Academy of Beasts XXXIII

by Becca Fanning

  "Whatever," Dracus huffed, rolling his eyes.

  The response was so unlike Dracus that I giggled. The man hated all social activities, just as Ren did. When I glanced at Ren, his lips were turned down with sheer disgust. "I didn't know you guys did that. How come there was no core council sponsored function last year?"

  "Well, it was kinda hard to put on with a shifter-slayer war going on." Enrique shrugged.

  "Of course. Stupid question."

  "Can we at least do something classy this year?" Jasper leaned against the fireplace, arms folded and scowling at Enrique.

  "Dude, we're not throwing a freaking ball. Who wants to waltz and all that boring shit?"

  "I do. A ball would be amazing. So old-world and romantic."

  Jasper's smile held gratitude. "A woman after my heart." He rested a hand over his chest, and I giggled.

  "You'd enjoy something like that, wouldn't you, Dracus? I know that's more your taste as it is Jasper's."

  Dracus's hard stare was fixed on me. There wasn't even the hint of a smile on his face. "How about we focus on more important matters like finding out what happened to that student?" His jaw clenched. "And capturing Dante."

  My excitement about a normal party died a slow death as I held Dracus's cool stare. Being reminded that he still resented my defense of Demetrius stung. "Um… yeah… you're absolutely right. Now isn't the time to think about trivial things like… fun."

  Jasper, Theo, Enrique, and Ren glared at Dracus. It was sweet that they were all upset on my behalf, but Dracus was right. Throwing a party to keep up appearances was the least of our concerns. Whitney's well-being was of utmost importance. And Dante's recapture… Well, that was important to all of our survival.

  Theo's eyes narrowed as they jumped from Dracus to me. A crease appeared between his brows, but he didn't ask what I knew was on the tip of his tongue. What's going on between the two of you? Surely, the tension between Dracus and I was becoming more obvious. We could only hide our breakup for so long, living in the same house.

  Clearing my throat lightly to break the gathering tension in the room, I suggested, "Maybe I can visit Whitney's room and try to feel things out. If I'm lucky, I'll get a vision."

  "How are you going to get her roommate out of the room?" Jasper asked.

  I turned to Enrique with a broad grin. He frowned. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

  "It's time for you to come out of playboy retirement, Casanova."

  His eyebrows almost touched his hairline. "Excuse me?" I nodded, and he shook his head vigorously. "No way. I will not flirt with Whitney's roommate in front of you." His cheeks flushed a light shade of pink.

  Snickering, Theo turned to him. "Just chat Whitney's roommate up and get her to leave the room. You're a pro at flirting. What's the big deal?"

  "Flirting with another girl in front of Fiona? It's… weird."

  "She won't know I'm there. I'm going to cloak myself and slip into the room as soon as you get her out."

  "You'll still be there." Enrique folded his arms. "Let's think of another way to get her out."

  Jasper rolled his eyes. "You've used your charm to get your way plenty of times."

  "That was before…" There was a tick in his jaw. He glanced at me, and then his eyes skated away. "You know what? Fine, I'll do it." He huffed, "I can't believe my own girlfriend is pimping me out now."

  Swallowing my laughter with great effort, I frowned. "Don't be so dramatic." Turning to Dracus, I lifted a shoulder. "Well, what do you think?"

  "You and Enrique go ahead and find out what you can about Whitney. In the process, keep an eye out on the campus, patrol the walls. The rest of us will be on Dante duty or patrolling the villages."

  There was a murmur of agreement. Then Ren quietly reminded, "Enrique, remember that Fiona is a target."

  "I can take care of myself," I told him. All of them. I met each gaze steadily and repeated, "I can take care of myself, and Enrique will have my back. Don't worry."

  I caught Ren's wave of anxiety, but he didn't say another word.

  Chapter 8

  Enrique and I waited at the door of the missing student. When it swung open, Enrique's signature charming smile was in place. The one that I bet dropped plenty of panties before my time. Hell, even mine slipped a little just now.

  Clair, the missing Whitney's roommate, gave Enrique a perplexed once over, and then her eyes widened. "Uh… may I help you?"

  Enrique rested one arm against the door frame, bringing his body closer to Clair. "Clair, right?"

