by M Guida
I just got the same burrito, but without all the trimmings. “Do you really think it will work?”
“I don’t know. We’ll have to try tonight.”
I could barely wait.
Later that night, we gathered in the usual room. Each of us had brought our weapons. I had my trusty crossbow. Dante had his ax. Lucien, Bo, and Xavier had their swords. Poppy and Katona had their daggers. Each of these was special to us. We were trained in other weapons, but these were almost part of us.
“Here goes nothing.” Poppy put the pop can on the table.
Please, please, please, please let this work
I whispered that over and over in my mind.
Lucien gazed at each of us. “Put the tip of your weapon in front of you, so we can all touch them.”
I held out my crossbow and the minute Lucien laid his sword against my bow; a tremor went up my arm. By the look in his eyes, he felt the same.
Slssshh
Bo’s and Lucien’s swords sliced together. Bo blinked as if he couldn’t believe what was happening to him.
One-by-one our weapons linked, sending a vibration up my arm each time a new joined the circle.
“Okay, Raven,” Lucien said. “Say it.”
Please, help.
I took a deep breath, and in a loud clear voice, I said, “Puriforgio Virtueus.”
VROOOSH
A flash burst in the middle of our weapons and the pop can flew across the room.
PING
The can smacked into the windowsill and fell to the ground.
Excitement ricocheted through me, but then the room spun around, and I dropped to one knee. I panted, trying to suck in air.
“We’ve learned one thing.” Lucien’s voice sounded weary.
I raised my head. Lucien was wobbling as he struggled to stand.
Every one of us looked like someone had drained the color from our faces. Poppy and Katona sat on the floor and Bo had his hand against the wall for support.
Rhys and Dante were still on their feet, but they were as unstable as newborn fawns.
“What is that about?” Xavier asked. He was slumped up next to the wall.
“When we combine our powers,” Lucien said. “It drains us.”
“And if we were in a battle…” Poppy’s voice trailed off.
Bo dropped his arm. “The enemy would pick us off one by one.”
“We need to practice.” I stood, but my legs wouldn’t stop trembling. “My mom said he’s coming, and we have to be prepared.”
Lucien met my gaze. “And right now, we’re not.” His low voice sucked the air out of the room and sent shivers down my spine.
The next few days, we practiced using our weapons, but each time, our energy was drained afterwards. I didn’t know if we’d ever master this spell, but I couldn’t think about that today. Today was the last Friday before Thanksgiving and the day of my first trial. Anton gave me a break and said I only had to do Magic Reflection, which is turning someone else’s power and back at them, but with more of a punch. I kept thinking of Gunnar and Kara and wondered if I could truly use it against them.
My trial was after all of our classes were finished and right before dinner. Since I was the only one required to complete my trial, classes hadn’t been canceled.
I stood in front of the girls’ locker room with Lucien. The Defenders were already in the arena together with half the school. No pressure there.
Lucien pushed a stray hair that had fallen out of my ponytail and put behind my ear, sending tingling sensations through me.
“You ready for this?”
I nodded. “Absolutely.” I cocked an eyebrow. “What, you don’t think I am?”
He laughed and kissed me, distracting me and turning my insides into molten fire. He broke away. “You know I believe in you.” He dabbed my nose. “I’ll be watching.”
I put my hand on his chest, feeling his beating heart that always gave me strength. “I’ll see you soon.”
I turned and entered the girls’ locker room. It was eerie with no one else in there, and it was eerie. I almost wished that Poppy or Katona were with me, but I knew they’d be on the sidelines with the rest of the Defenders.
I had to do this for Mina. She had been the first victim, possibly the first of many. What if someone else got hurt?
After changing into my sweats, I took a deep breath. “I can do this,” I told myself as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I had been practicing every day and had done it last year during the battle, but not as a trial.
I walked out onto the field and spied the Defenders sitting in the first row. They all stood up and clapped. Lucien blew me a kiss and winked. Bo clapped and whistled. Both my rivals were there, and I was glad. I needed them both to see this.
