Alpha Asher by Jane

Chapter 236

“Unless you want to carry the two of us the entire way, I’m going to need some blood.” I groaned.

The second Ember removed the cuffs, my body slumped forward like a sack of bricks.

My flesh had become a dead weight that refused to cooperate with my exhausted brain. Concrete bit into the palms of my hands as I struggled to stand to my feet. Ember huffed and released her hold on Brandon, letting him crash to the floor as she knelt at my side.

“Agh! Fuck, Ember. Could you have been any rougher?” Brandon groaned, cradling his bloody wrists against his chest.

She side-eyed him and said, “Yes, actually. I could’ve.”

“Well, thanks for being gentle.” Brandon shot back sarcastically.

Ember thrust out her arm, her wrist inches from my face. She stared down at me with a scowl on her face. It deepened when I stared at her through cloudy, disoriented eyes.

“I don’t care if you’re on your death bed, this is a one-time offer. Bite me and take some blood before I change my mind.”

My vision doubled as I reached out and wrapped my hand around her arm, feeling for a soft, fleshy spot to sink my teeth into.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” I muttered, bringing her arm to my mouth.

A faint hiss slid past her lips as my teeth sliced through the layers of skin covering her muscle, carving a path to the blood- filled veins below. If I wasn’t losing strength with every passing second, I might’ve found it strange that I was biting Ember of all people, drinking her blood like it was the nectar of the gods.

Come to think of it, the flavor was a bit different. Much like her scent, Ember’s blood had a kick of spice to it, like it had been infused with cinnamon, clove, and hints of a crackling bonfire. The warmth of her blood spread throughout my body, increasing in heat until it was almost painful. Just as I felt the lick of actual flames against the inside of my veins, it vanished. In its stead came strength and a weightlessness that made my limbs tingle.

The wounds around my wrists, ankles, and neck began to fade, the skin stitching itself back together with the help of my magic.

“Don’t drink me dry, now. Thirsty bitch

“Ember grunted; her voice laced with pain.

I pulled away and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. Ember sat back on her haunches before losing her balance. Her butt hit the cement floor with a light thud. She blinked a few times in rapid succession, shaking her head as though she were trying to clear away the cobwebs.

Brandon was slumped against the wall, watching the two of us with an expression I recognized all too well.

“That was kind of hot.”

and I

there was no way I’d trust this girl, but

that he didn’t hesitate to accept. As I helped him to his feet, I reached out with my magic and imagined it washing over his skin, carrying away

what I endured since he couldn’t help but thrash against the cuffs. I could only heal them about three quarters of the way before I felt my energy

tingly.” Brandon commented, shaking his hands

we get going before Freya comes back

Ember said pointedly.

before I could think otherwise. “If Freya isn’t here, then

Don’t ask me what it

back, or we’re all screwed.” Ember replied, scaling

Beyond it was a set of stairs cloaked in

nothing.” She commanded, hitting

I recognized it as laughter. The laughter didn’t belong to one person, but dozens. There was

build in DVD player. The screen was oversaturated with color, though that could’ve been due to the kids show that was playing. As we stepped into

real to have come from the television’s

a checker pattern that stood out against the pale-yellow cabinets. There was a white kitchen table at the center and

of her head. The little white bows attached faced outward, their tails swinging every time she giggled at the

help but notice how her movements were slow and almost cautious. It set me on edge, Brandon too from the looks of it. What kind of magic

I need your help.” Ember’s voice was unnaturally soft. The tone sounded

of her face, but upon noticing Ember, the little girl smiled. That smile was wiped away when

an

that I could see

six or seven. Looking closer, I noticed a sparkly sheen over

but it was applied in a way that was meant to look natural. Even her clothes were odd, nothing like what you’d see a child in today’s time wearing. She had on a baby-pink dress with white lace and frills that circled her neck, arms, and the skirt of the dress.

like a baby doll.

into knots. Could she see that I was noticing these strange things about the little girl? Did she

subtle nod she gave me was answer enough. She noticed, alright.

little girl, gasped. She lifted her finger, which was painted pink with a strip of white at

knees as she smirked at Angelica and whispered, “Aw, come on, Angelica. You were just saying how bored you are sitting here all day. I brought

she squealed and flashed ember a set of

her head towards Brandon and I, her

She chirped, her

the best with children, but considering our lives were on the line, it was high time I learned. I mimicked