Page 55 of Burned

He storms away. Far enough that he knows he won’t erupt. Close enough to get to me in two steps and tear me away to the bedroom.

I stand there, clearly impressing Bayne with my bravery, and cross my arms over my chest, making it clear to every man in the room: I’m not going anywhere.

Bayne returns from the porch. “All clear.”

“Let her in,” I say.

Bayne looks from me to Lucian, then back at me.

Lucian stares at me. We battle it out, eye to eye.

Blaze mutters, “Jesus, you two.”

“Fine.” Lucian returns to my side.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

Lucian looks at Bayne, his voice raking over coals. “You heard the wee tyrant.” He rethinks his position, moving in front of me, shoulders squared, ready to defend.

“Let her in.”

In only moments, our next threat will stand before us, and I’m not scared she’ll hurt me.

I’m terrified she’ll best me. And steal Lucian from me along with everything I thought we’d be.

After all, she was his first.

The front door opens.

Cold air rushes in.

Rafe enters first, then another man I don’t know. Maybe her driver? If he is, I’m surprised. The driver looks more like a Gregory than a Bayne.

Is he a decoy to put us off Carlos’s scent?

Two of our merry woodsmen come in.

They lead the driver away.

Then, Isobel.

The room changes. An energy shift. As if we’re all unconsciously making space for a mythical creature.

And she’s beautiful enough to be one.

A siren.

Isobel steps over the threshold with care, her gaze moving slowly around the room. They close the door behind her. She takes the men, the weapons, Rafe, Blaze, and Bayne.

Then Lucian.

She stops.

No one speaks.

I watch her face because I cannot bring myself to watch his.

Her expression fractures. Only a little. A crack in porcelain.