Tanwen and one of the other Valkyries are sparring, and she gives me a little nod as I move to the mat. I guess we’re in a truce now.
“Olivia, you’re with Callan today.” Professor Hilda calls. “We’ve got to get you up to par.”
Callan argues with Hilda in a low voice, but she shakes her head. He scowls, before stomping over to me. “Until you’re able to show at least a modicum of an ability to defend yourself, we’re going to be working together.”
“I didn’t do too badly the other night,” I say in a low voice.
“You got stabbed. By a dark-infused weapon. How is that ‘not too badly’?”
I huff. “What is a dark-infused weapon anyway?”
“It’s a weapon made by the fae to hurt angels. There are light-infused ones also, which do extra damage to demons.”
“Great,” I mutter. I’m probably susceptible to both of them.
Callan looks me up and down slowly, like he’s trying to decide what to do with me. No way I’m going to make this easy on him, so I cock one hip and breathe deep so my breasts will push ever-so-slightly against my shirt.
“See something you like?” I place a pinch of husk in my voice, a great touch when seducing someone overtly. The trick is to be seductive without the target realizing you’re trying to turn them on. It must seem effortless and natural. I could just send some of my succubus magic at him, but where’s the fun in that?
“You’re not my type,” he growls. Liar, liar, pants on fire.
The desire coming off Callan is enough to wake up my succubus side. Even knowing I’m part demon, he still wants me—he just doesn’t want to admit it.
“Put your hands here,” Callan says, lifting my arms at the elbow. His fingers on my skin cause bolts of fire to shoot down my body, making it really damn hard to hold my arms exactly where he wants them. He’s affected too because he lets go of my arms as fast as he can.
“Now, when I move toward you, put your arms here.” Showing me how to best deflect his attack, I try to pay attention. Not an easy task.
We walk through the motions several times in slow motion, until Callan says, “This time, I’m coming at you at full speed. You ready?”
“I don’t think the bad guys will warn me.”
He takes my point and rushes me. Throwing my hands up at the right moment, I’m amazed to see him flip over my shoulder as I twist and curl.
“Nice work,” Callan says. Then he realizes he’s congratulating me, and his face darkens. “It’s about time.”
Jumping to his feet faster than I can follow with my eyes, he straightens his clothes and runs at me with no warning this time. I sidestep him, grab his arm and twist around, flipping him again. I wish I’d learned this move before fighting the demons the other night.
A flash of pride crosses his face, just for a second, and then it turns hard again. I hear a smattering of applause from around the gym and look away from Callan to see Professor Hilda and Araceli clapping. Even Tanwen gives me a little nod.
“Great job,” Hilda calls across the gym. “Practice the rest of the period.”
I turn triumphantly to see Callan giving me a deadpan stare, but the emotions coming off of him betray his thoughts. He’s thinking about doing things to me that don’t include me flipping him over my shoulders. He runs at me again without warning, and this time I don’t move fast enough.
I hit the ground and look up at him without any breath in my lungs. He looms over me, deadly and handsome, and I grin. “You just wanted to get me on my back, didn’t you?”
He grunts and gets off of me quickly. “No, I expected you to fight me off. Guess I should have known better.”
Whatever. I still managed to flip him twice, even if he got me the third time.
Through the rest of the class, he pins me two more times, but I flip him another three. And even though toward the end I’m growing exhausted, I’m triumphant. If those demons come for me again, I have another way to defend myself, thanks to Callan. Turns out, he’s actually a pretty good teacher, when he’s not being a dick. Maybe he’ll keep it up.
“Thanks for the help.”
“It’s my job.” He gives me a hard stare. “You obviously need a lot of help defending yourself.”
I roll my eyes and walk out. Nope, he’s still a dick.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Olivia
Once the Princes take interest in me, the rest of the school notices. The whispers and weird looks stop, and instead everyone starts acting really nice to me and Araceli. Suddenly the outcasts become the cool kids on campus, and all it takes is a couple of overprotective guys following me around all the time. They even invite the two of us up to the bell tower, and I find myself studying up there whenever I can.
As summer turns into fall, the football game against the fae rolls around, but Araceli isn’t up for it after what happened to Darel. I skip it to keep her company and watch movies while eating pizza, even though I’m dying to see a full-blooded fae in person. Faerie might be the key to finding my brother, but it’s not like I can just walk up to one of the fae and ask them if they’ve seen him. I highly doubt I’d learn anything at the game, and Araceli is more important.
It’s a shame I can’t watch Callan run around in those tight pants though.
I keep waiting to hear from the Order of the Golden Throne about the next trial, but so far they’ve been silent. I’m anxious to confirm my theory about Jonah, or uncover another member or two of the Order, but for now all I can do is wait.
We’re watching the newest X-men movie on the couch when Mystique takes the form of a politician, and I grin and nearly turn to Araceli and tell her about my brother. Then I remember she doesn’t know he’s my brother, and mentioning him now doesn’t seem like the best time somehow. Not when she keeps turning the volume on the TV louder and louder to drown out the cheers from the game outside.
But my mind wanders, and I can’t help but remember the last time I saw him.
Tap tap tap.
