Page 18 of Rook

Nero stands, and we both know we’re walking out of here with more than we came for. A promise from Inari Toure isn’t something you take lightly—and a mission from her? That’s a call to war.

Chapter nine

Oberon

The sun barely crawls above the horizon, but its timid light is already too harsh for my liking. Rook’s place comes into view, a safe haven of concrete and steel against the creeping dawn. I’m leaning on the front steps, waiting, when they finally show up—Rook, with his usual swagger, and Aisling, looking like she’s been through hell and back.

“About damn time,” I grumble, pushing off from the cold stone. Relief washes over me in an instant, though I keep it off my face.

“Sorry to worry you,” Aisling says, her voice a rasp of weariness as she steps closer. She’s trying to hold herself together, but I can smell the need rolling off her in waves—it hits me like a punch to the gut.

Her heat’s coming soon…I can practically taste it.

“Looks like you two had a night,” I comment dryly, eyes scanning hers for any signs of what they’ve been through.

“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” Rook replies, scratching the back of his head, eyes darting away for a second.

“Sure,” I say, not buying it for a second. Aisling’s scent doesn’t lie, and neither does the tight line of Rook’s jaw. “What happened?”

Aisling hesitates, and I see the shadows of something more than just fatigue under those grey eyes. Something raw and aching. “Let’s just say it was a long night,” she murmurs, and there’s a tremble in her voice that makes me want to pull her close, shield her from whatever ghosts are clawing at her back.

“Come on,” I say softly, reaching out to brush a strand of blonde hair from her face. Her skin is cool under my fingertips, but the connection sends a jolt straight through me. If she notices, she doesn’t show it, just nods and lets out a breath she’s been holding too damn long.

“Let’s get inside,” Rook murmurs. “I don’t like being out in the open…not after what happened.”

We all walk through the front door, and I close it behind us, locking it. The morning’s creeping in, too bright and cheery for the mess we’re dragging home.

“Spill it,” I mutter.

Rook leans against the wall, arms folded, his face a mask of controlled calm that’s about to crack. “Had some company on our way back from the morgue,” he starts, glancing at Aisling then back at me. “Just some Eclipse thugs roaming Celestial Hills and looking for a fight. Thought they could corner us.”

Aisling takes a step forward, her voice steel-laced but quiet. “They didn’t account for Luka.” There’s a flash of something fierce in her eyes, a storm brewing beneath the calm. “He was…”

Her brow furrows like she doesn’t know how to describe her reunion with Luka—after two months, I figure it was a lot.

“Helpful,” Rook cuts in, a grim nod following his words. “Took them out before they knew what hit ’em.”

I let out a low whistle, impressed despite the knot in my stomach. “Good. Good that you’re both safe. Luka’s a good guy to have at your back in a fight.” My gaze lingers on Aisling, and I can tell there’s more she’s not saying, but now’s not the time to press.

“Anyway…I need a bloody shower.” Rook peels himself off the wall, looking like he’s had his fill of everything the night threw at him. “You two, talk or whatever.”

He brushes past us, each step heavy, leaving a silence that begs to be filled.

“Come here,” I murmur, reaching for Aisling. My hands find her shoulders, fingers pressing into the soft material of her jacket as I pull her close. Her body fits against mine with a sigh, like she’s been holding herself together by sheer will and is finally allowing herself a moment of weakness.

“Oberon…” Her voice is a whisper, wrapped in a weariness that echoes through the room.

“Shh,” I hush her gently, chin resting atop her head. “You’re shaking.” My hold tightens just enough, a silent promise that I’m here, that I’ve got her.

It’s not much, but it’s all I can offer when the world outside our door is a constant threat.

“Thanks,” she breathes out, her hands gripping my shirt, clinging to the moment, to me.

“Anytime, Stargazer.” I keep my voice low, steady. The nickname slips out, one that I rarely use, but it feels right—feels like her. “I’ve got you.”

The city wakes up outside, but in the close air of my quiet living room, it feels like the world’s holding its breath. Aisling’s grip on my shirt tightens, and I feel her tremble. Her head’s still tucked under my chin, her body a line of tension against mine.

“Hey,” I murmur, tipping her face up to look at me. “How’s Luka doing after all that? You seemed…was it rough? I’m listening.”

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