The Ember In The Dark novel Chapter 20

I woke up on my bed in the pack house, not sure how I got here. Last thing I remember is being in Toni's car last night. My cheeks blushed a bit when I thought of his handsome face.

I don't like that Ash and I don't have adjoining rooms here. In fact, he's across the hall. I washed my face and brushed my teeth really quick. I changed into some black joggers and a tight gray shirt, before stepping out into the hall. I knocked on Ash's door, but he didn't answer, which was odd.

'Where are you?' I linked him.

'Breakfast. You were taking too long and my stomach was growling at me.'

'Rude. I'm coming. There better be a plate for me.' I'm surprised he didn't just wake me up sooner.

I ran down the stairs towards the large dining area for the pack. My eyes were focused on my feet, trying to make sure I didn't miss a step. I hit something hard, causing me to almost fall back. A hand caught me, and pulled me back up.

"You good? You really should keep your eyes up." Tate smirked at me. His dark hair was cut short along the sides and left to curl at the top. I could see my reflection in his dark eyes.

"Sorry." I told him, keeping the blush from my face. Can't look weak.

"It's alright. Be careful though, can't have the alpha's daughter getting hurt." He smiled at me.

"Thanks." I nodded my head courteously at him and started descending back down the stairs.

"Ember!" He called after me. I turned to look at him at the bottom of the stairs. "Go out on a date with me?" He smiled.

Tate and I have always had a rivalry of sorts during the summer. He always wanted to prove that he was stronger, faster and more intelligent than me. He's sweet, but stuck in old traditional ways.

"Sorry, can't." I answered him seriously. I made sure not to smile so he knew I wasn't just trying to play hard to get. His smile faded quickly.

"Why not?" He arched an eyebrow. He was still halfway up the stairs.

"Because she's going on a date with me." Toni's voice came from behind me. His arm wrapped around my waist causing me to shiver.

"Seriously with this freak?" He was getting upset.

I involuntarily growled at him… mad at what he called Toni.

"Don't call him that." I warned, placing my hand over Toni's on my side.

"Smart move getting her under your spell, siren." He rolled his eyes, still angry. Tate doesn't handle rejection well it seems.

Toni didn't say anything, he seemed unbothered by Tate's comments. I wish I could be. Those comments made me think of all the ways I was bullied back in the kingdom. I don't want this pack, the pack my 2nd father is in charge of, to treat Toni like that.

"Tate, I'm warning you now, if I hear another stupid comment leave your mouth, I'll make you regret it." I glared at him.

"Whatever, you're not worth it." He huffed turning around. Toni growled at that.

"She's more than worth it." He muttered, but Tate didn't hear, continuing his way up the stairs.

Toni and I stayed staring at him until we could no longer see him. I still felt a mixture of emotions in my stomach. Mostly anger and then sadness. I turned around and wrapped my arms around Toni's neck. I wanted to hold him close. We enveloped ourselves in each other's scents.

"Is that how you're always treated?" I asked, starting deeply into his eyes.

"No one says it, but they all feel that way. They stay clear of me, afraid that I'll manipulate them." He put a strong face on, but I could see the hurt behind it.

"But you don't have any siren abilities." Toni shrugged his shoulders.

"It doesn't matter to them."

I felt my eyes wanting to mist over at his words. The elves had always treated Ash and I differently because we were part dragon. They kept us away from their kids and taught their kids to distrust us. Eryn and mom tried to change things, but it's hard to change generational hate.

"Toni, I'm so sorry." I caressed his face, wanting to comfort him. How could anyone not trust this amazing guy? He's the best guy I've met.

"Hey, don't worry about me. I'm a big boy. Just go on that date with me?" He smirked at me, his hands still around my waist, resting on my lower back. I blushed at his request.

"When and where?" Knowing we shared the same kind of pain only lured me to him more.

"Tonight. I'll come get you around 7. The place is a surprise, but you should wear some running clothes." He winked at me.

"Okay." My stomach turned filled with nervousness, but also excitement… a lot of excitement.

My first real date.