by Evie Wilde
I’d been around all four guys long enough to notice their habits and idiosyncrasies, so when Dash looked away, I knew there was something more on his mind. “You do know you can tell me anything?” I said.
He nodded. “To be honest, after my ex, I didn’t think I’d ever care for another woman, so what has happened between you and I is completely unexpected.”
“We both feel that way,” I said. “But I’m overjoyed that it has happened, especially after waiting for so long.” I giggled playfully. “It was even better than I heard.”
He kissed my forehead and brushed a stray hair away from my face. “There’s something else I need to tell you,” he said and looked away again. He even moved back, giving my heart a pause. “The witch who stole your powers, her name is Challis, my ex-girlfriend. I’d managed to hide from her for years and then all of a sudden she shows up when I felt myself drawn to you.” He shrugged. “My head kept connecting the happenstance to you. I know that was wrong, and I don’t really blame you at all.”
“I understand,” I said. “You and the others saved me from her, and for that I’m grateful.”
“I’m sure it’s Edius,” he said. “One of his mages stole her master’s power, and she thought she was next. So she joined him, splitting us apart. I don’t blame her. Anyone would have done the same thing.” He shook his head as if trying to rid his mind of the memories. It explained so much about Dash and why he acted the way he did. I reached out for him, but he shook his head.
“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m not mad.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t even like speaking her name. When we parted ways there were a lot of bad things said. A lot of true things. Now that she’s back, all those things boiled up. I’m hoping she’s gone now, but my gut tells me the worst is yet to happen. We need to protect you.”
“I get it, Dash. But remember, you never have to feel like you can’t talk to me. I will never judge you or the others. It’s not my place to do that.” I slid forward and kissed him. “We should probably join the others now,” I said and slipped from bed, fighting the desire to have him inside me again. The next time had to be soon.
“I guarantee they’re still sleeping,” Dash said and dressed next to me. He helped me with my shirt and then squeezed my butt, the first time that had ever happened to me.
“Can you do that again?” I asked.
He looked at the bed. “Anytime you want.”
I giggled like a schoolgirl. “That’s not what I meant, silly boy.” I stuck my ass out. “I meant squeeze my ass. I kinda liked that.”
“Kinda?” Dash stood in front of me and held me close. He then reached around and grabbed a handful of ass. He nudged me against his stiffness. “Like that?”
“Both cheeks,” I encouraged. He reached around and grabbed my other ass cheek.
“Better?” he asked, and then lifted me from the floor. I wrapped my legs around his waist and held on tight.
I poked Dash in the chest. “Perfect. And anytime we’re alone you have permission to do that.”
“One time and you’ve changed,” he said, his hands staying against my ass. He snuck a finger between my legs, and I kissed him hard.
“Imagine what another time will do,” I said, and dropped my feet to the floor. I reached for the door and turned. “Do I have a glow?” I joked.
Dash shook his head. “If they clap, I’m out.” He waited a moment and then laughed.
“You better get rid of that,” I said and pointed at his hard-on.
Dash took a deep breath and jogged in place. He stretched and laughed and smiled, and suddenly it was gone. “Better?
“Amazing,” I said. “Just make sure you can get it back again.”
“Trust me, not a problem.”
I opened the door and found everyone just as Dash had said, sleeping, except for Aurelius who was watching cartoons on TV. His love for cartoons was the one thing we knew about Aurelius that the other students didn’t. His concentration when watching cartoons caused his left eye to twitch. Dash passed me, and I heard him go out onto the back porch. He knew they’d be all over him about what happened in the bedroom, and I knew he needed some time to process what we did. I was sure Kyler and Oliver would bombard him with questions, and so he needed to come up with answers. I needed time as well but thought maybe Aurelius was there waiting for me.
Aurelius patted the cushion next to him. He pointed at the TV. “The sponge is annoying,” he said. “Who comes up with this stuff? And whatever happened to the dog and those four kids?” He shook his head. “Times have changed.”
