Page 147 of Wings of Ash & Flame
Relief washed over her—undeniable and sharp—that he was here, unharmed.
A smirk tugged at his lips when he caught her staring.
Arrogant ass.
“You’re awake,” he murmured.
“Obviously.” Alaire couldn’t help slipping into their easy banter.
Dawson chuckled, shaking his head. “How’re you feeling?”
“Peachy. It’s always great fun feeling like your life source is being sucked right out of you.”
His brows drew together. “Are you still in pain?” He twisted back, looking for someone.
Alaire waved a hand. “No. I’m fine. Just sore.”
He crossed the room. With the tip of his index finger, he traced her brow. “That was close, Alaire. Too close.” His scent engulfed her, helping her muscles relax deeper into the bed.
The way he’s looking at me…
“You made callous decisions that almost cost you your life,” he lectured.
“To save your condescending ass. I didn’t hear a thank you.”
His expression softened. “Thank you.” He caught her hand, brushing the tender skin on the underside of her wrist. His thumb traced idle patterns that made her hum.
They stared at each other until he broke the contact, lowering into the empty chair at her side.
The memory of his ravaged face when she’d stepped between him and the bloodravager pierced her.
She shook her head, clearing her throat. She had to ask.
“The soulwarden said we were lucky to be attacked by a lynk, but that’s wrong. The bloodravagers?—”
“Aren’t your concern right now,” Dawson cut in, jaw clenched. “The Consortium wants this contained until they understand what those creatures were doing on the grounds. Dexter warned me no one can know what happened out there.”
“Dexter. Of course you’d do as he says—the dutiful prince.” She narrowed her eyes. Those things were dangerous. The entire academy was at risk. “You can’t be serious, Dawson. People need to know. They need to be prepared.”
He sighed, running a hand through his loose hair. “It’s not up for debate, Alaire. It’s out of my control.”
“You are the Prince of House Aetheris. Of course it’s in your fucking control. If you won’t do something, I will.”
“The Consortium will handle it.”
“Handle it?” She scoffed. “They couldn’t handle a toddler in the throes of a tantrum. And you’re just willing to go along with it.”
His gaze hardened, turquoise eyes burning bright. Gone was his mask of indifference. She’d struck a nerve.
Good.
He leaned closer, voice dropping. “Do you think I enjoy any of this? Lying to people, keeping them in the dark? We don’t have a choice. I have to follow orders, and so do you. You made your own deal with the Consortium.”
Alaire’s fists clenched, throbbing pain forgotten in the haze of her anger. “It doesn’t matter. People’s lives are at stake.”
His voice was firm. “I’m doing what I have to do to protect you.”
“Fuck that.” Her eyes flashed. “My life does not outweigh theirs.”
