Page 135 of Stealing Embers

Holy kraken balls! Did he really just compliment my fighting ability?

I glance down at the ground, expecting ice shards from a frozen-over Hell to shoot through the ground at any moment. When nothing happens, I return my attention to Steel.

“Who are you and what have you done with the moody angel-born I know?”

He chuckles before sadness tugs at his features.

“I have a lot of regrets right now. The way I’ve treated you is at the top of the list.”

Again, I don’t know what to say, so something really stupid comes out of my mouth.

“Going after Silver by yourself is a really bad idea.”

A muscle jumps in his jaw. I imagine he’s grinding his teeth pretty aggressively. Steel hates people telling him what to do. And when it comes to his family members . . . Well, the smart thing to do would be to save my breath.

“It’s not your concern,” he finally grits out.

His eyes flick to the left in annoyance and his arms fold over his chest in the universal sign for “back off.”

Of course, I ignore it.

“If you go to Sable, I’m sure she’d figure out a way to get a team—”

“She already said no.”

“You asked?” The words fumble from my mouth.

“Yeah, I did. And she denied the request. She said that in light of . . . recent events . . . we needed to concentrate on keeping the academy students safe.”

A little bit of my heart cracks for Steel. Once again, I’m the cog keeping his world from running smoothly.

“I’m so sor—”

“Don’t.”

Steel pushes off his bike and turns to secure the latch on his saddlebag. He throws a long leg over the sleek chrome and black machine before giving me his attention again.

“It’s better this way. She was right—they need all the resources the academy has now. The priority should be keeping all of you safe, not hunting down a single Forsaken.”

“I could . . .” Am I really going to do this? “I could come with you. I can help.”

Steel clearly wasn’t expecting me to say that. His head jerks back and his lower jaw drops an inch.

I plow forward.

“Silver wants me.” I point at my chest. My words grow more impassioned. “I’d be the perfect bait. And this way . . .” This is the most important part of my whole spur-of-the-moment plan. “Steel, this way I wouldn’t be putting anyone else in danger. Things would go back to how they’ve always been at the academy.”

Vulnerability drips from my words and I have a sinking feeling my heart shines from my eyes.

What the heck happened to my resolve to sever our connection?

It melted in an instant, like spun sugar in water.

Steel just stares. He blinks half a dozen times before taking any action, but with his mind made up, he moves swiftly, like the predator he is.

Snaking his leg off his bike, he reaches me in two purpose-filled strides.

His hand slips around the back of my head and his mouth covers mine in the delicious way I’m starting to worry only his can.