“They have,” I said, agreeing the sponge was indeed annoying. I really wanted to know what he thought of my performance so far, especially since so many people thought I would fail. I wanted to go back to Guildmaster Ren and show him I’d mastered my magic, even though my magic was gone. But then Aurelius had been a little distant recently, which meant his feedback had been sparse at times. “What do you think of my abilities so far? Do I have what it takes to be one of the best?” I asked. I needed to know I was progressing. I needed to know I was making a difference.
Aurelius turned away from the TV and looked at me. The sponge screeched but didn’t draw Aurelius’ attention. “You have a long way to go to be the best in the world, Cassandra. First, you have to be best in your class. Then be the best Freshman. The next step is to be the best at the Enchanted Academy.” He shook his head. “Do I think you have the possibility? Absolutely.” He turned back to the singing sponge. “Do I think you will ever be the best? Probably.” He pointed at the TV. “I can sing better than that.”
“Thank you, Aurelius. Thank you for believing in me.” I nodded at the TV. “But I don’t think you can sing at all.”
Aurelius smiled. “Train hard, Cassandra,” he said. “Beat the best to be the best.”
“I will,” I said. I assumed he was referring to Challis rather than anyone at the academy. And since it appeared I was brought to the academy to fight Edius, I would have to beat the best just to live.
Leaning to my left, I could see Dash sitting on the back porch, staring ahead. Last night had been amazing, though I was still a little sore from his intrusion. He’d officially brought me into womanhood, and everything about me seemed to have changed. I didn’t have to wonder anymore. I could write in my diary about the experience. I could write how it felt physically, incredible, and how it felt emotionally, beautiful. And I couldn’t wait to tell Ruby. It had been just like she said it would be. A little bit of pain but a whole lot of pleasure. She said the following time would blow my socks off. I couldn’t wait.
“I have another question,” I said, and he nodded. “Do you think it’s wrong to love more than one person in a romantic way?” The question sounded stupid, hearing it spoken. Ruby answered the question with an emphatic no, it wasn’t wrong. She encouraged me not to let old ways of thinking mar my feelings for the four guys. I couldn’t agree more but respected Aurelius’ opinion. He came from an older generation, so I suspected his answer would make me crash and burn.
Aurelius took his eyes off the TV and turned to me. He still looked tired and even looked years older than the last time I saw him. The semester was wearing on the man. “That’s not for me to judge or decide,” he said. He looked around the room at the sleeping guys. “I’m assuming you’re talking about them and Dash?” He smiled, coveting his relationship with the young men. “They’re good men, and if they are your choice then, well, you made good ones.”
“I am talking about them,” I said. “There’s this connection going on between all of us. Them to me and me to them. I’ve never had that before. They feel the same way.”
“I was brought here to help you all fight Edius, not to be your matchmaker,” Aurelius said sternly. He turned back to the sponge on TV. He patted my leg. “But I’m glad you and Dash have worked out your differences in the way I assume you did. The five of you will make a great team. You’ll need each other when it c
omes time to battle Edius.” He pointed at Oliver. “The boy has more brains than the entire academy student body. Use him wisely. He won’t lead you wrong. Though I think you’ll have to encourage him along the way.”
I motioned at Kyler who snored like a Saint Bernard. “What about him? He’s something of a mystery to me.”
Aurelius chuckled. “Kyler is a wildcard. We never know what we’ll get from him. I believe it’s the shapeshifter in him. He likes his freedom. Likes to head out into the wilderness and run. Feel the wind blowing through his fur.” He chuckled again. “Understand these things about him. He'll need encouragement but not as much as brainiac over there.” We both laughed.
“You and Dash are close,” I said. “I can tell he really respects you. He would protect you the way he does me.”
“He lost his father a while back,” Aurelius said. “He’s like a son to me, and I’m like a father to him. We tangle a bit, but so do most fathers and sons.” He turned away from the TV. “Dash will lay down his life for you and the other boys. You be prepared to allow him to do that, and everything will be fine. The boy takes great pride in doing things and then hiding the fact he takes great pride in doing good.” He shook his head at the TV when a squirrel began singing. “They need you, Cassandra. The boys, not the squirrel.”