Jonah was flying outside my window, like he did the first time we met, except he was a lot bigger now. I opened the window up and laughed. “What are you doing out here?”
“Coming to see you, obviously.”
“You’re too big to fit through the window. Come to the front door like a normal person.”
“Oh, fine.” He went invisible as he floated to the ground. I waited a few minutes, and then he knocked on my apartment door.
I threw my arms around him before I could stop myself. I hadn’t seen him in months, not since he told me about Grace. He spent all his time at Seraphim Academy now.
“Hey now,” he said, surprised by my rare show of affection. “I missed you too.”
“Sorry, it’s been a rough day.”
“Rough? How come?”
“Oh, the usual stuff. Weirdos at the bar. And all I got was a card from Mother and a note from Father saying he’d be coming by to teach me to use my angelic powers soon.”
“Sorry, but I’m here now, so let’s get the party started.” He was carrying a brown shopping bag, and he pulled out a bottle of champagne. “Happy birthday, Liv!”
I laughed. “Thanks.”
“Have you gotten your wings yet?”
“No, not yet.”
“I’m sure you will soon. I heard most don’t pop out for two weeks. Hey, I got you something.” He reached into the bag again and handed me a pink mug that said, “I’m a fucking angel” on it. “It’s not much, but I thought it was appropriate.”
I clutched the mug with a grin. “Wow, Father is going to hate this.”
“That’s exactly why I got it. Along with a large tin of your favorite fancy coffee.”
“I love it. Thanks.” I gave him another hug.
He popped open the champagne, and we crashed on my bed and toasted to my 21st birthday. Then I asked him about school and he caught me up on things, like how he was still seeing Grace, and how he’d been studying up on the fae.
<
br /> “There’s something I need to show you too,” he said, sitting up. “Check out this thing I learned how to do.”
As I watched, his skin seemed to shimmer and crawl with light, and then his appearance changed, until he looked exactly like Father. I jerked back in surprise. “What…how? Is that an Ishim power? Father’s never mentioned that.”
“Nope,” when he spoke, he sounded like our dad too. Creepy. “You know how Father has special powers because he’s an Archangel? Turns out I have one too—I can change my appearance however I want. It’s easiest to copy someone I’ve seen and heard before, but I’m still experimenting.”
“Wow, that’s incredible. Do others know?”
“Only Grace and my friends.”
“Be careful. With a power like that, everyone will want you to be their spy.”
“Don’t worry about me.” He paused for a second, and then frowned. “Although there is something going on at school.”
“What do you mean?”
His face darkened, which was unusual for him. “I’m not sure, but I think it’s a good thing you’re not going to school there too.”
“Why?”
“They’re not a fan of demons there, for one thing.” He stared off into the distance, and I could tell something was troubling him, but then he turned to me and smiled. “But I’m probably worried over nothing. Let’s pour some more champagne.”
He must have been talking about the Order then. He knew they were up to no good, and was glad I wasn’t there to be involved in it.
It’s almost my 22nd birthday now, and all I want is to find him. I’m close though, I can feel it.
“You’re feeling hungry again, aren’t you?” Bastien asks me.
It’s been weeks since I had sex with Marcus, and even though he’s hinted many times that he wants to do it again, I keep turning him down. Not because I don’t want him, but because I’m worried about what might happen to him if we have sex a second time. I’ve never tested it before, and though I think he’ll be okay, I don’t want to hurt him.
“How can you tell?” I ask.
We’re having one of our afternoon library sessions, although since he found out I’m half demon he’s given up on uncovering my Choir and instead questions me about being a succubus. The guy is relentless, and I have to be extra careful with what I say around him, especially since he keeps bringing up Jonah.
“You’re more distracted than normal and your eyes are a little wild. Not to mention, you keep looking at my neck like you want to take a bite out of it.”
“I’m not that kind of demon.” He’s right though, and I hate that I’m so obvious. Then again, no other person has ever studied me as closely as Bastien has. It’s kind of an honor, having someone so focused on me. He’s borderline obsessed.
“No, but vampires and Lilim share many similarities. The hunger, for example.” He stands up and begins closing the blinds, even though the library is pretty empty. “You need to feed.”
“But Marcus—”
“Not on Marcus.” He finishes with the blinds, and moves to sit on the edge of the table in front of me, forcing me to look up at him. “On me.”
I swallow. I can’t say I’m not tempted, especially after our kiss, and Marcus did say he was okay with it, but I still hesitate. “Are you sure?”
He begins unbuttoning his shirt slowly, and I revel in every inch of skin he reveals. “Yes. But don’t take this as anything more than what it is—a business arrangement. I don’t have feelings for you. I don’t want to date you. This is just sex, and I’m only doing this because it needs to be done. Understand?”
My eyes narrow at him. “Fine with me. I don’t have feelings for you either.”
“Excellent. Let’s begin.”
I can’t stop myself. Reaching out, I slide my hands up his chest, enjoying the strong muscles underneath. He’s not huge like Callan or full of natural sex appeal like Marcus, but his sharp jaw begs to be licked. So, I do. In our private library room, I nibble Bastien’s jawline and barely contain my desire as he reaches around and lifts me by my ass. Wrapping my legs around him, I press my mouth to his. He kisses me thoroughly, just like he did the other time, and he’s such an expert with his tongue that it makes me wonder what else he could do with it.
