Bright Fire (Bright Fire Series Book 1) by M.J. Austin Read Free Book Online

to leave people on door stoops you know."
    I roll my eyes and walk into the house.
    "Delfia Stryker! What the hell happened to you at school today? I got a call from Ms. Thorpe, in a frenzy. She said you and this boy left school early after some sort of tussle. I was worried sick. How could you do that to me?" Lorraine is on a rampage, and if she is a force to be reckoned with in a nightgown, I can’t put words to the scene of her wrath in a business suit.
    "I’m sorry. I wish I could explain it, but I can't right now." I look down.
    "Is this about your parents?"
    I jerk my head up.
    "Because, you know it's normal to lash out after the death of a loved one." Her face softens instantly.
    "Yes. This is about my parents, my real parents. They are trying to get in touch with me, seeing as I don't have any other family. I just needed time to think. I've decided to go back home until I can figure out what I want to do. Thank you so much for letting me stay here, but I don't want to overstay my welcome." I feel sick inside with guilt over lying so well to someone I love so much.
    She looks stunned. I take this moment to run up the stairs to Lyla’s room. I hurry in and shut the door. I’m sure I only have a few minutes before Lorraine attempts to stop me.
    "Hey," I say and move toward her bed. She doesn’t look up. Great . The silent treatment; which means I’m in big trouble. She’s looking down at her phone. "Look, I know I had you worried but some stuff has gone down and I've had a terrible, with a capital T day. I could really use my best friend right now." She continues to stare at the phone, no dice . Time to bring out the big guns; guilt. "Listen, Lyla. Please, please don’t be upset with me. I had to take off, the same people after my parents are after me."
    She jerks her head up, her face full of concern. Gotchya
    "It’s just that I found out who my real parents are today. And believe you me, I did not want to know. To top it off my dad is a psycho that makes Manson and Bundy look like Queen fricking Elizabeth, and I don’t know exactly what to do about it."
    At this point, I stop, and her jaw drops. "What? Your real parents? Really?"
    "Yeah. I mean, I didn’t daydream about them often. But when I did, I dreamt they were doctors or astronauts."
    "Your mom isn't a psycho too, Is she?"
    "No, she’s his prisoner. It’s a long story. Anyways, I have to go. I have to try to make sense of this, and I can’t do it here and put you and your mom at risk. I didn’t exactly tell your mom the truth, so I need you to cover for me. She’ll probably catch on fast, but I just need a little time to sort it out. I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
    "Yes. But if your dad is a psycho, shouldn’t we call the police?"
    "They can’t help. Trust me, this is way bigger than that. You are my best friend, and I love you, but I need you to keep this between you and me for your safety. If anybody strange asks if you know me, lie. You’ve never heard of me." I can hear Lorraine banging around downstairs. I have maybe two minutes tops. "Promise me, Lyla."
    "OK, I promise." I give her a deep hug. I fight back tears because I have no idea when I’m going to see her again. But I know I have to get away to keep her safe. I shove the thoughts away and leave through her window. I don’t have it in me to battle Lorraine.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter
    13
     
    I slowly climb out of the window. It’s not that far of a drop, and I’ve done it a few times before, but the toe of my Chucks catch on the lip of the trellis and I slip. I wait for my butt to impact with the lawn, but it doesn’t. Instead, I feel strong arms curl around my legs and neck. It’s Alec. I almost forgot he was waiting for me out here. I look up, and he is smirking this heart-stopping grin that did funny things to the rhythm of my pulse.
    "Smooth." He smiles and places my feet on the damp grass.
    "You think so? It’s all in the landing," I say sarcastically.
    I