Page 47 of Ashes

In the dim light of the bedroom, Tanner kneels on the floor. He’s shirtless, in just his white boxers. When he looks up at me, his eyes swim with something I haven’t seen before. I stroke his face. He leans against my stomach. Then he squeezes my hand and says, “Pass me something to use as a blindfold.”

I take a scarf from the bag—Rev clearly pictures us being here until the colder weather sets in—and hand it to him.

Tanner wraps the dark blue scarf tightly around his face, obscuring his eyes. “Usually,” he says, sitting down cross-legged, “I tether myself with water. But I think this time I’ll use you.”

“Tether?” My throat constricts. Something about this doesn’t feel right. “Tanner, I really think we should wait—” He grabs my hand and nudges for me to sit in front of him.

“We’ll do it now,” he says darkly. “We’ll do it now.”

As he begins to mutter, the air shivers. His hand is on my leg. He squeezes hard and mutters something I don’t understand. It’s the same language we used to cast the masking spell, but what he’s saying feels darker. More dangerous.

My skin prickles. Ice-cold air grips my bones. Tanner’s head snaps back, his face raised toward the ceiling.

He’s still muttering. His body shakes. He’s still.

When he comes round, clasping at the blindfold, throwing it to the ground, panting, he falls into me and rests his head on my chest. He holds me tight but doesn’t speak.

I hear the others downstairs.Kole… Tanner needs you.I reach out, searching for Kole’s voice.

Seconds later, his heavy feet are on the stairs. He enters and comes straight to us. Kneeling at my elbow, he spots the blindfold and grits his teeth. Jaw clenched, he turns Tanner’s face toward him. “Did you jump? Tanner? Did you jump again?”

Tanner opens his eyes. Fear tugs at my belly. Whatever Tanner just did, it has hurt him. I can see it etched on his face. Tanner’s lips move, but I can’t understand what he’s saying. I lower my ear to his mouth. “I found him. He’s atSpine.”

Then Tanner passes out.

* * *

We are crowded around the bed, waiting for Tanner to wake. Luther has positioned himself between me and Kole, and he looks pissed.

“First, you let Kole taste your blood to unlock your memories. Now, you’re making Tanner jump so we can find your brother?” His eyes dance with fire.

“I didn’t…” I push my hands through my hair. “He didn’t tell me it was dangerous.”

“Didn’t you notice the way he’s been since we pulled you and Kole out of the hotel?” Luther squares up to me. “On edge? Headaches he can’t shift?”

I open my mouth to speak but no sound comes out. In all that’s been happening, I didn’t even think to ask Tanner how he found us. Guilt washes over me. Mack puts a firm hand on my shoulder and glowers at Luther. “Enough, Luther. She didn’t know.”

“Of course, you’ll protect her,” Luther spits.

“Where’s this coming from?” Mack asks calmly. “You believe she’s the phoenix, just as we do. So, if risks have to be taken—”

“There’s a difference between risk and stupidity. We didn’t even discuss it.” Luther is simmering, literally. Wisps of smoke plume up from his shoulders.

Tanner’s voice interrupts him. “It’s not her fault. I didn’t explain the process.”

I dodge around Luther and go to sit on the bed next to Tanner.

“Sorry, little star. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

I stroke his face. “I’m sorry too. If I’d known it might hurt you—”

“If you’d known, you’d have done it anyway,” Luther growls.

“Enough.” Kole flashes him an angry stare. “Why don’t we focus on what’s important?” He folds his arms in front of his chest, his Viking frame suddenly taking up more room. “Nova and I heard the voice and shared a vision. We’ve been trying to work out what to do next to ensure the prophecy comes to fruition. Well, the voice told us—find the wolf. Find Sam. So, yeah, even if it did hurt Tanner. It needed to be done.”

He moves his gaze to Tanner, who nods at him. He knows Kole’s not being emotionless; he’s saying what needs to be said.

Luther doesn’t reply.

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