by Melissa Haag
“How’s that going over?”
“Like shit, as you can imagine.”
“Do you want me to come help you?”
“Nah. You go to school and have fun with your new boy toy. I’ll tell you how it goes when you come over for dinner tonight.”
“That’s extortion.”
“Yep. Get used to it. I’m probably going to do it again to go dancing afterward, too. I want to do all the couple things. Plus, I want to check out Club Blayz. Pack a dress. I’ll see you after school.”
After hanging up with Megan, I went to the closet to pick out my clothes and called Mom.
“Is everything okay?” she asked. I loved her so much for her worry.
“It’s better than okay. Fenris spent the night with me. We didn’t have sex. Please let Dad know that we’re waiting.”
“Baby, don’t worry about that. Your father and I want you to be happy and healthy.”
“I think I’m both. I fed in my sleep. A lot. That’s part of why I wanted to call you. I know I haven’t been eating enough, but should I be feeling hungry even when I can feel I’m full?”
“With the right partner, yes. My hunger for your father is endless.”
I made a face and chose not to comment on that last bit of information.
“Can I overeat? I remember Adira saying something about you eating more than usual.”
“No, baby. We can’t overeat. Sexual energy is so different from human food. Yes, it nourishes us, but it also fuels us in a completely different way. Humans need to go to the gym to increase their strength. We feed. However, like humans, we have a natural limit to our gifts, so feeding won’t increase our abilities infinitely.”
“I wouldn’t mind being stronger. Or warmer.”
“You’ll be both and so much more when you’re well-fed. Don’t worry about overeating. Eat as often as you’d like.”
“But three feedings a day is normal?”
“For some. But don’t compare yourself to others. Listen to yourself. Recognize when you’re hungry, and eat. Okay?”
“I will.”
“Is there any chance that you and Fenris would be available for dinner tonight?”
“Oh. Sorry, Mom. I already made plans for dinner tonight, but I think Megan’s going to bully us into going to Club Blayz afterward.”
Mom laughed.
“Good. I know how much you love dancing. Tonight can be a redo for Friday night.”
“Will Fenris be able to get in without his mark?”
“I believe, given the circumstances, a permanent exception can be made for him.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll see you tonight.”
Before getting into the shower, I sent Fenris a quick text.
Me: Pack extra clothes. We’re having dinner with Megan and Oanen and then going dancing.
His reply was waiting for me when I was done.
Fenris: Wear the grey dress again.
I grinned and packed the grey one like he wanted. When I made my way downstairs, my thoughts were on the day ahead and not where I was going.
“Eliana, do you have a moment?”
The unexpected sound of Mrs. Quill’s voice when I entered the kitchen made me jump. Then I realized why she wanted to talk and turned toward her with a fair amount of guilt.
“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Quill. I know I should have let you know that Fenris was staying the night. I just got caught up—” The rest of what I was going to say died under the weight of her complete shock and burst of elation.
“He spent the night? With you?”
A flush crept into my cheeks as I reluctantly nodded.
“That’s not what you wanted to talk about?”
“No, but it is now. Did you feed from him?” she asked bluntly.
Guilt hit me hard.
“Yes. I know Raiden asked me to stay away from him, but Fenris told me—”
“Don’t even worry about Raiden, Eliana. You need to eat. I’ve seen you and Fenris together. He’s good for you.”
I gave her a small smile.
“That’s what Mom said, too.”
“I’m so proud of you, Eliana.”
“Thank you. Given the opposition, though, I’d prefer not to make a big deal of it.”
“Of course. That’s completely understandable.”
“What did you want to talk to me about?”
Mrs. Quill’s joy dimmed a bit.
“Never mind about that. I’m sure it was nothing.”
“If you wanted to talk to me, it’s probably something. And, as Fenris has recently pointed out to me, running from hard topics doesn’t make them any easier later.”
“How wise of him.” She slid the extra mug she had waiting on the counter toward me.
I joined her and took a polite sip of the rich hot chocolate she’d made me.
“It’s about yesterday morning,” she said. “The way you commanded me to take you to the club was unsettling.”
“I’m so sorry. You’re absolutely right. I can’t believe I shouted at you like that. I was so flustered about Fenris and wasn’t thinking clearly enough to realize how demanding and rude I was being. My father raised me better than that. I swear it won’t happen again.”
She gave me an odd look.
“Yes. Of course. Perhaps next time you can ask.”
“I promise.”
She gave me a weak smile and spontaneously hugged me.
“You have a good heart, Eliana. No matter what the future brings, don’t ever let that change.”
I hugged her in return and promised that I wouldn’t.
“Will Fenris stay over again tonight?” she asked when she released me.
“If it’s okay with you.”
“Of course it is. I noticed some sandwich ingredients were missing when I looked in the refrigerator this morning. I’m assuming those were for him?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like to invite him to dinner?”
“We’ve already made plans to spend time with Megan and Oanen.”
“Then, I’ll make sure to have some things ready for late-night snacking if he should get hungry.”
I thanked her and hurried out the door.
