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 my mind yet.”
I had so many questions—so many things I wanted to talk about—but Dez rejoined us. “I hate to interrupt, but I’ve got to head out soon.”
“The angel blades,” I recalled, turning back to him. “What about them?”
“Angel blades?” repeated Ty.
“Basically angelic weapons that can kill literally anything,” I explained.
“They’re missing,” Dez stated, tone hard.
Zayne turned to Dez. “Come again?”
“They’re gone.” Dez shook his head in disbelief. “Gideon went to grab them from where he had them locked up in the basement, and they were gone.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “I’m sure they didn’t sprout little angel wings and fly their way out of here.”
“I don’t understand. Gideon has surveillance cameras everywhere.”
“Yeah, but there are blind spots in the basement. You know that, and with everyone going in and out using the training facilities, anyone could’ve slipped into a blind spot and broke into the safe.”
“But why would a Warden steal the angel blades?” I demanded.
“A Warden wouldn’t,” Dez said.
Zayne nodded. “I have to agree with that.”
“Then we’re back to the blades sprouting wings?” I demanded.
“I know I haven’t been around,” Jada said. “But I’m going to assume the sprouting wings thing is impossible.”
“He has wings.” I pointed at Zayne. “They’re hidden right now.”
“What?” Ty turned to Zayne. “I thought Fallen didn’t have wings?”
“He’s superspecial,” I said.
Zayne winked at me. “That I am.”
“I know you all always want to believe the best in Wardens, but one of them has to have taken them,” I reasoned.
“We’re questioning everyone nonetheless,” Dez said, unfolding his arms. “If they’re still here, we’ll find them.” He glanced over at Ty. “I’m going to be heading out in about twenty minutes, if you want to tag along.”
Ty nodded.
“Hell, I almost forgot.” Dez grabbed something from a nearby shelf, handing it to Zayne. “Here’s your phone and wallet.”
“Thanks, man.”
Dez turned to me. “And I have something for you. It’s a just in case measure. A tracer. Gideon thought it would be a good idea since there’s been attempts to grab you. I just need something of yours that you always have on you.”
“My phone?” I glanced over at Zayne. His features were hard, but he nodded. I pulled it out and handed it over to Dez.
He looked over the phone, and then popped off the case. “It’ll still work behind the case. Here it won’t be so noticeable.” His gaze shot to Zayne as a low rumbling sound came out of him. “Hey, man, I know you don’t like the idea of someone grabbing her, but this is a good idea.”
“I know it is,” Zayne bit out. “And you’re right. I don’t like the idea of someone grabbing her.”