by K. M. Raya
“But,” she added. “I’m definitely willing to give you another chance.” He tensed. “Cole, look at me,” she whispered, reaching out for his face. Scooting further up the mattress, she was able to palm his face gently. He met her eyes. “Tell me why you did it.”
Cole sucked in and let out a huge breath, running a hand over his beard. “V and I were best friends. Our parents were in the same pack, and we grew up running together. Back then though, she was just a little runt, always tagging along and trying to hang with the tougher wolves.” His eyes were far away in memory. “At first it was annoying, always having to watch out for this little pipsqueak, but eventually she caught up and became pack.”
Blue didn’t particularly want to hear about Vanessa and her childhood, but she needed to know why Cole turned his back on her the way he did. She needed to know if it was worth it.
“I’ve known that wolf my entire life, Blue. I’m not going to lie and say losing her as a friend isn’t going to hurt. I won’t ever lie to you. But the second I knew for a fact that she put her hands on you, any affection I ever had for that pup went out the window.” His eyes were dead serious and his hands shook in his lap. “Blue, I love you and I can’t stand the thought that my stupidity almost got you killed. I don’t know why Vanessa thought hurting you would get her to me, but… it would have destroyed me.”
Warmth spread through her chest. She knew without any doubt that he was telling her the god’s honest truth. He was torn up inside over losing his childhood friend, and she understood that more than anyone. She knew matters of the heart weren’t so clean cut. But she could see the love he had for her pouring out of him and wrapping around her like a safe cocoon of reassurance.
She rose to her knees and his eyes widened as she straddled his waist. Blue looped her arms around the back of his neck as he held on tight. “I love you too, you stupid wolf,” she whispered against his lips. She pressed against them and could feel a faint smile stretching his lips. She pulled back slightly, looking him dead in the eyes. “But if you ever fuck me over like that again, I promise it’ll be like I never existed, got it?”
His gaze shuddered, as if the mere thought of her leaving him forever was too much to handle. His massive, tattooed arms tightened around her torso, and she thought she could feel the faint poke of his claws at her back. His eyes glossed over with gold as he flitted his gaze to her lips. “I’m pretty sure if I ever do something so stupid again, Dresden’s going to bury me out in that ditch.”
Rolling her eyes, Blue laughed as she sealed her mouth to his, and when they kissed deeper, something inside of her clicked into place. As his tongue danced with hers and his claws dug into her back, there was a sense of knowing that was taking root in her brain. She could feel Cole all around her, like he was somehow inviting her in and exposing himself to the bond. She didn’t fight it. She just let it fall into place, knowing that no matter what happened, he belonged to her now.
Chapter Twenty Four
A few days later, she was all healed and back to normal. Well, maybe normal wasn’t exactly the right word… but she was healed, and that’s what mattered. She woke up to a letter slipped under her bedroom door. Ronnie ran for it, making damn sure Blue didn’t need to use any unnecessary energy despite her claims that she was alright.
“The Headmistress wants to see you in her office…” Ronnie said ominously. Blue’s stomach soured.
“Does it say why?” she asked as she got off her bed and slipped into some comfy leggings and one of Jasper’s hoodies that she stole the other day from his closet.
Ronnie shook her head and smiled apologetically. “Nope.” Her eyes followed Blue as she made her way to the door. She mock saluted her with a cheeky wink. “Godspeed, soldier.”
Blue rolled her eyes and made her way into the corridor. As she walked the halls of Arcane, she passed other Slayers, but it only took a few minutes and no less than three smiles to tip her off that something wasn’t right. A familiar face rounded the corner, and to her shock, Xavier raised his hand for a high five as she passed him. On pure instinct, she didn’t leave him hanging, but the rest of the way to the Headmistress’ office, she shook her head, trying to puzzle it out. Not a single person had glared at her. In fact, she made it across the entirety of the first floor without being shoved into a wall, tripped or spat at. Something was off.
