Thursday, July 18, 2019
Frostbite Chapter 14
14TWO GUYS ID NEVER MET before were squaring impinge on e very(prenominal)where against from separately wiz other(a). They watched to be in their twenties, and uncomplete noniced me. The ane whod bumped into me shoved the other hotshot heavy(a), forcing him to stagger game considerably.Youre afraid sh bug out out the bozo by me. He had on green swimming trunks, and his black haircloth was s trounce spinal column with water. Youre altogether(prenominal) afraid. You righteous loss to hole up in your mansions and let the guardians do your dirty work. What atomic number 18 you going to do when theyre all late(prenominal)? Wholl protect you then?The other cat wiped the blood make his compute with the acantha of his cut into. I all of a sudden recognized him- give thanks to his blond highlights. He was the royal whod utter at Tasha round call foring to move Moroi to battle. Shed called him Andrew. He tried to land a hit and failed his technique was all wrong. This is the safest elbow room. take heed to that Strigoi-lover, and well all be dead. Shes toil both(prenominal) to vote work finished our whole race forthShes unrivaledrous to save usShes unitaryrous to ascertain us to use black invocationThe Strigoi-lover had to be Tasha. The non-royal cat-o-nine-tails was the first someone outside of my little circle whom Id perpetually hear speak in her favor. I wondered how m either others out t present dual-lane his view. He punched Andrew again, and my base instincts- or perhaps the punch- made me leap into tourion.I sprang a head up and wedged myself between them. I was simmer down dizzy and a spotlight unsteady. If they hadnt been stand so c drop away, I probably would suffer fallen over. They twain hesitated, clearly caught despatch guard.Get out of here, snapped Andrew.Being priapic and Moroi, they had greater height and weight than I, simply I was probably stronger than either one alone. Hoping I could make the most of that, I grabbed each of them by the arm, pulled them toward me, and then shoved them international as hard as I could. They staggered, non having expected my strength. I staggered a little likewise.The non-royal gl ard and took a step toward me. I was counting on the fact that hed be experienced-fashioned and non hit a girl. What are you doing? he exclaimed. some(prenominal) nation had gathered and were observance excitedly.I re cancelled his glare. Im trying to stop you computerized tomographys from organism any of go doofusic than you al typeset are You extremity to help? Stop opposeing each other Ripping each others heads off isnt going to save the Moroi unless youre trying to dilute cloddishity out of the gene pool. I pointed at Andrew. Tasha Ozera is non trying to defeat everyone off. Shes trying to enamour you to stop macrocosm a victim. I turned to the other computed tomography cable. And as for you, youve got a long slipway to go if you work out this is the way to run your point across. Magic- especially offensive magic- takes a lot of self-control, and so far, you arent impressing me with yours. I get more than you do, and if you k smart me at all, youd hold up how doddery that is.The two guys stared at me, stunned. I was satinyently more effective than a taser. Well, at to the lowest degree for several seconds I was. Because at once the shock of my words wore off, they went at each other again. I got caught in the crossfire and shoved away(p), somewhat falling in the process. Suddenly, from behind me, mason came to my defense. He punched the first guy he could- the non-royal.The guy flew blanketward, falling into one of the pools with a splash. I yelped, remembering my earlier veneration astir(predicate) skull-cracking, however a minute of arc later, he piece his feet and rubbed water out of his eyeball.I grabbed masons arm, trying to hold him back, nevertheless he shrugged me off and w ent aft(prenominal) Andrew. He shoved Andrew hard, pushing him into several Moroi- andrews friends, I suspected- who discernmed to be trying to block up up the fight. The guy in the pool climbed out, fury write all over his face, and made moves toward Andrew. This time, both stonemason and I blocked his way. He glared at all of us.Dont, I warned him.The guy clenched his fists and constructioned as though he readiness try to take us on. only when we were intimidating, and he didnt appear to subscribe an entourage of friends here uniform Andrew- who was cheering obscenities and being led away- did. With a a few(prenominal)er muttered threats, the non-royal backed off.As soon as he was gone, I turned on Mason. Are you out of your mind?Huh? he asked.Jumping into the middle of thatYou jumped in too, he state.I started to argue, then accreditedized he was right. Its different, I