Burning to Ashes by Evi Asher Read Free Book Online Page B

and that’s why the angel was an Enforcer.
    “You mean the night I cut your throat, or is it the night I tossed you out of Scarlet’s dreams?” Archer allowed himself a small smirk.
    Geo’s expression went flat. “Pick one.”
    “I can’t do that, Geo. That Kalick is suspect. Scarlet isn’t going to give away the existence of the Eternals.”
    “That’s moot, and you know it. The order was handed down that until she dies, my orders are clear.”
    “Do you think we give a shit about your orders? Leave, and take your freaky sidekick with you.” Erik raised an eyebrow. “We aren’t giving her over.”
    Geo laughed…a rich warm sound. “Make me, blood mage.”
    “You know I can turn you into a llama with a twitch of my thoughts, so go already. I’m tired. I wanna get some rest.”
    “I’d like to see you try, Erik.” Geo’s voice dropped an octave as his body started tensing for a leap.
    “Stop, both of you.” Archer stepped further forward and twisted his body so he could hold his hands up, palms out, facing both men. “This is not a pissing contest, got me?”
    Archer glared at them each in turn. “Erik, let me handle this.” He turned fully toward the angel giving Erik his back. “Tell me something…if Jasmine is collecting humans to worship her, why aren’t your considerable talents being used to enforce a Kalick on her instead of Scarlet, who is pretty much innocent?”
    Geo stared at him blankly for a moment. “Where did you hear this about Jasmine?”
    Heath stepped forward. “I told him. I was undercover in her little cult. She’s letting humans think she’s a goddess, and her power grows every day.”
    “We will have to go and report this.” Luke’s voice sounded like it was coming from the end of a long tunnel.
    “You mean you didn’t know? That’s a first—us knowing something before the almost omnipotent Geo.” Tate unleashed a bark of laughter.
    Geo looked like he wanted to strangle someone. “No, we had no idea this was happening.” His fists clenched at his side. “Very well. We will leave empty handed this time, but I won’t be swayed next time, Archer. I have a job to do, and I’m going to do it.”
    Archer didn’t get a chance to reply because Geo’s form wavered, then disappeared.
     
    * * * *
     
    Anger and resentment bubbled in Scarlet’s gut like a pool of volcanic mud. She was furious at Archer for the stunt he had pulled, treating her like a kid in front of everyone. So not okay.
    She wanted to punch him. No one treated her like that— no one . She’d done enough sitting back and letting these creatures dictate to her. It was time to take her control back.
    She paced up and down the small space in the room, and when the door opened, she spun and glared at it. Archer stepped into the room, his eyes on a map he held in his hand.
    He looked up and gave her a smile that made her legs feel unable to support her weight. She gritted her teeth and denied the effect he had on her.
    “Ready for bed?” he asked, his voice a husky brush of pure lust.
    More teeth gritting. “Yes.” She walked over to the bed picked up a spare pillow and the top comforter. She turned and tossed them at him. The map in his hand dropped as he grabbed the bedding midair.
    “But you can sleep on the floor. I don’t share my bed with bullies.”
    “Scarlet, what I did, I did for your own good.”
    She turned her back, kicked off her shoes and slid under the top cover fully dressed.
    “ Belan , baby girl,” he tried again, while Scarlet ground two layers off her teeth and chewed holes in her tongue so she wouldn’t answer, or rail at him.
    He sighed, and the sound was one of pure defeat. Scarlet almost caved then, but she held onto her resolve, and she heard him start making a bed on the floor.
     
    * * * *
     
    The need for a glass of water and the bathroom woke Scarlet late that afternoon.
    She slid out of the bed, making as little noise as possible. Peeking over the foot of the