Blood Trinity (Belador #1)(116)

Evalle squeezed her eyes shut and swallowed. She asked the stone to keep him safe until she could help him. With her next breath she said, “Release all the Beladors.”

Tzader strode over to the hologram, speaking low to Brina. “Keep in mind that Evalle found the rock and put her life on the line to prevent harm to any Belador.”

Brina’s gaze was crabby with annoyance. “I’m not sending her away, so you don’t have to beg me for her life.”

Evalle stepped over to Brina. “I didn’t tell you about Tristan because I believed that’s what the Medb wanted me to do so they could trap you. Tristan said the witch had a plan that would ensure destroying you and Tzader.” She cut her eyes at Tzader for a moment, glad she didn’t see condemnation in his. “I couldn’t risk either of you being harmed. I did what I thought was honorable.”

“I understand.” Brina crossed her arms and tilted her head. “And I’m proud of you.”

Evalle was speechless at hearing words she’d never expected to be said to her. A swirl of warmth brushed Evalle’s skin when Brina smiled at her.

The warrior queen’s gaze took in the room before returning to Evalle. “I will be with you tomorrow when you meet the Tribunal, and I will give testimony to the fact that my Belador protected the world.”

“My Belador.” Evalle played that over and over in her head until Tzader’s hand touched her shoulder. She turned to him and smiled. “You told me …” … to trust Brina, she finished telepathically. I’ll do a better job of it from now on.

The grin he gave her was answer enough. You’re running out of time before daylight.

I’ve got seven minutes. Sen can ward one of the vehicles to get me home.

Storm stood to the side, watching her and the exchange. Evalle gave him a quick wink to let him know she’d see him soon.

Brina closed her eyes, speaking in a tone of request. “Sen, please come forth to retrieve the Ngak Stone.”

A vapor spun at the side of Brina, then Sen appeared with a container the size of a cigar box carved of white marble the color of mother-of-pearl. “Where’s the Ngak Stone?”

“Here.” Evalle held it up and fought not to smile at his shock over her possessing the dangerous treasure. She waited for him to come to her, then placed the stone in the box sitting open on his two palms. The lid shut immediately and the seam between lid and bottom disappeared.

Her bruised eye swelled shut again and the lashes on her back burned like the devil.

“I need some help getting home.” Laurette whispered the words as if afraid to speak up. Her eyes were milky with impaired vision.

Evalle owed this young woman so much. “I’ll take her.”

“No.” Brina shook her head, eyes searching the room of Beladors and VIPER agents moving toward them. “Quinn can take her.”

Laurette once again ignored Brina and edged over to Evalle, who took the young woman’s hand when she spoke to her. “Thank you for doing the right thing and for being willing to face all this to save me and Vyan. After seeing those words on that planter outside your door, I’m pretty sure your grandfather was a Belador. He’d have been very proud of you.”

Laurette tried to smile past the deep hurt lining her face.

“Her grandfather was one of our warriors.” Brina made that announcement. “Macha has just informed me that prior to going into a battle he did not expect to survive, Laurette’s grandfather asked Macha to spare his granddaughter from taking up the sword, because Laurette was born a Belador as well. He knew she’d spend her life alone once he left and wanted her to be free to follow her heart and be an artist. Macha agreed. You are indeed part of the Belador tribe, Laurette.”

Evalle squeezed Laurette’s hand. “That makes you family if you need anything. Quinn is wonderful and will escort you safely home.”

Laurette nodded silently. Tears hung at the corners of her eyes.

Quinn appeared at Evalle’s side and placed his hand over Laurette’s shoulder. “This won’t take long.” He turned to Sen. “Why don’t you teleport us?”

Sen nodded, then instructed Laurette, “Take Quinn’s hand, envision your home and say when you’re ready.”

Evalle gave Sen a narrowed look. He never gave her that much warning.

The minute Laurette reached for Quinn’s hand, she said, “Ready,” and the pair vanished.

Evalle would check on Laurette later this week. She turned to Brina, wanting to discuss the Tribunal meeting, but the warrior queen beat her to it.

“The Tribunal will send someone to escort you after midnight tonight, Evalle. Make sure you’re above ground at that time. Do not be late.”

Evalle answered Brina, ignoring how Sen was close enough to hear her. “I’ll wait for my escort in Woodruff Park.”

Brina sent an arched-eyebrow look at Sen, who angled his chin in acknowledgment. Apparently finished with everything here, Brina disappeared.

The swords vanished at the same moment.

Crud. Evalle had meant to have Brina ask Sen to ward a vehicle to get her home. Tzader would ask him.

Sen looked over in Trey’s direction. “Tell Adrianna to come in and clean up this mess. She’s outside cloaking the building from civilians.”

Trey swung around from where he was debriefing VIPER agents and Beladors. “I look like your lackey?”