Page 55 of Ashes

26

SAM

As the spotlights heat up, and the other wolves file onto the stage, my eyes land on a girl. She has long silver hair, and eyes that make me want to never look into another woman’s eyes ever again.

Two different colors. One blue, one brown.

They remind me of my sister.

I shake my head to dislodge the image. The movement rattles the chain. The other wolves snap and snarl, interpreting it as a sign I’m ready to start.

As they come for me, one by one, I fix my gaze on her. She’s with a guy. Big, rippling muscles. A fire mage, if I had to guess, because he gives off a ‘fuck with me and I’ll burn you’ vibe that I’ve seen many times before.

Now and then, she shifts in his lap, but they’re not fucking. They’re the only couple in the room not fucking.

I’m on the floor, teeth sinking into my shoulder, when she runs forward.

27

NOVA

For ten long minutes, we watch a pack of wolves slash at my brother with their teeth and their claws. They’re not trying to kill him—that much is obvious—but I don’t understand what’s happening.

All around us, people are groaning, yelping with pleasure as they watch his skin break and bleed.

“He’s a werewolf. Why doesn’t he shift and fight them off?” I ask Luther.

Once again, he tries to make me leave. “Nova, let’s talk outside.” But I refuse because Sam is watching me.

His eyes locked onto me when the wolves started howling, and they haven’t left me since. He knows who I am. I can feel it.

“Nova, please.” Luther squeezes my hand. “We can come back tomorrow.”

Until now, Sam has managed to stay standing, but now he sinks to all fours. A wolf rips the armored sleeve from his arm. Another plunges its teeth into his shoulder. A third leaps on his back and drags its claws down his skin. He cries out. A woman nearby claps and cheers as blood pools on the stage.

I jump from Luther’s grasp and rush forward. “Get away from him!” I leap onto the stage, waving my arms then curling myself over his body. People shout and jeer. The wolves back off, snarling, eyes darting, unsure what to do.

The security guard yells at me to get the fuck down.

“Sam, it’s me. It’s Nova.”

Through his black leather mask, his eyes meet mine. “Nova?”

“I’m going to get you out of here. I’m going to take you home.” I reach for the mask, desperate to free his face.

“I can’t leave,” he whispers. “They won’t let me.”

Hands are on my waist. I hear Luther yell, “Get the fuck off her!” but the hands are pulling me away.

“I’ll be back,” I shout.

Sam closes his eyes.

“I’ll be back!” I shout again, but the security guard throws me to the floor.

“No, you fucking won’t.” He towers above me, looking like he’s going to kick me with his huge bulky boots.

Luther steps in front of him. Flames are in his hands. “If you touch her, I will kill you,” he growls.