  Her face flushed. "Y-you know who I am?"

  "Of course. I'm―"

  "Enrique Beaumont, I know who you are. I've heard… I mean, you're a part of the student council, right?"

  My brows knitted, and I folded my arms. I'd love to know what it was that Clair heard about Enrique. I glared at them both. Of course, neither he nor Clair could see me. I was cloaked from sight… and smell.

  "That's right." He smirked.

  Clair blushed again. "What are you doing here? Are you at the wrong door or something?" Her eyes swept the hallway.

  "I'm here to see you, Clair," he purred, making me roll my eyes. I knew this was my idea, but it was hard to watch. The way Clair was practically eye-fucking him was getting to me. Biting down on my lower lip, I stayed still.

  "Me? Why?"

  "I heard what happened to your roommate. I came to check on you."

  Clair's brows drew together. "Oh, is that like a council thing?"

  Enrique's lips twisted into a heart-stopping grin. "You can say that. I thought you might want someone to talk to. You must be so worried, sweetness."

  Clair's breath hitched, and her eyes rounded even more. Without thinking, I elbowed him in the side. Hard. Enrique grunted and dropped his hand and rubbed his left ribs. He turned in my direction with a bemused expression. I wanted to hiss at him, tell him he was laying on the charm too much for my comfort.

  Clair followed his gaze right to me. "Er… are you okay?"

  "Fine, sweet… Clair. So, how are you? Really? Would you like to talk.? Maybe take a walk outside for a little bit? You must be going crazy with worry just sitting in there all by yourself." He nodded over her shoulder into her dorm room.

  "I am." She sighed. "It's really sweet of you… I mean the council to check up on me."

  "Oh, it's all me. I decided to come check on you, sweetness." He took a quick step to the right to evade my elbow. His smirk made me seethe.

  I swore if he called her sweetness one more time, I'd drop my cloak and slap him. He was enjoying this way too much.

  Clair's girly giggle made me grit my teeth. I was surprised my molars didn't turn to dust. "It's very sweet of you then. I'd love to take a walk," her cheeks turned scarlet, "with you."

  "Great."

  I watched with eyes narrowed to slits as Clair took the arm he offered and closed the door. She was so enraptured by Enrique's blonde, green-eyed good looks and bad-boy charm that she didn't even lock her door. I couldn't blame the girl. Enrique had a devilishly charming aura that made me lose my good senses plenty of times. They strolled down the hallway, and only when they turned the corner and were out of sight did I push the door open.

  "Okay," I whispered, dropping my cloak. I surveyed the room as I ventured further. I took several deep breaths to center myself, utilizing the meditation methods Dracus had shown me to relax. The room was spacious, as were all the dorms. This one had double beds on each side of the room. It was easy to tell which side was Whitney's. Above her bed, covered with a delicate pink duvet, was a wooden sign carved into fancy letters—Whitney's Corner. I smiled. How cute. Based on Whitney's taste, I could tell she was a total girly girl. Clair's side was decorated with darker, solid colors. It was neat, with minimal feminine fluff. I guess she was the practical one. Yet, she was so easily sucked in by Enrique's charm. Then again, which girl wasn't?

  I strolled to Whitney's side of the room, eyes searching for the slig
htest clue as to where she might have gone. Maybe Jasper should have come along. He was good at this kind of thing. I didn't see any physical evidence of so it was time to tap into my powers.

  "You can do this, Fiona. You can totally do this." I boosted myself up with a pep talk.

  "You're the only one here. No one will know if you fail so relax." Inhaling deeply, I stopped in front of Whitney's desk and laid my palms on it. Nothing. No spark of lingering emotions.

  I was determined to make myself useful for this investigation. I'd been so useless in the search for Dante, and I needed this win. Needed to feel like I contributed something to the team.

  "Come on," I whispered.

  Moving to the bed, I knelt down and rested my palm on the duvet. Slowly, I slid my hands up to the pillows. As soon as I touched one, I gasped as I was sucked into a flash of moving images and sounds.

  Lighthearted giggles filled my mind. A picture of Whitney, dark-haired and pretty with dimples in both cheeks, appeared. She dropped to the bed, her head hitting the same pillow I was touching. Dark brown eyes, almost black, gleamed with happiness.

