Page 44 of Ruin

Chapter 14

Excitement and trepidation grew in equal measure as she listened to Ruin and Hush hash out the plan. She'd never been part of anything like this before.

For the last seven years, she’d been helpless, forced to rely on Vargot to keep her safe. The idea of fighting back, of taking down someone who wanted to hurt her, was both terrifying and thrilling.

Hush would pose as a maintenance worker and strategically plant tiny but very powerful explosives in the passageways leading to the docking bay Gaius had booked. Once they had confirmation he’d arrived, they’d sneak onto his ship where Hush would hack the security systems so they could take out as many of Gaius’s guards as possible without detection. ‘Thin the pack’, as they put it.

While Hush was taking care of any stragglers, Ruin would advance to Gaius’s rooms, with Hush following when he was able.

Taking advantage of a pause in the conversation, Lira cleared her throat, drawing both males' attention. “What can I do to help?”

Ruin's expression softened. Shifting his hand from her shoulder to the back of her neck, he stroked her cheek and jaw with his thumb. “You've done more than enough, little bird. This part's dangerous. I want you safe, not in the line of fire.”

A flicker of disappointment mixed with relief flashed through her. A large part of her wanted to argue, to prove herself useful, to be more than just a burden. But another part, the part that still flinched at sudden movements and woke up in cold sweats, was grateful for the out.

Hush, however, cocked his head to the side, those mesmerizing golden eyes examining her closely. “Now, now, Ruin. Don't be so quick to dismiss our little morsel. After all, she did save your colorless hide from that Lo’yr, didn't she?”

Ruin growled, low and warning, but Lira found herself sitting up a little straighter. Maybe she could help after all. She might not be a trained mercenary or assassin, but she had other skills. Skills honed from years of survival under Vargot's cruel reign.

“I'm good at going unnoticed,” she offered hesitantly. “And I can fit into small spaces. Maybe I could be a lookout? Or create a distraction if needed?”

The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to take them back. Had she lost her mind? This was way out of her depth. But to her surprise, both Ruin and Hush were peering at her with something akin to approval.

Hush clapped his hands together, the sound startlingly loud in the small room. “Ha! See? I told you she'd surprise us. I like her, Ruin. You sure we can’t keep her?”

Ignoring his friend, Ruin peered down at her searchingly. “You sure about this, little bird?”

“I’m sure. I want to help.”

A muscle ticked in his temple as he clenched and unclenched his teeth until, finally, he blew out a hard breath. “Alright. But I want your word you’ll stay hidden if shit goes wrong.”

“I promise.”

“Excellent! Now that’s settled, what’cha got for food in here? I’m starved.”

After Ruin pointed out the crates of food, Lira watched on, highly amused, as Hush rifled through the packages, bemoaning the selection. Arms full, he straightened and slid Ruin a glare.

“I see your tastes haven’t improved in the couple weeks we’ve been apart.”

Ruin shrugged. “If it ain’t fresh, it’s just fuel.”

“Fuel, he says,” Hush muttered, dumping his armload onto another nearby crate. “No wonder you're such a grump. Your taste buds are probably atrophied.”

Grumpy? She couldn’t think of a single time he’d been churlish with her. Warmed by the thought that he treated her differently than he did even his closest friend, she settled more firmly against his side.

In reaction, as though it were as natural as breathing, he slid his arm around her shoulders with a casual possessiveness that made her heart skip.

After sliding two tall crates side by side and setting up a little cooking station, Hush laid out the food he’d gathered and eyed the selection assessingly.

“I think I can whip together somethin’ respectable outta this.” He looked up and pointed his tail right at her. “If you don’t like it, blame him.”

Her lips twitched, fighting a smile. “I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”

He winked at her. “Flattery will get you everywhere in life.”

As he busied himself with meal prep, Lira found herself engrossed in the banter between the two males. It was clear they had a long history, their words laced with inside jokes and shared experiences.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at their easy camaraderie. She couldn’t remember what it was like to have a friend.

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