Nightworld Academy Box Set 1

by L. J. Swallow

  "Besides, I don't get out much, do I?" There’s a bitterness to his tone that stops me arguing.

  "I should talk to Tobias," I say to Amelia as Jamie wanders towards the kitchen. "I don't understand why he reacted like that to me."

  She jerks her head between the two of us. "He’s leaving."

  "I’ll go after him."

  "Uh. Maybe wait until tomorrow?" I make to stand and she curls her fingers around my arm. "Please. What if he tries to lure you into his room?"

  I splutter. "He wouldn’t do that."

  "He did before. I think Tobias is looking for an excuse to get his hands on you."

  "Shush! How many drinks have you had, Amelia?"

  She pouts. "One!"

  Vincent’s table grows louder as the group begins a drinking competition, loudly whooping as they egg each other on, each attempting to drink a glass quicker than the others.

  Amelia glances nervously at those around her. Nobody has spoken to her—or any of us—and my discomfort grows too. Her cheeks are flushed and eyes dulled by the alcohol. She gulps down the brown liquid in her glass and rubs her mouth. Lipstick smears across her face.

  "Did you drink before you came here tonight?" I ask. "Amelia…"

  "I was stressed about coming here," she mumbles. "Needed some Dutch courage."

  "That obviously hasn't worked. Did you want to leave?" I ask. "I can walk back with you."

  "Soon." She stares into her glass.

  "Is this drinking only about the party?"

  Her mouth turns down at the corners. "No. It’s Matt."

  I avoid speaking about Matt with Amelia, because I’m always worried that I’ll say the wrong thing and make her feel worse. "How is he?"

  "In Ravenhold. How do you think?" She squeezes her eyes closed. "Sorry. That was rude. He’s not coping there."

  "Have you spoken to him recently?"

  "A couple of times. It’s bloody unfair nobody can visit residents. Doesn't that worry you—what the hell do they do to people there?" Amelia’s eyes glisten.

  I chew my lip. Somebody knows the answer to that—Tobias. He opens the door and steps out. Do I follow him, or stay with my distressed friend?

  There’s only one correct choice.

  "I’m sorry, Amelia."

  She stares into her glass. "Did you know that I do more than talk to him on the phone?"

  I nod. She’s told me before about their psychic connection—a ‘witchbond’ gives them an unusual and intense connection. I’ve heard her accidentally mumbling their conversations but never clearly enough to catch the words.

  "Matt tries to hide how he feels when we connect, but I share his pain, Maeve. He refuses to tell me anything, but I’m scared he’ll react badly inside Ravenhold. Hurt or be hurt."

  "Matt’s strong, Amelia."

  "Is he? How do you know? You never met him."

  "Jamie told me he’s the sort of person who’d cope. That he’d shut down and follow the routine."

  Amelia snorts. "Matt wouldn’t toe the line if he felt threatened. He’s too proud."

  "But at least the magic won’t have a hold on him anymore, now he’s in rehabilitation."

  "I’m going to get Matt out of Ravenhold." Her voice slurs and she punctuates her sentence with a long drink.

  "That’s not possible, Amelia."

  "Anything’s possible if you know the right people." She blinks at the door Tobias walked through. "Like a certain professor."

  I lower my voice. "You think Tobias could get Matt out of Ravenhold? That’s mad."

  "Why? He got out. Maybe he knows how to help Matt."

  My heart splinters for Amelia, guilty how I become so caught up in myself I miss the unhappiness she hides.

  The pair have a bond I don’t understand—one that won’t break easily. One day, that bond needs to break. Matt could be held at Ravenhold for one year—or ten. Nobody knows, and Amelia can’t wait forever.

  "I will talk to Tobias," she mumbles and slumps back in her seat. .

  Would Tobias help? He doesn’t seem the type to assist people unless it benefits him in some way. Amelia could hope he has compassion for Matt’s situation, but I’m unsure that’s likely either.

  "You can always ask," I say and hope to sound encouraging.

  "Yeah, I will." She turns tear-filled eyes to mine. "I’ll free Matt. I have to. The place will kill him."

  Jamie appears from the kitchen with more drinks, and I beckon him over as she rests her head back on the sofa and closes her eyes.