Aooooooo
Xavier’s howl always made me smile.
Professor Soto was waiting for me. Like always, Anton, the other professors and Heath were seated at the podium. I didn’t know why Heath had to be here. He wasn’t teaching me this year.
Anton raised his arms. “Quiet, please. Quiet.”
The noise in the stands lessened.
“Thank you,” Anton said. “Today, Raven Erickson will be tested on Magic Reflection. Professor Soto, you may proceed.”
My insides twisted into knots as Professor Soto approached me. My legs quaked, and I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants.
Professor Soto didn’t greet me, nor was she smiling. Trials weren’t supposed to be a friendly meeting. It was as if were on the battlefield, life or death. I had to be on my toes.
Something fluttered in my chest, and I could feel the magic brewing in Professor Soto. I didn’t flinch and waited, never taking my eyes off hers.
In a split second, she pressed her palms, and a stream of blue lights sizzled toward me. Electric pulses made every one of my hairs stand straight up. I twirled my finger, and the lights buzzed above me. I pointed at Professor Soto and the lights swirled around her, imprisoning her in a circle.
Cheers erupted from the stadium. I smiled, but weariness consumed me as if half my energy had been sucked out of me.
Anton stood. “Quiet, quiet. Very good, Raven. You have passed your first trial. Your next one will be after the Holiday break.”
He walked over to where Professor Soto was imprisoned and put up his hands. Instantly the blue flames died down. Someday I hoped to be as powerful as him.
Lucien ran out on the field and twirled me around. “You were amazing.” He kissed me on the lips.
“Great job.” Xavier patted me on the back.
I broke off the kiss and turned to him. “Thanks.”
Bo tilted his head, and concern flashed in his eyes. “Are you up for practicing the Puriforgio Virtueus spell tonight? You look really drained.”
“I’m fine,” I lied.
Lucien pushed my hair back. “Raven, we’ve been practicing every day for the past several weeks. You’re not fooling anyone. You need a break.”
Bo sighed. “All of us do.”
I didn’t want to take a night of, mostly because we still weren’t very good at the spell. But they all seemed in agreement.
I looked at all of them. “Okay, then tomorrow. Back here in the morning.”
“We’ll be here,” Xavier said as he draped his arm across Poppy’s shoulder. “Let’s get something to eat.”
Lucien clasped my hand. “Good idea.”
Dinner tonight was spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and Cesar salad. I only finished half my plate and was quiet during the meal. All those carbs made me sleepy.
“You need to get some rest,” Lucien said. “I’ll walk you to your tower.”
“Sounds good.” I yawned. “I guess that took more out of me than I thought.”
“It wasn’t just that. You’ve been pushing yourself to master the Puriforgio Virtueus spell.”
I winced. “You can say it. I’ve been pushing all of you, too.”
“True.” He pu
lled out my chair and escorted me out of the cafeteria. “You’ve been nearly killing yourself ever since Mina left. You need to rest and build up your strength or you won’t be ready for the battle. None of us will.” He whispered in my ear. “Remember what your Mom said.”
I put my hand on his chest. “I know, Lucien. It’s just that someone hurt Mina and if someone else dies…” My voice trailed off.
He lifted my chin. “You’re not the only one who feels guilty about Mina. We all do. We all were at the dance, partying, drinking…” His eyes darkened. “…never knowing one of our own was being poisoned.” Regret and frustration echoed in his voice.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ll see you tomorrow. Maybe we should take tomorrow off, too.”
He kissed me deeply, making me think only of him. I threaded my fingers through his hair and pushed my body against his. He devoured me, driving me wild with need, planting kisses down my throat.
Someone cleared their throat. Anton stood watching us. He was dressed in his long dark robe and his eyes glowed red underneath his hood.
“I think taking tomorrow off is a very good idea,” he murmured.
