Page 83 of Sanctuary

“Area’s secure,” Ryker reported, his eyes quickly assessing Lily’s condition. “Perimeter’s clear, no sign of additional hostiles.”

“Thank you,” I said, grateful for their vigilance. “Can you help get her to the vehicle? She’s still unsteady from whatever Vance drugged her with.”

Ryker stepped forward, his usual professional demeanor softening as he carefully took my place supporting Lily. “I’ve got her,” he assured me.

As Connor released his hold, allowing Ryker to fully support Lily’s weight, something shifted in Ryker’s expression—a flash of unexpected familiarity that caught me off guard.

I exchanged a surprised glance with Connor. There was an ease between Ryker and Lily that suggested more than just a security operative’s professional concern.

“You two seem to know each other… well,” I remarked with a raised brow.

Lily laughed, “We have an... unconventional history,” she admitted, her eyes flickering to Ryker with something that looked suspiciously like fondness.

“I found him bleeding on my fire escape about a week ago,” she continued, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Three in the morning, rain pouring down, and there he was—cursing under his breath and bleeding all over my petunias.”

Ryker cleared his throat, the faintest hint of color appearing high on his cheekbones. “I lost my footing,” he said gruffly. “I was conducting surveillance and—”

“He was watching me through my window,” Lily interjected with a knowing smile. “Apparently, my apartment had a 'tactical advantage point' for whatever operation he was running at the time.”

“It did,” Ryker insisted, though his usual authoritative tone had softened. “Your window looks right into your apartment. What better way to watch?”

“Discretion? What part of that is discreet?” I asked, a smile playing on my lips.

Ryker chuckled, “That flew out the window the second he laid eyes on her.”

Lily averted her eyes. “Yes, well It must have been boring.”

A hint of color touched Ryker’s cheeks. “Not at all” he replied, his tone deliberately casual. “Especially when they spend their Saturdays reading poetry to shelter dogs.”

“You saw that?” Lily asked, her embarrassment momentarily overriding her trauma.

“It was... unexpected,” Ryker admitted, adjusting his hold on her as they began walking toward the vehicles. “Made the surveillance shifts go by faster, though.”

Royal rolled his eyes behind them. “He volunteered for double shifts,” he muttered to Connor and me. “Said it was ‘for operational continuity.’ Right.”

As we followed them to the cars, Connor slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me close. “You okay?” he asked quietly, his eyes searching mine.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, watching as Ryker helped Lily into the backseat of the SUV, his movements gentle and attentive. Something about their interaction stirred a forgotten feeling in my chest—hope, maybe. The possibility that even after all this darkness, light could still find its way through.

I leaned into Connor’s embrace, suddenly overwhelmed by exhaustion and emotion. “What I do know,” I said softly, my eyes still on Lily, “is that I’m ready to go back to Ontario.”

Connor looked down at me, surprise evident in his expression. “You’re sure? After everything that’s happened?”

I nodded. “Yes. Because you have a swearing in ceremony to attend, and I can’t wait to see you in that kilt again.”

Connor laughed, pulling me closer. “I think that can be arranged.”

“But first,” I added, turning to face him fully, “I want to spend some time with my sister. Really get to know her. If she’s willing.”

Connor’s eyes softened. “After what she just went through, I think she might need that too.”

We watched as Winters approached the SUV, speaking briefly with Lily. The agent was gentle but professional, explaining what would happen next—medical evaluation, formal statement, protective custody until they confirmed no other threats remained.

“Mia,” Winters called, gesturing me over. “Your sister is asking for you.”

I moved toward the vehicle, my heart pounding with a strange mixture of fear and anticipation. Lily looked up as I approached, her face pale, but composed, despite everything she’d endured.

“Can you ride with me?” she asked softly. “To the hospital, I mean. I have... questions.”

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