She knocked on the tall arched doorway, but a familiar voice beckoned her in after the second knock. The door was already unlocked, so she let herself in. Headmistress Merriweather sat behind her desk with her hands laced in front of her like she’d been patiently waiting for Blue’s inevitable arrival. It was all very supervillain-like, but she was starting to realize it was just her personality.
“Have a seat, Ms. Graves.” She gestured to the chair sitting in front of her heavy mahogany desk. Blue sat, placing her hands in her lap and feeling incredibly awkward. The last time she’d been in this office, she’d been under suspicion of colluding with the undead.
Merriweather looked her over with assessing eyes that made Blue’s skin itch. But for some reason, she didn’t exactly detect any of the malice that had been in her eyes the first time they met. The older woman cleared her throat. “I see you’ve made a full recovery,” she stated the obvious. Blue held her tongue. “My son was pleased about that.”
Her mention of Dresden made Blue clam up for a second. She kept forgetting about that little detail. Looking at the woman closer though, she could almost see the resemblance. He had her same sharp features, but he must have gotten his dashing appeal from his late father. She shuddered, wondering where the hell that errant though just slithered in from.
“Was there anything I can help you with, Headmistress?” Blue asked impatiently. She still didn’t care if she was being rude. She didn’t want to be in there. She needed fresh air.
“Ah, yes. I called you in here today because the Conclave has come to a consensus.” She waited, as if Blue should have some sort of reaction to that rather cryptic statement. Clearly, she was not receiving what she was after because she continued. “You’ve been excelling in your classes, so I hear from your instructors.”
Blue’s eyebrows rose. It was true, but it was surprising to hear. “Given the unique situation pertaining to your re-admittance to the Academy, coupled with the good behavior you have exhibited over the last month and a half, the Conclave has unanimously decided that what’s left of the Graves family assets should be returned to the sole heiresses.”
Blue blinked. And blinked again, not sure if she heard her correctly. There was a swift knock at the door and the Headmistress called out for whoever it was to come in. “Ah, Harlow dear,” she said and Blue’s head swiveled around to see her sister closing the door behind her. She made her way to the seat next to Blue.
“As I was saying…” She cleared her throat again. “The two of you girls are the sole heiresses to your family lands and fortune. Though much of it had been donated to the families of the fallen, there remains a sizable portion that should rightly go to you.”
There was a long pause, where Blue just had to sit there, glancing around the room as if she were on some hidden camera show. Surely she was fucking with them. “Why?” Blue asked. Her tone was cold and sharp.
“Blue stop—” Harlow started, but Blue cut her off.
“No you stop, Har.” She turned to glare at the Headmistress. “I was suspicious when I opened my acceptance letter after all these years, but I figured maybe y’all were just feeling generous. But returning our fortune? Yeah, I don’t buy it. What’s the catch?” She folded her arms over her chest.
Harlow groaned, smacking her own forehead with her palm before sitting back in her seat. “Oh, here we go. You just can’t fathom the possibility that something good might be happening to us for once in our freakin lives?”
Blue rolled her eyes, glancing back to Merriweather with a raised brow. “Explain, please.”
The woman simply nodded, pulling a few sheets
of paper from a file on her desk and slid it over towards Harlow since she was the eldest sibling. “I know you girls have every reason to be suspicious. And you’re right, your acceptance wasn't just random chance, Blue.”
“Finally, some truth around here!” She threw her hands up in exasperation while Harlow just shook her head.
Merriweather continued. “I wanted to have this chat with you earlier, but given the circumstances, I thought you’d benefit from some time to acclimate to your surroundings first.” She cleared her throat, suddenly looking a little awkward. “You see, the only reason the Conclave agreed to lift your exile was at the direct request of Lila Hobbs.”
Blue felt her jaw drop, as did her heart—right into her butt. She felt ill, and woozy. Jewels mom used to be like a second mother to her. She’d loved her like family. She felt like her throat was closing up. “Why would Lila petition on our behalf? She’s the last person on earth…”
Merriweather raised a palm for her to stop talking. “I understand you’ve been out of the loop for quite some time, so you might not be aware that Lila is now a representative and chairwoman for the Conclave. As such, she’s apparently been keeping tabs on you and your sister’s activities while you’ve been... away.”
