the Earth. Since their banishment, they’ve been careful to ensure as little interaction with Omega or Sentinel and even the High Council of Protectors.”
“Well, if they weren’t allowed to come to our world, how was anyone supposed to keep an eye on them?” Lily asked.
I waited for Logan to respond.
“I wonder about that sometimes too. Surely someone would have ensured that we still kept open a mutual liaison line, but as far as I know, the information coming from Wrythiin is little to none.”
“So all we know is based on our limited knowledge of their activity in our world? Does Omega have a standpoint on their current activity?”
“You’re referring to their slow and persistent penetration into business and politics?” he asked, a curve to his lips.
I nodded. “I hadn’t expected them to be that smart.”
“They’re Wraiths, not imbeciles.”
“Point taken. It’s just in my encounters with them, I never got much chance to discuss business or politics.” I laughed. “So I’m walking into the middle of a war.” The thought was sobering, and based on Logan’s expression, he wasn’t comfortable or happy about it.
“From what we know, intense conflict, rebellion. There are two resistant factions. One who believes the Wraiths should have access to all the other worlds. They believe they shouldn’t be made to suffer for their forefathers’ indiscretions.”
“I take it the other Rebel faction is led by Widd’en? Or was?”
Logan nodded, a drop from his still-wet hair falling onto his shoulder. A wet patch had spread on each of his shoulders. He’d been so preoccupied he’d forgotten to dry his hair. It worried me now that I worried him so much. “Yeah, with him out of the way, who knows who the next Rebel leader will be? Let’s hope his death doesn’t mean you have worse on your hands.”
I grunted. “Just my luck, right?”
“Well, don’t borrow trouble. Who knows what you’ll deal with when you do get there?” With that, he set his mug down and stepped around the counter. “I should be going.”
I snuck a glance out the window. It was still too early for the sun, but the sky held a tinge of light that teased with the promise of another dawning day.
I slid off the stool and walked him to the door. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lily scoot off her seat, scurry to my bedroom, and close the door. I smiled, knowing she’d want to avoid seeing any farewell kisses. If she’d stayed in her seat, she would have seen that concern was unwarranted. Logan’s phone began to buzz and he flicked it open. After a few terse words, he shut the phone and gave me a rueful smile.
He opened his arms and I slid into their comfort. He held me tight for a while, then released me. He kissed me hard on the lips, growling the words, “Be careful,” against them. Then he turned and hurried out the door. So. He didn’t like long good-byes.
Neither did I.
***
Chapter 8
Our footsteps sounded off the wood of the pier, echoing around us so loudly I was sure we’d be spotted. Early mornings on the docks weren’t usually the quietest time of the day. I glanced around, and thankfully we didn’t have an audience. At least not one I could see. I never forgot that Sentinel and Omega were likely to be keeping an eye on me.
I gave my cell-phone one last check and found a message from Iain. ‘I won’t make it K, bring her home and be careful.’ I hadn’t wanted Iain to come with me and now I could not deny that I was relieved he’d changed his mind.
The wind surged against us as I adjusted my overflowing satchel on my shoulder. I was glad I’d dressed in a turtleneck and my warm leather jacket. I had no knowledge of Wrythiin weather, but I decided to dress warm in case. My black leather pants and sturdy biker boots finished my ensemble. A glance at Lily confirmed she was beginning to opt for a similar style, although in her case, she made do with jeans.
Lily’s face was pale in the
“Well, if they weren’t allowed to come to our world, how was anyone supposed to keep an eye on them?” Lily asked.
I waited for Logan to respond.
“I wonder about that sometimes too. Surely someone would have ensured that we still kept open a mutual liaison line, but as far as I know, the information coming from Wrythiin is little to none.”
“So all we know is based on our limited knowledge of their activity in our world? Does Omega have a standpoint on their current activity?”
“You’re referring to their slow and persistent penetration into business and politics?” he asked, a curve to his lips.
I nodded. “I hadn’t expected them to be that smart.”
“They’re Wraiths, not imbeciles.”
“Point taken. It’s just in my encounters with them, I never got much chance to discuss business or politics.” I laughed. “So I’m walking into the middle of a war.” The thought was sobering, and based on Logan’s expression, he wasn’t comfortable or happy about it.
“From what we know, intense conflict, rebellion. There are two resistant factions. One who believes the Wraiths should have access to all the other worlds. They believe they shouldn’t be made to suffer for their forefathers’ indiscretions.”
“I take it the other Rebel faction is led by Widd’en? Or was?”
Logan nodded, a drop from his still-wet hair falling onto his shoulder. A wet patch had spread on each of his shoulders. He’d been so preoccupied he’d forgotten to dry his hair. It worried me now that I worried him so much. “Yeah, with him out of the way, who knows who the next Rebel leader will be? Let’s hope his death doesn’t mean you have worse on your hands.”
I grunted. “Just my luck, right?”
“Well, don’t borrow trouble. Who knows what you’ll deal with when you do get there?” With that, he set his mug down and stepped around the counter. “I should be going.”
I snuck a glance out the window. It was still too early for the sun, but the sky held a tinge of light that teased with the promise of another dawning day.
I slid off the stool and walked him to the door. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lily scoot off her seat, scurry to my bedroom, and close the door. I smiled, knowing she’d want to avoid seeing any farewell kisses. If she’d stayed in her seat, she would have seen that concern was unwarranted. Logan’s phone began to buzz and he flicked it open. After a few terse words, he shut the phone and gave me a rueful smile.
He opened his arms and I slid into their comfort. He held me tight for a while, then released me. He kissed me hard on the lips, growling the words, “Be careful,” against them. Then he turned and hurried out the door. So. He didn’t like long good-byes.
Neither did I.
***
Chapter 8
Our footsteps sounded off the wood of the pier, echoing around us so loudly I was sure we’d be spotted. Early mornings on the docks weren’t usually the quietest time of the day. I glanced around, and thankfully we didn’t have an audience. At least not one I could see. I never forgot that Sentinel and Omega were likely to be keeping an eye on me.
I gave my cell-phone one last check and found a message from Iain. ‘I won’t make it K, bring her home and be careful.’ I hadn’t wanted Iain to come with me and now I could not deny that I was relieved he’d changed his mind.
The wind surged against us as I adjusted my overflowing satchel on my shoulder. I was glad I’d dressed in a turtleneck and my warm leather jacket. I had no knowledge of Wrythiin weather, but I decided to dress warm in case. My black leather pants and sturdy biker boots finished my ensemble. A glance at Lily confirmed she was beginning to opt for a similar style, although in her case, she made do with jeans.
Lily’s face was pale in the
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