Black Flames, page 3
I quietly lift the window and slip into the bed of flowers resting below it. My mother will be upset that I have trampled a few, but I’ll deal with that later. As the evening air hits me, I sigh, and my blood seems to cool.
I take in the trees around me and mentally create the shortest route from here to Corey’s house. I might as well run and check on him. I know he got banged up today, and that shifter healing should have kicked in to help him heal, but I have to see for myself.
I take off at a sprint and feel my body moving faster than usual. The new sensation causes me to stumble, but I quickly regain my footing and continue. The wind whipping past me feels exhilarating, and I feel a heat bubble up inside of me. It moves up and seems to dance around me as I speed between trees. Cutting through the forest is the quickest route to where I want to go.
I giggle to myself as I move lightly on my feet, but the sound of a branch cracking as if someone has stepped on it catches my attention. I slow my pace to a walk before finally stopping and remain still. I listen and pick up on sounds I’ve never been able to hear before. Then, fighting the urge to take it all in, I focus like they teach young shifters to do and pick out the faintest footsteps.
It sounds like someone is approaching me from behind, and heat swirls around me as I whip around to face my supposed attacker. As I stand, preparing to attack, Zeke walks from between the trees with a smirk.
“I knew you wouldn’t stay in your room, but this isn’t what I expected, Ember,” he says, approaching even closer and stopping an arm’s width away.
I place my hands on my hips. “What do you mean? I just wanted to run.”
He laughs and reaches to pluck something from my hair. I gape as he holds a small black flame. “This, my dear, means you are not just out for a run. Your beast is surfacing. It makes sense after what your mother revealed. I knew there was something about you that pulled me to you, and this is it. We are similar, both you and I, but not.”
“What do you mean?” I drop my hands and move closer to his hand that holds the flame. I poke at it with a finger, and it jumps to me and dances up my arm. It doesn’t burn, but it dissolves into my skin a second later.
“You and I are both creatures from hell. Vampires were created in hell, and we broke free to roam the human world, leading to different vampires being made. Vampire hunters were also created in hell to help control our numbers because we got out of hand. With your heritage, though, Ember, I can’t help but be curious about your beast. What will it be? Will it be a wolf or something else?”
“I would like to know that as well. Why are you so cryptic? Do you not know what I am if you’re from hell?” I can’t help but glare at Zeke, as I fight the urge to run some more.
He shrugs and ignores the question. “Were you headed to Corey’s place? You know you need to end things with him. Not only because of the thing with the Alpha but because it would be good for him to move on.”
I drop my gaze to the ground, feeling defeated. I knew that eventually, Corey and I would have to call it quits, but I don’t want to. I love him, but I also don’t want to hurt him. Hell, I don’t want to hurt. “I know, but it’s not that simple.”
Zeke lifts my chin and meets my gaze. “I know it’s not, but maybe you just need the right distraction.” He leans in and presses his lips to mine.
My eyes widen in shock momentarily as a strong pulse rushes through my body, almost like when I grabbed the electric fence as a kid. I feel lightning in my toes, and it dances up my spine. I close my eyes and lean into Zeke’s kiss as more electricity explodes around us. He pulls me closer, wrapping his arms around me, and I feel him move us. In seconds, my back is pressed against a tree, and I wrap my legs around him.
We deepen the kiss, and the scent of burning wood surrounds us. I pull back for air and blink as tendrils of black smoke flow around us. Perplexed, I look over my shoulder to see black flames burning the tree Zeke has me pressed against.
“Well, that was unexpected. Maybe we should revisit this when you have more control of your powers,” Zeke says, lowering me to the ground. I stare up at him.
“How did I do that? All you did was push me against it. Wait, we kissed! Oh shit, Zeke, we fucked up! What is this going to do to our friendship? What if this doesn’t work out? Shit!” I push away from him and begin to pace.