  As he approaches, I stand. "I think one of us should take Amelia back to the dorm," I whisper.

  "But I wanted to—"

  "Jamie. She’s a mess. I don’t know what’s happening with Matt, but she’s not coping. Forget about Vincent for tonight. You can investigate him later."

  "What about you?" he asks doubtfully.

  "I’ll follow. I need to say goodbye to Ash first."

  Jamie perks up. "Good plan. You can check out Vincent. Try and read him."

  "Jamie," I say with a sigh.

  "No. Listen. You’re the only one of us who can get close to him without seeming weird, because you’re with Ash."

  "And do what? He’d know if I tried to use mental magic on him."

  Jamie rubs his lips together and sets the fresh drinks onto a nearby table. "Yeah, but you might sense something if you’re close enough. Try to touch him."

  "I don't think he’ll want to touch me, and I don't want him freaking out if I put my hands on him. Have you seen the way the guy looks at us?"

  "He wouldn't hurt you." But Jamie’s not entirely convinced—and neither am I.

  I chew on a nail and look down at the pink-cheeked, teary-eyed Amelia. "If you promise to stay with Amelia when you get back to Walcott, I’ll stay here and talk to Vincent."

  Jamie breaks into a relieved smile. "I’ll take care of Amelia. Then we can take care of Vincent."

  I attempt to smile back, but my stomach is in knots. What if I upset him? Vincent might ‘take care’ of me—of all my friends.

  I’m buying into Jamie’s theories about Vincent, but because I agree, or because I resent him and wish he’d leave Ash alone?

  Chapter Seventeen

  MAEVE

  After Jamie and Amelia leave, I’m as uncomfortable as if I stood naked in the place. I’m only alone for moments as I clutch my cold glass and scoot over to Ash. Vincent isn't around, but he must be back soon.

  Ash slings an arm around my shoulder and continues listening to his brother’s friend’s story, which includes graphic detail about his latest sexual conquest. He eyes me a couple of times, waiting to see if I’m embarrassed. I turn my back. The plan to get close to Vincent isn’t one I’m comfortable with. I’d rather get away from the group.

  "Ash?" I whisper and pull at his hand.

  He blinks down at me and I reach out to touch his face. "Come and talk to me."

  His eyes light up. "‘Talk’?"

  "Talk. Jamie and Amelia left, and I’m not keen on hearing any more of that guy’s story."

  "Des? Ignore him. He’s probably making up half of the story."

  I close my eyes. "I know I don’t have the right to be offended, but I can't listen to any more."

  Ash strokes my hair from my face. "Understood. Come on."

  We move towards a quieter corner, and I’m filled with relief when Ash wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my forehead. "Sorry, I’ve been distracted."

  "I understand. This is a special night for your brother, and you want to be involved."

  "I’m glad you’ve met Vincent now."

  "I don’t think he likes me."

  Ash rubs his palm across his mouth. "He’s just a gruff guy. Vince is a soft-hearted underneath."

  "Mmm." I hug Ash closer. "Perhaps if I spend more time around him. Vincent will get used to me. And us."

  "I hope so."

  He looks around. "Why did Jamie and Amelia leave?"

  "Amelia was dru
nk."

  "Already?"

  "She’s not coping too well. About Matt."

  He sighs. "I wish she’d accept Matt has gone for good."

  "Amelia talked to me about going to him."

  "What?" Ash drags a hand through his hair. "How? Bloody hell, I hope she’s not thinking about landing herself in there."

  My stomach twists. I hadn’t considered this option. "She wouldn’t. Amelia isn’t that stupid."

  "I hope so."

  Shit. I need to ask Tobias to talk to Amelia and explain what a hellhole Ravenhold is.

  Ash takes my glass and places it on a nearby table. He holds my face in both hands and runs his thumbs across my cheeks.

  "Let’s not worry about her." He places his lips on mine and I wrap my fingers around his as I kiss him back.

  How can I doubt Ash when he’s prepared to kiss me in front of a room full of shifters—including his brother?

  The gentle kiss starts a familiar fluttering in my stomach and I move my hands to run them over his broad back instead, pulling him closer. His mouth moves softly over mine, teasingly light, and I drop my head back, luxuriating in his attention.

