Corviticus University: Void

by J. E. Cluney

  “She was so scared near the end, when he kidnapped her. She just wanted to go home and be with her family,” I said, my throat constricting as the tears tumbled forth.

  “At least now she finally can be. They can bury their daughter and have closure,” Skip said, tightening his grip on me as he rubbed my back.

  I closed my eyes, taking solace in his warmth as I cried softly. I fought back the sobs, sliding my arms around him as I buried my head in his chest.

  “The guys get so worried about you when you slip into the void. That’s what they’ve been calling it. Your eyes go black when you do, and you get this unique power radiating off you. They say they can’t see, feel, or hear anything from you while you’re in there, which scares them,” Skip said.

  “The void. My banshee side,” I murmured.

  “Does it scare you?” Skip asked as he finally released me, wiping my tears away gently with his hand.

  “No. It did at first, but not now. Not now that I’ve accepted it. It’s a part of me, and I feel… at ease a bit. It’s my own space, a place for me to find the truth and my power. I know I’m safe there,” I tried to explain.

  He just nodded, those soft blue eyes scanning my face as he cupped my cheek.

  “You’re safe when you’re with us,” he reminded me.

  “Mr Brady didn’t mention the wendigo at all. I guess they still can’t find him,” I murmured, knowing it was playing on his mind. All the guys had thought about it at one point or another, but I’d kept it at the back of my mind as I worked on this case, focusing on finding out the truth for Samantha.

  I reached for my tea, taking a few more sips as Skip gave me a tender smile and let his hand fall from my face.

  “Do you think you’ll be okay at work tomorrow?” he asked.

  “I have to be,” I shrugged.

  “I’m sure they’d understand if you called in sick.”

  “No, I won’t do that to them. I’d rather the distraction,” I said honestly. “I just hope Mr Brady lets me know what the outcome is.”

  “He will,” Skip nodded firmly. “Do you want some dinner? We made up bacon and eggs, but I can make you some now if you’d like?”

  “Thanks, I think I’ll just rest for a little longer. I’ll come down soon though. I have another assessment that I should work on, so I’ll try to get my head in the right space to do that too when I come down,” I said as I took another mouthful of the sweet tea.

  Skip got the hint as he nodded. “You just rest. Yell out if you need anything, Bee Sting.”

  I smiled at the permanent nickname, thanking him as he rose and headed for the door. He was worried about me too, but unlike the guys, he didn’t have a direct link to me.

  I headed downstairs when I’d finally gotten my emotions in check as best as I could. I carried my empty mug, grateful for the tea from Skip that had relieved me of my queasiness. Now, I was hungry, and even if sorrow still washed over me, I needed to eat and stay on top of things.

  “Hey, how are you feeling?” Marcus greeted me in the kitchen.

  “Okay,” I shrugged as I popped the mug in the dishwasher.

  “You did the right thing. I know it’s hard, but now her family finally has answers,” he said as he strode over to pull me into a sweet embrace. I shivered involuntarily at his coolness, but I loved the feel of his body pressed against mine.

  Safe. I always felt safe in his arms.

  “I don’t know if it’s something I can do,” I murmured. I’d been so excited to help with cases, to solve deaths and whatever else I could assist with. But after having actually done it, I wasn’t too sure I wanted to do it again.

  “And that’s okay, there’s no rule that says you have to,” he murmured as he kissed my neck sweetly.

  I sighed as he pulled back, those icy eyes crinkling at the edges as he smiled at me.

  God, he looked so good when he smiled.

  “But I might be the only one who can.”

  He just pursed his lips at me, and I knew he was allowing me to decide for myself.

  As much as it was difficult, I could help out families. Give closure and find answers. Sure, it wasn’t fun, it would be hard, but without me, they may never find out the truth. Like Samantha’s family. They’d not known what had happened to their little girl for years.

  My chest tightened at the thought of their pain and grief they’d feel when they learned the truth.

  “They’ll be relieved too. They’ll finally know where she is and what happened. The not knowing can be so much worse,” Lucas said as he joined us in the kitchen.