He chuckles and grabs me, pulling me close to him. “It’ll be fine, Ember. Just wait and see. You aren’t a normal supernatural being, love. Our friendship will be fine. Let’s get you back home before your parents realize you’re gone. You can end things with Corey in the morning.”
I frown up at him but don’t say anything. My mind is too cluttered right now to address the Corey thing. I’m utterly confused. I just kissed my lifelong best friend. What the hell? I’m super fucked.
We walk in silence at a slow pace back to my home. Zeke holds my hand the entire time, rubbing calming circles on it with his thumb. He lets me sit in my thoughts as I process what the hell we just did and how the hell I managed to get myself tangled up with three men. One I want nothing to do with, one I’m in love with, and the other is my best friend. What should I do?
We stop after a time, and I realize we’re standing outside my window. I look down at the flowers I trampled on my way out and see they have burned to ash. Well, hell, what am I going to do about this new flame thing I have going on?
“Go in and get some rest. I’ll come up with some ideas on how to work with your powers. I think we need to keep this between us right now,” Zeke says, lifting my hand to his lips and placing a kiss on it.
“The powers thing or the kissing thing?” I ask snarkily.
“Both.” He smirks. “I’ll be in the living room on the couch if you need me. Don’t try to sneak out again.”
I smile, and mock salute him. “Yes, sir!”
He rolls his eyes. “Goodnight, Ember. I’ll see you at dawn.”
“Goodnight,” I respond with a soft smile, letting all my sass go. I feel drained. This day has wreaked havoc on my emotions and my mind.
Zeke nods, and I take that as my cue to climb back through the window. I check my palms before pushing up and through it to make sure I’m not going to leave scorch marks and promptly land on the floor in a crouch. I sigh with relief and surprise as I notice how quiet I landed. I listen for my parents for a few seconds. I can faintly hear their breaths down the hall as they sleep and wonder if normal shifter hearing is that good.
I then register light steps as Zeke moves away from the window and moments later hear the front door open and close. He’s in the house. I push from the floor and walk toward my dresser. I rest my hands on its surface and stare into the mirror before me. I don’t see any differences, but I feel them. It’s an odd sensation, and a sad feeling of loss weighs heavy on me. There is no turning back from what I learned today, and I know I can only move forward.
I shake my head and reach into the dresser to pull out a tank top and shorts for bed. I quickly change and move over to the bed. It’s late, and tomorrow is going to be a long day. Who knows how it will go.
Chapter Three
The next morning arrives quickly, and Zeke and I walk down the road to the pack house. He seems all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning while nerves fill my stomach with butterflies once again.
When Zeke and I first met when I was younger, I was amazed that he could move around in daylight. I thought all vampires would burn in the sunlight, but it turns out that was only a myth. He once told me that it’s not comfortable walking in the daylight but manageable. It makes it easier on vamps if they wear long-sleeved clothing and cover all their skin. Non-supernaturals tend to throw him weird looks when they see him dressed like he is today in the summer heat. It’s a good thing we aren’t going to be around many of them for a while.
After several minutes of walking in silence, Zeke forces me to stop. He rests his hand on my shoulder. “I’m not sure how today is going to go, but I need you to make sure to keep any hint of that fire you displayed last night under control. I don’t think we need the Alpha picking up on the deception your parents have created.”
“Isn’t it going to come out eventually that I’m more than what they expect? I know I have increased abilities since touching that flame and that I can’t hide, but what if I’m not a wolf at all? We won’t be able to hide whatever beast I am in time,” I say, bristling. I don’t see a way to keep my secret safe for long, especially from my lover and future spouse.
“We’ll figure it out. In the meantime, focus on the training, and don’t forget to have that talk with Corey.” Zeke drops his hand and begins to turn.
“I’m not sure I want to drop what I have with him, Zeke. It’s not that easy.” I frown and look down at my hands. The idea of ending things makes my heart ache even though it seems to be the most logical thing to do.
“Life isn’t easy, Ember. Do it before he’s ordered to end it. It’ll hurt less,” he says as he continues to walk forward.
