Page 139 of Vengeance of the Gods

“Thanks, Bridger,” Arlet said, before telling Vega, “I love you, and I wanna make sure you’re okay, but it’s been over a month since I’ve had a warm shower, and I don’t think I can wait another minute.” She scurried off towards the bathrooms.

They were alone in the hallway now.

“Did you eat?” Bridger asked.

“Yes,” Vega answered. “I also looked through all your drawers, under your bed, inside your closet. I found nothing of interest, which was boring, and before I could track you all down, Nora showed up.” She stepped into Bridger’s personal space but didn’t reach out for him. “Have you eaten?”

“I will,” he told her.

“Okay” was all she said in response, but then the buzz of her voice on the inside lit a warm fire in Bridger’s gut. “I’m afraid to touch you again.”

Bridger looked at her like she had two heads. “Why?”

“Because of earlier,” Vega replied softly.

“You mean when you expertly slipped behind my shields like you’ve been doing it all your life?”

She nodded once.

Bridger reached out and grabbed her by the back of the neck and pulled her into his chest while he wrapped the other around her in a hug. “I’m a little impressed by it, but I’ll shut you out for good if you ever pull that shit on me again.”

He wasn’t kidding either. If anything, he’d at least keep her locked out until he found another way to handle this.

Vega laughed. “Fine. I’ll just practice on the others instead.”

“Vega.” Bridger pulled from the hug and saw the honest smile on her lips.

“I’m sure you mentioned it while you gave your little tour, didn’t you?” she asked, getting the answer she needed by whatever she saw on Bridger’s face. Vega shrugged. “They’ll drop their guard eventually.”

“You’re exhausting.” Bridger sighed. “Can I at least trust that you’ll get some sleep tonight? I’d hate to have to sleep at the foot of your bed instead of in my own on the first night back.”

“Surprised you didn’t suggest I join you in your⁠—”

“Hey Vega, d—” Khort came out of his room, stopping when he saw Vega wasn’t alone. “Oh, uh, never mind.” He started to retreat into his room when Bridger waved him back out.

“I was just leaving. I have some things to finish up before I call it a night.” Bridger took a step away, locking his hands behind his back. “I’ll see to it you have everything you need for the night. I’ll send for you all in the morning. I think we’re long overdue for a training session.” Bridger dipped his head at Khort and caught Vega’s longing gaze. “Goodnight.”

Bridger was halfway down the hall when Vega reached down the bond to him. “Sleep well.”

How the fuck was he supposed to “sleep well” knowing Vega was just down the hall from him, ready and willing to jump into bed and keep him up all night long?

It took everything in him not to invite her to his room, but Bridger didn’t want her to think his feelings came purely from a sexual place. He cared about her well-being over everything else… or he’d suddenly started to again.

“You too,” he said back as he stepped into his room and the door locked behind him.

44

“It’s the sister.”

“The sister.”

Two voices hissed beside Vega’s head—no, in—echoing inside a darkness she had never experienced before. She reached for her lightning, hoping to illuminate the blackness Vega felt she might suffocate in.

She pushed, and pushed, and pushed, pulling against the thread of power deep inside, but no matter what she did, her lightning never came.

“Use us,” the first voice begged.

“You wanted the flames,” the other cooed.