Page 27 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

Before Tucker can pull me any closer, Ryker’s at my side, one arm slipping around my shoulders. “Appreciate you keeping watch of my girl,” he says, voice smooth as velvet, but there’s an edge to it, “but I can take it from here.”

Around us, people are staring. Tucker looks between the two of us, then throws his hands up, backing away with an apology.

I snort and face Ryker. “Really? I could have handled him.”

Ryker’s mischievous grin widens. “Just assisting, love.” His mouth moves to my neck, kissing and sucking as he draws me close.

“You’re staking your claim,” I say breathlessly as I arch into him.

I feel his responding grin as he stands to his full height, keeping strong arms on my waist. “Semantics.”

Behind us, Kamden groans before I hear the exchanging of coins. I look over my shoulder as Tate says, “Told you. Every time.”

Ciara cackles. “Worth it.”

My eyes narrow at the three of them. “Did you plan this?”

Ciara giggles before mouthing, “His idea,” as she points to Tate.

Tate grins. “More shots?”

They all scatter quickly. He pulls me close, and for the rest of the evening, he doesn’t leave my side. His hands stay on my hips for the rest of the night, and by the time we stumble back toward campus, exhaustion and alcohol have turned the world soft around the edges.

Chapter 10

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—”