I grit my teeth and hold my tongue. There’s no arguing that, so I just follow quietly and remain silent as we walk the remainder of the trek to the pack house.
As we near, I take in the beautiful exterior of the plantation-style home. Its white paint and trim look new, and the flower beds are filled to the brim with flowers. It reminds me of something you would find in HGTV magazines.
Everything looks perfect except the large group of burly men standing before it. The sight causes me to pause. It throws everything off, but I know that’s the group we’re meeting. There are maybe fifteen males gathered around, chatting. I recognize a few of them from some pack meetings, but none of them pay Zeke and me any attention as we approach.
We stop near the group’s back, and I look around, trying to find Corey or even Adam. I feel awkward, nervous, and out of place. The butterflies flitting in my stomach turn to something else, and it feels like my power is trying to rise to the surface like it did last night. As if sensing a change, Zeke whips around to face me.
“Breath and calm yourself, love. We don’t need any of that power coming out. It’s already starting to cloud your scent. Mine should be able to mask it for a time in this group but get it together,” he whispers, for only my ears to hear.
I nod and close my eyes, taking deep breaths. It calms my heart rate, and I feel the power recede and settle. It’s almost like it closed its eyes and went to sleep. I open my eyes and meet Zeke’s gaze. He offers me a kind smile, and we turn as the door to the pack house creaks open.
I can’t fight the smile that breaks out on my face as Corey walks out, followed by Adam. As if sensing me, Corey seeks me out, and my smile widens as our eyes meet. Relief fills him, and he looks to his right as Adam places a hand on his shoulder. Corey frowns at him as they speak, but I can’t hear what’s said. A moment later, a burly black-haired male exits the pack house.
He stares at our group, and the men around me get quiet. He must be our trainer.
“Good morning, everyone. For those of you who don’t know who I am, my name is Seth. I’ll be training you from here on out. We have several newbies today, but we will not be taking it easy. We will begin this morning by working with our resident vamp and focusing on hand-to-hand combat. Now, everyone will head to the training area behind the house. Let’s get to work.” He claps, and everyone begins to move.
I glance at Corey and Adam on the porch and try to make my way to them, but a hand on my shoulder stops me.
“No, let’s go,” Zeke urges and turns me toward the direction the crowd is moving.
“But I need to talk to them. Why not?”
“You need to focus. Save it for later,” he growls.
I roll my eyes. “Fine.”
I trudge along behind Zeke, fighting the urge to stomp my feet like a child. We move from the grassy lawn to a brick walk that leads us to the back of the pack house. The area for training has raised platforms for sparring and other necessary equipment. There is a rack with imitation weapons as well as one for weights.
The group makes its way to a raised platform in the center of the training area. We watch as one while Seth climbs the steps and stands before everyone. I hear Adam and Corey speaking in hushed tones and turn to watch as they move in place behind me. They stop their chatter, and both offer me a smile. It seems suspicious, but with those two, one can never know.
I turn my focus back to Seth as he motions to Zeke. Zeke moves with his vampire speed and stops at Seth’s side. We remain standing as a group as Zeke launches into a quick lesson on vampires and other creatures that we may encounter from Hell. He shares some information about the Imp from the attack yesterday, and I’m surprised with how much he knows. Then again, as he said last night, he is a creature of Hell. It may be a requirement for his people to have this type of knowledge before roaming the human world.
At the end of the speech, Seth returns and pairs us off into groups. I’m excited that he pairs me off with Corey, but I don’t miss the warning look from Zeke. Instead, I offer him a mischievous smile as I follow Corey toward another raised platform to begin practicing.
As Corey and I climb the steps of our platform, he says softly over his shoulder, “I’m glad you’re okay after last night, Ember. I was worried about you.”
“Thanks, I was worried about you too. The Alpha visited with Adam last night to check on me. I tried to sneak out to check on you last night but got caught by Zeke.”