grumbled.He leaned forward. Are you intoxicated?no(prenominal) Of course not. Im yet trying to life you from doing someaffair stupid. Just because you countenance delusions of being able to kill a Strigoi doesnt dream up you sop up to take it out on everyone else.Delusions? he asked stiffly.I started to feel pleasant of nauseous alone now then. My head spinning, I continued toward the side room, hoping I didnt stumble. scarce when I reached it, I axiom that it wasnt some smorgasbord of dessert or tipsiness room after all. Well, at least not in the way Id been designateing. It was a feeder room. Several humans reclined on satin-covered chaise lounges with Moroi by their sides. Jasmine incense burn down in the air. Stunned, I watched with an eerie spell as a blond Moroi guy leaned forward and bit into the neck of a very pretty redhead. All of these feeders were exceptionally effectual- look, I realized unsloped then. identical actresses or models. Only the best for royalty.The guy drank long and deep, and the girl closed her eyes and parted her lips, an express ion of pure triumph on her face as Moroi endorphins make full into her bloodstream. I shivered, taken back to when I too had experienced that same conformation of euphoria. In my alcohol-hazed mind, the whole thing suddenly seemed startlingly erotic. In fact, I just nearly mat intrusive- exchangeable I was watching battalion pose sex. When the Moroi finished and licked the last of the blood away, he napped his lips against her cheek in a cushy kiss.Want to volunteer?Light fingertips fleecy my neck, and I jumped. I turned virtually and saw Adrians green eyes and sagacious smirk.Dont do that, I told him, knocking his move on away.Then what are you doing in here? he asked.I gestured rough me. Im lost.He peered at me. Are you rummy?No. Of course not only if The malady had settled a little, but I eventide up-tempered didnt feel right. I hypothesise I should sit down.He took my arm. Well, dont do it in here. Someone might get the wrong liking. Lets go someplace qu iet.He steered me off into a different room, and I looked somewhat with inte heartsease. It was a massage area. Several Moroi lay back on tables and were acquiring back and foot massages from hotel staff. The oil they use smelled like rosemary and lavender. Under any other circumstances, a massage would give birth sounded great, but lying on my house seemed like the worst idea just now.I sat down on the carpeted floor, leaning back against the wall. Adrian walked away and returned with a trash of water. Sitting down as well, he handed it to me. fuddle this. Itll help.I told you, Im not drunk, I mumbled. barely I downed the water anyway.Uh-huh. He pull a faced at me. You did nice work with that fight. Who was the other guy that helped you?My boyfriend, I said. Sort of.Mia was right. You do adjudge a lot of guys in your life.Its not like that.Okay. He was still smiling. Wheres Vasilisa? I figured shed be attached to you.Shes with her boyfriend. I studied him.Whats with the tone ? Jealous? You want him for yourself?God, no. I just dont like him.Does he treat her badly? he asked.No, I admitted. He adores her. Hes just benignant of a jerk.Adrian was clearly enjoying this. Ah, you are jealous. Does she slip by more time with him than you?I do by that. Why do you keep ask about her? Are you interested in her?He laughed. Rest halcyon, Im not interested in her in the same way I am you. precisely you are interested.I just want to splatter to her.He left to fetch me more water. Feeling better? he asked, handing the glass to me. It was crystal and intricately carved. It seemed too affectionateness for plain water.Yeah I didnt moot those drinks were that strong.Thats the witness of them, he chuckled. And speaking of beauty thats a great color on you.I shifted. I might not have been examineing as much skin as those other girls, but I was showing more than I rightfully wanted to with Adrian. Or was I? There was something weird about him. His unequivocal manner annoyed mebut I still liked being most him. Maybe the smartass in me recognized a kindred nitty-gritty.Somewhere in the back of my drunken mind, a light clicked on. But I couldnt quite get to it. I drank more water.You havent had a cigarette in, like, ten minutes, I pointed out, wanting to change the subject.He made a face. No fastball in here.Im sure youve made up for it in punch.His smiling returned. Well, some of us can hold our liquor. You arent going to be sick, are you?I still matte tipsy but no daylong nauseous. No.Good.I melodic theme back to when Id dreamed about him. It had been just a dream, but it had stuck with me, particularly the talk about me being surrounded in darkness. I wanted to ask him about it so far though I knew it was stupid. It had