

Bubbles rose in her stomach that had nothing to do with the Faerie Wine.

A week ago, Brynleigh would’ve shoved those emotions down, but no longer. Now, she simply let the truth in those words wash over her. He would miss her, and she would miss him.

Tomorrow, when the sun rose and she’d officially failed at her task, she would unpack this emotion and give it a name.

Taking one last fortifying sip of good, old-fashioned blood wine—it was more of a gulp, if she was being honest—Brynleigh stood.

She glided on steady legs away from the head table to a shadowy alcove near the back of the reception hall. Jelisette’s heels clicked as she strode alongside her.

Neither woman spoke.

When they were alone, Jelisette twisted her hand. Shadows slipped from her palms, and the familiar crawl of her Maker’s magic swept over Brynleigh as the older vampire erected a privacy ward around them. Others could see them, but they would be unable to hear their words.

Brynleigh had been inside countless wards with Jelisette, but for the first time, she felt a tingle of unease twisting in her stomach at being in such a confined space with her Maker. She always knew Jelisette was dangerous, but ever since she learned the truth about the storm, she wondered what else her Maker was hiding.

But this wasn’t the time for questions. This was the final test before Brynleigh could leave with her husband and spend the night in peace.

She had to pass with flying colors. Jelisette was a dangerous, ancient vampire, and if she knew what her progeny was planning…

Well, she couldn’t know.

Brynleigh had decided to keep her husband alive, and she would deal with the consequences tomorrow. Maybe Zanri could help her develop a good story as repayment for missing her wedding.

“Are you ready?” Jelisette’s icy tone matched the frozen, dark expression on her face.

Inside, Brynleigh screamed that she would never be ready. She asked a dozen questions, wondering why Jelisette was insistent about this course of action. Why was she pushing for Brynleigh to kill Ryker when River had been the one to destroy Chavin? What did Jelisette know that Brynleigh didn’t?

Outside, Brynleigh wore a blank mask. She nodded briskly. “Yes, ma’am. I am.”

The cousin of a smile, although it was bereft of all kindness, spread across Jelisette’s face. “Does he suspect anything?”

Brynleigh dared to glance back at Ryker. Atlas was in her seat, and the two men were chatting amicably. The water fae must have felt Brynleigh’s gaze on him because he looked over his shoulder. He caught her eye and waved. She smiled back.

“Not a thing. I’ve played my role perfectly.”

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