Polaris Rising (Consortium Rebellion, #1)(116)

“They will leave us alone,” I said. “I’m still a von Hasenberg and I left the planet with permission.”

She eyed me for a few seconds longer then nodded. “Okay. In that case, I’m going to grab some shut-eye. Unlike this fool”—she jerked a thumb at Rhys—“I’m on Universal and I’ve been up forever. Felix, you’re off duty, too. Get some sleep.”

The dark-haired crewmate stood. “Yes, Captain,” he said.

Scarlett turned to Rhys. “Do not let anything happen to my ship,” she said. “I expect her to be in one piece when I wake up.”

“I’ll do my best,” Rhys said.

Scarlett narrowed her eyes but didn’t comment. She and Felix left the flight deck together. After the door closed behind them, Rhys said, “Ada, while I’m glad we didn’t have to bust you out, how bad is it?”

“It’s not great,” I said. “Thank you for coming. I’m sorry I involved you, I just didn’t know who else to ask.”

“You can always come to me for help,” Rhys said gently.

“And me,” Veronica said. “Rhys tried to leave me behind. See how well it worked for him?”

The maelstrom of emotions I’d experienced today all decided that now was an excellent time to make a break for it. Tears escaped faster than I could blink them away. I took a shuddering breath and tried to get myself under control.

Loch picked me up and dragged me into his lap. He wrapped his arms around me. All semblance of control shattered. I hid my tears against his shoulder and gave myself permission to let go for a few minutes. Loch would keep me safe—I knew it down to my bones.

Loch’s deep voice rolled over me while he told Rhys and Veronica what happened. I blocked out the words and just listened to the vibrations as I slowly pulled myself together. I wiped my eyes as the tears stopped, but I kept my head where it was.

“News of your pardon is already hitting the net,” Rhys said to Loch. “They’re spinning it as a reward for protecting Ada from an unnamed threat and returning her to House von Hasenberg.”

“Good,” I said. “That means they are sticking to the agreement. At least for now.”

“What is your plan?” Rhys asked.

I pushed aside the lost, helpless feelings that tried to rise. I was a von Hasenberg, dammit, and we were never helpless, even when the odds were stacked against us. The worse the odds, the harder we fought.

“First, I need to find us a place to stay on Sedition,” I said.

“You’re welcome to stay with me while you look,” Rhys said. “In fact, you’re welcome to stay with me indefinitely.” Loch rumbled at him. “Both of you are welcome, of course,” Rhys said with an eye roll.

“Thank you,” I said. “I’m not feeling particularly loyal to Father at the moment, but my brothers and sisters will still be dragged into the war. I will do what I can either to help them win it or to make it unnecessary.” After all, neither of my agreements prevented me from telling Lord Yamado exactly what Father and Lady Rockhurst were fighting over. I’d have to weigh the pros and cons, but it was at least one option.

“You’re not going to war for the son of a bitch who banished you,” Loch said.

“No, I’m not,” I agreed. “I’m going to war for Bianca and my other siblings.”



After speaking to Rhys and Veronica for a few more minutes, Loch and I returned to the crew quarters where we’d found his shirt. Luckily there were plenty of rooms to go around, so we were alone.

I sighed in relief as the door closed behind us. We had at least five hours until Jester could jump and I was bone weary. Without fear and adrenaline driving me, I just wanted to collapse.

“Are you okay?” Loch asked, expression guarded.

“Yes,” I said slowly, “are you?”

He paced the short length of the room. “You lost everything because of my stupidity. You should’ve left me,” he said.

It took me a second to follow his thoughts. Anger sparked, chasing away the fatigue, but I took a deep breath and swallowed the furious words that wanted to escape. We both had issues we needed to work through and this was one of his.

“Marcus,” I said quietly, “I’m never going to leave you to die if I can do something about it. Just the thought of you dying hurts.”

“I’m not worth your life,” he said.

“No, you’re worth so much more. I don’t regret my choice tonight and I would make it a thousand times over. I don’t want to fight about this, but I will if you force me. This is a battle you cannot win. You will never convince me that you’re not worth it.”

I caught his wrist and drew him close. I gazed up at his gorgeous face. Once I had his attention, I said, “I want you beside me. Please stay with me, Marcus.”

I glanced away and continued, “I mean, I understand if you don’t want me or my drama anymore. I am troublesome and I don’t see that changing. But please don’t leave because you think you’ll save me from yourself. You’ll break my heart.”

A gentle hand tipped my face back up to his. His eyes glowed. “I want you,” he said, “more than I’ve ever wanted anything. Never doubt that. You’re so damn loyal and kind and cunning. Watching you slay your foes with that arrogant little tilt of your head makes me hard as a rock. I may not deserve you, but if you stay with me, I’m keeping you.”