Rafferty smirked. “Bonding,” he said, then pointed at her nose. “You’re about, oh—four hours away from it, tops. What d’ya think it’ll be like?”
“Bonding? Or the ceremony?”
“Both.”
Evylin shrugged. “I truly don’t know,” she admitted, her previous worries resurfacing. She really should have gotten more information before agreeing to go through with it. “But I’m sure it’ll be good. I believe Ilain knows quite a lot about it, and she wouldn’t recommend it if it were going to be unpleasant or problematic.”
“Mm.” Rafferty tapped the rim of a glass. “I hope it isn’t too boring. I hate tedious ceremonies.”
While Evylin, Thom, and Ethenn laughed at their friend, a door opened in the back. They turned as the storeroom door swung wide. Lieutenant Lohen stood there, her petite, athleticframe appearing from the shadows. She wore an ivory blouse under a dark brown vest that matched her skirt, giving her outfit a masculine edge. She’d coiled her braided black hair into a low bun, and dainty gemstones dangled from her ears, catching the light.
“I thought we’d find you here,” she said, then stepped aside. “After you, Deckard.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Deckard said. Evylin’s heart pattered happily at seeing her husband stride into the room.
Vayden appeared next, tapping Deckard’s arm. “Call her Brea,” he instructed. “Unlike Fishere, we don’t do formalities.”
The rest of their team entered the room. Vayden led Isla to a table, and they settled into the long booth against the wall. Brea took a seat across from them, positioning herself to face the others. Auden sat next to Vayden, while Ilain headed directly to Ethenn at the bar.
“Hello, husband,” Ilain said, planting a kiss on his cheek.
Ethenn pressed his lips together and murmured, “Ilain,” by way of greeting.
She grabbed his arm, tugging him toward the tables with her, leaving behind Thom and Rafferty, who sniggered like fools.
But Evylin was only interested in the charming smile Deckard turned her way. He stepped to her side, dipping his head for a quick kiss.
“Hello again,” Evylin whispered as he pulled back.
Deckard’s smile grew, though she saw something like hesitation in his eyes. The worry struck her that it had something to do with his meeting with Obel. “Hello,” he replied. “I hope your morning wasn’t as...dramatic as mine.”
“Lucky you,” Evylin teased. “My morning was as dull as can be.”
“Not for lack of trying,” Rafferty interjected, then motioned to the others gathering around the room. “Are we having a party?”
“Not exactly,” Deckard replied. “We’re discussing our mission.”
“In that case,” Rafferty flipped two glasses in the air, “I’d better get us drinks.”
Deckard gave him a disapproving look. “It’s half past two.”
Rafferty raised his brow. “But Colonel, they’ve got wine.”
After opening his mouth in rebuttal, Deckard paused. “What kind of wine?”
“It’s a Schoneserojal,” Brea said, reclining leisurely in her chair. “Smooth but acidic. It’s from my cousin’s vineyard in Nemos.”
“Your cousin lives in Schon?” Thom asked, brow raised.
“I grew up in Schon,” she replied.
“It’s why she’s the only one who gets Isla’s jokes,” Vayden said.
“You always said you liked my jokes,” Isla said.
Vayden smirked suggestively at his wife. “I love your jokes.”
She patted his knee as Rafferty said, “I’m still waiting to hear if the colonel wants some wine.”
