Grace and Glory (The Harbinger #3) - Jennifer L. Armentrout Page 0,137

my vision.

I skidded to a stop, not believing what I was seeing. Female Wardens didn’t travel anywhere alone, especially hours away from their community. I hadn’t even seen Danika out by herself. But it had to be her. No one pulled off bright orange like she did. “Jada?” I whispered.

Giving me a half wave, she glanced at where Zayne stood behind me. “Hi.”

“What are you...?” I stepped forward into the room, realizing she wasn’t alone. Her boyfriend, Ty, stood in the corner. He gave me a wave, too. I scanned the rest of the room, expecting to find Thierry or Matthew stowed away in another corner, but no one else was in the room. Even though Ty was with her, it still didn’t make sense that either of them were here alone, but at that moment, I didn’t care. Jada was here.

I sprang forward, throwing my arms around her. Warden strong, she still stumbled back a good foot.

Jada laughed as she hugged me back, and the sound of bangles jangling was one I hadn’t even realized I missed.

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“We can’t, either,” Jada said. “But when I heard that Zayne had...well, that he wasn’t with us any longer, there was no way I was letting you go through that by yourself.” She paused. “But I see he’s superalive.”

“He is. It’s a long story.”

“Dez filled us in,” Ty chimed in. “We’re still a little confused but I think that’s just gonna stay that way.”

“Why didn’t you text and tell me you were coming?”

“I was afraid you wouldn’t answer or tell me not to.”

I pulled back, stomach churning with guilt. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a shitty friend and—”

“Girl, it sucked. I wanted to be there for you when everything happened with Misha. I wanted you to be there for me, but you were closer to him than I was. I don’t know how I would’ve reacted.” She clasped my cheeks. “Also, I know how your brain works. You internalize everything and basically shut down. I just wasn’t going to let you do that this time.”

“You’re the best.” I hugged her again. “But I am sorry. It wasn’t just me who was grieving.”

“I accept your apology.” Jada’s voice was thick and muffled. “I already accepted your apology. That’s what friends do.”

Jada was right. As always. I still felt terrible, but that was the thing about real friends. You could misstep. You could go MIA, but you’d still be there. Both of you would be.

Pulling myself together, I leaned back. “Is Thierry or Matthew here? With Nicolai or something?”

“They’re not here.”

My mouth dropped open. “Your father let you guys come here?”

“I wouldn’t say he let us,” Ty said, pushing away from the wall. He came over, tall and broad as any Warden. He gave me a quick hug. “We sort of told him what we were doing after we got here.”

Now my eyes were wide.

“And that was after we borrowed a car,” Jada said, fighting a grin while Ty looked like he was seconds away from vomiting. “He’s not that happy, but I told him I needed to see you. Plus, Ty may end up getting assigned here.”

“What?” I blinked. “Really?”

Ty nodded. “Yeah, that’s the plan. Or was the plan. Thierry may murder me.”

“He’s not going to kill you.” Jada sighed. “A lot.”

I laughed as Ty blanched. “So, he’s on his way here now, I guess?”

“God, I hope not,” muttered Ty.

“I don’t know. He’s on the phone with Nicolai right now. I told him that he didn’t need to come here. We’re with the Wardens and both of us know how to defend ourselves.”

They did, but Ty hadn’t gone through the Accolade and Jada...well, there were obvious reasons why her father would be losing his mind right now.

Jada glanced to where Zayne lingered just inside the room. “I’m happy to see that you’re still here.” Her features pinched. “Did that sound as awkward as it felt saying it?”

Zayne laughed. “It sounded just right.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, glancing at me. “We’re still processing the whole fallen angel thing.”

“So am I,” Zayne said with a grin. “I’m glad you guys are here, though. Trin’s missed you all.”

“I know.” Jada smiled at me. “That’s why we’re here.”

“I’d hug you again, but I think that’ll just make it awkward.” My gaze swept over her. “Your hair is growing.”

She placed her fingers to the side of her head. Normally she kept her hair cropped close to the skull. “I’m thinking about letting it grow. Haven’t made up