  I nodded softly as Marcus still held me, smiling sadly at me.

  “Do you want some dinner?” Skip asked as he stepped in after Lucas.

  “What’s on offer?” I asked, trying to force a smile at the friendly offer. Skip was giving me a bright smile, but I knew he was just trying to make me feel better.

  “Bacon and eggs, unless you want something else?” he said, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

  “Bacon and eggs sounds good,” I said, loving how his face lit up at the chance to do something for me.

  Lucas was watching him affectionately, and Marcus sighed as he leaned forward and planted a soft, cool kiss to my forehead.

  “I should find Ollie and try to work on my assessment. I know he’s still working on it too,” I remarked. I’d peered into Ollie’s head on the way down, and found him in the library room studying and working on his assessment piece.

  “I’ll grab your things and bring them to the library,” Marcus said thoughtfully, and he was gone before I could blink, only the swift rush of air informing me of his departure.

  “We’ll get dinner sorted,” Lucas gave me his gorgeous lop-sided smile.

  “Thanks,” I said, grateful for how helpful and understanding they all were.

  My mates.

  I hesitated, trailing my eyes over Skip. Not quite my mates. I hadn’t claimed my last one.

  Lucas caught my eye, hearing my thoughts as he gave me an intrigued look.

  Not tonight. I was in too much of an emotional state. But soon. If Skip was willing.

  I headed to the library, finding Ollie on one of the armchairs, frowning at his textbook.

  “How’s it going?” I asked as I sat on the other armchair.

  “Slow,” he mumbled, those amber eyes flicking up to me. “I’ll do better with you here though.”

  “Why’s that?” I asked as I pulled my feet up under me.

  “I just will,” he smiled warmly, and I could see the wave of relief flood through his eyes. He’d been worried about me too. I knew he’d also argued with himself about coming up and cuddling me as I rested. He just wanted me to feel better.

  Hell, I probably would’ve liked that, but I also needed the time alone with my own thoughts.

  “I’m sorry it was so distressing,” he said, noting my frown.

  “Don’t be. I wanted to do it. I’ll get past it. I know I did the right thing, she’ll get justice now. And everyone will have closure,” I said, more to remind myself than anything.

  “I’m glad you’re seeing the positives,” he said softly.

  “I have to focus on them,” I stated. Otherwise my mind would dwell on the horrid images of Samantha’s last moments.

  Marcus appeared, handing me my textbooks and notebook along with my printed assessment pages, and I thanked him with a kiss on the cheek as he bent over to sit them on my lap.

  He just smiled, nodding at Ollie before flitting off. He had some of his own studies to do.

  I jumped as my phone sounded off, and I found it in my back pocket.

  Emma.

  God, I’d been neglecting our friendship. She’d been texting me Monday night, all excited for her date that night. It had gone over extremely well, and she’d even kissed him.

  But she was also worried about me since I’d found Derek’s body, and had checked in daily via text.

  Not that I even thought much about it now
. Sure, it crept into my mind here and there, but it just didn’t affect me as much anymore. I hoped Samantha’s death became like that. Maybe it was because she was so young and innocent that it really got to me.

  I’d updated Emma on the case file, but I hadn’t seen her much this week. She’d been spending a lot of time with George.

  She was texting me to see if I wanted to catch-up Sunday after my morning shift. I did want to see her and talk to her in person about everything that had happened, so I shot her a text back, asking how things were going with George.

  It pinged back almost instantly.

  ‘Great! He’s so sweet and funny. We’ll be going out again tomorrow night. I might finally do a little more with him. In the sexy sense ;)’

  I snorted at this, unable to stop the grin from hitting my face. She really did like him. At least he seemed like a nice guy.

  “He’s a quokka,” Ollie smirked.

  “And?” I just gave him a strange look.

  “They’re naturally friendly. Everyone loves them,” Ollie shrugged. “I’m sure he’s nice and all, but they’re one of the many shifters who naturally draw others to them.”