Lucien pulled away. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough. I suggest you both get to bed. You’re exhausted. Neither one of you can stand on your feet. Magic drains you if you’re not careful.”
“You know what we’ve been doing?” Lucien asked.
“I’ve told you. When you use a spell, it causes a rift in the magic, and you don’t want your enemies to know you’re having trouble with a spell. If I’ve felt it, others have felt it, too.”
I groaned. Just like with Mom, Ryker was one step ahead of us again and now he knew our weakness. There had to be a way to keep that from him.
Chapter 24
For the first time in ages, I slept in. I’d been up early every day training for my trials, studying, or practicing the Puriforgio Virtueus spell with the others.
In the past, Mina and I would stretch out on our beds, talk about boys, or the latest gossip. Now, staring at the neatly made bed with her big stuffed teddy bear, I wished I could either call her or Julie.
I sighed and got up. The wind blew, tearing leaves off the aspen and oak trees. Pines bent and twisted, their branches rustling. Loneliness gripped me, and I wrapped my blanket tight around me.
Not many students were out in the courtyard, but some of them were coming out from the cafeteria with cups of coffee. The wonderful smell of the roasted beans filled my nostrils. I wished we had our own coffee pot or even a Keurig in our room. I threw on my sweats and pulled my hair up into a loose bun.
I headed over to the cafeteria, battling the whiny wind. When I got there, the Royals were all at the table already.
Lucien smiled. “Hey, sleepyhead. We had about given up on you.”
I yawned. “Sorry. I’m just tired and need coffee.”
“Come back and join us, beautiful,” Bo said.
I got a big steaming cup of coffee loaded with pumpkin spice creamer and grabbed a gooey cinnamon roll dripping with icing and butter. Today was my indulgence day.
I came back and sat next to Lucien. He didn’t seem the least put out I had just rolled out of bed, and looked it, which warmed my heart. Some guys I had dated in the past would have made snide comments.
Xavier pushed his plate away and was stealing bacon from Poppy’s plate.
Poppy slapped his hand playfully. “Will you just stop? If you want some more, go get some.”
“I’m too lazy to get up.” He rubbed her back. “Will you get me some?”
Poppy stood. “Fine.” She ruffled his hair. What I do for you, you lazy wolf…” She looked at me. “So what’s the plan for today? Are we going to practice?”
“I think we should rest.” I looked at Lucien. “Did you tell them about Anton?”
Poppy nodded. “He did. Don’t talk about anything until I get back with Sir Wolf’s bacon.”
“Yeah, I did.” Lucien picked up the last piece of thick bacon off his plate. “But he’s not the one who worries me.”
Rhys leaned back in his chair. “You’re talking about Gunnar and Kara, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I am,” Lucien said as he put his hand on my knee gently, sending reassurance through me.
I tore into my cinnamon roll, not wanting to think about those two. The weariness weighed even heavier on me. I wanted to sleep for a week and not think about what was knocking on my door.
The talk turned to the upcoming trials and finals. I only half listened and yawned several times.
Lucien leaned close. “Are you ready to leave?”
I flashed him a small smile. “I don’t know why I’m so tired.”
He brought my hand and to his lips and kissed my knuckles. “Wouldn’t have anything to do with your trial, your roommate getting poisoned, and knocking yourself out to master a spell, would it?”
“Okay, okay. I get it.”
We both stood.
I grabbed my coffee cup and my napkin. “I’ll see you guys later.”
They all said goodbye, but Bo remained silent as if he were a million miles away. I didn’t want to rub salt into the wound and didn’t press the matter.
After Lucien dumped his tray and I threw away my trash, we left together and headed toward my tower. I kissed him briefly on the lips.
“I’ll see you later.”
He didn’t answer me, which I thought was strange. I got back to my room and was about to lay down on my bed when there was a knock on my window. I nearly jumped out of my skin. A shadow was at my window and I opened it.
Lucien gave me a lopsided grin. “So, your roommate’s gone?”
I folded my arms. “You know she is.”
“Can I come in?”
