You Bet Your Banshee by Danica Avet

out.” She shoved a window open and stepped onto the fire escape, sniffing the air. “Nothing yet.” She glanced at us over her wings. “Be careful.”
    She jumped and I heard the pop of her wings catching the wind. Ryvan didn’t let me watch her fly away. With our hands still linked, he hustled me from my apartment closing the door behind us.
    The soft thud of the door sounded like a chapter of my life coming to a close. Breeze mewled softly, but remained limp in my hold. As Ryvan tugged me down the hallway, I tried to remember that when a door was closed, a window opened. Yeah, right. More like the thud of the door reminded me that my head was on the chopping block.
     
    * * * *
     
    The shooter and shouter from earlier were long gone by the time we made it to the first floor. I didn’t hear any sirens which meant no one had played Good Samaritan and called it in. I hated when that happened. I also hadn’t seen the ogre, but his door had been closed. I hoped the vampires hadn’t killed him. He might have made me nervous, but I didn’t want anyone else dying because of me.
    Ryvan didn’t even let me ask. He shook his head. “No, we’re not calling the police. We need to stay out of sight and mind.” He started leading me down the block. “And you’re not chunky.”
    I snorted, stumbling over a beer bottle. Breeze mewled uncertainly; I empathized. The only time he went outside was when I took him to the vet and the last visit had seen two of his favorite body parts removed. I cuddled him closer trying to soothe him.
    “You aren’t. You’re lush.” Ryvan stated it simply, like it was fact. “And we aren’t going to run unless we have to. Running attracts attention. We will walk fast though, so are you ready?”
    Remembering the manic light in Gideon’s eyes, I knew none of Melosia’s minions would give up. I could never figure out how she inspired loyalty in people. Her cruelty knew no bounds. Then I realized it probably wasn’t loyalty that made people follow her; it was fear and the hopes they would be rewarded. Whichever the case was, her assassins wouldn’t stop, or slow down because I hated to run.
    I heaved a massive sigh. Looked like I’d have to power walk after all. “Yeah, I’m ready.”
    His teeth flashed white in the darkness of the street. “It isn’t that bad and if you get tired, I’ll carry you.” He squeezed my hand before lacing our fingers together. “I will get you to safety, Magda. I promise.”
    Well damn. When he said things like that, he left me feeling all ooey-gooey on the inside. My heart went all soft, my stomach tightened, and my nipples hardened. All because he promised to protect me. Who knew I was so easy?
    “Then what’re you waiting for? Let’s kick it in gear,” I told him in a gruff tone because I felt a little choked up.
    Gods, when had I become a sap?

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Chapter Ten
     
    Apparently my idea of walking and Ryvan’s were completely different because I jogged for a mile before I panted for a break. His answer was to sweep me into his arms and continue walking. I allowed it for now, but knew there was no way he’d be able to hold me for long. Breeze liked this position because he was able to curl up against my chest and rest.
    Poor kitty.
    “I never thought I’d be jealous of an overweight cat,” Ryvan rumbled.
    “Well, I’m sure he’d carry you if he could.”
    His laugh vibrated through me, sparking off all kinds of sappy, happy thoughts I shouldn’t be having at the moment. Knowing I shouldn’t feel this way didn’t help much though.
    “You’re not what I thought you’d be,” he said once his laughter died down.
    I tensed in his arms. “How did you think I’d be?”
    I had to clutch his shoulders when he shrugged. “When I was younger, my parents were approached by Queen Tamsyn about the prophecy. She gave me a portrait of you.” Oh gods, the only portrait sitting I’d ever had was when I was twelve. I’d had pimples galore, buck