Read Online The Final Formula by Becca Andre - Free Book Online Page B

he could turn me to ash with a thought.
    I refused to let him intimidate me. “That’s not the only potion on my person.”
    His eyes slid down over my black robes, lingering on the snug bodice. Heat rose in my cheeks as I remembered the night before.
    “I may be a one-trick pony, but it’s a doozy of a trick. Are you certain you wouldn’t like to stay?” His lips curved into a smug smile.
    Why hadn’t I recognized what that cocky attitude meant last night? The man hadn’t been remotely concerned about my presence in his kitchen.
    “Tempting, but no thank you, Your Grace.” I turned away and James dropped the cloak around my shoulders.
    “You thought I burned the Alchemica,” Rowan said.
    I glanced over my shoulder as I hooked my cloak.
    “And if you’d been right?”
    I turned to meet his stare. “I would have avenged them.”
    “By killing me.” He looked more amused than concerned. Bastard.
    “You don’t think I would?”
    He studied me a moment. “I think you’d try.”
    “Ah, you don’t think I could.” I snorted. “Tell me Rowan, are you immortal?”
    He gripped the arms of his chair. “Yes.” The cords in his neck stood out again. He hadn’t wanted to reveal that.
    I blinked. Whoa. How could that be? “Magic hasn’t been back long enough for you to know that.”
    He glared at me, and the orange ring ignited around his pupils. A muscle in his jaw ticked and then the light winked out. I still had him under my control, but with the strength of his will, he’d probably break free before the potion wore off.
    I gave him a smirk of my own. “Thank you for your time, Your Grace.” I didn’t bother to curtsy before I led James to the double doors. Hand on the knob, I looked back, “Don’t move, and don’t call for help.”
    “This isn’t over, alchemist.” He glared at me from his seat.
    “Sure it is.” I smiled. “Nice to see you again, Rowan.” I pulled the door open and left the room.

    “That was completely insane,” James muttered as we started down the hall.
    “You mentioned that earlier.” I lengthened my stride to keep up with him. “And who are you to criticize?”
    “You weren’t quick enough. He drew power.”
    “So you grabbed him?”
    We walked into the foyer and I gave the receptionist a smile and a wave. She returned my smile, unaware that I’d left her lord and master immobile in his posh office. James held the door for me, and we stepped out onto the porch.
    “For someone whose blood is toxic, you jump into a fight awfully quick.” I glanced over and caught his frown. “What if someone scratched you?”
    “I don’t bleed that easily.”
    A cool October breeze tugged at my hair, and I pulled my cloak closer. I followed James down the front stairs, our shoes clomping on the wooden steps. He slowed to let me catch up when we reached the front walk. I expected him to speak, but he didn’t.
    “And?” I prompted.
    He pulled his keys from his front pocket, and they jingled before he closed his fist around them. “There needs to be iron present.”
    “Iron? As in cold iron?” I smiled, but he kept his eyes on the sidewalk. “You don’t look like a fairy.”
    “Not like that.” His frown deepened, but he didn’t elaborate.
    Damn, why did he clam up anytime the conversation touched on his magical abilities? I didn’t get it, and I never would if he wouldn’t talk.
    We started across the small paved lot heading for the car. “Will you tell me more?” Waiting for him to talk to me wasn’t working. I decided to try honesty. “Old Magic fascinates me.”
    The keys jiggled and he gripped them again. “My blood has an affinity for iron. If it pierces my skin, my blood is drawn to it and will follow it back through the opening.”
    “Only iron? What if something else pierces your skin? Say, a finger nail?”
    “I don’t bleed.”
    “No way.” I stopped by the passenger door. “Are you serious?”
    James grunted and bent to unlock my