y too lax about letting dangerous people wander around," said A

e, he just wants to take me out instead," replied Na

ed Avery, her brow furrowing in confus

she glanced up, she couldn't help bu

e clean scent he carried. It made her n

responded, breaking into a sunli

neasy laugh, but the awkwardnes

here was barely any space left, just

ared into his face, his gaze

ndered if he could see

ed her hair. "Much better," he sa

ot sure what he meant.

ile on his lips. "Your hair

rn his smile. "Oh

. "You should hit the gym sometime. You're so

was healthy as a woman, not scrawny at all. It

ongue, recognizing t

hospital building, strode down the hall, an

veryone's attention snapped to him th

a chorus of respe

hospital bed, his expres

is feet and quickly set a

e razor-sharp as he studied the figure lying in the bed-the sa

in wires and tubes, his face battered

s cool and sharp.

r!" the injured man shouted, struggling agains

ds. Wisps of smoke curled around his f

on," Nathan replied, slipping

hed over the man. His breath caught. "No-

n hadn't stepped in, maybe you'd have succeeded. But if you want any shot at walk

t? Soul Reaper showing mercy? No one believes that story." He knew exa

n's brows, a signal that made every subor

rette, the ember casting shadows across his face. "Y

the burning tip of his cigaret

ench of burning flesh hanging in the air

e bed as pain and terror twiste

an easy death. Instead, I'll make you suffer a lifetime of agony. I'll keep you

man's resolve. "Please,

, his eyes ful

t out, "It's the leader f

The same woman who took over at fourteen and

ured, "That'

harpened. "Wher

s only given instructions,

from his cigarette, and then waved