Unmasked (King Morine #4)

61. Stryker

CHAPTER 61

Stryker

W hen I open my eyes, Jaxson sits on a chair beside the bed in the room. I wince as I try to sit up.

Immediately, his eyes fly open. “Let me help you, Stryker.” He’s out of the chair, his strong arms beneath me, raising me to a sitting position. “Do you want a drink?”

“Please,” I rasp, my voice dry. “Where’s everyone?”

“Ryker and Devyn crashed in the room beside yours. Zayne’s with Delaney.” He hands me the bottle of water, opening it before he does.

“And you’re stuck here with me. Poor bastard.” I smile at him, my hand over my stomach while I lift the bottle to my lips, drinking half of it because I’m parched.

“Someone had to keep an eye on you, kid.”

“I’d rather that someone be Mallory.”

He grins. “You’ll get your phone back soon. In the meantime, why don’t we get some coffee downstairs?”

I nod, finishing the water. “Yes, please.”

I’m sitting on the couch, enjoying a hot cup of coffee, when I hear them coming down the stairs. I recognize Delaney’s voice before I see her.

I get off the couch with a wince, heading in her direction. “Hey, guys. You okay, Delaney?”

Her startled eyes roam over my face. “Stryker?”

I nod, moving closer, my hand pressed against my sore stomach. My head throbs from the concussion. I have a knot on the back of my head from the asshole hitting me with a pipe of some sort.

“I’m good. But how are you? I hope my asshole brother didn’t hurt you too badly.” The concern in her eyes is motherly, warming my heart.

“Just a scratch.” I grin at her, and she frowns. She’s clearly not fooled. But she has enough to deal with without worrying about me.

“Thanks for saving me. You were a badass the way you dove on him, knocking the knife from his hand.”

Zayne raises his brows. “You saw the video?”

“Jaxson showed it to me when he got me some coffee. I’m still anxious to figure out how the fuck they got around your security.”

“Me too, kid.”

Jaxson, Ryker, and Devyn come up behind me. I smile at Delaney again before stepping out of the way so Zayne can make the introductions.

While he does, my eyes scan the room, looking for my laptop. Jaxson puts a meaty hand on my shoulder. “Don’t bother, kid. You’ll get your laptop after you eat, and doc checks you out and says you’re okay.”

“Fuck. No phone or laptop. I feel worthless.”

“You’re not, kid. You have a helluva lot more worth than hacking skills.” He pats my shoulder. “Let’s eat.”

“We have something we wanna tell you, Stryker.” Zayne looks at Jaxson, who nods. “Your work is top-notch. We’d like you to join us full-time at King Morine.”

My heart pounds faster. “I’d love that.”

“If you need to submit a two-week notice and want an extra week or two off before you start, we can do that,” Jaxson adds.

I nod. “I’ll need to send a resignation letter. And I’d like the two weeks off before starting. But yes, I’d love to work for King Morine full-time.”

“Great.” Zayne shakes my hand. “Welcome aboard. You’re part of our elite team.”

After I get food in my stomach, exhaustion hits me again. It’s been a busy couple of weeks working full-time and as a contractor for Zayne. Any free time I have is spent with my little prey.

“Stryker, you look tired. Why don’t you lie on the recliner? I’ll have my staff bring you some water and your pills.” Zayne’s intense gaze bores into me.

I want to argue, but I can barely keep my eyes open.

Jaxson’s deep voice washes over me. “I’ll help him there. You two enjoy your tour,” he says to Zayne and Delaney. “Come on, Stryker. There’s a nice recliner waiting for you.”

“My girl has a test. Can I just text her, wishing her luck?” I hate myself for begging, but my urge to talk to her is stronger than my pride. “Please. It’s her birthday.”

Zayne stands and pulls out my phone. “Fifteen minutes is all you get. You need to rest.”

I nod, relieved I get to talk to her.

As soon as my ass is in the recliner, I text her.

ME: I have a surprise for you. It’ll be delivered between 6 and 8 tonight.

LITTLE PREY: Oh, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see what it is.

ME: I love you. Happy birthday, my little prey.

LITTLE PREY: I love you. Thank you.

ME: Any big plans?

LITTLE PREY: Mandy and I are going to the haunted house on campus tonight. The one where the former asylum director went mad and killed his wife and kids.

ME: I remember hearing about that. Sounds spooky.

LITTLE PREY: I wish you could go with me.

ME: So do I. Is tonight the last night?

LITTLE PREY: Yes, unfortunately. If I had known about it sooner, we could’ve gone.

ME: Next year.

LITTLE PREY: I have an idea that may make it seem like you’re there. It’s a surprise, though.

ME: I love your surprises. I can’t wait to see you.

LITTLE PREY: I can’t wait to see you. I’m heading into the room for my Bio exam.

ME: Good luck. I need to rest, but let me know how you do.

LITTLE PREY: I will. Love you. Get some sleep. XOXO

ME: XOXO.

“Time’s up, lover boy.” Jaxson snatches my phone out of my hands. “You can talk to her later. Here’s your pills. Get some sleep.”

“Yes, Dad.” I grab the bottle of water and pills from him, grinning as he rolls his eyes.

After swallowing the pills, I lean back in the recliner, getting comfortable. Jaxson throws a blanket on me.

Before I know it, my eyes close as I succumb to the exhaustion.