Page 39 of Little Shake of Salt

Steel didn’t laugh. “You owe me one.”

“And? Maybe learn how to ask nicely instead of blackmailing me. Why won’t you go to my dad?”

“Because then everyone will know my business. And I love our family, but I like my privacy. And I know you. I know you’re not gonna listen about not using your powers.Clearly,given the three humans standing here.”

Layla scoffed. “What is your problem? You’re being such a dick.”

He shrugged. “So we have a deal, then.”

“Layla,” I interjected. “Wasn’t there a reason the Barista wanted you to stop? And with the Awakening?—”

Steel cut me a look that could have killed me, and it only pissed me off. But before I could swing, I felt Leo’s hand on my shoulder, giving me a gentle squeeze.

“I’m heading out,” Juliet said.

“Me too,” Leo agreed.

I grabbed my pastry bag, but lingered, even as Leo and Juliet fled quickly.

“I feel bad for whatever human ends up with you,” I said to him.

“Go home to your sea witch,” he snarled.

Before I could say anything, Layla launched herselfoverthe counter and had Steel pinned down on the floor. Her hair burst into flames, every shadow in the room surging to her as if she commanded them.

I stumbled back on my ass in shock.

I felt Marina’s concern for me tug in our bond, and sent her a wave of energy, promising that I was okay.For now.

“Layla!”Steel yelled. “You’re going to hurt me. I’m sorry. Release me.Please.”

“Layla,” I squeaked, staring at her in horror as Steel started to wail and squirm in agony. “Layla!” I shouted. “You’re hurting him!”

She wasn’t herself right now, but I certainly couldn’t stop her.

A ripple suddenly opened in the air beside them. The Barista emerged, but healsowas not what I’d imagined. A dark shadowy figure grabbed Layla and yanked her off Steel hard enough that she flew across the room and hit the wall.

“Oh gods,” I gasped, covering my mouth.

The Barista knelt over Steel as his shadow bolted over to Layla. I watched in shock, not sure how to help or what to do.

“Fuck,” the Barista sighed. “Gods fuck all of this shit. Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Steel wheezed. He clutched his chest as he sat up, his ears flattening against his head. He looked over at me apologetically. “Demi, I’m sorry. I’m not myself right now and I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I rasped. “Is Layla okay?”

He spun around and materialized next to Layla, who was crumpled on top of a table. There was aholein the wall.

The Barista immediately shook her, his panic clear. “Layla. Layla, wake up. I’m so sorry I used my shadow, but the form you were taking is dangerous. I’m so sorry.” His voice squeezed with pain. “Fuck, I’m so sorry.”

Layla let out a long groan and sat up, some of her hair singed. “Damn it. Steel, are you okay? I don’t know what happened.”

“I’m okay, Layla. I’m sorry,” he said immediately. “I’m going into a rut and it’s turning me mad. I didn’t mean to push you. I’m not normally like this.”

The Barista helped Layla stand and they walked back to Steel, pulling him to his feet.

I was still flat on my ass, though. I was pretty sure my legs were jelly at the moment. I’d never seen anything like that in my life. Were the shadows and fire a Grim Reaper thing?