Page 126 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

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…”

CHAPTER 31

No More Rules

Alow, steady beat hammered Brynleigh’s ears. The Obsidian Palace was an assault on her senses. The lights were low, the music was loud, and the air pulsed with the heady scents of desire and lowered inhibitions.

Ryker’s call had come in nearly half an hour ago. River had chatted with Brynleigh for a few minutes, but now she danced in the crowd. She had invited Brynleigh to join her, but the vampire had declined, wanting to finish her drink.

“Here you go, miss.” The bartender handed Brynleigh another glass of blood wine. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you, I will.” Accepting the beverage, the vampire studied the throng of dancers.

River was easy to spot on the edge of the crowd, her bright dress standing out among all the black. Her partner was an elf with long, curling horns that reached for the sky. She seemed to be enjoying herself.

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