Blue squinted at the woman. “That’s a very interesting way to say banished.”
Harlow elbowed her in the side. “Would you shut up for two seconds?”
“Vampire activity is at an all time high, and we are in a position that requires all hands on deck. Your skills, organization and dedication have proven to the Conclave that they may have been hasty in ordering your removal. We need skilled Slayers on our side. And so Lila made the executive decision to invite you back here for proper training. Harlow, I’m sorry, but we were unable to enroll you in school, but we are working something out if you are willing to be patient for the time being.”
Harlow shook her head like she couldn't agree fast enough.
“So that’s it,” Blue deadpanned. “Just like that, we get out home back?”
Merriweather nodded, pushing the contracts across the desk. “Just like that. I just need Harlow to sign on the dotted line, and we’ll gladly welcome you both back into the fold.”
Chapter Twenty Five
She stood in front of the mirror and couldn’t fight a girlish squeal of delight as she ran her hands down the front of her dress, smoothing out the soft fabric. It sparkled when she moved from side to side—a waterfall of black fabric that dipped down into a low v that nearly hit her bellybutton.
Her hair was straightened into a glossy black sheet of silk down her back, and she’d never felt sexier in her life. Of course, she still had her weapons on her—one silver stake on her inner thigh, and one whip behind her leg in a holster that was only accessible through the thigh high slit up the side. With the money she and Harlow received for their inheritance, she’d been able to purchase a suitable dress, and didn’t even have to blink at the price tag. She and Harlow were now twenty million dollars richer than they were last week. It was a miniscule amount compared to what their assets had been worth before the night of the massacre. Half of their fortune was given to the families of the fallen.
She was glad to have back what was rightfully hers, but she’d also learned to survive on next to nothing. It didn’t mean, however, that she wasn’t going to indulge a little. She’d be lying if she claimed she hadn’t already contacted Greg and ordered an arsenal of brand new, customized weapons and tactical gear. She couldn’t help herself. Greg was an artist, and if she planned to be the best, she was going to need the best gear as well.
“What do you think?” asked Ronnie from her side of the room after walking out of the bathroom she’d been hogging for an hour. Blue turned, and her jaw practically hit the floor.
Ronnie was a vision in forest green that set off her fiery red hair like a burning flame. The green in her eyes shone like emeralds, ringed with kohl black liner that pointed up in the corners like a cat eye. “Holy shit, Ron—you look hawt!”
Her roommate, turned best friend blushed, but she was wearing so much makeup that it was barely noticeable. “Think she’ll like it?” she asked hesitantly.
Blue blinked at her friend, not understanding. “Will who like it?”
Ronnie fidgeted with her hands awkwardly and averted her eyes. She shifted from foot to foot like she didn’t know what to say, or how to say it. She glanced back up at Blue from under her dark lashes. “Promise you won't get mad?”
Blue’s chest deflated as she walked over to Ronnie. “Just tell me what’s going on. Are you seeing someone?”
“I’ve sorta been talking to Harlow…” she whispered.
Blue’s eyes widened and she giggled, causing Ronnie to squint at her in confusion. Blue let out a long, relieved breath. “For fucks sake Ronnie, I thought you were about to tell me you were seeing JJ or something…”
Ronnie looked aghast with her hand to her chest. “Girl, you’re trippin.”
“Thank god, I was about to tie you to the chair and have an intervention.”
Ronnie paused, still awkwardly fumbling with her fingers. “So, you’re not mad about Harlow?”
Blue smiled softly, reaching out and laying a hand gently on her roommate’s upper arm. She squeezed reassuringly. “Hell no, I’m not mad. My best friend and my sister? That’s fucking great, Ron. I couldn’t be happier for you guys.” Ronnie’s eye filled with relief. “But,” Blue started, forcing herself to look stern and serious. “You break my sister’s heart, and you might meet the business end of my whip…”
Ronnie rolled her eyes, shoving Blue away as they both broke into a fit of laughter. “I’m more worried about her breaking mine, she is an older woman after all,” Ronnie muttered. Blue nodded in agreement.
