Free Stricken (The War Scrolls Book 1) by A.K. Morgen Page B

strings.
    Killian stepped inside and pushed the door closed behind him. For a minute, they both stood there, not speaking. The awkward silence stretched between them, broken only by the sound of canned laughter from the television. And then the smell of crisp bacon wafted through the room.
    Aubrey’s stomach growled loudly.
    “Hungry?” Killian asked, hefting the bags. Huey’s was emblazoned on the sides.
    “I’m starving,” she said, relieved he hadn’t brought up their argument. Rehashing it would only piss her off, and since she was apparently stuck with him for the time being, glaring and yelling at him wouldn’t help her cause.
    Killian offered her a small smile, the right corner of his upper lip curling. “Your doorman didn’t want to let me back in.”
    Aubrey narrowed her gaze. “What did you do to him?”
    An amused smirk brightened Killian’s expression. “What makes you think I did anything to him?”
    Aubrey crossed her arms over her chest, not swayed by his innocent expression. She had a feeling no one told Killian what to do, least of all a doorman well into his seventies. Besides, she knew what he was capable of doing. He’d played her like a fiddle in the elevator the day before. The thought of him doing similar to a defenseless old man like Larry bothered her.
    “I didn’t do anything to him, Aubrey,” Killian swore. “I told him I was helping you out while your aunt’s gone.”
    Translation: he was babysitting.
    Aubrey took a deep breath, refusing to remind him, yet again, that she didn’t need a keeper. He’d probably ignore her, anyway.
    “Lead the way,” he said, shaking one of the bags.
    “What did you get?” she asked, glancing back over her shoulder as she shuffled across the living room toward the kitchen.
    Killian didn’t answer, instead setting the bags down on the table and reaching inside. He pulled out a Styrofoam container and held it out to her.
    Aubrey accepted it gratefully and eased down into a chair. She hadn’t eaten anything more substantial than popcorn in God only knew how long.
    Killian reached into the bag again and pulled out a can of Dr. Pepper and a bottle of water. “I wasn’t sure what you liked,” he said apologetically.
    “Water is fine,” Aubrey responded. She popped open the container and nearly groaned at the sight of the massive burger and pile of steak fries waiting for her. Her mouth watered. “This looks great. Thank you.”
    “No problem. I figured you might be hungry.” Killian pulled another container from the second bag before sliding into a chair across from her.
    Aubrey lifted her burger from her tray and bit into it, refusing to tell him she could have cooked something. Her eyes rolled backward. The burger was amazing.
    Killian opened his own tray.
    “Veggie burger?” Aubrey asked after swallowing.
    “Yeah.” Killian popped the top of his soda can and took a long drink. “We don’t eat meat.”
    She paused with her burger halfway to her mouth. “Do you mean angels in general or your family?”
    “Angels.”
    “Oh.” Aubrey took another bite and chewed thoughtfully. “Why not?”
    Killian arched a brow.
    “I’m not trying to be rude,” she hurried to explain. “I’m curious. Is it a religious thing?”
    “No, it’s not a religious thing. It’s a practicality thing.” The corners of his mouth tilted up into a smile. His blue eyes lightened. “There was no slaughterhouse in Heaven.” He took a big bite of his burger, watching her.
    “Oh.” Aubrey shook her head, unsure what to make of that. “What are they like? Angels, I mean.”
    Killian swallowed. “They’re unyielding, stubborn. Most of the Seraphim—the Dominion—act as if they’re wingless and stuck on earth by choice.” He scowled, his blue eyes seeming to catch fire. “They’re a bunch of bastards for the most part.”
    Aubrey felt her eyes widen. He sounded so…bitter.
    “You asked,” he pointed out when she continued to stare at him, at