  Ash pulls away and rubs his lips together. "You always taste so sweet."

  My heart speeds further as I tiptoe for another kiss.

  He brushes my cheek with his lips, but his words aren’t reassuring. A hope, not a certainty. "Do you want to leave?" I whisper.

  "Yes, but I shouldn’t really." He nudges my nose with his. "Stay longer. Maybe you could talk to Vince then. Realise he’s not as prejudiced as he makes out."

  I chew hard on my lip. Jamie wanted this, and so do I, but more than that, I ache for time alone with him.

  "Okay. Where’s the bathroom?"

  "Are you that frightened?" Ash laughs and squeezes my hand.

  "No. Three glasses of Coke," I say with a scowl.

  "Teasing!" he pokes me. "Hurry back."

  Making my way to the bathroom felt like walking across a field full of lions. Which might be true in some cases. I don’t want to make any more eye contact since not one person has returned my smiles tonight. I heard murmurs about the mind-reading witch.

  I’d lay bets that’s why they avoid me.

  Ash thinks he did the right thing bringing me here, and I love him for that, but I half-wish I’d left with Jamie and Amelia.

  As I make my way back into the lounge, I can’t find Ash at first and try to subtly look at everybody to find him. The group he was with remain tight, and louder, but Vincent is missing.

  The French doors at the rear of the room are open and I make my way to the doorway and peer outside. Metal garden furniture, set onto a paved patio area, overlooks a rose garden at the rear of the staff quarters.

  Ash and Vincent huddle together in one corner.

  "Will you listen?" Vincent’s voice is loud enough for everybody gathered outside to hear. Two guys drinking close by drop into silence and glance around.

  Ash replies, too quietly for me to hear.

  "I told you, keep away from witches."

  "That’s not your decision to make," retorts Ash, louder.

  My breathing shortens as I watch their confrontation. Do I want to listen to this?

  "If you had any respect for me or your family, you’d leave her well alone." Vince’s voice is harsh and I wish I could see Ash’s face in the dark, to know what he’s thinking.

  "How many times do I need to tell you? Maeve isn’t just a witch. She’s important to me."

  Vincent pokes a finger in Ash’s chest, repeatedly. "I don’t give a shit. I don’t want to see you with her."

  "Don’t come back here and start running my life."

  I shrink back when Vincent grabs Ash by the jacket collar and slams him into the wall. "Listen, dickhead. Witches are no good. Don’t you care what a future-sighted witch did to me? I’m trying to protect you!"

  Ash doesn’t move, and Vincent shakes him again. "I won’t allow this."

  "Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do with my life?"

  I’m horrified by Vincent’s treatment of Ash as he pulls Ash closer, snarling something into his face. Aren’t they close? If I had a brother who bullied me, I wouldn’t want to be close to him.

  Tears prick my eyes at the trouble I’m causing Ash, and anger at Vincent’s behaviour. Ash struggles to get away and I’m on the verge of walking over when Vincent grips Ash around the neck and shakes him, continuing to growl into his face.

  Shit.

  If I walked into a volatile situation, one or both of us could get hurt.

  I step further into the shadows as if I’m watching a car crash and can’t take my eyes away. Vincent releases Ash’s neck and he slumps against the building wall, head tipped downwards and nodding as he rubs his throat. Vincent steps back with his arms crossed and snarls one last thing at Ash, who walks away with his head bowed, not looking back at his brother.

  Before either can see, I scurry inside and hide myself behind a group.

  Ash walks into the room and I watch as he wanders around, repeatedly rubbing his hand across his hair, his eyes clouded by distress.

  Heart aching, I step out. "I lost you," I say brightly.

  "Yeah. Sorry."

  "Are you okay? You look pissed off."

  He shrugs. "A few beers."

  "Like Vincent, huh?"

  He turns dull eyes to mine. "Yeah, he’s definitely had a few too many. Listen, I might stay here longer. Do you want me to walk you back to Walcott?"

  The hurt I feel isn’t only for myself, but for Ash and what happened to him. "Are you sure everything is alright?"

  "Tired. Drunk. I can catch you tomorrow."

  "I shouldn’t have come here, should I?" I whisper. "Have I caused trouble for you?"

