Page 116 of Ashes

Malachi.

A watcher.

“Brave face. No tears. No screams. You never give them your screams. Those belong to us. Right?”

I said nothing as I stared at him.

He reached out and gripped my face tightly. “Say it. Tell me your screams belong to us.”

My screams belong to you.

A triumphant smile spilled onto his lips.

“Then get ready because these men wish to steal them. More evil wizards and cunts, firefly. Watch the magic, OK? Pay attention. This is the part where it gets good.” His blue eyes shifted from mine, and he looked to the door.

I followed his gaze and swallowed hard as the handle twisted.

I really hoped things got good.

I was tired of the bad.

ASHES

“Your house is cool,” Cady said as I walked beside her along the path to school.

Church said he wasn’t attending today, opting to probably carve up some defenseless creatures in the woods, and Sin seemed too pissed off to do much more than stomp around, so our walk was just the two of us.

“It’s really Church’s place. It’s basically the home for his family on campus.”

“His dad own this place or something?” She cast me a quick look.

I shrugged. “Or something. Church’s family founded it years and years ago. Guess they liked crazy or some shit. Whole family is a little, uh, dark.”

She nodded and blew a bubble from her gum. The fruity smell of the berries met my nose.

“I figured he was a bit of a headcase, but then again, look where I am and who’s talking. I set my stepdad’s car on fire in a bid to get here.”

“But not to kill him?” I glanced at her and raised a brow.

A grin spilled onto her face as she winked at me. “Maybe a little. Guess that makes me a little crazy too, huh?”

I chuckled. “Welcome to Chapel Crest.”

She bumped shoulders with me. “So really what’s your deal, Asher?”

“My deal?”

“Yeah. Like you’re nice. Way nicer than the ass nuts you live with. What gives?”

“I’m really not,” I said softly. “I have my moments. Believe me on that.”

“Ah, a sinner. My kind of people.” She flashed a smile at me again, and I offered her a return one.

Cady was a lot cooler than Church and Sin gave her credit for. I actually liked her. I wondered if maybe Sirena was a lot like her. Or if she would be if she spoke.

Deep down I knew better though. I knew my heaven was soft and sweet and absolutely perfect. I smirked at that thought, a pang shooting through my heart from missing her.

Cady cleared her throat. “So… Sirena…”

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