Even though we’d never talked about it, I had a feeling that Makayla knew I was afraid. The men who’d attacked me died by my fire. What if I lost control again? Those men were monsters. The people here were students. I didn’t want to hurt anyone or hurt myself. Plus, there was the whole Untamed Magic thing Dr. Green warned me about. I couldn’t shake the part of our conversation about having power I didn’t know about. The fire had been surprise enough. I wasn’t sure I could handle any other new magic.
Worse, I didn’t want to end up thrown out of here. I was worried that once I tried using magic, they’d learn what a fraud I was, or I’d do so much damage they’d kick me out.
I’d grown to like being here. The food was good and reliable. The water was never cut off and my room was never freezing so I could save money on heat. I had it good here.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “You’ll know when the time is right to try your magic again.”
I nodded, forcing a smile on my face. “Thank you.”
The two of us were laughing over a shared joke when we reached the common room.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ben jump up from his seat. I’d only seen him in passing over the last two weeks. It was clear he’d been avoiding me.
The sexy wolf shifter glanced toward me and for a second, our eyes locked. My breath hitched and I felt warm all over. I still wasn’t sure how he was able to do this to me with a look, but he seemed to have a hold on me that I couldn’t shake.
It felt like we were alone in the room, just the two of us.
He broke the stare first, looking down with a nod. “Raven, Makayla.”
“Hey, Ben,” Makayla said. “What are you guys playing? Cause Raven here keeps saying she’s a champion strip poker player but I’m not sure I believe her.”
Makayla nudged me with her elbow playfully.
“It’s been a while since I played,” I said, still unable to take my eyes off of Ben.
“Come on, show us what you got little mage,” Jenny said, tapping the empty space on the couch next to her.
“I think I’ll sit this one out,” Ben said.
“That’s probably smart,” Makayla said. “We all know you can’t handle losing well.”
“Who says I’d lose?” He asked.
Makayla shrugged. “I mean, if you’re afraid, sulk back to your room.”
He looked back at the table, then turned his gaze back on me as if waiting for me to say something. Once again, my breath hitched, but this time, there was a twinge of sadness at the thought of him walking away.
While I knew he was expert level temptation, the thought of him leaving was worse than knowing I had to be on my best behavior. “Afraid you’ll lose to a girl?”
He laughed, a rich, dark sound that filled my insides with flutters. How I wished he’d laugh for me. Just the two of us, naked and entwined in my bed.
Swallowing hard, I pushed the sexy thoughts away. “Or is it that you don’t think you can beat a mage?”
“Oh, you’re on, princess,” he said.
Makayla grabbed my shopping bag. “I’ll stash this in my room. You go get in on that game.”
“You’re not playing?” I asked.
“Oh no, I’d rather watch you kick his ass.”
I cracked my knuckles playfully as I walked toward the low table. “Y’all ready to lose?”
Jenny shifted a little, making more room on the couch. I sat down next to her and looked across the table where Ben was settling back into his seat. I winked at him, suddenly feeling very emboldened by the familiar sound of cards being dealt. “You ready to lose that shirt?”
He lifted his eyebrows. “I don’t lose at this game.”
“You’ve never played against me.” I took my cards from Jenny.
Trey was sitting next to her and called out his bet. “Let’s start with shirts today.”
“Call,” Starla said.
“Call,” Ben said.
“Call,” I said, not taking my eyes off of Ben.
Jenny turned the cards and I smirked. I’d never been great with poker face, but I was incredibly lucky. There was no way I was going to lose this hand.
As we went through the game, the player with the lowest hand lost a piece of clothing. Trey was down to his boxers and Starla had lost her shirt. Jenny maintained her position as dealer, keeping all of her clothes just as Ben and I both had.
“I told you I was good at this game.” I threw down my cards.
“Dammit,” Trey said.
“Take it off!” Starla shouted.
Everyone laughed as Trey stood and started dancing. “Hey, if I’m going to strip for all of you, I might as well make it a show!”
I could feel Ben’s gaze on me as I watched Trey shake his hips. It was strong enough to drag me away from the performance just as Trey hooked his thumbs under the waistband of his boxers.
Our eyes met and I heat rushed to my cheeks. Ben was staring at me as if I was the only one in the room. The laugher around me sounded far away. I clenched my thighs together and tore my eyes from him. Without a word, Ben had managed, once again, to make me feel things I shouldn’t.
Trying to ignore the intensity of our connection, I turned back to where Trey was shaking his bare ass for the whole group. Jenny reached up and slapped him and Trey howled. “Hey, that’s unwanted touch.”
“Right, that’s exactly what you said last night,” she said.
He turned back to the group, his large cock on full display. He had nothing to be ashamed of. “Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you farewell.” He bowed low, then scooped up his clothes, using them to cover himself.
Then, he turned to Ben. “Take her out, will you? It’s not right that she’s sitting there fully clothed.”
“You got it,” Ben said.
“I wouldn’t count on it,” I said.
“We’ll see,” he said. “I’m sure I’m going to get you out of those clothes.”
Wetness spread between my legs. If he only knew how badly I wanted him to make good on that threat.