  “So he could be a player?” I translated that too.

  “No, probably not. They are loyal. Although if she wants to be a mother, she’ll be grateful she’s not a quokka,” Ollie grinned.

  Now I was curious.

  “Why?”

  “When threatened, mother quokkas will throw their babies at predators to distract them and save themselves,” he chuckled.

  “That’s terrible! Please tell me shifter quokkas don’t do that,” I said, horrified at the thought of George pegging a newborn at an aggressive male as he ran away. It was amusing, but distressing.

  “Thankfully, no. Although they can be very lax parents,” Ollie said, grinning as he saw my train of thought.

  “We have some seriously weird shit here in Aus,” I muttered.

  “Tell me about it,” Ollie grinned.

  I sighed as I eyed my assessment papers, knowing I really needed to make a decent start on them.

  I flipped open my textbook, perching my notepad and pen on the arm of the chair as I began reading through it and figuring out how to begin my assessment.

  Ollie fell silent as he got back to his work too, but I’d only just started jotting down my thoughts when Skip strode in.

  “Dinner for the beautiful lady,” Skip beamed as he offered me the plate.

  I moved to make room, but all my papers and books floated off my lap and settled in a neat pile on the floor. I just shot a look at Lucas as he joined us, holding a glass of juice for me.

  “I might go grab my stuff and study with you guys if you don’t mind?” Skip said as he set the plate down on my lap.

  I drew in the delicious fragrance of perfectly cooked bacon and fried eggs. He’d even buttered me a slice of toast. How sweet.

  “Go ahead,” I said, noting that Skip was waiting for the acceptance of studying with us. He didn’t need to ask.

  “And thanks for dinner!” I called out as he headed back out into the hall.

  “I’ve never been with a quokka, I wonder what they’re like,” Lucas mused as he sat down on the lounge.

  “You can’t steal him. He’s Emma’s,” I said firmly, already knowing he was wondering if he swung both ways.

  Hell, I doubted Emma would care.

  “Wow, and it wouldn’t bother you in the slightest if they wanted a threesome?” Lucas smirked at my inner ramblings.

  I considered it for a moment. Emma was my friend. But I didn’t want to share my guys with her. Sharing with other guys was different. It wasn’t the same as being with another woman in my opinion. And being with each other was just a turn-on for me.

  “I guess so,” I admitted as I bit into my toast, following it with a piece of both egg and bacon.

  “I don’t want to do anything that you wouldn’t be comfortable with,” Lucas said seriously.

  “I don’t mind you playing with outside guys,” I shrugged, loving the way he smirked.

  Speaking of, none of them had even masturbated today. I’d awoken some mornings to a sudden onset of arousal, and had a strange dreamlike orgasm as one of the others took it upon himself to deal with his morning wood. In turn, dealing with the others as well.

  Being linked through all things sexual sure was making things interesting. I had to shower most mornings now.

  “Yeah, it’s… definitely different,” Lucas agreed, those heated forest green eyes on me.

  Looks like I’d awoken him with the dirty thoughts.

  “I have to work on my assessment,” I said firmly through a mouthful of bacon and eggs.

  “I know,” Lucas sighed, turning and watching Skip with a devilish smile.

  Skip faltered as he noticed the look, and he chewed his lip, a look of complete knowledge on his face.

  “No, don’t,” I groaned, but Lucas was already standing up.

  Lucas’ phone sounded off, and I praised the heavens for the distraction.

  He turned serious as he answered it, and I knew instantly that it was his father.

  He headed out into the hall, and I quickly polished off my plate before heading into the kitchen to add it to the dishwasher, my stomach churning at what the call could mean.

  When I returned, Skip was on the lounge with his textbook, and Ollie was glancing out the doorway to where Lucas was standing on the phone.

  I knew what the verdict was before Lucas even came back in to let us know.

  Mr Barlow was going away. My memories would serve as sufficient evidence, along with her body. Her family has been informed, and it had been an emotional ordeal for Mr Brady to see, but they were grateful to finally know.

