His shoulders sank as he moved to my bed and sat on it.
Glancing around my room, he took in every detail like it was a part of me.
"So this is your room," he said awkwardly.
I couldn't help but feel bad for him. It was obvious he was uncomfortable. But I fought to keep it that way. I refused to run to his assistance this time.
"Yup."
He glanced at me, hurt by my curt reply.
"I didn't mean to get so angry," he started. "I just don't know why you had to go in there. You know it's not allowed and..."
He was seriously still blaming me for being a recluse, or going rogue, or whatever.
"Clayton, would you just shut up," I barked. "Will you take even a second to not judge me by my false reputation? I thought you knew me better than that."
I shot my words at him like bullets.
He took the shots, and winced from their painful entry.
"I'm not judging you," he fired back. "I just know that you're impulsive. And that it can get you into trouble. I don't care about the lies or the fact that they call you a rogue witch. I only care about..." He stopped his words and held them in his mouth.
My breath froze in my chest.
"I only care about you," he finished.
My throat tightened from the intensity of his voice and the yearning in his gaze.
He wanted me to understand him. He wanted me to forgive him.
And the truth was, I already had.
He was only reacting in a protective manner, knowing that I had a habit of following my intuition, even if it meant bending the rules. How could I blame him for his response? I'd scared him.
And now he scared me.
His words knocked the rest of my wall away from my feet, leaving me exposed.
There was nothing in the world I wanted more than him now.
And his vulnerability, waiting for my reply, was more than I could take.
I moved across the room in an instant, and as I reached him, he lifted his gaze to me in hopeful anticipation.
And I didn't slow my approach on him.
I reached my arms around his neck and plowed into him, pushing him back onto my bed.
Pinning him beneath me, I fell into his wide pupils and broad smile.
"You piss me off sometimes," I whispered.
"You piss me off too."
And he wrapped his arms around me, and pulled me into him.
I allowed the weight of my body to rest on his, and the thrill of the feel of him sent a rush of excitement through me.
His hand moved down my back, and pulled me even closer. He nudged his chin playfully at mine and then took a serious expression.
"You make me want to lose control with you," he whispered.
The energy from his body tingled through me, sending my mind into a frenzy.
"Then do," I breathed.
He closed his resisting eyes as his breath intensified, and then he kissed me.
His lips moved on mine, soaking me in, searching for my soul. He kissed me deeper then, sending me to levels of desire I couldn't contain.
Kissing him back, I became overwhelmed by the intoxicating taste of his mouth, making me want more.
His hands roamed over my body, fumbling with my layers of clothing as he tried to make contact with my skin.
As his long fingers moved under my shirt and trailed along my ribs, chills shuddered through me. His kisses grew stronger and more passionate as his breath became heavier.
Trailing my hands down his back, I grabbed the bottom of his t-shirt and tugged it up.
Reaching with one hand, he grabbed it and pulled it over his head.
The sight of his bare chest sent me over the edge. His rippling abs and powerful chest muscles drew my fingers to them instantly. Moving my hand along his skin, he inhaled sharply from my touch.
"Shaye," he whispered in my ear.
And then his hands moved over me again, this time pressing beneath my bra.
He moved his curious fingers along the edge and reached in under it, cupping his hands around my breasts. His breath huffed out of him as he stroked his thumbs over my nipples.
I reached behind my back and released the clasp, freeing myself from its secure hold.
In a swift motion, Clayton lifted my shirt, exposing my bare skin. He smiled into my eyes, filling me with his pleasure in being so close with me.
He lowered his head and kissed the top of one of my breasts. Then he moved farther down and tickled one of my nipples with his tongue. Chills shot through me, firing sensual quakes to every part of my body. His intimate touch caused my back to arch, generating a reaction in him that thrilled me.
I'd never been touched by a man like this before and my mind was exploding. He was so close. And so beautiful.
A small moan of pleasure escaped my lips through the bliss, and I burned for him to touch me more.
He lifted his head and brought his face back to mine. The cool moistness left on my breast continued to send a hot chill through me.
"You're everything I want," he whispered. "For so long."
He swallowed hard, looking deeply into my eyes.
I ran my fingers along his chest again, causing him to shudder, and then moved my arms around him, pulling him closer. Pressing my hips into his, I felt the hardness of his body and his powerful desire for me.
His breathing grew more intense as we became lost in each other.
And then his heavy breath shifted to more of a low growl, and he pulled back from me immediately.
His eyes blazed bright red as he panted against his rising angst.
"Fuck," he blasted, pushing himself farther from me.
I pulled my shirt down to cover my body, knowing that his arousal had pushed him too far.
"It's okay," I whispered. "Just breathe."
His air continued to rush in and out of him, but his rising tension didn't dissipate. His shoulders squared as his back straightened. I stared as he trembled, fighting the uncontrollable response that grew within him.
Between tense breaths, he grabbed his shirt off the bed and pulled it over his head.
One more blink and he was gone.