  Ash reaches out as if to touch my hair, then tucks both hands beneath his arms. "No."

  But you don’t want to come with me. Vincent stands watching us. I can’t touch Ash. Ash rubs the reddened skin on his neck.

  He definitely can’t leave with me, either.

  "I’m fine to head back alone," I say.

  "Are you sure?"

  "I’m sure. It’s only a short walk across the grounds and I don’t want you in trouble with your brother."

  Ash’s brow tugs. "Why say that?"

  "I’ll see you tomorrow, Ash."

  Vincent may not want Ash to touch me, but I need Ash to know I care, and I place my lips on his in a swift kiss.

  Do I want him to follow me? Yes. Do I expect him to? No.

  As I walk back to Walcott house, the shock follows me. Not because Vincent warned Ash to keep away from me, but how he behaved towards his little brother. The one standing by his side and defending him against anybody who doubts or bad-mouths him.

  If Vincent is prepared to publicly threaten his brother, how will he respond to anybody else who crosses him?

  Chapter Eighteen

  MAEVE

  The first academy game begins outside the sports hall in the freezing January weather. Typical that tonight the sky is filled with pinprick stars and clear of clouds. I’m bloody freezing.

  We’re divided into our respective houses and split into teams. I’m huddled with Jamie and Amelia, listening to Professor O’Reilly and attempting to catch Ash’s eye.

  I arrived early with Jamie and Amelia, hoping to chat to Ash. Too late, because he was already outside the sports hall with Vincent. As soon as I spotted him close by, I waved at Ash instead and he nodded in greeting.

  He’s with two shifters I’ve not spoken to much, and Ash isn’t speaking to them either. Instead he has his arms tight across his chest as he stares at the ground. Vincent stands at the edge of the assembled Gilgamesh teams, straight and to attention as he listens to Professor O’Reilly, like a leader with his troops on parade.

  Amelia gives me a quizzical look and I shrug. Our silent conversation continues as she frowns at me. I haven’t told her what I saw Vincent do yet, because Ash doesn’t k
now I saw either.

  But I will tell him.

  I stand to attention as Professor O’Reilly inspects us all. Over the Christmas holidays, I bought myself the correct shoes and grin when he glances at my feet.

  He steps back and clears his throat. "As you know, this house challenge involves physical endurance and mental agility." He looks straight at me as his voice bounces off the sports hall walls. "The weather today is perfect."

  Huh? The air freezes me into an ice block as hard as the ground. All the witches shiver, but the shifters don’t notice the cold and Petrescu aren't bothered. I’m with Amelia and Jamie—and here’s our first disadvantage.

  "This is not merely a game. The challenge you’ll face is an exercise in how to endure extreme conditions if your magic or powers are unavailable—or if you can’t use them without alerting humans."

  What the hell are we about to do?

  "Therefore, you are only to use skills a human can. Walcott—no magic. Petrescu—no speeding." I chuckle and then straighten my face as Professor O’Reilly glares. "Gilgamesh—keep your preternatural physical abilities contained."

  Jamie swears beneath his breath and I shiver in my sport shirt and tracksuit trousers.

  Professor O’Reilly walks to each team and hands out maps. "There are five waypoints and each has an item you need to retrieve and place in your backpack." He drops a black bag at each team’s feet. "You have a map and list of co-ordinates, which will help you locate each item. Once you’ve collected all five, you return. I will be marking this exercise based purely on speed and team skills. Every team member must return together."

  I stare at the map as he continues his explanation about our bizarre endurance test. Problem one: I can't read maps. Can Jamie and Amelia? The others told me the challenges the houses compete in are a variety of physical and magical, but this is strange. No magic at all?

  Walcott are screwed.

  Sure, there’s a group of witches who are on the rugby team with Ash, but even they don’t have the strength the Gilgamesh kids do, even without their shifter powers.

  I massage my forehead. I suck at anything physical because my stamina is crap. I was one of the last chosen when captains picked teams at school. Once a random vision zoned me out in the middle of netball, and I let through a goal. From then on, I became the person who captains fought over—fought over not having on their team. I’d say this hurt me, but honestly, I was relieved to be left out. I hate sports.