Free Feathers by K.D. Peters

I screamed as I was pushed back against the wall.  Looking around quickly, I realized that I’d run out of the wrong door.  This was the back of the school building.  Not good.
                  Sean stood in front of me, and I could feel a pressure on my collar bone.  It took me a moment to register that he was holding me in place there.  And he was very, very strong, despite using only one hand.  “Now, now.  That’s no way to act.  Running like some scared kitten.” Sean commented.
                  “What do you want?” I managed to whisper.  I was scared stupid at that point.  I just knew my life was in mortal danger now.  Raziel had been right to warn me about him.
                  “Honestly, this is a bit much.  I can’t believe he wouldn’t tell you.  But then again, maybe I’m over estimating the Renaldis.  Anyways, I don’t believe in my prey not knowing anything that’s coming, so I suppose I’ll have to give you a little hint.” Sean said.  With that, he blinked his eyes.  To my shock, they turned golden.
                  “You’re… not human?” I whispered.
                  Sean just smiled.  “Nope.  I may just be your worst nightmare.”
                  I struggled hard against the pressing hand that had me against the wall.  “Let me go!” I screamed.  It seemed really dumb, considering no one was around, but I had to try just about anything.
                  “Forget it.  There’s not a soul here to hear you.  Besides, all I’m going to do now is devour yours.  I promise, I’ll make it quick.” Sean said coyly.
                  I closed my eyes, waiting for the inevitable.  I was going to die.  I was sure I was going to die there.  But then, something strange happened.  I felt like something in my mind flexed.  I opened my eyes wide, and heard myself scream for him to stop.  All at once, Sean fell back as if something had hit him.  He sat on the ground, holding his head tightly.  I was still leaning against the wall, breathing hard.  My heart was pounding.  I had almost died.  I was sure of it.  But something had happened.  Something had stopped it.
                  After what seemed like forever, I realized that I heard Sean’s voice.  To my surprise, he was looking up at me from where he’d fallen to his knees.  He looked like he was horrified at what had just happened.  “Mia?” he said in disbelief.
                  Once again, the horror of the entire situation came back to me.  “Stay away from me!” I yelled, running away quickly.  I had enough forethought to grab my purse from the ground as I did.  But that was about it.  I didn’t even look back as I raced to my car, pounding the button to unlock the doors.  I quickly hopped in and turned the ignition, praying as I was crying that it would start.  Thankfully, it did.  I didn’t even think about it as I flew out of that parking lot.  I didn’t know where I was going.  All I knew was that I wanted to get as far away from Sean Morrison as possible.
                  I don’t know how long I ended up driving before pulling to the side of the road and crying my eyes out.  I’d never been so scared in my life.  I was shaking like a leaf, and my knuckles were white from where I was holding the stirring wheel so tightly.  I had no idea of what had just happened back there.  But I was certain he’d been trying to kill me.  What the hell is he?  I thought.  He’s got to be some kind of monster!
                  I was so upset that I didn’t even notice the car pulling up behind me.  I almost screamed again when I heard the tap on my window.  But relief came over me as I looked up and realized that it was Raphael.  I don’t think I’d ever been so glad to see him in my life.  I slowly reached over and unlock the door.  “Mia, what