10. Ryker
Ryker
“Gods,” Raea groans, wincing when she sits up.
I hand her a tonic and help her tilt it to her lips, trying to hide a smile. She looks wild this morning. Her hair is a mess and last night’s makeup is smeared around her eyes. Somehow, even half-dead from alcohol, she still looks beautiful.
She presses her hands against her temples. “Why do people drink? This isn’t fun.”
This time, I can’t help the soft laugh that slips out. “The tonic should kick in any minute. I’ll head down and grab us some breakfast while you shower, okay?”
She nods as I press a kiss to her shoulder.
I dress quickly and head out the door, nodding to Raea’s new guard, Theovan.
He’s taken over the night shift. If Theovan has opinions about our sleeping arrangements, he keeps them to himself.
Not that I give two shits what he thinks, but I don’t need another reason for Raea to fight me on it.
Last night, she nearly woke the whole dorm protesting.
With the alcohol in her system, she had no filter.
Every one of our friends got to hear her giggling about people thinking we were sleeping together, but they didn’t know she was still a virgin.
I swear I heard Trysten coughing and Kellan chuckling.
I had half a mind to rectify that situation last night.
It’s not because of some sick masochistic restraint that I’ve denied her.
I just have never wanted to rush things with her.
I’m savoring every step, and gods, she deserves everything.
More than once, I’ve considered stealing her away to Malaya and Bonding her immediately.
I sigh and knock on Aolyn’s door. It opens a moment later with her looking bright and ready for the day. “Ryker?”
“Can I grab some clothes for her?”
Aolyn holds open the door, rolling her eyes. “I seriously can’t understand why she doesn’t just put her things in your room. If she thinks everyone doesn’t already know, she’s delusional.”
I run a hand through my hair. “Yeah, but I won’t push her.”
Aolyn laughs knowingly. “Trust me, I know how stubborn she can be. Anyway, take whatever you need. Laundry just delivered it all yesterday.”
After packing a small bag with more than enough clothes for the next few days and some lacy underthings—for my benefit—I hand it off to Aksel, who meets me outside of her room.
He nods, and Rune follows me down the steps. “Heard it was quite the night?” he mutters.
“She deserves some normalcy,” I respond, making my way across the bridge toward the dining hall. Students around me part, dodging in every direction like I’m about to knock them aside if they don’t. I will never understand why or when that started, but it makes it easy for me to move around.
Rune shifts closer. “Never said she didn’t. Just—”
“Don’t hold back now.”
“It’s dangerous. What if there had been an attack? We don’t know if she can use her powers when she’s inebriated. And not to mention, what if she did? She wouldn’t be able to control it.”
I turn so quickly, he backs up a step. “We both are fully aware of the threats. Every moment of every day. I understand that your job is to protect me, and I thank you for that, but do not forget your place. You know nothing of her abilities and what she is or isn’t capable of. It was one night.”
Rune nods. “Sorry, sir.”
I continue into the dining hall and grab a tray, piling it high with more food than either of us will eat.
When I turn for the beverage cart, Rune holds up a coffee and a tea like a peace offering.
The tension rushes out of me. He’s right.
Last night was reckless, but I couldn’t tell her no.
Besides, I didn’t drink and was fully aware of her aura and watched her all night for any sign she was losing control.
She didn’t, not once.
“Thanks,” I say, allowing him to lead the way back to the dorms. We’re both silent as we take the steps back to my room. When we reach my door, I turn back to him. “I value your opinion. Always have. You spoke true, and I’m sorry for my reaction.”
He nods, silently expressing his gratitude, and takes up his post across the hall from my door.
I slip inside the room as Raea steps out of the shower, a towel wrapped around her. She’s humming to herself. She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I set the tray down on the bed, pull out her gift, and slip it into my pocket.
We only have one month left of school. After that, everything changes.
This isn’t a Bonding ring, but it’s the next best thing I could think of to promise her my faithfulness.