  It was a clear-cut case, and he knew they would get a guilty verdict before the supernatural court later on in the week. I was surprised that it was so soon, but it looked like the supernatural side of things was something that was managed and handled in a more timely manner than standard courts. I knew some things could take years in normal courts. Not for supes.

  Relief washed over me at this news. He’d be going away for a long time. And he was obviously terrified of me too, something Mr Brady had picked up on. Which was a good thing in my opinion. I didn’t need an angry criminal after me should he ever be released.

  Banshees were so rare, and were associated with death, that most supes would be terrified of me I realized.

  I guess that was good if I wanted to continue helping with cases.

  I also knew Mr Brady had even asked how I was doing. It was interesting that he cared that much. It made me feel sorry for Lucas, who’d been rejected by him. At least they were talking now, even if it was on business terms.

  And he was the Area Enforcer, so I guess he had to check up on me.

  “You got all that?” Lucas asked as he rejoined us.

  “Yeah,” I nodded as I reached for my textbook and retook my place in the armchair.

  “Good. I’m glad he called as soon as he’d shared everything with the legal team,” Lucas said as he leaned against the desk.

  “Hey, you guys heard about the charity event on in a few weeks time? It’s on the weekend, looks like a music festival with magic shows and whatnot,” Skip asked as he flipped through the pages of his textbook.

  I just shot a look at Ollie, who was now scowling.

  “Yeah, we’re going,” Lucas grinned, and I turned my attention to that mischievous glint in his eye.

  “Security will kick us out,” Ollie grumbled.

  “What, why do I feel I’ve been left out of something important?” Skip frowned, his curious blue eyes flicking between the pair.

  “Because you have been?” I said, sighing as his frown just deepened. “Ollie’s sister informed us that his mother is banning them both, hell, I’m assuming she’ll be banning all of us,” I muttered. Only true supes were welcome, I’m sure I was not included in that predetermined list.

  “
It’s a charity event for the town, she can’t ban anyone,” Skip shook his head in disbelief.

  “Yeah, well, she’s running it and hosting it or whatever, so she can,” Ollie shrugged as he tried to focus on his textbook.

  “I’m going, I don’t care what she said. This is my town too, and if she thinks she can stop me, she’s got another thing coming,” Lucas grinned wickedly, and I knew he was up to no good. He’d use his magic to get in, and considering his family were the only warlocks in town, I doubted there’d be heavy magic protecting the event.

  Ollie just grumbled in frustration. There was no stopping Lucas when he was set on something.

  “I won’t go, I don’t see the point,” I said. If I was unwelcome, I was not going to slot myself into it.

  “Oh no, you’re our mate, you’re coming. They need to learn that we’re just as much a part of this community as they are. Besides, I think my father likes you. He’ll be disappointed,” Lucas smirked.

  “Guys, can we just stop—”

  I flinched as I felt the magic engulf Ollie before I saw it.

  Skip groaned, and Lucas just mumbled in annoyance.

  It was nothing compared to the waves of utter frustration rolling off the ginger and white cat as he scrambled out of his shirt and perched on the arm of the chair.

  ‘I had an assessment to do,’ he moped.

  “Not any more,” Lucas clucked his tongue.

  I just gave the small feline a sad smile. It wasn’t caused by a wave of emotions either, so the calming spell he’d do with Lucas wouldn’t work. Sure, he’d been displeased, but he wasn’t too worried about the upcoming event.

  “Were you just reading the second chapter?” I asked.

  Ollie nodded, his ears twitching in frustration as his tail flicked around.

  “Here, come sit with me, you can read with me,” I suggested.

  Ollie made a soft sighing sound of annoyance before leaping across to my armchair and climbing onto my lap.

  I held the book out, still rereading the chapter and taking down the notes necessary for my assessment piece. I also had all my notes from the lectures, and I had a rough idea of what to do.

  “You can use my notes if you want,” I said as Ollie laid down in my lap, his head held high as he read the pages with me.