Winter Fire (The Witchling #3)(37)

“Why don’t we have one of these labs?” one of the students complained.

“The plan is to bring everyone down here weekly during spring semester,” Amber replied.

Morgan touched the glass and smiled. The flames danced for her.

“Amber says you have problems controlling them,” Decker’s voice was quiet.

Morgan nodded, uncertain how to behave around Beck’s brother.

“There are only two other fire witchlings at school, both Dark. I’m one and the other is Troy, another guy here,” he said. “When she brings you all down in spring, I can help you.”

“You can control it?”

“Yeah. It took some practice, though. It’s instinctive. It reacts,” he replied. “Beck’s earth magick is the calmest. Fire is a purifier like water without the stability.”

“It comes when I ask it to but it wants to do what I feel instead of what I ask it to,” she said.

“It’s a powerful element. It’s easier to learn to use it here than in those stupid little balls Amber gives you,” he said, motioning to the tall flames before them. “You ever combust?”

She smiled and nodded. “It freaks people out.”

“I used to terrify my nanny when I was little. She’d walk in and I was on fire.” Decker grinned, reminding her of Beck’s open smile. “It’s also good for um, relationships. Your fire will drive Beck insane. I’m happy about that.”

“I don’t think so.” Morgan flushed deeply. Her mother’s fire magick ensnared men when she walked down the street. Morgan had no idea how to do it, and she didn’t plan on seducing anyone. Especially Beck, who she couldn’t figure out if she wanted to like or not.

“No?” Decker faced her. “Because …”

“I’m not here to date anyone.”

“That’s why this is funny. You’re both so determined.” He winked.

She rolled her eyes.

“Look, when you passed me the flame last night, I was able to see well, your thoughts,” he said, growing serious. “Glimpses of your memories -- of someone who hurt you.”

Morgan ducked her head.

“Beck will never do anything like that to you. I just wanted you to know that my brother is one of the best people I know.”

His words only confused her more. Some part of her knew that about Beck, as much as she wanted the opposite to be true.

“He needs someone like you.”

“To protect him,” she replied instantly.

“Yeah. We fireballs need the earth elements in our lives to keep us sane.”

She followed his gaze and saw he was looking at Summer, across the room at the earth station.

“They need us to keep their lives interesting.”

Morgan returned her focus to the fire, but her thoughts were on Beck. Wrestling with him in the morning had given her a glimpse of what her fire could do to her. It spun her attraction to him into full-blown passion that made her want to invite him behind the boys’ dorm for another kiss.

“Hey Decker, is Beck here?”

She glanced over at the approaching Dark teen. He was tall and lean with blue-grey eyes and medium length blond hair tucked behind his ears. He looked twice at Morgan.

“He didn’t come down,” Decker replied.

“Fire element. Nice,” the newcomer said with a quick smile. “Not many of you.”

His sharply cut features were familiar, though she was certain she’d never seen him before.

“Morgan, this is Noah.” Decker had grown tense. “Dawn’s brother.”

Morgan stared at him, at once recognizing the familiar features. Where Dawn radiated dangerous instability, her brother seemed calm. Nice.

“He’s a water element,” Decker added.

“Is that Biji?” Noah’s gaze flickered towards the air element section of the lab.

“Yeah.”

Noah was quiet for a moment. Decker rolled his eyes at Morgan, and Morgan stifled a laugh. Biji’s delicate features and slender frame gave her an exotic beauty she was completely oblivious to.

“I’ve been gone for awhile,” Noah said. He shook his head. “If you see Beck, can you have him call me?”

“Yeah, sure.” Decker held out his phone in his fist. Noah mirrored his movement, and they bumped fists to exchange contact information.

Noah checked his phone.

“Got it,” he said. “Nice to meet you, Morgan.”

“You, too,” she replied. She watched him start towards the air element students then shift his direction. “He seems so different than his sister.”

“He is. He’s a good guy. Horrible family. They’re nearly bankrupt, which means Beck just has to outlast their funds, and he’ll win custody of the kid,” Decker said. There was no remorse in his tone, just satisfaction.

Morgan was unsettled by the hardness with which he spoke. She knew there was a history with Dawn, but she didn’t know how taking away her child would help. Then again, Beck was more likely to raise the kid right, if what she heard about Dawn was true.

“Let’s gather at the door, please!” Amber called. “Time to move on!”

“Talk later,” Decker said and moved away, towards Summer.