Page 21 of Burn of Obsidian

“I don't have it.”

His thumb pressed harder against her pulse, but there was no pain. He seemed to just be holding her, his fingers stroking rather than constricting. “Then take me to the person who has it.”

“I can’t.” Her heart felt like it was trying to break through her ribs. “They’ll never work with me again.”She’d known Grey for years, and she would never risk the relationship. Especially considering she’d just completed the museum job, and was still owed the money.

“Thea.”

She pressed both her hands against him, concentrating the wild magic to her palms. It was almost impossible to command sentient magic, but for once it obeyed her silent pleading.

“You have three seconds to leave.” She dug her nails in. “And just so we’re clear, it’s a threat, not a warning.”

It was like lightning from her fingertips, the energy strong enough to launch a normal man across the room. Jax barely grunted.

Fuck.

She tried to see if she could make more lightning, but the wild magic passed as quickly as it surged. Absolutely fucking useless.

“Jax,” she whispered when he just remained rigid before her. If she’d hurt him, he hadn’t shown it. “Get out, or I’ll call Sythe.” He was the only mutual person they shared other than Harper, and Thea didn’t think her gentle friend could do much against him.

“You think my brother can stop me?” She was sure his eyes glittered with amusement, or it could be her imagination because no way he had the emotional spectrum.

“I don’t have the document, and I can’t tell you where it is.”

Jax’s fingers continued to stroke her throat and jaw. It took her a moment to realise her palms were still flat against his chest, so she pulled them back as if she’d been burned.

“Can’t, or won’t?”

“Does it matter?” Her stomach growled louder, but she ignored it.

With a sudden inhale, he turned, reaching over to get her smutty alien book. He flipped through the pages, stopping about halfway before shoving it into her hands. Thea caught it automatically, cradling it safely against her breasts.

“Remember how easy it was for me to find you,” he said, moving towards the front door. “It would be wise to work with me, otherwise my next visit won’t be as friendly.”

“Wait, this was friendly?” Thea eyed the knife still sticking out of the wall between her living room and kitchen.

With a nod, he opened her front door, Reaper screaming in protest by his feet. “Don’t forget to eat something.” He slammed the door closed, leaving her alone with her sulking cat.

Thea frowned down at the pages he’d left open, recognising the chapter where she’d stopped reading earlier that morning. She was relieved, until she noticed the masculine scrawl at the top of the page.

Call me.

Followed by a number.

Thea didn’t know what made her more angry. The fact he’d broken into her home, or the fact he’d vandalised her book.

Chapter 10

Jax

His boots pounded the pavement, Axel’s shout echoing behind him. Jax followed the Shadow-Veyn on instinct, tracking the creature through the shadows. He left the remains with Lucifer, knowing he’d secure the numerous part-devoured bodies left behind before a civilian discovered them. Jax was sure his brother was following, the angry curses he could feel brushing his mind testament to that.

Rain pelted against his face, but he couldn’t feel the cold. Not when he was on the hunt, his beast forcing him forward, faster, and harder. He felt eager to take down their prey, to feel the acidic blood against his skin.

A scrape of nails. A slap of flesh.

Jax turned right, following the skinny brick lanes until he met a dead end. Lungs pumping, he scanned the surrounding area, sensing the Shadow-Veyn close by. They were usually cowards, only attacking when they were in packs or cornered.

It was the perfect opportunity to release some of his excess frustration. It had been days, and Thea hadn’t called him. He wasn’t sure if he should be impressed she was ignoring him, or angry. Not many people could ignore him.

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