Nikolai

As soon as Alyssa and Mace disappear into King's office, I exchange a look with King, lowering my voice so Zuri doesn't hear. "When the fuck did we start having sidebars?"

King doesn't answer, but by the way his jaw is set, he doesn't like it either.

Alyssa's been distant since we got back. I thought things might settle once we were home, but it's like she's slipping further away every day. She told us she needed space, and we've been giving it to her—even if it's ...