Page 34 of Of Bone and Ash

Turning, I walk away from the ridiculous scene in front of me, waving a hand in the air and forcing Hawkins’ shield to move aside and let me pass. I feel the professor's gaze on me as I manipulate his magic, but I ignore him.

His magic is good, but not good enough to keep me trapped inside a shield. As I head to the castle, phone in hand and Rafael’s name pulled up on my screen, I prod at Hawkins’ magic. Something is going on here, and I want to know what it is.

I frown when I find a strong shield wrapped around the center of his being. He has his mental shields up, and they are so well-built that I don’t think I can breach them without causing harm. Something is going on, something that these people are keeping secret, and since they were all sent here by one man, I’m guessing I’ll need to interrogate the man myself.

Rafael and Cassiel have kept the Archangels at bay as far as the Covingtons are concerned, but that’s all about to change. Not even Cassiel has the power to deny my request now. It’s time I visit the infamous Councilman Covington. Besides, this all might go smoother once he understands his sister is no longer under his protection but mine.

SIXTEEN

Serafina

The stifling dominance in the air falls away as Teos flies us further into the night sky, and I finally feel like I can breathe again. I keep my eyes closed and breathe in Teos, letting his warmth seep into my cold body. For just a moment, I can forget everything that happened over the last four years and pretend that we’re back in high school. We’re simply heading to my house for our homework assignment due the next day.

I tuck my face into Teos’ neck, squinting against the blinding light of his wings. They’re even brighter in the night sky, making it almost impossible to see. I can feel the warmth from their flames, and I can’t stop the full-body shiver I get as I melt into him.

Warm hands are on my back, and a strong, hot body is pressed to mine. I think I’m in heaven. For the first time in three years, I can feel the bone-aching chill that lingers in my body slowly thaw, leaving me oddly vulnerable. I inhale sharply, hating how raw I suddenly feel. This is why I can't be around Teos. He makes me feel things when I only want to coast through life in my numb little bubble.

Teos’ hands tighten on me when I tense against him, and he no doubt feels my change in mood as his wings propel us up and away from the school. “Bella?” he questions in my ear.

“I need to go back to my apartment,” I rasp, miraculously keeping my voice level despite how shaky I feel. Teos hesitates, but he eventually nods, shifting me upward so I’m more cradled in his arms. His hand grips the back of my neck, keeping my face pressed close as his other arm slides under my butt, encouraging my legs to wrap around his trim waist.

I do as prompted, not wanting to fall, clinging to him while trying to memorize his scent. I want to remember everything about this moment: how Teos feels against my body, how warm and safe I feel in his arms, and how good he smells. Because the moment he lets me go, I know this can't happen again. Not because I don't want to—it's never been that—but because I will eventually lose control and hurt Teos again.

Teos circles around the school, avoiding Atlas’ giant blue dome-like shield still standing at the center of the courtyard. I watch the glimmering magic, both frustrated that I can't see through it and glad of the fact. The way I handled Ryland was… well, shit if I’m being honest. I mentally facepalm as I think about the way I acted, wincing at how utterly idiotic I was when I saw him striding toward me. I even had a warning when Amell mentioned a Demonic Dragon, but I still wasn't prepared. I shiver and feel Teos’ arms tighten around me, sending Ryland from my mind momentarily and back to the present.

“Are you all right?” he whispers into my ear, his warm breath drifting over my chilled skin, making me sigh and lean more thoroughly into him. I don’t respond, unsure how to answer his question.

Am I all right?

Physically, yes… I’m tired from all the magic use and feel like I could sleep for a month, but otherwise, I’m fine. Emotionally? Well, fuck I’m not sure. I’m angry, frustrated, and upset with myself, Ryland, and Teos, but I’m also fucking happy to see them both again. That's the hardest part because I know I can't keep doing this. I need to protect myself from Ryland and Teos from me.

“Bella?” Teos rasps, his voice cracking with actual worry, so I nod, keeping my mouth shut and breathing him in as the rush of his wings slows. I can feel us glide down and hold my breath, knowing my time with him is almost over. When I feel Teo’s feet hit the ground, I slowly unwrap my legs from around his waist and let my feet drop. I frown when I just hang there in Teos’ arms.

“Um…” I start to say as he chuckles and starts to walk, making me open my eyes and blink in surprise at how high up we still are. “Where are we?” I ask, craning my neck around to see my surroundings.

“The roof of the apartment building. You’re on the third floor, and your window is right here,” he answers with a smirk, nodding down as he stands on the ledge of the tall building. “I figured you didn't want to deal with people right now, so it would be best to go through your window.”

“How do you know where my window is?” I ask, more curious than upset. Teos grins, pulling back and winking at me as he finally lets my feet touch the shingles of the roof below us.

“I pulled your school file and found it in there. You should really lock your door at night, by the way. Anyone could walk in while you’re sleeping,” he adds, and this time I scowl.

“Excuse me… what? How would you know if I lock my door or not? Did you sneak into my apartment? That’s an invasion of privacy, Teos!” I snap, making the smile fall off his face. I instantly feel like shit when he gives me a sad, puppy dog look.

“What? No! I wouldn’t do that,” he snaps back, crossing thick, muscled arms over his barrel chest and scowling down at me. His dark lashes frame his beautiful eyes, and I’m momentarily stunned at how beautiful Teos has become since I last saw him. His jaw is well-defined and covered in a dusting of black stubble that is the same color as his curly, obsidian black hair. His nose is perfectly straight, and he has a dimple on his left cheek that I can see even when he’s not smiling. He gives off the perfect boy-next-door vibes even while glaring down at me.

Speaking of which… Teos hit a growth spurt. The last time I saw him, he was only an inch or two taller than my five foot ten inches. Now he’s a good eight or more inches taller than me.

“Then how do you know I don't lock my door?” I ask, tucking a long piece of hair behind my ear when the cold fall breeze blows it into my face.

Teos arches a brow at me, not answering my question as he shifts back on his heels, studying me with pursed lips.

“Teos!” I clip out in frustration when he stays silent.

“I didn’t go into your apartment, Bella. I promise,” he whispers, and my shoulders relax when his words sound sincere. I nod and turn away from him just as he mutters, “I watched you from outside your window all night.” I freeze, blink then turn back around.

“You what?!” Teos tosses his hands up in the air and shrugs when I glare at him.

“What do you expect me to say? You wouldn’t talk to me, then you disappeared with that weird red-headed clean freak?—”

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