I chuckled, and he smiled. “What about Braeden?” I asked. “Think he’ll come around?”
“The boy who wants to be your life-long best friend?” Aurelius smiled and patted me on the leg again, his way of comforting me. “Him I’m not sure about. He will do anything for you. Anything at all.” He pointed toward the bedroom. “But will he do that? I don’t know. With him you’ll just have to go with women’s intuition, if such a thing truly exists.” He smiled.
“I’m afraid he’ll be jealous of the others,” I said. “It seems like that’s the balancing act I have to do for this thing to work out.” I let out a loud sigh. I needed to get things cleared up with Braeden. The sexual tension over the years had eaten away at both of us. When you spent that much time with someone, you couldn’t avoid the intimate feelings.
“Maybe, but I think he understands the five of you are a team. He knows it can’t be four or three or two. He’ll accept things as they are as long as he knows it's what you want.” He made a pfft sound. “If the boy is smart, he’ll accept things as they are and embrace them.”
Kyler bumped my foot as he woke, though I doubted he’d been totally asleep, probably listening to us. “I don’t think it’s wrong at all,” he said. “Just make sure everyone knows your intentions. That’s what I'd do if I liked someone who was with someone else.”
Aurelius looked around me when Kyler joined us on the couch. “Welcome to the living,” he said to Kyler. “How was the floor?”
Kyler’s hair was headed in ten different directions. Dry slobber clung to the right corner of his mouth. But even in a state of disaster he was adorable. I was still fascinated with his ability to shapeshift and wondered how it fit in with our connection. “Hard as hell,” he said to Aurelius. “Next time we draw straws for the guest bedroom.”
I glanced at the guest bedroom, and my mind went crazy. I squeezed my legs together and thought about Dash inside me. If I didn’t get him off my mind, I’d never be able to think straight.
“I wouldn’t mind finding someone like that someday,” Kyler said. “Someone I trust enough to turn myself over to.”
I placed my hand on his which was resting on his knee. “Maybe you have,” I said.
Aurelius looked at me and rolled his eyes, following it with a groan. “For the record,” he began. “I don’t care how many men you have as long as you’re all focused and can fight for a common goal. And don’t forget, we’re heading back to the academy in the morning. We need to figure out a way to get your powers back.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Kyler
Aurelius was doing his best to be a third wheel but then got the hint when Cassandra yawned and tucked her feet beneath her bottom. I’d noticed her eyes closing and head nodding as if she were about to fall asleep. I needed him to go so Cassandra and I could talk. He shook his head at me and rolled his eyes. I gave him a gentle motion with my head to get the heck out of the room so I could have some time with her. I wanted to tell her she’d saved the best for last but didn’t need the added pressure of Aurelius’ wandering ears.
“I’m going to go have a visit with Dash,” Aurelius said and stood, struggling to catch his balance. We needed to help him as much as he needed to help us. He winked at me before disappearing through the kitchen.
“Hope you don’t mind me sitting with you,” I said to Cassandra. We had a connection, but I'd yet to determine how strong her connection to me actually was compared to the other guys. I didn’t want to assume because assuming could get me hurt emotionally. I believed in trust but verify.
“Of course not,” she said and rubbed my hand again. She looked up into my eyes, hers suddenly wide and inquiring. “I'm a little confused how I can like someone that I just met so much. Really, it’s three of you. I’ve known Braeden since we were kids, and I think he’s had a crush on me ever since. I never really considered the fact I may like so many guys at one time.”
I chuckled and although I wanted to put my arm around her, I told myself not to. I had to be sure first. I’d rather suffer the pain of not knowing rather than suffering the pain of knowing I wasn’t in her circle. “I think you have to understand people are naturally attracted to you. You have a vibe about you. We all felt it the first day we met you. Some of us are a little more guarded than others.”
