Free Under the Burning Stars by Carrigan Richards Page A

wrong.”
    “Usually. I’m sure there are times when they are.” Peter pulled up to a red light and tipped her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. “We’ll figure it out. I promise. But for tonight, let’s just have fun. Deal?”
    She nodded and then he kissed her.
    He took her to an Italian restaurant. It was weird to have a conversation with him instead of sitting in angry silence like she and Thomas had so many times. Peter and Ava laughed and it reminded her of the summer before when they hung out all the time. It was easy and comfortable. It had been so long since they had been like that.
    They went to the movies and held hands as they stood in line.
    “You think you’re welcome here?” someone demanded behind them. She turned and was face to face with Trent and Drew.
    “What do you want?” she asked.
    “For you two freaks to get the hell out of here.”
    Ava squared her shoulders. She was tired of this.
    “Trent, we’re allowed to be here just as much as you,” Peter said.
    “No. You’re not.” Trent glared and Drew crossed his arms in front of him. Ava gripped Peter’s hand and saw others crowding around them. “I suggest you leave before we make you.”
    Ava scoffed. “I’d love to see you try. You know, we got hurt from those bombs, too. So stop blaming us.”
    Trent moved closer to her but she wasn’t afraid. “You are just as much to blame as Link, Nicole, and all of them. You’re no better. Just because your mom died doesn’t mean you have to take it out on people. I’m assuming that’s your reason for killing all those people.”
    Ava clenched her teeth and could feel the warmth of her necklace beneath her dress. “Believe what you want, if it’ll help you sleep at night. But we aren’t leaving.”
    Trent gave a challenging smile and then she felt a cold liquid move down over her dress and under it. He had emptied his drink on her.
    Ava drew her hand back but Peter grabbed it. “Come on, let’s go.”
    Trent and Drew chuckled and the crowd followed. “I wouldn’t come back either. Any of you.”
    She clenched her fists and fought against Peter but he was stronger now and dragged her away. She wanted to use her power against them, but knew it was wrong.
    Why did they mention her mother? Why was everyone suddenly talking about her? Wasn’t it bad enough that she’d just learned of her murder?
    Once outside she immediately removed the heels and stormed away from Peter.
    “Where are you going?” he asked, grabbing her arm.
    “Why are you always protecting them?”
    “Ava, we’ve already discussed this. You can’t hurt them.”
    “But they can hurt me?”
    “I didn’t say that. You have to let it go. Don’t let their words get to you.”
    “You just stood there while he poured Coke all over me.”
    “Because I’m afraid of what I can do now ,” he yelled. “It wasn’t easy, but then I had to hold you back as usual. The Elders didn’t let me be an Enchanter just so I could terrorize humans. You have to learn some restraint, too.”
    His eyes held hers and she released a breath. She felt her shoulders slump and her eyes watered.
    Peter softly took her hand. “Come on. I’ve got a better idea than a movie.”
    A few minutes later, Peter pulled up to the cabin. Ava peered at him in the dark car. Had he brought her to the cabin for more than just privacy?
    Peter gave her a sidelong look. “I know what you’re thinking. And no, that’s not it.”
    They got out of the car and hiked to the waterfall. The night was perfect for swimming and the half-moon held just the right amount of light. Peter removed his shirt and Ava didn’t hide her stare at his bare chest. He took her hand and smiled.
    “Ready?”
    “Melissa’s not gonna like this.” Ava smiled.
    “Well, you need a bath.”
    Ava gasped and playfully pushed him. He snatched her wrist and they both plunged into the water. When they surfaced, Peter pressed his lips to hers with a fervor. His hands held her