Breathless: A Firelight Novella (HarperTeen Impulse) Read Online Free

my fingers around the straps, I enjoy the feel of the earth under the soles of my feet. I tilt my head back, and gaze up at the canopy of branches and leaves swaying in the soft wind. I can almost envision myself up there. My wings carrying me, my body weightless on the air.
    The brief thought enters my head that I could manifest here. Away from prying eyes. Crazy, of course. As quickly as I think it, I shove the idea aside, almost scared that I even thought it for a moment. I increase my strides. Yesterday, under cover of water, was one thing. Doing such a thing here, in the light of day.... I couldn’t be that foolish. Draki that foolish end up lost. Dead. Or worse. And I know that there are worse fates than death for a draki. With hunters out there, of course there are.
    At the tree line, I slow down and peer out at the clearing, not really expecting anyone this early but knowing after yesterday that my little pond isn’t quite the secluded haven I first thought it to be.
    And I’m glad I take the time to check, because someone else is here.
    I jerk back and tuck myself behind a tree, pressing ahand to my pounding heart. I don’t know why. Instinct, I guess. Although I look like a normal girl. I shouldn’t be afraid of being seen.
    But it’s him . Tate. A human boy who has me reconsidering the human species … even if he does have a girlfriend. His body looks every bit as powerful and strong as Cassian’s, the prince of our pride. Which is saying a lot. I’ve been infatuated with Cassian just like most of the girls back home. Only I never showed it. What would be the point when he’s not interested in me? When he’s in love with my best friend? I’m not going to be that pathetic girl.
    But this boy isn’t Cassian. Then again, he’s just as off limits.
    Still … a small thrill races down my spine to be this close, in proximity with a boy who I don’t have to share with anyone else back home. He’s my little secret.
    He’s not my anything . We haven’t met. Haven’t spoken. He doesn’t even know my name. Precisely the way it should be. I don’t have any business trying to hurdle the gap between stranger and … well, anything else.
    It’s a sobering thought. Still, I don’t head for home. I can’t make myself do that. Not yet. Heart hammering in my too-tight chest, I peek around the tree for another look, my skin snapping taut, swimming with sensation. I don’t even blink. Just … strain for the sight of him.
    The same Jeep as yesterday with the row bar and lights on top sits parked there. He’s sitting on the shore, staringout at the water, his arms propped on his knees. I glance around, confirming that he’s alone.
    A myriad of questions wash through me. What’s he doing out here alone? Where are his friends? Did something happen to Anna? Is she not okay after all?
    I can only see his profile, but I study the chiseled features, the hard press of his lips. I follow his gaze to the water as though I can see whatever it is he’s thinking about there.
    My entire body leans forward as I try to get a better look, a better understanding of why his dark eyebrows draw low over his eyes in such an intent way. Like he’s concentrating. Or sad. Or … something . I don’t know. And not knowing kills me. I move forward another half step.
    Snap .
    I duck back behind the tree as his head swivels in my direction. My fingers dig into the rough bark, clinging like it’s my lifeline.
    “Hello?”
    His deep voice ribbons through the air, sliding over me like a warm current of water. I hold still, the pulse thumping hard in my neck as I debate my next move, wondering if he actually saw me, if he’s coming closer.
    “Who’s there?” His voice rings out. Yes. He’s closer.
    Swallowing hard, I push off the tree, diving into the foliage. Even as I flee, I know it’s irrational. I should just step out into the open. Act normal. Flirt with him like any human girl would do.
    I blame it on draki instinct. It has