Page 124 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

And that frightened her more than anything else.

CHAPTER 30

A Visit to the Obsidian Palace

The 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.

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