I furrowed my brows. “Seriously?”
His eyes turned intense. “Can I?”
I stepped aside. “Of course.”
He crawled inside, quickly shut the windows, and then pulled down the shade.
“Lucien, what are you doing?”
He picked me up and twirled me around. “Haven’t you guessed?”
No… it couldn’t be. My eyes widened. “Are you serious? Now? I’m a mess.”
He put me down and lifted my chin. “Not to me, you’re not. You’re beautiful, and I can’t stop thinking of you.”
I couldn’t believe he wanted to claim me today of all days. “Are you sure?”
He laughed. “I am. Are you?”
I thought of Halloween and how we had planned it so carefully. “You don’t want to wait for a special time?”
He threaded his fingers through my hair. “Raven, this is special to me. Very special. But I don’t need a big celebration unless you need it. If you do, I can wait. Your happiness comes before mine.”
And with that, there was no thought of denying him. There was not even a second protest as I slipped my hands up to his shoulders, and I parted my lips, inviting him in. He didn’t hesitate. His tongue traced delicate patterns in and around my mouth. I shivered helplessly, allowing his power to dominate me.
He raked his fingers through my hair, angling my head this way and that so my cheeks, throat, and temples were exposed to his roaming lips. I indulged in his embrace and then I sought the generous curves of his mouth, knowing where this would lead, eager to finally feel his hands and his lips on my naked body.
He gently pushed me onto my bed. My body had turned to putty, waiting for him to mold me into what he wanted. His hands were everywhere at once, lifting up my sweatshirt and undoing my bra, and tossing them both onto the ground.
His eyes darkened with passion. “Raven, you’re beautiful.”
My nipples budded as he said those words, and my breath quickened as I stripped off his shirt and stared at his sculpted abs.
“Lucien, you really are a Greek god.”
“And you’re my goddess.”
Just as I had dreamed, his lips and hands were everywh
ere, discovering every erotic zone, driving me wild with desire, desire for him.
My own hands were busy running over his muscles, marveling at his strength. He was my rock, and I didn’t know how I would have gotten through my trials, the battles, and my loss without him.
He kissed his way down to the hollow of my breasts, suckled me. He was just as I thought he would be––tender, determined, hot. His mouth left one eager nipple, and he stood up, just long enough to yank off my sweats, socks, and tennis shoes.
Normally, I would have been shy to show a guy my nakedness, but this seemed so natural, as if I belonged to him. He removed the rest of his clothing in a flash, and I gasped at his size, trembling. I had lost my virginity to Dennis Miller, and I swear I would have needed to have a magnifying glass to find his compared to Lucien’s.
“Don’t be afraid,” Lucien said as he slowly climbed up my shivering body, planting kisses on my trembling legs. “I would never hurt you. You’re mine. Mine to protect. Mine to love.”
When he got to my dark secret curls, he kissed and licked me, driving me wild. I combed my fingers through his thick hair. Heat and pleasure surged through me and I thrashed my head back and forth on the pillow, my hands balling into my comforter. But he didn’t let up when I cried out. More and more and more intensity, so much that I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t think, all I could do was to ride the wave until my first orgasm lifted me off the bed.
“Ah, that’s only the beginning,” he whispered.
He licked his way past my navel and worshipped my breasts again. I wanted to taste him like he had tasted me, but he parted my thighs and nestled his hips between mine. His lips found mine and our kiss turned desperate. I moved my hands down to his flesh and laughed as he gasped when I fingered him, feeling the hardness and softness of his vulnerability.
He growled and grabbed my hand without his mouth ever leaving mine. In one swift thrust, he plunged his flesh deep inside me, and my heart nearly stopped as he filled me, opening a floodgate… a floodgate that unleashed a wealth of feelings long denied. Lucien was everything to me.
He masterfully thrust long silky strokes, flesh against flesh, heat against heat, taking me higher and higher. Bright, raging pleasure rippled through me until a white-hot orgasm burst through me.
