The Ember In The Dark novel Chapter 10

"That's not good." Toni said from beside me. I wasn't sure when he got there, but he saw the same thing I did. Myra worming her way into Ash's life.

I nodded my head in agreement. I really wish Ash would have said my name already. This is going to be awkward.

"I'm sorry about this morning. I just figure I've done it to you so many times now that you could do it to me once." He didn't look at me as he spoke. He was embarrassed and it was really cute. I couldn't help the teasing smile on my face. "I figured it would help calm you down and it seems like it worked."

He looked up at me then, waiting for me to respond. I just smiled and nodded.

"Are you mad at me?"

I took a second to think about it. I should be, but I'm not. What he did was kind of sweet. He was keeping me out of trouble and trying to soothe me.

I shook my head at him, letting him know I wasn't mad.

"Good." He smiled sweetly at me.

My heart rate elevated with that smile. He was so handsome and sweet. His intoxicating scent permeated the air around him, only drawing me closer to him. His pinky grazed against my hand purposefully and it sent those fireworks through me. I didn't move my hand, actually enjoying the feeling this time.

"Good morning Ember. How are you feeling today?" Mr. Black asked me as we got to his class.

"I'm good. I'm sorry about yesterday." I was still embarrassed about passing out in class. I'm glad Ash at least let me speak to teachers.

"Don't be sorry. I'm glad you're okay." He smiled at me.

Toni and I took our seats together and finished up yesterday's lab while Mr. Black played a video for the rest of the class. When we finished we sat silently watching. I laid my head on the desk with my left arm stretched out in front of me. Toni leaned forward with his right arm stretched out, and I could tell what he was trying to do.

I smirked to myself as he inched his arm closer to mine. I didn't move though, neither encouraging or discouraging him. His arm gently touched my own. The more he touched me the stronger my want for him grew. It was starting to feel impossible to be away from him.

The bell rang, breaking our moment and I headed to my fourth period before Toni could catch up. I don't want him to consume all my thoughts. I barely know him.

I made my way to art, which I had missed yesterday due to my fainting. I walked in, finding the teacher busy with another student at his desk. I hung back waiting for them to finish.

"Hey yo!" I heard an excited familiar voice. I turned to find his hair down to the side instead of in his small Mohawk. "You can come sit by me. There's a free art station at my table." Josh told me.

"That sounds perfect to me. Thank you, Josh. You must be Ember. I am Mr. King." The teacher told me, hearing Josh's offer. "Go ahead and follow Josh to your seat."

I signaled for Josh to lead the way.

"Follow me, muh lady." He joked and I smiled at his playfulness.

I admire Josh for being so true to himself. He doesn't give a fuck about anyone's opinion. We took a seat at the back and Josh showed me where to collect all the supplies and where to clean it and put it up when I am done. Mr. King was adamant that we clean our own messes apparently, and I fully understand that.

"It's free paint, in a way, but we're in the blue period so everything's gotta have some kind of blue hue in it." Josh told me and I nodded, grabbing my supplies.

Art was always my favorite. Mom had gotten me started early as a way to relieve my stress. She would take me with her out in nature and we would just silently paint together. I treasure those moments with mom the most. I was half way through when it was time to start cleaning up.

"Damn Ember. You're a fucking artist." Josh told me as he looked at my canvas.

"Watch your language Josh. We're still in school." Mr. King reminded him.

I let the blush reach my cheeks. I wanted Josh to see how happy his compliment made me, since I can't talk.

"Wanna walk to lunch together?" He asked me as we washed our brushes and I nodded my head.

He smiled at me. If he didn't have a girlfriend I would think he might be flirting with me. I could see his lip ring moving, letting me know he was playing with it in his mouth. I wonder what he's thinking.

'Dawn is probably going to kill me when she sees me walking with Ember. God that woman tires me, but she's such a good lay.'

His voice entered my mind and I almost jumped back in surprise.

How's that even possible? I shouldn't be able to hear his thoughts. Also, Ew! I didn't need to know she was a good lay. Josh lost some of my respect just now.

His thoughts entering my mind had me a little on edge. That's not normal. I need to talk to Ash.

The bell rang and Josh and I walked towards the cafeteria. He was humming a familiar tune and banging his fingers against his thighs as we walked. He playfully bumped into my shoulder and I smirked, bumping him back.

"What are you doing?" Dawn asked from outside the cafeteria doors. She was furious, glaring at the two of us.

"Ember!" Ash's voice rang, finally releasing me from the jinx. "Come on!" He called me from inside the cafeteria.

"I'll catch you later." I told Josh.

"So you haven't lost your voice then?" Josh smiled.

"It was only a jinx." I spoke back to him, passing by a fuming Dawn. I rushed toward Ash. "We really need to talk. I'll link you while we eat." I whispered to him.

He could hear the urgency in my voice and nodded his head. We grabbed our food and headed to our tables. The group was together except Josh and Dawn who were off to the side having a heated discussion.

'Ash! I freaking heard a human's thoughts!' I linked him, practically yelling in his mind. He started choking on his food and Toni had to pat him on the back a bit.

'What do you mean?' He got serious. 'No one can do that.'

'I know that, why do you think I'm freaking out?' I deadpanned.

'We need to tell mom.' I rolled my eyes. 'Ember, this is serious. No more keeping it from mom.'