“Thank you,” she said and rubbed my hand and arm, her skin soft, her fingertips an aphrodisiac exciting every nerve in my body. “I’m glad you feel that way. I want you to know I’d never do anything to hurt any of the you.” She adjusted her feet and moved closer. Much closer and she would be on top of me. I laid my hand along her thigh, my fingers at her knee.
I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the feeling her hand was giving me, trying to ignore the exhilaration from my hand being on her leg. I needed to control myself. Not be so easy to read. “Just because you like more than one guy doesn’t mean you’re betraying anyone. Just make sure they know. I think then everyone would be cool with it. I am.”
“Yeah, but I'm worried about Braeden.” She stared at the TV for a moment. A fat yellow guy was yelling at his yellow son. “I’ve known Braeden for most of my life. He’s a good guy. He's lived through some tough times just like the rest of us. He just hides it better than everyone else.”
I shook my head. “There’s no need to worry. I can assure you he understands and accepts the fact you may like more than one of us.” I suddenly froze. “I mean more than one guy.” I took a deep breath and moved a bit closer, stealing the blanket from beneath her. When she grabbed for the blanket her hand touched mine, and she gasped. I found myself wanting the same as Dash. I wanted whatever happened behind closed doors with the two of them to happen between the two of us.
I reconsidered what I’d said about Braeden and trusting he would do the right thing. Life had taught me to be less trusting and more skeptical until I saw the final product. Meaning Braeden’s unequivocal acceptance of the way things were. Sure, he’d said as much, but actions always spoke louder than words. I didn’t bother telling Cassandra I wasn’t so sure anymore about Braeden’s commitment.
Cassandra stared at me for a long moment, her hand remaining on mine. “Your hand is warm,” she said, and I was thankful for the escape from my own thoughts regardless of how short of time that would be. My mind had pretty much been on her since we saw her in the admin building.
“And yours are colder than they should be,” I replied and moved her hands between mine, the energy traveling between us undeniable. At that moment several things were unmistakable, but I decided it was not the time to test my theory. I kicked myself for overthinking like Oliver often did. Things were always black and white with me, and I needed to
keep them that way. Love had a way of knocking you down a few notches if you weren’t careful.
“Thank you,” she said. “You’re such a gentleman.” She squeezed my hand, and I let the feeling to take her into my arms subside.
I glanced at the fireplace and considered tossing in another log, but I didn’t want to leave the warmth of the spot next to Cassandra. In fact, I didn’t ever want to move. Oliver rolled to his side and scratched his nose. For a moment I thought our private conversation was going to be interrupted. He snuggled against a plant and went back to snoring. He reminded me of a Saint Bernard.
Braeden slept like a rock, his arms wrapped around a blanket. I kind of felt bad for the guy. He brought Cassandra to the academy, and suddenly she had four guys falling for her. And, apparently, Dash had been her first instead of him, though all of us wished we had been her first. How in the hell could he accept such a thing?
“I guess you know what Dash and I were doing,” she said, and I nodded. “It doesn’t bother you?”
Oliver turned to his other side. I didn’t believe it would bother any of us. “Not at all,” I said. “He had a huge smile on his face when he left the bedroom. It sure as hell beats the frown he’s always wearing. So yeah, I’m good with it. He told you about Challis.”
Cassandra nodded. “He did. Sounds like she hurt him pretty bad. He told me a few things and then clammed up. I could tell he didn’t want to discuss it any further, so I didn’t.”
“Safe to say, nobody needs to bring her up unless he does,” I said. “She tore at his core. He thought she was the one, and then she wasn’t. Messed with his head pretty bad. It also messed with our friendship for a while. He didn’t want to be bothered by anyone.”
She gently bit into her lower lip and looked up at me again. “What if I wanted more than just a relationship with him? Then what?”
I shook my head profusely. “You mean like marry him? No way. He wouldn’t go for that. That boy would hit the road and never look back.”
