Deadlock: A Raven's Sphere Novel by Melissa Koberlein

Author:Melissa Koberlein [Koberlein, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Parker West Books
Published: 2020-02-17T22:00:00+00:00

Kaden and Stass stood atop the roof of Mysterious, looking at the ALT skyline. Even now, Stass would swear the ALT was more beautiful than anything real she had seen in Rourke.

“I’m pretty sure you were the one who infected Wraith,” Kaden said stoically, his eyes focused on the ALT buildings.

“I know. I saw footage from Mysterious. The virus clearly came from me.”

“You know? But—”

“I also saw that someone slipped me a zipped executable file before I unknowingly transferred it to Wraith.”

“Who would do that and why?”

Stass shrugged. “His name is Koi Shao. We should be finding out why soon.”

“I knew you couldn’t have been guilty.” He looked down at the railing his forearms rested on. “Deep down, you’ve got a good heart.”

She chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that far. I’ve got a bit of a temper when I’m battling, if you haven’t noticed. How about we go with work in progress?”

Kaden nodded. “Okay.”

“Still, this whole mess is my fault. I let my guard down at Mysterious. I was so preoccupied about seeing Wraith, I didn’t pay attention to anything else.”

“I’m not going to lie to you. I don’t like hearing about your feelings for Wraith. I don’t think he’s right for you.” He sighed, looking out across the digital city.

Stass touched his shoulder. “Kaden—”

“Hang on. Let me finish first. I know exactly who you are inside the ALT. I know how you battle illegally, how you lift credits from tourists and specs, and I don’t care. So regardless of your relationship with Wraith, I’ll always be there for you. You know that, right?”

She looked up at him, the late afternoon sun warming her face. He appeared the same as he always had—kind, safe, and hers. But there was also something different about him now. He was an Arta agent, and she was going to have to respect his role from now on, no matter how much he claimed to not care about her illegal dealings.

But it wasn’t all she felt. Now, Kaden protected her instead of the reverse, and he was damn good at it. He was also the closest thing she had to a best friend since Raven left. When she was with him, he made her feel like she could heal some of the old wounds from her past, like salve to a burn so new, stronger skin could form. And she knew why. She felt something for Kaden she hadn’t allowed herself to feel for a long time.

Trust.

“I know. Thanks,” Stass said, her eyes glassy.

“Come here.” He pulled her against his chest. They stood that way for a while—her nestled against him as emotions she thought long lost rocked through her body like a storm, and he was her anchor, holding her fast. After a time, he asked, “Why are you upset?”

“I so don’t deserve you.”

Kaden held her tightly and stroked her hair. “Yes, you do, love. I’ll always be here for you. Count on it.”

Stass hugged him tightly and smiled against his chest. “You realize you’re my best friend now, right?” She leaned back to look up at him.

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