The parking lot was fuller than I would have liked by the time I finally arrived. But the sight of Fenris pacing in the space where I usually parked brought a smile to my face. He waited impatiently for me to turn off the car and opened my door.
“Tell me you packed the grey dress.”
I shook my head at his concern and got out.
“I did.”
“I’m not going to be able to focus today.”
“Since you’re not actually here to learn, that shouldn’t be a problem. Where’s your bag?”
“I ran into some trouble this morning and asked the girls to bring it.”
My vision sharpened at the mention of the girls as a very ugly and irrational jealousy reared its head. I quickly ducked my head and squashed the unnecessary emotion.
“Sorry.”
With a gentle nudge under my chin, Fenris lifted my gaze to his.
“The scent of your jealousy makes me want to do all the best things.”
“Like what?”
“Considering where we are, I’ll keep my fantasies to myself. For now. Just don’t ever try to hide these bold, beautiful eyes from me. Okay?”
I rolled my eyes, not that he could probably tell, and agreed.
The thump of loud music drew our attention to the convertible. The car was still moving when Jenna grinned at us and leapt out of the back. She tossed Fenris his bag before landing gracefully on her feet.
“As you requested,” she said. “Where are you two going that you need extra clothes? You know what? Don’t answer that. I can’t be forced to tell what I don’t know.”
“But if it’s something we can join in on at the last minute, we’re willing,” Willow added as she approached.
“We’re having dinner at Megan’s and then going da
ncing at Club Blayz.”
Fenris groaned. “You shouldn’t have told them.”
“Don’t be rude.”
“He’s not,” Jenna said. “He knows I’m right. When he doesn’t come home with us, Raiden is going to want to know where he is and will probably command us to tell the truth.”
“If Fenris hadn’t run when he had, he’d probably be locked in his room right now,” Laurel said with a sympathetic look at Fenris.
I looked at him, too.
“Why?”
“Dad still thinks I’m under your influence. He’d keep me under lock and key until Saturday if he could. Despite the fur, I’m not into cages.”
“Maybe you should—”
“Don’t even say it.”
“—go home and talk to him,” I finished. “Fenris, avoiding him isn’t going to make things better.”
“Neither is staying away from you.”
A hint of desperation and worry layered in with his lust, and I sighed.
“I’m not suggesting you stay away.”
“He is. That’s why I’m not going home.” His gaze shifted to the girls. “Until after I’m done dancing the night away in the presence of Eliana’s mother, who is extremely fond of the relationship I have with Eliana. You might even say irrationally protective.”
“Got it,” Jenna said with a grin. “See you two in class.”
The three of them walked away, and Fenris threaded his fingers through mine.
“Ready for a fun day filled with board games?”
“Why did we even come here if we’re just going to spend the whole time in the red room?”
He grinned at me as we slowly followed in the girls’ wakes.
“It’s part of your curriculum, and I’m obligated to help you study. You want your mark, don’t you?”
“Honestly, I’d kind of quit hoping I’d ever get it. Do you think the Council will vote to give us both our marks once they realize you’re telling the truth?”
“It’s hard to say with them.”
I could hear the hesitation in his voice.
“Do I need to keep reminding you to give the same unconditional honesty that you’re demanding of me? What aren’t you saying?”
“Let’s wait until we’re in the room,” he said.
I glanced around the crowded halls and accidentally met Eras’s gaze. I didn’t know what came over me, but my vision sharpened suddenly, and I had the overwhelming urge to say nasty things to the incubus. He seemed to know it, too, because his eyes darkened in return. Only the irises, though.
“Weak,” I said softly.
“Hey, are you with me?” Fenris asked, giving my hand a gentle tug.
I realized I’d stopped walking.
“Sorry. I’m with you.”
Once we reached the red room and the door was closed, I repeated my question about what he was keeping from me.
“I know Dad won’t vote to give me my mark until I’m fully mated. Maybe they’ll give you yours, though, if you prove that you’re feeding consistently.”
I made a face.
“What good is a mark when I can’t take my happy meal with me?”
His grin was contagious, and I laughed when he wrapped me in his arms and gave me a spinning hug.
“That’s the right answer, chipmunk.”
“Am I keeping that pet name because you think I’m still going to run away or because you’re hoping I will?”
He stopped spinning us but didn’t let me go as he groaned and buried his nose in the crook of my neck.
“You tempt me enough with the way you smell. If you start teasing me with words, I’m not sure what I’ll do. We should find out.”
I laughed and tugged myself free of his hold.
“Or maybe not. What game do you want to play first?” As I spoke, I pulled in some of his lust. Casually feeding from him like this compared to how I snacked on popcorn while watching a movie. It was a little mindless, but oh so satisfying. Especially when his steps slowed, and he got that wistful, far-off look on his face.
“Any game you want,” he said. “But today, we make the betting more interesting.”
An hour later, I was down to my last card in the longest game ever of War.
“Start thinking about how you want me,” Fenris said. “Remember, a second kiss is just as important as a first one.”
“You were this confident fifteen minutes ago, and I didn’t lose then. Maybe you’ll be begging Mags for chocolate instead.”