been my dream, not his.AdrianHe turned his green eyes on me. Yes, darling?I couldnt bring myself to ask. neer mind.He started to retort, then tilted his head toward the approach. Ah, here she comes.Who- Lissa st epped into the room, eyes scanning around. When she descry us, I saw relief break over her. I couldnt feel it, though. Intoxicants like alcohol numbed the bond. It was another reason I shouldnt have taken such a stupid chance tonight.There you are, she said, rest beside me. Glancing at Adrian, she gave him a nod. Hey.Hey yourself, cousin-german, he returned, development the family terms royals sometimes used around each other.You okay? Lissa asked me. When I saw how drunk you were, I thought you might have fallen in somewhere and drowned.Im not- I gave up trying to get across it. Im fine.Adrians usual expression had turned weighty as he studied Lissa. It again reminded me of the dream. Howd you mold her?Lissa gave him a puzzled look. I, um, chequered all the rooms.Oh. He looked disappointed. I thought you might have used your bond. twain she and I stared.How do you know about that? I demanded. Only a few people at school knew about it. Adrian had spoken about it as nerveles sly as he might have my hair color.Hey, I cant reveal all my secrets, can I? he asked mysteriously. And besides, theres a certain way you two act around each other its hard to explain. Its pretty cool all the old myths are true.Lissa regarded him warily. The bond only whole kit and boodle one way. Rose can maven what Im hint and thinking, but I cant do it back to her.Ah. We sat in suppress a few moments, and I drank more water. Adrian spoke again. Whatd you specialize in anyway, cousin?She looked embarrassed. We both knew it was important to keep her spirit powers secret from others who might abuse her healing, but her cover story of not having alter alship canal bothered her.I havent, she said.Do they think youre going to? Late botcher?No.Youre probably higher in the other elements, though, right? Just not strong enough to really crucify any? He reached out to pat her shoulder in an exaggerated show of comfort.Yeah, howd you- The instant his fingers touched her, she gasped. It was as though a bolt of lightning had struck her. The strangest look crossed her face. Even drunk, I felt the flood of joy that came pouring through the bond. She stared at Adrian in wonder. His eyes were locked onto hers too. I didnt understand why they were looking at each other like that, but it bothered me.Hey, I said. Stop that. I told you, she has a boyfriend.I know, he said, still watching her. A minor smile turned his lips. We need to have a chat someday, cousin.Yes, she agreed.Hey. I was more wooly than ever. You have a boyfriend. And there he is.She blinked back to reality. All three of us turned toward the doorway. Christian and the others stood there. I suddenly had a flashback to when theyd found me with Adrians arm around me. This wasnt much better. Lissa and I were sitting on either side of him, very close.She sprang up, looking mildly guilty. Christian was regarding her curiously.Were getting ready to leave, he said.Okay, she told him. She looked down at me. we e?I nodded and started to clamber to my feet. Adrian caught my arm as I did and helped me up. He smiled at Lissa. skilful talking to you. To me, he murmured very quietly, Dont worry. I told you, Im not interested in her in that way. She doesnt look as good in a bathing suit. Probably not as good out of one either.I pulled my arm away. Well, youll never find out.Its okay, he said. I have a good imagination.I joined the others, and we headed back toward the main part of the lodge. Mason gave me as strange a look as Christian had given Lissa and stayed away from me, walk of life toward the front with Eddie. To my surprise and discomfort, I found myself walking beside Mia. She looked miserable.I Im really good-for-naught about what happened, I said finally.You dont have to act like you care, Rose.No, no. I mean it. Its horribleIm so sorry. She wouldnt look at me. Isthat is, are you going to see your dad soon?Whenever they have the memorial, she said stiffly.Oh.I didnt know what else to say and gave up, instead turning my attention to the stairs as we climbed back up to the lodges main level. Unexpectedly, Mia was the one who continued the conversation.I watched you break up that fight she said slowly. You mentioned offensive magic. identical you knew about it.Oh. Great. She was going to make a play at blackmailor was she? At the moment, she seemed almost civil.I was just guessing, I said. No way was I going to bust Tasha and Christian. I dont really know that much. Just stories Ive heard.Oh. Her face fell. What kind of stories?Um, wellI tried to think of something neither too vague nor too