Page 42 of Viking

Dalton interrupts. “You didn’t—”

“You weren’t there, Everett,” I say, cutting back in, my voice sharper than I mean it to be.

My guilt leaves this arduous silence between us.

“So she doesn’t know you were at Reaper’s memorial, then? That technically Vegas wasn’t even the first time your paths had crossed?” Townsend asks, grabbing the back of his neck like he needs to rub out the tension my situation is causing.

I glance at the ground before meeting his eyes. “No. She doesn’t even know that I know of Reaper.” Lila has only known me as an F-22 pilot. Even in Vegas because that’s why I was at Nellis.

Ryan crosses his arms, exhaling through his nose. “She told her dad about you?”

That makes my stomach tighten. “She did. Not by name,” I clarify. “Which is probably for the best, because if she had…” I don’t need to finish that thought. We all know General Mercer would recognize my name instantly.

He nods, absorbing that. Knowing that her dad has even a vague idea—that he might already be wary of me without knowing the full story—just adds another layer to this.

“You really care about her,” Dalton says, quieter than the rest. It’s not a question.

I meet his gaze. “I do”

It might be fucked up to admit this—so I don’t—but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re meant to be together. Like every bit of chaos, guilt, and grief that’s tangled our lives over the last nine years wasn’t just coincidence—it was leading us here.

Townsend nods once, a small, approving gesture. Ryan exhales, shaking his head like he’s still processing, but there’s no real resistance there.

“Alright,” Ryan says. “We’ve got your back. Just…be ready for what happens when she finds out.”

I nod. I’ve been ready for a fight my whole life. I just don’t want the battle to be with her.

A beat passes before I clear my throat, shifting gears. “I’m grilling burgers tonight if you want to come over.”

Ryan smirks. “She know you’re inviting us?”

“She will.” I know she won’t care, her friends are coming, too.

Dalton grins, arms crossed over his chest. “I’m in.”

“I’m always down for burgers,” Ryan says.

Townsend shakes his head, chuckling. “Can’t make it. I’ve got plans.”

“Plans?” Ryan raises an eyebrow. “Like actual plans or just avoiding social interaction?”

“Both.” Townsend smirks. “But I’ll take a rain check.”

Ryan laughs, shaking his head, and the conversation ends for now. The weight of everything isn’t gone, but at least I’m keeping one less secret.

Hampton, Virginia

May 29, 2024

1830

Logan

The sizzling sound of burgers on the grill fades as I step inside, washing my hands and quickly drying them. The smell of grilled meat and seasoning lingers in the air. The air fryer dings, signaling that the sweet potato fries are done, so I grab the tray and set it down next to the fridge. A large salad is already prepped and waiting in there.

I hear the faint sound of a car locking and glance toward the front door to see Ryan walking inside. He’s the first to arrive.

“Hey, man.” He catches my eye and gives me a nod and that devil-may-care grin he’s known for.