Dawn Study (Soulfinders #3)(131)

He sighed. “It’s a long story. The short version is the invasion has been canceled, and Sitia can return to normal.” He put his fingers on my lips. “I’ll fill everyone in on the details once they’re all back. Fisk?”

I’d forgotten he was there!

“Yes?” Fisk asked.

“Can you spread the word about the invasion? And please ask Ari and Janco to return to the Citadel with the twins.”

“All right.”

“Thanks.” He returned his attention to me as Fisk left. “Do you have any plans for this afternoon?”

“Not anymore.”

“Good.” Valek tugged me into the hallway. “Have you been staying in the guest suites?”

“Yes. Are you tired?”

“Not anymore.” His gaze met mine.

Heat flushed through me. “My room is this way.”

*

Hunger woke me a few hours later. Valek didn’t stir when I slipped from the bed. Exhaustion? Or was he finally able to relax?

I dressed and visited the kitchen—again. I imagined I’d worn a path in the rug, since I spent more time eating than sleeping these days. I grabbed a few extra pieces of fruit and cheese for Valek. At least, that was the plan. Since he didn’t wake up until the next morning, I felt justified in eating his share.

Onora and Gerik visited us soon after we returned from breakfast. The guest suite had a living area, but they stood instead of making themselves comfortable. I suspected Onora had unwelcome news.

“The Commander has ordered me back to Ixia,” she said.

I studied her. She tried to keep a stoic expression, but she appeared a little green, as if she was going to be sick to her stomach. “Are you worried he thinks you’re a traitor?”

She glanced at Valek.

He shook his head. “I didn’t have time to tell her.”

“I’m the new Chief of Security,” she said.

Surprised, I turned to Valek.

“I retired,” he said.

Clearly we needed to catch up, but that would have to wait until later. I focused on Onora and was happy for her. “Congratulations.”

She hesitated. “Thanks.”

“Isn’t that good news?” I asked, because she still looked queasy. “That’s what you wanted. Right?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.”

Ah. “The Commander would not have given you the job if he thought you couldn’t handle it.”

“I know. It’s just...overwhelming.”

“That’ll pass in about five or six years,” Valek said.

“Thanks,” she said dryly.

“Just remember that you’re not alone. And that I owe you one.”

Onora peered at him in confusion.

“You saved Yelena’s and our baby’s lives. If you get into trouble and need help, send me a message, and I’ll—”

“—we’ll come and assist you,” I finished for him.

He drew in a breath. I waited for overprotective Valek to frown at me, but instead he amended, “We’ll come. And if it’s bad, then we’ll bring the whole herd with us.”

“Herd?” Gerik asked.

Onora smiled in relief, and the color returned to her face. “He means his family and friends.”

“Our family and friends.” I corrected her. “You and Gerik are now part of the herd.”

Shocked, Onora glanced at Valek. “We are?”

“Yes. The horses have named you Smoke Girl, but I don’t know Gerik’s horse name yet.”

“Thanks.” Another smile, this one with genuine warmth. She then asked Valek for advice on how to make the transition from his leadership to hers go smoothly.

He suggested she rely on Maren for guidance. “She’s had years of experience, and my agents trust her. They’ll trust you, too, once you’ve proven that you can handle difficult situations. Don’t try to be their friend. Ask their opinions, listen to them, but once you’ve decided on a course of action, don’t let them change your mind. Never show them you’re uncertain. Issue orders with confidence, despite how you feel.”

“Is that what you do?” I asked.

“Not at all.”

“Uh-huh.”

He flashed me a grin.

“Anything else?” Onora asked.

Valek sobered. “When you return to Ixia, you’ll have a chance to show everyone what type of leader you’ll be by how you deal with Captain Timmer.”

She stiffened. I didn’t blame her. Timmer had sexually abused her when she’d been a young solider in his unit.

“I thought the Commander...” Onora swiped a hand along her throat.

“He’s waiting to see if you’d like to execute the captain yourself or if you want him publicly hanged. Or...if you wish to spare the man’s life. What you decide will send a message to everyone in Ixia.”

“No pressure,” she muttered.

I grasped her hand. “You’re protecting the citizens of Ixia now. They’re in your care. Keep that in mind, and you’ll do fine.”

She hugged me. Or at least, she tried. Her arms weren’t as long as Valek’s. We laughed.

“Take care of the baby,” Onora said. “If you need some extra protection or a dozen babyguards, just let me know.”