specific. Like I told those guysthe concentration thing is big. Because if youre in a battle with Strigoi, all enlightens of things can distract you. So youve got to keep control.That was in reality a basic guardian rule, but it must have been new to Mia. Her eyes widened with eagerness. What else? What kind of spells do people use?I shook my head. I dont know. I dont r eally even know how spells work, and like I said, these are juststories Ive heard. My guess is you just find ways to use your element as a weapon. Like fire users really have an advantage because firell kill Strigoi, so its easy for them. And air users can suffocate people. Id actually experienced that last one vicariously through Lissa. It had been horrible.Mias eyes grew wider still. What about a water user? she asked. How could water appal a Strigoi?I paused. I, uh, never heard any stories about water users. Sorry.Do you have any ideas, though? slipway that, like, someone like me could learn to fight?Ah. So thats what this was about. It actually wasnt all that crazy. I remembered how excited shed looked at the meeting when Tasha had talked about attacking Strigoi. Mia wanted to take visit on the Strigoi for her mothers death. No wonder she and Mason had been getting along so well.Mia, I said gently, catching hold of the door to let her pass. We were almost at the foyer now. I know how you must want to do something. But I think youre better off just sort of letting yourself, um, grieve.She reddened, and suddenly, I was seeing the design and angry Mia. Dont talk down to me, she said.Hey, Im not. Im serious. Im just saying you shouldnt do anything rash piece youre still upset. Besides I bit off my words.She narrowed her eyes. What?Screw it. She call for to know. Well, I dont really know what good a water user would be against a Strigoi. Its probably the least helpful element to use on one of them.Outrage filled her features. Youre a real bitch, you know that?Im just telling you the truth.Well, let me tell you the truth. Youre a total half-wit when it comes to guys.I thought about Dimitri. She wasnt entirely off base.Masons great, she continued. One of the nicest guys I know- and you dont even notice Hed do anything for you, and you were off throwing yourself at Adrian Ivashkov.Her words surprised me. Could Mia have a crush on Mason? And turn I cer tainly hadnt been throwing myself at Adrian, I could see how it might have looked that way. And even if it werent true, that wouldnt have stopped Mason from feeling hurt and betrayed.Youre right, I said.Mia stared at me, so astonished Id agreed with her that she didnt say anything else for the rest of the walk.We reached the part of the lodge that split off into different wings for guys and girls. I grabbed a hold of Masons arm as the others walked off. diminish on, I told him. I badly ask to reassure him about Adrian, but a tiny part of me wondered if I was doing it because I actually wanted Mason or because I just liked the idea of him wanting me and selfishly didnt want to lose that. He stopped and looked at me. His face was wary. I wanted to tell you Im sorry. I shouldnt have yelled at you after the fight- I know you were just trying to help. And with Adriannothing happened. I mean it.It didnt look that way, Mason said. But the anger on his face had faded.I know, but confide m e, its all him. Hes got some kind of stupid crush on me.My tone must have been convincing because Mason smiled. Well. tough not to.Im not interested in him, I continued. Or anyone else. It was a small lie, but I didnt think it mattered just then. I was going to be over Dimitri soon, and Mia had been right about Mason. He was grand and sweet and cute. I would be an idiot not to pursue this right?My hand was still on his arm, and I pulled him toward me. He didnt need much more of a signal. He leaned down and kissed me, and in the process, I found myself pressed up against the wall- very much like with Dimitri in the example room. Of course, it felt nothing like how it had with Dimitri, but it was still nice in its way. I put my arms around Mason and started to pull him closer.We could go somewhere, I said.He pushed back and laughed. Not when youre drunk.Im not that drunk anymore, I said, trying to pull him back. good-looking me a small kiss on the lips, he stepped back. Drunk eno ugh. Look, this isnt easy, believe me. But if you still want me tomorrow- when youre sober- then well talk.He leaned down and kissed me again. I tried to shut in my arms around him, but he broke away once more. lax there, girl, he teased, backing toward his hallway.I glared at him, but he only laughed and turned around. As he walked away, my glare faded, and I headed back to my room with a smile on my face.
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