Page 89 of Dark Embers

I chewed my lip as I took a moment to think about it, but Ashlyn’s tone definitely hinted at the first option. I thought I remembered seeing something about that movie. I was ninety-nine percent sure it was a romantic comedy, which both intrigued me and made me grimace. The last thing I wanted to do was watch a rom-com with Tobias.

But this was Ashlyn and Niko’s date. Tobias and I were just along for the ride.

“I’ve heard ‘Always for You’ is a good one,” I said at last, and Ashlyn pumped her fist.

I flashed an apologetic grimace at Tobias, who nodded once. It looked like he was okay with that. Or at least as okay as a guy watching a rom-com on a friend date could be.

We made our way to the main entrance, but as we got closer, we found a line of students waiting to get out.

“What’s going on?” Tobias asked.

A guy in front of us turned around. “Extra security. You guys have your smart clothes on, right?”

Everyone nodded except Ashlyn, who paled. She shrugged. “What? It’s not like I can shift anyway.”

“They don’t just keep you covered, you know,” Tobias said, his tone matter-of-fact.

Ashlyn groaned. “Fine. I’ll be right back.”

“Hurry!” Niko called after her, smiling as he watched her run down the hall.

I crossed my arms, directing my attention to Niko. “I guess this is the moment I’m supposed to tell you that you’d better not hurt my friend.”

Tobias raised a brow. “I think Ashlyn’s the more dangerous of the two of them.”

“Hey, she’s doing great with her fire...stuff.” I wasn’t sure what the official term was.

“She’s only dangerous if you get her fired up.” Niko’s grin was far too wide, making Tobias and I groan in unison. “But she’s in good hands. Gentleman’s honor.”

He held up his hand, an earnest look on his face.

I smiled, satisfied with his response. I didn’t know Niko very well, but from what I’d seen, he was the most gentlemanly of his friends. I didn’t get the sense he was anything like Tobias.

We shuffled forward with the slow-moving line, and soon Niko began tapping his foot, casting backward glances.

A few more students piled behind us before the sound of shoes pounding on tiles announced Ashlyn’s arrival. She skidded to a stop, taking deep breaths.

“Just in time,” Niko said, draping his arm around her shoulders.

Her already red face flushed brighter, and she beamed at me. “Sorry. That thing’s not easy to get into when you’re in a rush.”

Our group was finally next, and as we stepped forward, Mr. Summers crossed his bulging biceps. Niko removed his arm from Ashlyn’s neck, giving Mr. Summers a curt nod and a smile. Ashlyn clenched her jaw, a warning in her eyes as she tried to stare down her father.

“Going out, are we?” Mr. Summers asked.

“Yeah,” Niko said, standing a little straighter. “Movies and dinner.”

Mr. Summers’s hard gaze stayed on Niko a little longer than the rest. “You all have your smart clothes on?”

Everyone nodded.

Mr. Summers sighed. “Make sure you’re back before sunset.”

“Yes, sir,” we all mumbled.

Mr. Summers softened a little as he turned his attention to Ashlyn. “Be careful out there, okay? Stay together. Be smart. There are monsters lurking everywhere.”

We all nodded again, but my heart rate spiked as we were waved through.

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