“Doubt it. Come on. Show me what you have.”
I laid down my five of diamonds and groaned when I saw his seven.
He didn’t even waste any time gloating. He jumped up and strode to the bed.
“Naked? Partially naked? Lying down?”
“Uh, how about none of the above, and get away from that bed? You don’t know who’s been using it.”
He leaned in and gave the sheets and pillows a good sniff.
“No one. All I smell is Adira’s magic.”
“I’m still not getting on that bed with you. Not in school where anyone can show up.”
“Come on, my little love sponge. Show me what you got.”
I wrinkled my nose at him and decided to give him all the teasing he seemed to crave. Standing, I strolled toward him as I fed. His pupils dilated with each pull. When I reached him, I trailed a finger over his shirt, feeling his muscles twitch under my touch. I continued feeding, taking what he freely gave, and noted the change in his flavor.
“What are you feeling right now?” I asked.
“I’m so horny I could cut steel with my—”
I clapped a hand over his mouth.
“Not that. Your taste changed. It went from lava cake to Boston cream pie.”
His brows rose, and he kissed my palm before removing my hand from his mouth.
“Interesting. You keep telling me when my taste changes, and we’ll figure out an emotion flavor chart. Right now, I’m feeling some pretty serious need and a lot of longing for what I know the future will bring.”
“What’s that?”
“You, me, a red dress, and the woods.”
“So you fantasize about wearing pretty, red dresses as we stroll through the trees?”
He chuckled.
“You are my fantasy, Eliana. Always you.”
I smiled at him and wrapped my arms around his neck. My heart was hammering a mile a minute, which I knew he heard when he leaned his forehead against mine.
“You choose,” he whispered.
I stood on my tiptoes and brushed my lips against his. His breath caught, and that slight hitch was enough to stir my hunger. But thanks to all of the light feeding I’d been doing, it didn’t control me. I controlled it. Tilting my head, I reveled in the feel of Fenris against me. His taste changed again, but I didn’t pull away to ask about it. Instead, I opened to him. With a groan, he took over my light, teasing kiss and turned it into a sultry game of tongue and teeth.
When the door opened, I was no longer standing on my toes. My legs had wrapped around his waist, and my hands were buried in his hair while he gripped my backside.
With a gasp, I tore my lips from his and untangled myself in a hurry.
“So sorry to interrupt,” LuAnn said. “I wasn’t sure you two were in here. Carry on.”
She left as quickly as she’d appeared, and I looked at Fenris with wide eyes.
“And I’m guessing that’s the last time I’m going to get a kiss in this room.”
I nodded shakily and swallowed hard.
“Come on, chipmunk. Let’s find something else to do.”
Chapter Twelve
At lunch, we left the red room so Fenris could eat. Since neither of us had thought to pack any food, we stood in line. He convinced me to take a tray, too, and asked for double of everything for himself.
“Was I taking too much from you?” I asked quietly.
“Never. I’m always hungry.”
I doubted he w
as normally this hungry, though. Worried and wanting to confirm my suspicions, I looked around the lunchroom for the girls. They’d claimed a table near the back with Eugene.
“Let’s take a break and sit with the girls for a bit,” I suggested.
“Whatever you want,” he replied agreeably.
When we approached the table, I saw the girls all had double helpings of everything, too, and breathed easier about Fenris’s appetite.
“Hey, Eliana,” Eugene said from his place next to Jenna. The lust he was generating for her made me glad I wasn’t hungry. It also made me a little sad for him because she wasn’t generating nearly the same amount.
“Hi, Eugene. The Council decided it was safe for you to attend school again?”
“No. This is thanks to Megan. She said you’re the one who told her we humans were under house arrest. Thank you. I owe you big time. I would have gone crazy if I had to spend one more day locked up. Not that staying with Kelsey and Zoe was bad. There were perks.”
Jenna blushed a pretty shade of pink, and her lust notched up a little more.
“No problem,” I said. “How are Kelsey and Zoe? Have they given any thought to attending school?”
“A little. They’re still reading the books that Ashlyn gave them. I think they want to know what they’ll be encountering before they encounter it. I like learning through experience, like going to Blayz on Friday. I now know that sirens can do way more than sing to lure a guy in.”
“You’re lucky I was there,” Willow said.
He winked at her before focusing on me.
“Heard you guys are going out dancing tonight. If there’s ever a need for an underage human at the club, let your mom know I’m interested.”
I shook my head at Eugene.
“I really hope that Ashlyn comes back soon. You’re going to get yourself killed.”
“Don’t worry,” Jenna said. “We’re watching out for him.”
“Any chance you could watch out for me at the pack thing that’s going on this Saturday?” he asked her. “I’d love to go.”
“Eugene, the last place you want to be is in the woods with a bunch of lust-crazed werewolves,” I said. “If one of them doesn’t bend you over first, you’ll end up as puppy chow before the sun rises.”
“Werewolves want to turn humans gay too? Or is it another priming thing?”
Jenna choked on her drink, and Willow hid her face behind her hands as Laurel smacked Jenna on the back.
