Within the Flames by Marjorie M. Liu Read Free Book Online Page B

backpedaled, nearly tripping over the curb.
    He fought for his voice, but his throat was so dry. “Wait!”
    She ran, pulling the boy after her.
    The light at the crosswalk was green. Cabs roared past. He glanced at the road, saw an opening, and plunged forward. He heard honking, felt the rush of oncoming traffic—but he didn’t look. He focused forward—blood roaring in his ears, heart pounding, skin hot.
    “Lyssa!” he shouted again, his voice breaking on her name. “Estefan sent us!”
    She stumbled, turning to give him another shocked look.
    But it didn’t last. Lyssa tugged hard on the boy, and they disappeared into the entrance of the Fifty-ninth Street subway station.
    Eddie followed, desperate not to let her get away. Fire flowed beneath his skin.
    You’re out of control, he told himself—but he didn’t slow. His feet hit the station-entrance stairs, and he flew, down and down, trying not to knock anyone aside.
    At the bottom, he hit a wall. No MetroCard. Long lines at the vending machines to buy one. And there were police everywhere, near the turnstiles. Some with dogs. No way for him to just break through. He couldn’t afford to be arrested.
    The woman and boy were nowhere in sight.
    No green sweater covered in patchwork hearts and stars. No boy with a dog. No grace, anywhere. Just tired-looking people in black clothing who kept their gazes down, rushing, lost in the pulsing crowd.
    Eddie stood there, staring at everything, and nothing. Disgusted, disappointed, utterly heartsore. He had failed. Fate had given him exactly what he needed—and he had let her slip away.
    Police were watching him, but he ignored them and stood a moment longer, making certain she would not reappear—or that he wasn’t simply hallucinating.
    Lannes was waiting for him up top, standing in front of the display window for the Coach store.
    “What happened?” he asked. “Was that her?”
    Eddie rubbed his face. His heart still pounded, and his legs felt weak. Heat rolled through him, around him. Losing her should not have upset him so much. Every job had a hiccup, but this one . . .
    It felt strangely personal. And he couldn’t help but think again about that overwhelming feeling of connection that had flooded him when he first laid eyes on her. It made him homesick for something . . . unnameable.
    He took a slow, deep breath, searching for calm. “Yes. Her friend said she liked this area, but I didn’t expect to see her here. I screwed up.”
    “From what little I saw, you never had a chance. I’ve never seen anyone run that fast.” Lannes hesitated. “She seemed to recognize you.”
    “No.” Eddie thought about the way she had stared at him, with so much fear. It made him sick. “You’re the one she focused on. She saw through your illusion.”
    “You’re certain?”
    “She saw you before me. She seemed stunned.”
    “A shape-shifter shouldn’t be able to see what I really am. Only a . . .” He stopped, shaking his head. “We frightened her.”
    Or maybe it was me, thought Eddie, uneasy. Lyssa hadn’t run from Lannes. Just him.
    But why? He had never met her. Was it because he was a man? A stranger, looking at her? Had she been hurt so badly that even that much attention was frightening? The idea made him furious and scared for her . . . but it also didn’t feel right. There had to be more to it.
    She knows she’s being hunted. She doesn’t trust anyone.
    “We don’t have much time.” Eddie gave the subway entrance another reluctant look. “She may leave the city after this.”
    “You won’t find her down there. Not now.”
    “I know.” She had been so close. Right in front of him. Staring at him with those golden eyes.
    Beautiful eyes. Fearful eyes.
    He had seen that expression on other women. His sister. Girls on the street. Fear was a bitter disease. Having a woman look at him like that . . .
    I will never make you afraid of me, he promised silently. When I find you again,