He sits me on top of the desk, his fingers digging into my butt cheeks as he stands in front of it. Pressing his groin into mine, he grinds, causing delicious friction. It’s not enough and it’s too slow. I’m suddenly starving for him, and I’m not sure it’s all succubus hunger.
“More. Now.” Pushing him away in a show of strength that surprises him, judging by the look on his face, I grab his belt buckle and pop it open. I’ve had some practice at disrobing a man, and I’ve got his cock out within seconds. My mouth waters. I want to taste it, but I think that might break the “just sex” part of our arrangement.
But Bastien’s not content with letting me take charge, and he pushes me down. My back hits the desk with a thump, and then he’s yanking off my flats and tugging my jeans down my legs. My panties slide off next, and then he drags me down the desk until my ass is at the edge of it, and he’s spreading me wide. His fingers slide between my legs, and he finds me dripping wet. A wicked smile crosses his lips as he feels how hot I am for him, and I’m so over the arrogant look in his eyes. Or maybe it turns me on more, I’m not sure. Either way, I reach between us and grab his cock, positioning him so my wet slick slides down his length with ease. He fills me completely, large enough to give me a bit of stretch, which is delicious.
I’m lying back on the desk and he’s standing over me, looking down at me with his inscrutable gaze. The first time he moves inside me, I gasp. Bastien is excellent at everything he does, and I can already tell he’s not going to disappoint in this area either. He pulls out of me almost completely to the hilt, then slides back home so smoothly it makes me moan. He hits me deep inside with expert precision, and I’m tempted to touch him, but I grab onto the desk instead. I’ve still got my shirt on, his black slacks are still hanging off his ass, and everything about this encounter says this is just a quick fuck, except for how amazing it’s making me feel.
He starts moving faster and harder, slamming into me over and over, and I can’t help the sounds that erupt from my mouth. I wonder if any librarians or other students will hear us, and decide I don’t give a flying fuck at this moment.
I think he’s going to make me come without touching me at all, but then his fingers dip between us to find my clit. With a master’s touch, he takes me to new heights, even as he fills me with his cock. With his other hand, he slips under my shirt and begins teasing my nipples, almost like he can’t stop himself.
I can’t help myself either, and I wrap my legs around Bastien as I feed off him. With his fingers and cock stroking me, I scream out my orgasm, and he follows me a second later. His eyes close and his face changes, losing that cold exterior for just a second, as he pulses inside me. Drawing in his orgasm with mine, I suck the last little bit of sexual energy from him as he finishes us both off.
As soon as it’s over, he pulls out of me and turns away, tucking his cock back in his slacks. “I trust that will be sufficient to keep you sated for a while.”
He’s all business again. That was fast. Meanwhile, I’m still panting on the desk, my naked legs hanging off the edge it, with my shirt pushed up to my breasts. I manage to sit up and smooth my hair at least. “Yes. Thanks.”
He buttons his shirt back up, still not looking at me. I wonder why. Is he afraid I’ll see a hint of emotion in his cold eyes? Or is he worried he might actually feel something if he looks at me? “You’re welcome.”
He walks out of the room without another word, and I’m left to pick up my clothes alone. Try as he might to act unaffected, I can tell I’m starting to melt that hard, cold exterior of his.
.
Chapter Forty
Kassiel
I’ve been waiting on the bench for an hour before
Olivia shows up. It’s been a while since she visited me by the lake, and I was starting to think she wasn’t going to come anymore. When she sits beside me, I’m relieved. I see her every weekday in class, but that’s different because we don’t really interact. I’ve come to appreciate these quiet chats we have by the lake, and I felt almost hollow when she missed a few of them. If there wasn’t this power imbalance between us, I might even call us friends now.
“I haven’t seen you here in a while,” I say, studying her closely.
“Sorry, I’ve been kind of busy.”
“So I see.” For once, she looks like a well-fed succubus. Her hair is extra lustrous, her lips look fuller, her eyes are brighter. Even her breasts seem perkier. Olivia is always beautiful, but now she’s downright stunning…and I’m suddenly awash with envy knowing she’s this way because she’s been feeding regularly with some of the other students. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with the Princes.”
Her eyebrows dart up. “You know?”
I smirk. “Yes, we Professors do notice these things, and Hilda and Raziel love to gossip.” My voice turns serious again. “It’s good to see you looking healthier. I was worried you weren’t feeding enough before.”
I wait for her to deny it, but she lets out a long breath, and I sense she’s done with that game. “Thanks. It’s been a challenge to feed while I’ve been here, but it’s going better now.”
I sigh, knowing she spent months struggling while I did nothing. I feel like a total jerk, but I couldn’t risk getting caught. “I wish I could have helped you with that.”
Her eyes widen at me. “You do?”
I can’t help but reach out and touch her cheek, stroking her soft skin. “I’ve never stopped wanting you since that night. If it wasn’t forbidden, I would take you to bed again. Many times.”
Seraphim Academy 1: Wicked Wings Page 19