Blue was telling Ronnie the truth. She was happy to hear Harlow managed to find someone she connected with. She’d been alone for so long, and Blue constantly worried about her falling into a depression. Though their exile had been hard on Blue in more traumatic terms, she knew that Harlow was just as affected after being ripped away form a community she grew up in for seventeen years. She lost so much and was old enough to have vivid memories of all the good times that came before. Blue felt a swell of warmth in her chest that Harlow was starting to find her happiness again.
*
In the end she decided not to bring a date to the banquet. Though Jasper asked her back when she first started, she hadn’t been able to give him an answer. Things were to convoluted for her to say yes to just one man, so she decided to go stag.
It ended up being fitting though, as this was the first banquet she’d attended since that final day. She was nervous as she walked the halls, heels clicking against the stone floor of the castle. Butterflies filled her belly as people rushed past her in their formal wear. Everyone looked so beautiful and excited. It was nice to have the chance to share in that excitement for once. She reached the doors to the ballroom, which also doubled as their dining hall. Holding her breath, Blue mentally smacked herself and just bit the bullet...
But she never got through that door. Her back slammed into the stone wall of the dark corridor, knocking the wind from her lungs but Dresden’s mouth was already there to capture hers. She moaned as he pressed her into the wall with his hips, trying and failing not to grind on him desperately.
She didn’t understand what had come over him, but he’d suddenly gone feral, catching her off guard completely. His lips tore away from hers and traveled down the side of her neck, nipping at her skin as he went until he was licking that small divet on her collarbone. She moaned, throwing her head back as he made his way back up to her lips again.
“Follow me,” he whispered, tugging her along as he abruptly turned and pulled her down the hallway and away from the banquet. She laughed and stumbled as they moved faster. They rounded endless corners until they came to a familiar staircase.
Her heart beat wildly as she was pulled up the steps and into the darknes
s. Dresden stopped her every time they reached a landing, slamming her up against doorways and walls, devouring her like he couldn’t get enough of her taste. She was ravenous for him, needing him like a drug that she couldn’t get enough of.
Finally, they burst through the top floor doorway that led into their private gym. Dresden wasted no time slamming the door shut with his foot as he pushed her backwards. She laughed and stumbled backwards as he prowled after her. His eyes were practically black with lust as he reached up and undid his tie, pulling it free from his collar. Her mouth ran dry when his shirt fell open, leaving him bare from the waist up—his jacket and shirt discarded on the floor.
Dresden’s lips quirked up and her pulse jumped. “I need you out of that dress,” he whispered. His voice was husky and deep.
Blue shook her head. “Do you know how much I spent on this damn thing?”
Dresden scoffed. “Money means nothing to you now, Ms. Twenty Million.”
She narrowed her eyes through a smirk. “You ruin my beautiful dress and I’ll kill you, pretty boy.”
“Then you have exactly three seconds to get it out of my way.” He stepped closer, but she danced out of reach, not taking the chance that he was joking and peeling the dress form her overheated body. She let it drop to the floor, leaving her in nothing but a pair of high-heeled shoes. Dresden cursed under his breath as he let his dark eyes leisurely roll over her body. “Fucking perfect…” He licked his lips. "This right here has starred in every one of my deams since the second I saw you."
She barely had time to take a breath before he had her in his arms. His mouth consumed her and she couldn’t help but melt like a puddle of goo. His hands wandered, palms caressing every inch of her naked body, memorizing her curves like she was a work of art.
“I need…” she moaned, losing her breath as he kissed it away.
“What do you need, baby?” he asked, skimming his fingers down the side of her ribcage, circling them around until they passed her bare belly button, and descending to her core. “I asked you a question; what do you need? I'll give it to you.”