17
Ben
It was down to the two of us. Starla took over dealing once Jenny followed Trey down the hall. The sounds of Jenny’s screams reached the common room, amping up the sexual tension that was already filling the space.
I could smell Raven’s arousal. I knew she wanted me. But I needed her to make the first move. There was no way I would be able to stop if we started so I had to make sure she wanted it as much as I wanted her.
She was my mate, I was certain of it so it was a matter of time until we made it official. I would feel my cock inside her. I would mark her as mine. And with every second that passed, I could feel us inching closer to that moment.
Starla turned the cards, and I maintained my stoic expression. I wasn’t going to win this hand.
Drawing a few more cards would only delay the inevitable. Besides, maybe removing some of my clothing would help speed this process up. I wanted Raven. I needed her.
“Strip,” she said.
“You sure you’re ready for that?” I asked.
“I think I can handle it,” she said.
I shrugged. “You asked for it.” Slowly, I pulled my shirt over my head. I knew I looked good naked.
Tossing the shirt to the side, I watched Raven’s face. She was terrible at hiding her emotions, which is why it was surprising she was doing so well at this game. She had zero poker face.
I smirked as she involuntarily licked her lower lip, her eyes traveling down my chest to my abs. Probably lower. “You like what you see?”
Her green eyes shot back up to mine. “I see another cocky asshole who spends more time in the gym than he does with a book.”
“Ouch, burn.” I laughed. “Are you calling me dumb?”
Her cheeks flushed. It was adorable.
“Just deal, okay. Unless you fold?” she asked.
“Never,” I said.
Starla silently dealt the cards. I turned mi
ne over and couldn’t help but smile. No poker face this time. When you hold two aces, you’re in good shape.
Starla turned over the cards on the table. Another ace.
I grinned. “Ready to take off that shirt?”
“Not so fast,” she said.
But I could see it on her face.
A minute later, Raven scowled at me as she pulled her shirt over her head. Her perky tits were sitting in a lacy black bra on full display for me. My cock hardened at the sight. Her body was even more beautiful than I’d imagined. And trust me, I’d imagined it a lot over the last few weeks.
“What no comment?” She said.
“Stunned silence from the alpha?” Starla said. “That’s a mighty powerful rack you’ve got there. We’re going to have to keep that in mind for when we want him to shut the fuck up.”
I glared at Starla. “Deal.”
She laughed as she dealt the next hand. This time, my shoes came off. Then, my socks.
Finally, I won a hand. Raven took off her shoes.
Then I won again. Raven’s socks came off. All that was left was her pants to see what she was wearing over that pussy I’d fantasied about.
Another round and I was holding the winning cards. But I wasn’t quite ready. This wasn’t how I wanted to see Raven fully naked. I wanted her to myself - alone in my room. Or at least somewhere with a little privacy. My wolf growled internally, demanding I show my hand. He wanted her. All of her.
I knew the risk I would take if I got her down to her panties. I wasn’t sure I could keep my wolf - or myself contained.
“I’m out.” I threw my cards on the table, face down. Letting Raven win.
Raven cocked an eyebrow at me. It was the first time I hadn’t shown my hand. I didn’t have to show my cards, but I know she was suspicious.
“Pants, pants, pants,” Starla chanted.
I stood. “You ready, princess? This is what you were waiting for, right?”
Raven rolled her eyes. “Trust me, I’m sure your underwear isn’t any better than any of the others I’ve seen.”
I unzipped my jeans and tugged them down. It was worth it to see the wide-eyed response to my well fitted boxer briefs from Raven.
If I lost again, I’d bare it all. My wolf panted in agreement. It was a calculated risk. One I was willing to take to try to get her to act on her impulses. I knew she wanted me. I just needed to get her to admit it to herself.
“You lose this, and you’re out, Ben,” Starla said.
“Got it,” I said. “Unless Raven wants to fold now?”
“Never,” she said.
My cock twitched. God, I loved that stubborn streak. Did she even have any idea how fucking sexy she was?
Starla dealt.
I peeked at my cards. They were good, but I wasn’t sure if they were good enough. Once again, I thought about Raven’s pussy on full display. My cock twitched.
I wanted her. To be inside her.
But not like this.
“I fold,” I said.
“Just like that?” She said. “Does that mean you don’t want to show me what’s under those boxers?”
“Oh, I want to show you,” I said. “Just not here.”
I could hear Raven’s heart pounding. Her cheeks flushed pink and I could sense the change in her breathing. She was ready.
“You lost, Ben,” Starla said. “Time to strip.”
I looked at Raven. “Want me to do it here, or should we go somewhere more private?”
“Strip,” Raven said, not missing a beat.
She was brutal. And I was pretty sure I was in love with her. Nobody pushed me around or stood up to me. She was exactly what I needed.
I stood, my eyes focused on hers. She didn’t blink as I stared at her. Our connection sent a rush of fire though me, as if every part of me was lit up. My skin felt hot and my chest was tight. The only thing I could think of was Raven. Her lips pressed into mine so hard they came back bruised. Her nails digging into my back. My cock deep inside her as she moaned in pleasure.
Hooking my thumbs under the waistband, I tugged down my boxers. My erection sprung free, its full size clearly visible.
