Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5)

by Lauren Roberts

I cross my arms over my chest in an attempt to seem intimidating. “And if I’m not?” “Life is abundant with disappointment, I’m afraid.” He strides back toward me, voice deep and tone dull. “Now, it’s time I tell you why I saved your ass.” I pin him with a questioning look. “Yes, I have been wondering that. Because I’m getting the impression that it certainly wasn’t out of the goodness of your heart.” “Obviously not.” He crosses stained arms over his leathered chest. “Speaking of, why the hell didn’t you just phase into a building and lose the Imperial?” With a sudden urge to defend myself, I lift my chin. “Well, I… I never know what’s waiting on the other side.” I am then distracted by my dim surroundings, as though seeing them for the first time. We are standing in a crumbling building, deserted by everything but whatever creatures are likely crawling around. He stares at me for a stressful few seconds before stating, “Odd.” I can feel his eyes lingering over the length of me and would rather not know what it is he’s seeing. Possibly the sweat dotting my brow, or better yet, the mop of tangled hair falling from its already messy bun. I run my sticky hand down the side of my pants self-consciously, trying to rid it of the remaining honey clinging to my palm. When he finally looks away, his tone is suddenly serious. “All right, I… I need your help.”