Page 22 of Rook

“War is just business by other means,” she quips, unfazed. “Besides, who says Vance has to know?”

“Everyone will know if things go sideways. And they always do.” I’m pacing now, the cool tile of the lab floor doing nothing to chill the heat in my veins.

“Relax, Rook. Gunnar’s on a leash. My leash.” Her eyes glint with something dangerous. “For now.”

“Keep him there, then.” I don’t bother hiding the edge in my tone. “Because if Vance catches even a whiff of this, Oasis won’t be far enough away for Gunnar to hide.”

“Such faith you have in me.” She blows me a mocking kiss. “But don’t worry your pretty head. I’ve got everything under control.”

“Does Vance know he’s got a viper in his bed, or are you playing the secret keeper?” I bite out, my voice a low growl, almost drowned by the hum of the lab equipment.

Inari leans back in her chair, the picture of nonchalance on my computer screen. “You can tell him or not; Gunnar is safe in Oasis. And honestly? It’s been too long since Vance found it necessary to come and visit me.”

I chuckle, bitter and short. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Don’t play coy, Inari. I see what you’re doing—angling to be the kingmaker.”

“Rook,” she starts, her smile tight, eyes sharp as shards of glass, “I don’t need to angle for anything. I’m already one of the most powerful women in the world.” Her tone is matter-of-fact, but it hums with unspoken threats, like a live wire.

“Sure you are,” I say, keeping my expression blank, but inside, unease coils tight around my gut. Inari Toure is no one to underestimate.

“Speaking of power,” she continues, shifting in her seat, “there’s another thing I want from you.” She waits a beat, ensuring she has my full attention. “Bring Aisling Faye to Oasis with you.”

The request slams into me, unexpected, like a sucker punch. “Aisling? Why?”

“Because if I’m providing troops, I set the terms. Plus, something tells me she’ll enjoy the change of scenery…and I want to meet her. I’ve heard things, and I’m in the business of networking with omegas who want the world.” Inari’s laugh is a silken caress over jagged intentions.

“Fine,” I concede, pushing away from the desk, my mind already racing with the complications her demand will bring. “But remember, Inari, I’m not your errand boy.”

“Of course not, Rook. You’re far too valuable for that.” The way she says it, like she’s measuring my worth in blood and bullets, sends a shiver down my spine.

“Wow, thanks,” I grumble. I’m still reeling from Inari’s last bombshell when I say, “Figured we’d mobilize out of Pacific City.”

“Rook,” she chides with a smirk that could cut glass, “if I’m supplying the muscle, we play by my rules. Everything starts in Oasis.”

“Because you want your turf as the backdrop for the show?” I can’t help but push back, even though I know it’s pointless.

“Let’s call it a tactical advantage.” Her eyes glint through the screen, and I know she’s holding all the cards.

“Fine,” I relent, and I mean it. When it comes to Inari, resistance is like pissing into the wind—messy and ultimately pointless. “We’ll start in Oasis.”

“Smart move,” she nods. Her smile is all business, but there’s something predatory lurking beneath it. “Oh, and Rook?”

“Yeah?” I answer, bracing for whatever twist she’s about to throw my way.

“Extend an invite to Vance before you go.” The way she drops that last part, casual as if she’s asking me to pass the salt, has my pulse quickening.

“Vance too, huh?” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m calculating the odds of this whole thing blowing up in our faces. “You planning a party or a funeral?”

“Let’s just say I’m a fan of options.” The line cuts dead, leaving me staring at a blank screen.

Options. Right. With Inari, options are just different ways to dance on a razor’s edge.

Chapter eleven

Oberon

I blink awake, the last vestiges of sleep clinging to my eyelids. Evening’s embrace has settled over the room, but there ain’t nothing dim about my senses—not with Aisling curled up against me, her body a live wire of soft curves and hidden strength.

I draw in a deep breath through my nose, her scent filling me, pure and unadulterated. It’s like a punch to the gut, that primal part of me stirring with the knowledge that her heat is skirting the edges, ready to pounce any moment now.

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