The Necromancer's Betrayal (The Final Formula Series, Book 2.5) by Becca Andre Read Free Book Online Page A

for Christmas and the occasional funeral.” Elysia rubbed her palms over her thighs.
    “I thought your kind kept the loved ones shuffling around.”
    “I avoid those funerals.”
    He glanced over, and she saw his surprise before he hid it.
    “I’m kidding—sort of.”
    “Sort of? You have family members who would animate a loved one?”
    “Yeah, well, I’m sure your family history is littered with fine, upstanding citizens.”
    “Those that don’t trade their descendants’ souls, sure.”
    It was her turn to glance over in surprise, but he was glaring out the windshield. “I’m sorry,” she said.
    He looked up and their eyes met. “Me, too.”
    She smiled. “Couple of screwed up individuals, aren’t we?”
    “That’s a polite way to put it.”
    She forced a laugh, but couldn’t sustain it.
    “So, what happens when the prodigal daughter returns bearing the Holy Grail?” he asked.
    “All hell breaks loose?”
    “Guess it’s fortunate I don’t burn.”
    “Yeah.” She returned her attention to the man sitting beside her. “You’re not evil or dangerous.” She had seen his compassion in that convenience store. And this morning, she had awakened covered by his coat while he stood guard in the cold.
    “I like to think so.”
    She sighed. “I’m sorry.”
    He glanced over. “You’ll release me?”
    “I don’t know how.” She offered him an apologetic shrug.
    He slumped in his seat, resting his head against the back.
    “But maybe Grams can tell me.”
    “Then take me for herself.”
    Elysia considered arguing in Grams’s defense, but suspected it would be pointless until James met her. “Let’s go ask her.”
     
    “Ely!” Livie threw her arms around Elysia’s neck the moment she was through the door. The girl was actually taller than her now—which was strange. Livie had come to live with them when she was only four. She had followed sixteen-year-old Elysia everywhere. An annoyance at the time, but something Elysia missed now. She tried to stay in touch, but a phone call wasn’t the same thing as being here.
    “Where have you been?” Livie continued. “Grams thought you would be in last night. We called your apartment, and Ernie said you left hours before. You’ve got to get a cell phone.”
    “We had car trouble. I’m sorry to worry you.”
    Livie’s attention had already shifted to James. “Oh, wow.” Her blue eyes flickered white, and she did a slow lap around him. “Damn, Ely. Great body.”
    James’s eyes narrowed.
    “He’s not a piece of meat, Olivia.” The use of her full name earned Elysia a frown. “Where’s Grams?”
    “Last I saw, doing paperwork in the office.” Livie’s frown became an odd little smile. “She said to send you up when you got here.”
    Elysia thanked her and led James from the room.
    “I’m sorry about that,” she told him as soon as they were alone. “The girl’s boy crazy and—”
    “She touched me.”
    Elysia glanced over her shoulder. “What? I didn’t see her—”
    “Not physically. Can another necro take me from you?”
    “If I’m away, they might take temporary control, but I’ll feel it. I won’t let anyone—”
    He captured her arm, pulling her to a stop. “In the wrong hands, I’m a weapon. A lethal one.”
    “They won’t—”
    “You can’t know what people will or will not do. And necros especially like the zombies they can create with me.”
    Heat flooded her cheeks. “I was trying to take out the other gunman. I didn’t—”
    “Not you. I’ve been taken by necros before.”
    She stared at him. “How did you get away? Didn’t someone blood-bind you?” She didn’t see how anyone could hold onto him long otherwise.
    “I had help. Friends. My point is, I can be used.”
    “No. I won’t let that happen. You’re mine—until I can undo this and set you free,” she added the last in a whisper.
    He glanced up the hall and his brow wrinkled. “If you figure out how, don’t do it here.”
    She