Burning Emerald by Jaime Reed Read Free Book Online Page A

Jason’s pen rapidly scribbled away at his notepad. And Dougie just stood there sporting a mask of dumb, neither confirming nor denying the claim.
    Mia’s gaze iced over as she stared at the couple in front of her. “Nice seeing you, Douglas. But let’s not do it again.” Like the Hollywood starlets of old, Mia lifted her chin in the air and brushed past them, preceding her graceful exit—stage left.
    Dougie turned to me, almost pleading. “Sam, I—”
    â€œI’m staying out of this. You had your chance to say something and you didn’t. Besides, you have your hands full. Good luck with that.” I patted him on the shoulder, gathered my stuff, then met up with Mia at the double doors.
    Though both parties had agreed to see other people, Mia hadn’t expected Dougie to adhere to that contract. Mia had never told me what happened that caused the big break, but I had a feeling that that “something” had to do with little Miss Clingy. I figured Mia would tell me in her own time. Telling by her robotic walk and stiff shoulders, today wasn’t it.
    â€œSo, Dougie’s trying to date my body double? He should know that nothing can replace the original,” Mia grumbled with a taught jaw.
    â€œDidn’t you break it off with him?”
    â€œThat’s not the point. You don’t date one girl and then go try to find her designer knockoff. He could at least own the decency to upgrade.” She put on a brave front, but the heavy bags under her eyes revealed worry and fatigue.
    â€œMia, you sure you’re okay? You’ve been acting strange lately.”
    â€œI’m fine. Just haven’t been sleeping, that’s all.”
    â€œYou would tell me if there was something wrong, wouldn’t you?”
    â€œAs much as you would tell me.” Her gaze met mine for a moment, drilling her point home.
    The events of the summer had put a veil of awkwardness between us that we couldn’t remove. I had to choose my words carefully; every action, every excuse ran through a censoring filter, so I thought it better to say nothing.
    We stopped in front of her physics class when Mr. McNamara snatched open the door. “Good of you to rejoin us for the last five minutes of class, Miss Moralez,” he barked, his sunken brown eyes narrowed in accusation.
    Lowering her head, Mia fumbled with the pass in her hand. “I’m sorry. I just felt a little faint.”
    Stepping in front of Mia, I held his unblinking gaze. “She’s not feeling well, sir. I wanted to walk her to class in case she fainted again. She’s a bit under the weather. I’m sure you understand.” I spoke the words in a low, even tone, allowing my influence to reach his hardened heart.
    After several blinks, Mr. McNamara gave a lazy smile. “Of course, I understand. Mia, if you’re not feeling well, you can go home. I don’t want you hurting yourself.” His offer was as smooth and sweet as molasses.
    The sudden change of attitude took Mia aback. She shot me a puzzled glance, then said, “No, I’ll be fine. It’ll pass.”
    I was sure that baffled expression stayed long after she entered the classroom. And for as long as Mia remained in the dark about Lilith, that look would be permanent.
    For the sake of all involved, only my mother and the other Cambions in my life could know what I was. That was our policy, our credo. The secret slowly ate at me, but it was something I would have to live with. For now.

5
    T he slow drag of the following week didn’t affect the weather’s natural timetable.
    Autumn leaves set fire to the landscape, determined to die in a blazing glory of red and gold hues. People donned leather and fleece and sipped hot drinks to keep warm. Pumpkins, scarecrows, and ghosts sat on porches and lawns. Orange and black streamers garnished the cafeteria and classrooms. Cackles and squeals echoed the halls;