INTEGRATION (Bonfire Academy Book Two) (Bonfire Chronicles) by Imogen Rose Read Free Book Online

Who’s the broody guy by the door? He’s staring at us.”
    I didn’t have to turn around to know that it was Jagger. I had felt his urgency already.
    “That’s my friend Jagger. Looks important; I have to go.” I stood up and tousled Pascal’s hair.
    “Later, Sis.”
    I felt my skin tingle as I walked toward Jagger. I was almost afraid, which was silly. But the thought of not being totally in control unnerved me, and I was never totally that when close to him. Somehow, he overpowered me, and that was something I needed to work on. What kind of pathetic demon would allow a faery to control her? Not right at that minute, though. I practically floated toward him in a moronic comatose state.
    “Cordelia.” His tone was unexpectedly harsh. I looked up at him, trying to read his mood.
    “Hey, Jagger. Did you have a nice break? Where did you go?” I smiled, hoping he’d melt just a bit.
    He held me in his steely gaze, His only concession being a gentle caress of my cheek. He clenched his jaw. “Cordelia, Faustine just received a death threat.”

 
    T he walk to The Smelt’s office was made in silence, as Jagger and I hurried through the crowded hallways, jogging most of the way. Still, I was aware of my uncontrollable desire for Jagger the entire time. I fought my thoughts, concentrating on moving as fast as I could.
    Frau Smelt’s large office was full of chatter when Jagger and I walked in.
    “Good, you found her.” The room went quiet as Frau Smelt raised her voice. “Sit down.”
    I found Faustine sitting next to Quinn. I nodded at Martha and Professor Bern, wondering what they were doing there. Faustine was slumped back in her chair, not looking the least bit perturbed. I perched on the stool by the door, and Jagger stood beside me.
    “Okay, we have everyone here. Faustine, your father is on his way, but we can talk to him later. Now, show everyone what you found.”
    Faustine looked reluctant as she held up a sheet of paper. “Do you want me to read it?”
    “Yes, go ahead.” Frau Smelt took off her glasses and peered at Faustine intently. “Jagger and I have already read it, but let’s share it with Professor Bern, Quinn, Martha, and Cordelia. I asked Quinn to come, as he’s been so involved with Faustine.”
    Faustine cleared her throat and began reading:
“Your final deep breath
Comes gifted in blood and pain
Followed by silence.”
    I shuddered as a chill surged through me. A death threat delivered in a haiku. Jeez. The room was silent as we all looked at one another—Frau Schmelder, Professor Bern, Faustine, Quinn, Jagger, and me. And I was pretty sure Ryker was invisibly hovering to listen in on the conversation.
    “A creepy haiku.” Faustine rolled her eyes. “Really no big deal, but Martha insisted I show it to Frau Schmelder.”
    “And I’m glad you did,” The Smelt replied.
    “Where did you find it, Faustine?” I asked.
    “It was stuck to my door, just folded over, with my name on the other side.”
    “It’s obviously Mason,” I spluttered. “He shouldn’t be here.”
    “We can’t be sure,” Frau Smelt replied. “We don’t think he’s had the opportunity to leave the note outside Faustine’s door. He’s been with Ryker or Jagger all day. That’s not to say that he isn’t involved and collaborating with someone.”
    “Did you check the surveillance camera? Surely it picked up on whoever left the note?” I asked.
    “Unfortunately not. The note seems to just appear between two frames.”
    “Someone who was able to make himself invisible. Can Mason do that?”
    “I am not allowed to share that with you, Cordelia, as you know,” The Smelt replied. “But I have no reason to believe it was him.”
    “So, a flaming invisible haiku killer. Peachy,” Martha drawled. “Now what?”
    Faustine puffed out her chest. “I really don’t think this is a big deal. Probably just Mason being an ass. He must have gotten one of his pack to deliver it, or someone else. I’m