Chapter 12
I remained hidden in my room for the rest of the day without coming up for air. I was basically too embarrassed to see Clayton after he'd left my room so abruptly.
It didn't make sense for me to feel that way, though.
If anything, he should be the uncomfortable one. I mean, he was the one who lost control of his... his... I'm not sure what.
But I couldn't help it. He'd run from me, and that was all I could focus on.
Fortunately, Piper and Noah were still high functioning humans, so they agreed to take Asher and Hattie to dinner.
"Are you sure you won't be coming down, even for the afters?" Piper pressed.
It was tempting. I was hungry and always liked the treats that came around on the eve before a big event. Everyone would sit on the terrace, watching the stars, eating scones or shortbreads.
But I'd have to pass this time.
"Don't be a pussy," Noah teased. "You need to strut in front of your competition."
I shook my fist at him, threatening a beating, knowing the whole time he was right about me.
But hiding in my hall-of-shame was the safest place. And plus, my dumb eyes were puffy and red. Big giveaway.
"Nah, I'm good. Really," I told them. "I'm gonna save my energy for tomorrow. Keeping myself a mystery until the last minute is probably a good tactic. It'll keep Josie guessing."
As I spoke the words, they actually made sense. Especially if Clayton was laying low as well. That would drive Josie nuts. She'd think we were together, and the scandal would be more than she could handle.
"Fine," Piper pouted. "Then I'll be sure Clayton doesn't hang around down there for too long."
My spit caught in my throat.
"Clayton's down there?" I asked.
"Ya, we passed him comi
ng up," Noah said. "Still not sure how I feel about that guy."
My bugging eyes moved from Noah back to Piper. Her eyes were wide too, but of course, they always were.
"He was with Josie," she murmured.
What the actual fuck?
Okay.
So, that was it then.
I started closing my door, and Piper and Noah moved back as if they'd be hit by it.
"I've got to rest. I'll see you guys in the morning."
Noah backed up silently.
"Kk. Love you," Piper chimed, blowing me a kiss.
"Love you guys too," I said.
And I did.
They were my best friends, and never left me feeling insecure or inadequate.
What the hell was I doing, pining over Clayton? It was a disaster waiting to happen.
He was still cavorting with the enemy, and I just didn't trust my instincts enough to believe in him.
I didn't know anything anymore.
But what I did know was that the trials were in the morning, and I planned to demonstrate the best performance of my life.
No matter what.
My eyes fluttered against the stream of morning sun that cut through my window. They were half-stuck from lack of sleep. My racing mind made sure I never quite reached REM. I could only hope that my adrenaline would take over when the time was right.
Scratching my fingers through my hair, I hissed as the reality of the day before reminded me of its existence. My waking bliss dissipated, replaced by an ache in my heart that was deeper than I knew possible.
Clayton.
Damn it.
I huffed as I pulled myself out of bed. Dragging through the morning routine, I did my best to push him out of my mind and instead, focus on my mission—crushing it at the trials.
I needed to look amazing and pulled out all the stops, including a flat iron to my long hair, creating a sheik, ethereal glow to the golden locks. My black leather jacket was the perfect accent to my badass attitude, and as I pulled on my best-fitting jeans, my heart jumped out of my chest from the thumping on my door.
"You up? I brought coffeeeeeee." Piper sang through the door.
A smile spread across my face as I jumped and threw it open.
Reaching for the extended coffee, I grabbed it and took a slurp.
"It's ho..." Piper's mouth hung open on the word 'hot'. "Too late."
I coughed as the molten dark roast blasted from my mouth in a spray.
"Shit! That's hot," I choked.
Tears streamed from Piper's eyes as she laughed in silent guffaws.
Shaking my head, I laughed with her, and thanked my lucky stars for the distraction, and such a good friend.
"No, but for real, Shaye," she said. "You look amazing. Good outfit." She nodded in approval.
"Okay, good. I trust you."
I looked at her clothing and nodded as well. Her gold athletic jacket was her signature piece. With a black tank and black leggings, she looked like a rock star.
"Is Noah ready?" I asked.
She rolled her round eyes.
"Not sure. He's avoiding me, I think."
Crap. Noah was chickening out at the last minute. It wouldn't be the first time. But today was absolutely not the day to miss.
"Let's go get him." I took another swig of my hot coffee and headed down the hallway.
As I reached his door, my eyes trailed farther down the hall to the end and landed on Clayton.
He stood at his door, closing it quietly behind him, as he watched me with worry lines in his brow.
My heart skipped in my chest, but then stung at the same time.
I turned my attention back to Noah's door and rapped on it.
"Noah, don't even think about it," I called. "Don't make me come in there for you."
I glanced at Piper and she grinned with encouragement.
"Noahhhhh," I taunted.
A moment later, the sound of his squeaky mattress snuck through the door, and before long, it opened.
As soon as I saw him, I stood up straight with wide eyes.
He was ready.
And he looked hot.
"What the hell? You look amazing," I blurted, just as Clayton passed by us.
I squeezed my eyes shut for a second, forcing away the regret of him hearing that. But then, I opened my eyes again and looked at Noah.
