Page 25 of Stealing Embers

“Whatisthat thing?” Morbid curiosity overrides my sense of self-preservation—not something that happens often.

“It’s a Forsaken. We really do need to get out of here,” Greyson answers.

“We can’t just leave that thing with Steel.” I cut my eyes to the twin. Surely he would agree with me.

A moment later, Steel throws the carcass of the vampire, or whatever it is, across the room. The body hits the wall with a sickening crunch.

“I think he’s got it covered,” Greyson replies dryly.

Sterling moves in front of me and bounces on the balls of his feet, clearly longing to get in on the fight.

“Don’t even think about it, man.” Greyson points a finger at his brother, his brow pulled low.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know. Okay, let’s beat feet outta here.”

We’re almost out the doors when an unhinged laugh pierces the air. Even the spectrum world hates the sound. Angry waves of light vibrate off the walls.

“Yes, run you disgusting little hybrids. We like the chase as much as the hunt.”

Ice splashes through my veins as we shove through the cafeteria doors. The voice turns into a barbaric shriek that’s cut off by a sharp crack.

Oh, gosh. Oh, gosh. Oh, gosh. Do not look back, Emberly.

For once, I listen to myself.

We’re only halfway down the hall when the cafeteria doors open and slam against the wall.

My nerves are so frayed, I hardly jump at the new intrusion.

A low growl causes Greyson to skid to a halt.

Ash bumps into him, I slam into her, and Sterling stumbles into me.

I whirl around the moment Sterling’s weight eases off my back.

“Oh, sh—” Sterling grumbles under his breath as he stares at the lion form of his brother.

Steel explodes like a firecracker in a flash of white light. I’m in awe as the light particles put themselves into the shape of a man before pulsating one final time to reveal a very angry Steel.

“What were you thinking?” He stomps down the hall and gets in Sterling’s face.

Greyson appears and lays a hand on his older brother’s shoulder. “Cool down, man. We were just trying to protect the new girl.”

Great, they’ve already forgotten my name.

Steel’s glower turns on me. His eyebrows are black angry slashes that punctuate the blue fire burning in his eyes.

I concede a step, but refuse to give him the satisfaction of lowering my gaze in submission.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed? Or worse?”

Wait. What?

“Only a complete idiot would phase with no defenses with a Forsaken in the room.” His gaze sweeps my body and the curl of his lip tells me I’m found wanting.

Surprisingly, that stings.

“You’re what, sixteen? You can’t be old enough to have gone through training yet.”