Read The Spider Catcher (Redemption by A.L. Tyler Book 1) for Free Online Page B

mouth to say something, but Asher had grabbed her by the shoulders and quickly steered her through the door. Spinning lightly on his heel, Isaac gave Ember a glance and a fleeting smile before following.
    Standing alone on the street, Acton turned to face Ember. With a strange mix of anxiety and gratitude flooding her system, she smiled in relief. “Thanks.”
    “No problem.” He said lightly. He watched her patiently.
    Ember shrugged as she started to explain. “I don’t drink. I’m sorry, I’m not really popular or good at talking to people or making friends—“
    Acton broke out in a smile, and then laughed. “We’re not here to drink unless you want to. My mother owns the bar.”
    Ember blinked, looking back the bar door. “She does?”
    Acton nodded. “We visit her at work some nights. She’s always wanted to meet you."
    "Me?" Ember asked; no one had ever wanted to meet her. People simply knew her or didn't, and this woman most certainly didn't.
    Acton crossed his arms, leaning in toward her. "Because of your mom. She's...different."
    Ember looked at the ground; she hated being the center of attention. Her voice quavered. “She wants to know what's wrong with me, you mean."
    Despite Ember's quickly deteriorating mood, Acton’s tone stayed light. "I think most of us here would like to know what's wrong with your mother and sister. They want to congratulate you for getting out."
    Ember looked back up at him.
    “You're the first one to ever fight Gina and win. Everyone wants a look at the great Ember Gillespie.”  He said her name like she was more legend than reality.
    Ember only pursed her lips and nodded her head; they thought she was a freak, and they had brought her to town to put her on display. Acton had to duck down a little to see the frown on her face as she stared at the familiar sight of her shoes.
    “It’s not like that.” He said with another laugh. “You’re a hero here. You didn’t get sucked into her delusions like Thalia.”
    In her mind, her mother had won the day she had sent Ember away; she had never considered that it could have been her victory over Gina.
    “I’ll take you home if you like…” Acton said with a displeased frown. “Or we can go in the bar, say hello to my mother, and have some fun. Seeing as you’ve just broken free from the ivory tower, I would think you would want to do some living while you have the chance.”
    He stepped back away from her, and towards the bar door, laying one hand on the large, brass handle.
    For a moment, Ember looked out across the abandoned street of Main, on the tiny, lost island of Tulukaruk; it was easily the most exciting place she had ever been, and even as far as the night had progressed, the most adventurous thing she had ever done. It had taken a lot to push her as far as she had come, and she knew that if she turned back now, she might never have the opportunity again.
    She turned back to look at Acton.  He knew about her family, and still wanted to be her friend, because he understood. 
    “Well?” He asked.
    Ember walked towards him and nodded, hardly able to keep the excited smile from her face. Acton opened the door for her.
    She stepped into the bar, and Acton followed close behind her. The music was loud, the air smelled like beer and moldy peanuts, the flashing lights felt dirty, the shadows seemed dangerous, and Ember suddenly felt very small and out of her element. Through it all, Ember could still see the heads turn.
    “They’re looking at me.” Ember said quietly, her stomach knotting up.
    “You scare too easily.” Acton breathed into her ear from behind; she could hear the amused smile in his words. “They’re looking at me . Come on—I’ll introduce you to my mother. She’ll like you.”
    “You?” Ember asked, confused.
    Acton walked up next to her and winked. “The Knox reputation.”
    He started into the room, and she tried to stay close behind him. Asher, Isaac, and Kaylee were so absorbed in