Page 3 of Burning Embers

Amanda sighs tiredly and absently scratches at the bun she pinned her hair up in.

“You know that people take advantage of the system, Hale. We do what we can for these children, but so many foster parents are in it for the benefits, not for the kids themselves.”

Hale huffs and folds his large arms over his chest. His gaze slides in my direction, and the ice in his eyes melts marginally, softening his entire exterior.

“Don’t worry about a thing, kiddo,” he says in a gentle voice that makes me instantly want to relax.

I don’t, though. Not yet. Still, I find myself hanging on to every word he says.

“I don’t want you to worry about things like clothing and food. We’ll take care of that. Just focus on schooling and your classes.”

School.

Fuck.

It’s always hard being the new kid, but it’s even harder when you’re thefoster childnew kid. And in small towns like this? People talk. By the end of my first day, everyone will know exactly where I came from and who I am.

The mere thought has an infestation of fire ants scampering directly underneath my skin.

Pushing all thoughts of new schools and classmates to the back of my mind, I focus on what else Hale said.

We’ll take care of that.

Normally when I hear those words, I automatically assume I’m indebted to someone. Or multiple someones.

Why don’t I feel that way with Hale?

Why does the sincerity dripping from his voice calm me and untangle the huge knot in my stomach I hadn’t realized existed?

Still, I can’t help but argue. “You don’t have to. I can get a job and?—”

Once again, Hale cuts me off with a negligent wave of his hand. I can’t help but note a strange birthmark marring his pale skin. It almost appears to be in the shape of a tree.

“Don’t be silly. You can get a job if you want to, of course, but don’t think it’s necessary.” He shoves his hands into his front pockets and flicks his gaze towards Amanda. “Shall I show you two around?”

“Is it different from the last time I visited?” Amanda jests with a teasing grin. Her high heels click against the asphalt as she moves towards the front entrance.

Hale chuckles and says something to Amanda I can’t quite hear, not over the sudden roaring between my ears.

Has Amanda visited this home before?

Does she come often?

And if so…does that mean Hale has other foster children staying with him?

A chill that has nothing to do with the wind cascades through me.

Who exactly will I meet inside of this house?

Two

IZZY

The inside of the house is just as extravagant as the outside.

Hale leads us through the kitchen, dining room, sitting room, living room, and eventually into the library. I can’t help but gape in disbelief as I take in the towering stacks full of every type of book imaginable—nonfiction, fantasy, horror, and even romance. A three-tiered chandelier dangles from the ceiling, providing just enough lighting for someone to sit on one of the recliners and read comfortably. An unlit fireplace completes the eighteenth-century gothic look.

“Can I just live here?” I murmur to no one in particular as I spin on my heel, trying my damnedest not to swoon.

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