by Brenda Trim
The Bravo members ran from the opposite side of the grassy area and converged on Gullvieg’s house. Maurelle watched as they tried to put the flames out, but nothing seemed to work.
Ryker carried her into the main building and up the stairs to the medical ward. “The school is going to be a much better place to be now,” Ryker promised her.
“I really hope so. With your markings being out there on display, things really need to change here so you’re safe,” Maurelle told Ryker.
“I just hope we don’t get someone worse than Gullvieg. She was vile and repulsive.”
Dizziness made Ryker sway where he stood at his front door. Maurelle was by his side waiting for him to open the front door. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answers his mom might give him.
“It’s okay. No matter what she says, never forget how much she loves you,” Maurelle reminded him. He looked at the female that owned his heart. “From everything you’ve told me about her she has dedicated her life to you.”
“You’re right. She’s my mom,” Ryker replied then opened the door. The smell of stew filled the small apartment, making him feel right at home. The tightness in his chest eased and he entered the house.
His mom’s head popped around the corner into the kitchen and her eyes lightened as a smile spread across her face before disappearing. “Ryker?”
“It’s me, mom,” he replied tentatively.
Tears pooled in her eyes and she wrapped him in her arms. “When did you find out? What happened?”
“I found out the other night. Gullvieg told me I was the king but didn’t know how it was possible because they had the royal family killed and the mantle should not have picked another family,” he admitted.
“I had no idea she was involved. And, it’s a relief she and whoever she worked with doesn’t know the full scope of who you are,” his mom blurted.
“What do you mean?”
Ryker sat down and pulled Maurelle with him. She sat silently beside him. “Who’s this?” his mom asked, ignoring his previous question.
“This is Maurelle. Please tell me what you mean. I’m going crazy here. I need to know.”
His mom sighed and nodded. “I’m not your real mother. I was your mom, Queen Sydney’s maid. The castle was attacked, and she begged me to escape with you and protect you until they could come for you. I snuck through the tunnels right before your father sealed them. I ran to my apartment in the Edge and hid for days. When I heard about their deaths, I decided to raise you as my own son.”
“So, it’s true then. I’m the Fae King. I can’t believe you never told me,” he said.
His mom sat forward and reached for his hand. “I never meant to hurt you. I planned on telling you when you were capable of protecting yourself against all foes. You’re far more powerful than you were when you left, but you’re still not at full power. You must be careful with who you tell this information.”
Ryker bristled when she looked at Maurelle. The implication was clear. “Maurelle is trustworthy. She would never tell anyone what she knows.”
“Unless she is compelled to disclose your identity.”
Ryker shook his head at his mother. “Shineah assured us her bond with me will prevent anyone controlling what she does or says.”
Her mother glanced between the two of them with an assessing gaze he recognized from the times she tried to get him to admit what he’d done. “Good. You will need to obtain a stronger amulet from Shineah. That one will no longer mask your powers. You cannot return to the school without better protection.”
“It’s okay, mom. I took care of Gullvieg. She can’t cause problems any longer. And, I’m not so sure I will be returning. I want to take the throne.”
His mom’s head jerked. “You can’t take the throne yet. You do not have full control of your power. Nor is it fully realized. You will be vulnerable until you have all of your power and the ability to wield it to eliminate all enemies, both human and Fae.”
Ryker wanted to object, but he refused to ignore his mother’s advice. He may have another mother that he never knew, but Galina would always be his mom. And, she sacrificed everything to ensure he grew up safe and loved. He nodded, accepting what she suggested.
“Looks like I need to go see Shineah again. And, my aunt Shiloh. She should know I’m her nephew,” Ryker replied.
“Be careful, son. Danger is everywhere. Never talk about this in the open. There are ears everywhere,” his mom warned him.
Giving her a hug, Ryker promised he would be careful and then left with Maurelle. Life was not what it seemed. He felt an obligation to take his position and make things right for the Fae people, but he was relieved to have more time before he was forced to declare war against the human population.
Holding Maurelle close to his side, he decided to take her to lunch after he visited Shiloh and Shineah. Finals were finished and their first year was done. He hadn’t really allowed himself to enjoy every moment with Maurelle.
He planned on showering her with as much affection as possible before school started again in a week. There was nothing he could do at the moment for his people, but he could for his female.
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Other Works By Brenda Trim
The Dark Warrior Alliance
Dream Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 1)
Mystik Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 2)
Pema’s Storm (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 3)
Isis’ Betrayal (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 4)
Deviant Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 5)
Suvi’s Revenge (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 6)
Mistletoe & Mayhem (Dark Warrior Alliance, Novella)
Scarred Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 7)
Heat in the Bayou (Dark Warrior Alliance, Novella, Book 7.5)
Hellbound Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 8)
Isobel (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 9)
Rogue Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 10)
Shattered Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 11)
King of Khoth (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 12)
Ice Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 13)
Fire Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 14)
Ramiel (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 15)
Rivaled Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 16)
Dragon Knight of Khoth (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 17)
Ayil (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 18)
Guild Master (Dark Alliance Book 19)
Maven Warrior (Dark Alliance Book 20)
Sentinel of Khoth (Dark Alliance Book 21)
Dark Warrior Alliance Boxsets:
Dark Warrior Alliance Boxset Books 1-4
Dark Warrior Alliance Boxset Books 5-8
Dark Warrior Alliance Boxset Books 9-12
Dark Warrior Alliance Boxset Books 13-16
Hollow Rock Shifters:
Captivity, Hollow Rock Shifters Book 1
Safe Haven, Hollow Rock Shifters Book 2
Alpha, Hollow Rock Shifters Book 3
Ravin, Hollow Rock Shifters Book 4
Impeached, Hollow Rock Shifters Book 5
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