"I'm so happy you're ready," I grinned.
He shrugged one shoulder, and the squared tailoring of his wool jacket accentuated his triangular shape. The dark gray of his coat offset the deep black of his hair, and I nearly fell into the icy blue of his penetrating eyes.
It was a perfect look for him.
Piper stared with her jaw dropped.
I turned to her with a smirk, and she blinked.
"Um, yeah. You look good. Let's go." She turned as if trying to escape.
I rubbed the back of my neck as we followed her. Today was going to have more layers to it than I realized, and I could only pray that things would move in the right direction for us.
The only thing now was the fact that things were awkward with Clayton.
Without him secure in our coven, we were left vulnerable.
But there were just too many holes in the last twenty-four hours that made me question his loyalty. And the Fire Festival trials were not the time to make amends.
As we reached the foyer of Hazeldene, I searched through the sea of excited students, looking for Hattie and Asher.
Practice wands and black capes flew in every direction as the excitement mounted. My butterflies took immediate flight from the enthusiasm for the event. I'd forgotten how it felt to participate in trials. It was a lot like being on stage or on an athletic field, with everyone watching and judging.
I shook my hands to get the willies out, and just as I found Asher's copper tuft of hair in the crowd, my eyes landed on Clayton's.
He had Hattie and Asher with him.
He whispered in their ears as he led them out the door.
Without a moment's hesitation, I barreled after them.
"Um, what are you doing?" My tone left nothing to be interpreted.
He stopped short as if offended.
"Taking them to the best seats in the house."
"Yes!" Asher pumped his fists.
A migraine threatened to cut through the back of my left eye.
He was too good at this.
It was time for me to figure out how to play dirty too.
We moved off the porch and walked toward the open field. Bleachers had been erected at one side and the center of the space had numerous tables covered in fancy tapestries. Hannah Luna hovered at the tables, carefully positioning bottles of elixirs and leather satchels of crystals and wooden chips. A cauldron sat on each table for brewing, and mortar and petals for crushing items and mixing potions. Candles of every shape and color stood waiting for their flames to ignite. Hannah couldn't look happier putting her love of herbology, crystals, and witchcraft to practice.
"Look, look." Piper pointed. "They have the rings set out! Goodie!"
I took a sharp inhale.
The rings meant only one thing.
Direct combat.
This didn't bother Piper at all. She wouldn't make it to that level. It just wasn't of interest to her. Instead, she got to watch the showdown of the strongest supernaturals as they put on their best exhibition of elemental control.
My greatest weakness. Particularly without Clayton.
I pressed my hands over my face.
What the hell was I doing?
Noah came up behind me. "You got this."
His calm tone settled my nerves.
"Hey Prof Finneas," Piper chimed as we passed by his podium.
As Hazeldene historian, Prof kept the pages of the rule book flying during trials. His formal stance and lofty brow proved he took great pride in his role.
"Any rules about cheating in there?" Josie's piercing voice curled my toes.
She
breezed past us, flipping her hair in my face, as Lauren followed with Liam and Troy.
I watched Clayton as his eyes trailed after them. I couldn't tell if he wanted to go with them or not, but I was sure he had something up his sleeve.
There were so many grads with hidden agendas, I was losing count. We'd all be in the trials together, basically as a way to showcase what the younger students could aspire toward, but to me, it was nothing more than a brutal competition.
Sure, being named Marshall of the Fire Festival was basically equivalent to winning a Nobel Prize around here. You would forever be remembered as a coven leader, an elite practitioner, even high priestess.
It was all I ever wanted.
Because it seemed like my only way to prove my sincerity to everyone at Hazeldene. To tear down the wall of misconceptions that surrounded me.
Maybe it was futile. I'd always be known as the rogue witch around here.
"Keepin' out of trouble?" Graney Greta called to us.
She was in the center of the field, pressing the spikes of the large hula hoop-like rings deeper into the grass. She made sure they were perfectly flat to the ground and checked that they were the official measured distance from each other. Her track suit made her look like an official athletic trainer instead of the house nurse.
"As always," Piper called back.
Clayton moved to the bleachers with Hattie and Asher, and led them to the top row.
I watched him, wondering what was going on in his head. He was so good at remaining stoic and closed off. It was impossible to read him.
All during our training sessions, it seemed like he wasn't interested in competing in the games. It was more like he was there to support me. But now I wasn't so sure. Maybe he was just trying to learn my secrets, to use them against me.
The idea punched me in the gut.
How could I not have realized that possibility before?
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
I rolled my eyes at myself.
As he hopped down from the bleachers, he kept his eyes on me.
He walked over, biting his bottom lip. Just as he was about to say something, Chancellor Kelly appeared at the edge of the field.
All eyes fell on her as she made her way to the box from where the Higher Order observed the trials. Her long black coat gave her the appearance of proper royalty, and the glimmering pendant hanging from her neck added the final touch.
Mystic Coven: Fire Festival (Supernatural Academy Graduates Book 1) Page 13
