“I’ve missed you, too.” She twined their fingers and held on tight, afraid to let go. “Knox has been good to you?”

“Very good. He’s... Nola, he’s my person.” A dreamy expression dawned. “Every day, he risks his life to protect mine. He worships me.”

“Oh, Vale. I’m so happy for you.” And maybe a little envious. I want a future with my Bane! Had he found the note?

Vale added, “We’re going to find a way to stop the war and be together.”

Could the war be stopped? “Have you reconsidered taking the Mark of Disgrace? I hear it’s—”

“No way.” Vale shook her head. “I can’t allow an alien race to rule our world. If the war can’t be stopped, I’ll win it.”

And kill Bane and Zion? Nola almost shouted a denial. “What about Knox?”

“He’ll take the mark. Or we’ll find another way to save him,” she said, then changed the subject. “Has Zion been good to you?”

“He has. And so has Bane.” Her selective mutism allowed her to admit Bane had kidnapped her a few times, but no more. So frustrating! She’d never needed her sister’s advice more, and she hated not being able to share some of the best things to ever happen to her. Bane. Royalty! Sex. Health. Bumbling into an upright position, she said, “What are you guys doing here?”

“There are bombs in the lavender field. Knox is out leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for Erik to follow.”

Nice. May he die screaming.

“All is presently well,” Zion said, striding into the room and easing onto the couch next to Nola. He cocked his head to the side and frowned. “I believe Knox will arrive in three...two...”

Knox busted through the door, a giant brute vibrating with malice. Dried blood streaked his bronzed skin, the sight almost obscene.

Zion lurched to his feet, aimed a semiautomatic at his chest and grinned. “Glad you could join us, Knox. We have much to discuss.”

Betrayal marred Knox’s features. He glared at Vale before facing off with the other male. They shouted insults at each other, fraying Nola’s already battered nerves.

Vale leaped up and stepped between them. “Guys. Please,” she said, extending her arms. “Talk first, kill later. If we’re all alive, we’ve got options.”

Ready to make a difference, Nola forced herself to trudge to her feet. She clasped Zion’s wrist, saying, “If you hurt my sister’s boyfriend, I will be supremely displeased.”

“For once, I’m willing to risk it.” Zion kept his attention on Knox. “Whatever you cut me with left a wound on my leg that hasn’t healed. I am not amused.” Despite his words, he lowered his gun and nudged Nola with his shoulder. “Sit, mortal, and don’t get up again.”

Mortal? Why act so formal?