Fire & Ice

ch. 11

JAMIE

It was official. This was the worst birthday in the history of birthdays.

I'd been held hostage, had my throat cut and skull nearly cracked open, been shot at more times than I could count, and been kicked out of my own city. Worst of all, my biggest dream hadn't even come true today, because I didn't become a Level One.

And now, to top it all off, we were being held at gunpoint by more crazy people.

The intruders were the same weird kids we'd seen at the store. I knew they were trouble...

"Okay, let's just calm down for a minute," Daniel said to the girl, holding his hands in the air. "What do you mean, "in your home"?"

"We have been living here for two weeks," growled the girl, probably the boy's sister. She had the same strong accent as the boy, as well as the same dark brown hair and bright, piercing eyes.

"This house is owned by our parents, so you're the ones who are trespassing," I snarled, turning toward the boy, who had his gun pointed at Daniel's head.

He seemed to recognize me as I turned, and he frowned, lowering the gun ever so slightly. I took my chance, reaching out and swiping it from him.

His jaw dropped as he raised his hands. "Whoa. You're fast, chica."

I turned the gun on him. "How did you find this house? Are you from the city?"

"For your information, we are from Puerto Rico," snapped the girl. "We were in search of new territory."

"Well, sorry, but this is our safe house. You can't live here anymore."

"Jamie," Daniel warned. "I think you've done enough talking."

I rolled my eyes, snorting. "I just saved your life."

"Look, my sister's right," Daniel told them. "This house is owned by our parents. But maybe we can reach an agreement if you put that gun down."

The girl hesitated but consented, keeping a tight grip on the red-headed kid attached to her right leg. Her wide green eyes flickered back and forth between us.

Payton sighed in relief as the gun lowered from off of her head, but then she burst into tears. So dramatic. Jas ushered her out of the room and back toward the kitchen.

"Jamie. Put your gun down," Daniel commanded. Control freak. I lowered the gun and stepped away from the boy. He didn't seem to be afraid. Even after the gun was gone, he wouldn't take his eyes off of me.

"Leave me alone!" I heard Payton yell in the distance. I groaned. I didn't understand why we couldn't just let her leave. She didn't want to be here anyway.

Daniel relaxed, looking at Izzy, Carol and me. "Why don't you two go help calm her down while we handle this?" Nat shifted closer to Daniel, and I realized they were kicking us out.

Izzy took a step away, but I didn't move a muscle. "I'm not leaving!"

"Jamie, give me the gun and go. I'm done arguing with you."

"Well, I'm not done--"

He leaned forward, getting in my face, and I saw his eyes flash to an icy blue as he snatched the gun away before I could finish. "Go. Now."

Izzy pulled me away. "Let it go, J. Come on."

By that point, I was seething, but I let Izzy and Carol drag me out. The boy watched me until I was out of sight.