Raven’s eyes lowered, and she took a deep breath, holding it. I watched as her fingers gripped the fabric of the couch. She squeezed her legs together, then she looked up at me. Our eyes met again.
“You like what you see?” I asked, taking a few steps toward her.
“It’s impressive,” she breathed.
“Raven,” her name escaped my mouth like a prayer. How did I explain this to her? Did she know that she called to me? That we were meant to be together?
“Alright, you two,” Starla said. “The common room is off limits for sex.”
I turned to her, letting out a low growl.
“Not my rule,” she said.
“I have to go,” Raven said. She pushed past me, holding her clothes.
I watched her leave. Now wasn’t the time, but we were close. Soon, she’d come to me.
18
Raven
“Good news, class,” Professor Halifax said. “We are officially done with the technical preparations. Today, we begin the practical study.”
The class cheered and my eyes widened. I knew at some point, I’d have to actually use magic but the last few weeks of learning about it from a safe distance had been just fine for me.
“Today’s practical session will be a group study. Groups of three, make sure you have at least one newer student in your group. Choose one of the elemental spells to focus on today and work through it until you can safely cast.”
Chatter sounded around me as my classmates stood and moved around the room, greeting their friends and quickly forming groups.
I turned to the person next to me just as she walked away to join another group. Fuck. It was like elementary school gym class square dancing. Nobody wanted to be my partner, so I had to dance with the teacher. I really hoped there was no square dancing in gym here.
“Need a partner, new girl?” someone asked.
I turned to see the twins from the first night smiling down at me. Up close, they were even more handsome than I’d realized. They were identical from their short brown wavy hair and dark eyes to their strong jaws and light stubble. They looked like they’d be more at home on a big screen than inside a magic school in matching uniforms.
Everyone at this school was like a fucking model. No pressure. I straightened my shirt and inwardly thanked Makayla for making me brush my hair. I mean, if I had to deal with this place, I might as well enjoy myself. And to be fair, I’d been left with lady blue balls from the dream with Luka. Either of these two would be a welcome substitute. For a second, I imagined them both naked and touching me.
I shook my head and tried to send the dirty thoughts away. Something was wrong with me. Very, very wrong. “Yeah, I need a partner.” In more ways than one.
One of the twins lifted a knowing eyebrow and my cheeks heated. Did he know what I was thinking? Could mages do that?
“Come on, you can join us, new girl,” he said.
“Raven,” I said. “My name is Raven.”
“Matt and Zach,” the other twin said.
My brow furrowed as I searched their faces, trying to find anything that could identify them as individuals. Not seeing anything, I lowered my eyes to check out the rest of them. Finally, I noticed that one of them had a freckle on his right hand while the other didn’t. “Who is Matt and who is Zach?”
“I’m Matt,” the one with the freckle pointed to himself.
“Zach,” the other said.
“Got it,” I said. “Thanks for inviting me to join your group.”
“We’ve got to be the first to check out the new girl,” Matt said.
“Unless Luka beat us to it,” Zach said.
“I don’t know what you’re inferring but that’s not how I roll,” I said.
“Pity,” Matt said. “I could have made you scream my name for hours.�
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“Doubt it,” I said. “That takes skill.”
“Solid burn,” Zach said.
“I think I might want different partners,” I said, glancing around the room. Everyone was already in groups. I was stuck with the cocky asshole and his twin.
“You’re stuck with us, darling,” Matt said.
“Fine, but I’m not your darling,” I said.
“You will be,” Matt said with a shrug.
I ignored his confident words. “Shouldn’t we get to work?”
“Sure, you start,” Zach said.
“I don’t know how,” I said.
Matt turned his hand and flames flickered to life in his palm. He grinned. “It’s easy. Now you try.”
“Don’t I need to say some magic words or something?” I asked.
“Only in the movies,” Zach said, turning his hand and creating his own flames. “If you have the magic, you call to it and bring it forth.”
I looked down at my hands and frowned. I’d created fire once before and it ended in destruction and death. Balling my hands into fists I reminded myself again that I was in the right. I shouldn’t feel bad for what I did. And I did want to control it.
Blowing out a breath, I copied their hand movement, willing fire to come.
Nothing happened.
“Maybe you’re not good with fire,” Matt said. “We can try water.”
I shook my head. “No, I know I have fire. At least I think I have fire.”
Zach closed his hand around his flame. “Try this.” He stretched his arm out and splayed his fingers wide. Then he turned his hand slowly, so it was palm up, then closed his hand into a fist. When he opened it, there was a tiny flame burning in his hand. “If you’re a fire mage, you should manifest fire easily. The other elements are harder to create.”
I can do this. I had to learn how to do this. It was the only way out of this place. If I could play along and graduate, I could move on with my life. Whatever the hell that looked like after walking away from what I’d left behind.
My hand shook as I stretched my arm out. I took a steadying breath as I turned my hand palm up. Squeezing my hand into a fist, I closed my eyes, imagining fire springing to life as if I held an invisible lighter. I opened my eyes and carefully opened my hand.
Academy of the Elites: Untamed Magic Page 8