Corey reaches the center of the platform and turns to me. “Yeah, they came by my place after they left there. Adam said they’re going to push the arrangement between you both to strengthen his place in the pack.”
I grimace and move into a fighting stance to begin practicing. Corey has been teaching me some moves for years now, but it’s nothing compared to what the Betas around me know. We’ll need to up our game to take on demons. “I’m not excited about that. You know how I feel about it.”
“I do, and that’s why we need to talk.” His face drops into a frown, and I know what’s going to follow.
“Don’t say it. I get it. It sucks.” I move forward to attack, and he parries.
“You know what we need to do then,” he says, blocking my attack.
“Yes. I don’t want to, though.” I make a move toward his left side.
He blocks me. “We have to call it quits.”
Anger surges through me, and I move to hit him in the stomach. I nail my target, and surprise fills me as Corey flies back a few feet.
“That’s new,” he states as he regains his footing. “Did the anger bring that out?”
“I don’t know,” I respond and move to attack again.
“Ember, say something about this. Are you okay with being friends? Unfortunately, we don’t have much of a choice.” He blocks, and I try to increase my speed.
“I’m not okay with this, no. Does it need to be done? Yeah. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.” We move in circles, and Corey steps forward, taking more of an offensive position. I try my best to recall the bit he’s taught me over the years and block.
“So, we’re good?” he asks, a little breathless.
I smile broadly as excitement courses through me at how breathless he is. But, of course, I’ve always been the one breathless when we practice. It’s a nice change not to be winded for once.
“I guess.” I get another hit in, but it’s off a little and lands on his shoulder.
“Why are your punches so much stronger today? Did something happen after the attack?” We’ve picked up speed, and I faintly notice that people are starting to stare.
“I guess we’re finally getting what we’ve been pushing for. I don’t know. I don’t feel any different,” I respond, dodging a punch.
“Hmph,” is all he gets out as we continue to spar. We block, punch, kick, and parry like this for a good hour.
Sweat drips off of me in rivulets when Seth’s words pierce the air. “All right, you two. Everyone else has been done for at least ten minutes. Take a break.”
Corey and I both stop, panting, and look around. Adam stands next to Zeke with an impressed smile on his face while the other males around us gawk with their mouths open. They act as if they’ve never seen a woman fight before. It’s not my fault that the Beta females train separately, but then again, the Alpha handpicked this group.
“I think we can keep going if that’s okay, Seth,” I say boldly and turn back to face Corey. I still have some frustration to take out on him. I’m not ready to end this.
He looks surprised but resets in preparation to spar.
“How about I step in and give you a break, Corey?” Zeke asks and then clears his throat as I whip around and glare at him. “It would be good for her to practice with another opponent with a different set of skills. She has been working with you and knows how you fight. It gives her an advantage.”
I turn back to look at Corey, who shrugs. “That’s true. Okay, let’s see how you guys do.”
I glare at Corey as he walks off and turn my focus on Zeke. “Really?” I ask him as he moves into the place where Corey stood.
“Really. Now let’s see you face off against me. Don’t hold back but control your emotions.” He winks and shifts into a fighting position.
I roll my eyes and mirror him, but in the blink of an eye, he moves and has me pinned to the ground. “What the?”
“I told you to be ready. Come on now, love.” He helps me back to my feet, and I growl.
I take a deep breath and let myself focus. I let the anger toward Corey and the fact that he ended things before I had a chance to talk it out with him go. My bruised feelings will heal. Facing Zeke now will help me later, especially if we run into other beings from Hell.
Feeling settled, I focus on Zeke and let my power roll through me but not to the point where flames come to life. Instead, I feel it sink into my bones like a soft blanket wrapping around me. It warms me from the inside, and I smile as Zeke makes his move.
This time I stop him, and I push myself, managing to meet each blow and block it. I let my confidence boost me and attempt to move from the defensive, but he is quicker at blocking me than I am him, and I take a step back.
