Read Online Octavian's Undoing (Sons of Judgment) by Airicka Phoenix - Free Book Online Page A

kitchen door opened and Octavian barged in, hands fisted, face set as though ready for war. He looked every inch a warrior at that moment, fierce and powerful, and dangerous enough to tear the head off a lion. The raw fury that lashed off him struck her where she stood, rooting her feet to the floor.
     
    “Octavian?”
     
    His eyes, dark and ruthless swept the room before settling on her. He reached her in two long strides. “Are you all right?”
     
    Cotton mouthed, Riley nodded. “Yes, why—”
     
    The door behind him swung open a second time. There was no sound, but Octavian moved as though they were under attack. He whipped around, simultaneously grabbing Riley’s elbow and thrusting her behind him as he faced the figure that bustled in.
     
    “Octavian!” Kyaerin skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with her son’s chest. Her gaze jerked to Riley and she exhaled loudly, pressing a hand to her chest. “Oh, Riley, there you are.” The other woman moved deeper into the room, letting the door close behind her. “I’m sorry to do this, but we need to let you go early tonight.”
     
    It took all her resolve not to panic as those words sunk home. “Did I do something wrong?”
     
    Kyaerin shook her head rapidly. “Oh no, no! But, uh.” Her gaze darted up to her son’s face before focusing on Riley again. “We have a few too many people on the floor. Gideon and Magnus just arrived and Reggie is here too, and Octavian. Plus it’s not very busy out there right now and we’re nearly closing. I promise you’ll get paid for the full five hours. You don’t mind do you?”
     
    As long as she wasn’t fired and she was getting paid, she didn’t mind at all going home, kicking off the torture devices on her feet and taking a shower. No sir, she was all up for that idea.
     
    She shook her head. “I don’t mind. I’ll grab my things.”
     
    Relief flooded Kyaerin’s pretty face. “Thank you, sweetie! Octavian will walk you out. It’s not safe at this hour.”
     
    She was gone before Riley could assure her she didn’t need Octavian to walk her anywhere. It was only Octavian’s gaze pinned on her face that kept her from grumbling and rolling her eyes. It was clear that he was about to take his mother’s offer very seriously.
     
    With a frustrated sigh, she went to the locker and got her coat and purse. She threw both on and turned to find Octavian standing in the doorway, one shoulder against the frame, arms folded. His head was turned away from her as though he were listening for something in the distance. That look of intense concentration was back in his eyes, making her wonder what was going on.
     
    “Is everything all right?” she asked, hoping to get some answers before she was pushed out.
     
    Ever the man of few words, Octavian gave a curt nod of his head. “Yes.”
     
    Riley considered pushing, but thought better of it. The last thing she needed was to get labeled as nosy on her first day.
     
    “You don’t have to walk me out. My car is parked…” she trailed off, remembering too late that she hadn’t brought her car. “I don’t live very far,” she amended.
     
    He straightened off the frame, his face a mask of disbelief. “You walked?”
     
    Riley fidgeted, twisting her fingers in the strap of her purse and averting her eyes. “It’s not a long walk. A block at the very most.”
     
    “It’s the middle of the night!”
     
    It was on the tip of her tongue to assure him she knew how to tell time and even owned a watch to prove it, but as brilliant plans went, it clearly wasn’t her best one. She knew it. Walking anywhere at that hour was stupid. Never mind the fact that she’d be leaving a bar. But the tank was nearly at empty and the five dollars she had to her name wasn’t enough to fill it up. Plus she wanted to save what little gas she had left in case of an emergency. Not that any of this was something she was willing to share with him.
     
    “I can take care of