Page 178 of Stars in Umbra
Xion gave him a slight smile, one that was loaded with sincere appreciation.
Ki’Remi pulled him close, holding him there for a beat longer than needed, a silent promise of solidarity.
Mo’s chest swelled with a mix of gratitude and overwhelming emotion.
Tears wet his eyes, enough to sting, but he blinked them away. ‘Santebrothers. You’ve no idea what you all mean to me.’
Kage cracked open a few beers and passed them around, and the group toasted. ‘To the brother who returned,’ Kage said.
Mo turned, offering Rina a beer.
She shook her head, and his eyes narrowed, as if noting the fatigue in her eyes, red-rimmed and shadowed with strain.
She leaned in, her fingers trailing down his jaw, warm and seeking. ‘Can we go upstairs soon, honey, please?’ she asked, her voice quiet but clear.
Kage groaned in mock disappointment. ‘Nada. You just saved the world. Let us bask in your magnificence a little before you run off into the stars and each other.’
Rina, who was usually the last to leave any party, offered only a wry grin. ‘I’m sorry, I have to pass,’ she grunted. ‘It’s been a long few days, and what I need most is my bed.’
Zane raised his drink. ‘In that case, one ultimate toast: to our newest Rider hero and his woman.’
Mo wrapped Rina in his arms, gathering her close as they stood still with their family for a moment, toasted.
‘G’night, brothers,’ Mo rasped.
‘Sleep well,kaka, and Rina,’ Kainan replied with an approving smile and nod.
The others murmured their farewells, their eyes filled with concern, care, and love as the pair walked away.
MOLAN
Mo saluted with his brothers and their women with one hand, the other around his woman as he guided her toward the elevator.
‘Enjoy making babies,’ Kage called out, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
At the words, Rina faltered in her step.
Mo caught her, his arm slipping to her waist to steady her.
He glanced back at the Riders, his expression unreadable, and raised a middle finger in their direction.
Their roar of laughter followed them into the lift.
As the elevator doors slid shut, Mo sensed Rina tense again.
He stared down at her, his heart sinking.
Her eyes were dilated, dark with unspoken emotion, and a touch of trepidation.
Worry ratcheted through him.
‘You okay,mi kaya?’ he probed in a whispered rasp.
Rina’s voice was soft, but the heft behind her words struck him with the force of a silent pulse. ‘We need to talk.’
‘OK. Let’s get inside, and you can tell me what’s on your mind.’
She nodded and leaned on him as Mo guided her through the quiet corridors of Sable HQ, his hand never leaving the small of her back.