  "Clair, have you ever been in love? I am. I've found the one."

  "You're only eighteen. There's no way you've found the one," was Clair's amused response.

  Whitney rolled her eyes and smiled up at the ceiling. "Don't ruin this for me, you love nazi."

  I snickered at that response, and my concentration was broken. The vision disappeared. "Damn it." Huffing, I planted my hands on the pillow again and jumped back into the lingering memory.

  "His name is Levy." Whitney's voice floated around me. I felt her excitement and could practically feel her heart fluttering at the mention of Levy. It was strange. It was like tapping into the memory made me connect to her somehow. Another nuisance of my power, I didn't understand. The list of things I didn't comprehend about myself was getting longer by the day, and it was frustrating. I forced myself to focus so I wouldn't lose the thread of memory I'd latched onto.

  "He's a dragon shifter. My dad wants me to be with a bear shifter like myself, but I don't care what he thinks. I love Levy."

  Ah. So she was a bear shifter. That explained the warm and giggly demeanor. She was as lovable as Theo. Poor Whitney. I wish she wasn't missing. A sweet girl like her should be here, safe in her dorm room, gushing over her new love.

  "Does he go here?" That was Clair.

  "No. I met him in a nearby village one weekend a few weeks ago when I was traveling back to the academy from home. He's a little older. Twenty. He doesn't go to school." She lowered her voice. "I've snuck off campus a few times to see him."

  "You should leave him alone, Whit," Clair sighed. "Do you think he's worth getting into trouble over? Maybe getting suspended or expelled? Focus on school. That's what your dad wants."

  "You wouldn't understand," Whitney said sadly.

  I bet she was hoping for the support of her friend. A sharp pain hit me behind the eyes, and I drew away from the memory with a hiss. Cloaking myself and using up this much energy to eavesdrop on a conversation that took place days ago took a physical toll. I knew this would happen. Still, I needed more. I rose to my feet and moved back to her desk.

  "Okay, she was meeting this guy off campus. That's something."

  Under the desk.

  My gasp echoed in the quiet, dimly lit room. Leia's voice had startled me. I didn't take the time to reach out to her, as I usually did. Enrique could keep Clair out for only so long. I had to hurry. Dropping to my knees, I peeked under the desk. A piece of white paper caught my attention. I grabbed it up. It was a note.

  Don't worry. I went to see him. Be back later tonight.

  A note from Whitney to Clair, I presumed. I bet he was Levy. Holding onto the piece of paper, I shut my eyes tightly. "Come on… give me something…"

  I sucked in a breath as the images rushed through my mind. Whitney quickly scribbled the note. Smiling, she grabbed a sweater from the back of her chair and flounced to the door. The note slipped off the desk in her rush, floated to the floor, and slid under the desk. That's what Clair hadn't seen. The images faded, and their dorm room came back into focus.

  Whitney had snuck off campus to see Levy, and she hadn't returned. It wasn't much, but it was a lead. Satisfied, I stood up and stuck the note into the pocket of my jeans.

  "Time to get the heck out of here."

  As I aimed for the door, I heard shuffling, and then the window opened. Gasping, I ducked back behind the desk. Heart hammering against my ribs, I looked skyward. Or course, something had to go wrong. I couldn't just make a clean break, could I?

  Gods.

  On the bright side, maybe it was Whitey. Finally, sneaking back in. Cautiously, I stuck my head up to take a peek. The hooded figure ducking through the window was too tall to be Whitney.

  Crap.

  The intruder's head whipped around, right in my direction. I was so busted. Footsteps rushed towards the desk, and I stifled a groan. Whoever it was, he or she was sneaking around, just as I was. I'd have to fight my way out of here and try not to be seen. Unfortunately, I used up too much energy to shield myself and fight. Flipping my hood over my head, I sighed and grumbled, "Freaking awesome."

  I jump to my feet. In the same breath, I hopped onto the desk for leverage and dove towards the intruder. We tumbled to the floor. I discovered it was a he because the muttered curse was in a distinctly deep voice. Jumping back to my feet before he recovered from the surprise attack, I moved to the open window.

  A hand snagged my ankle, and I went down with a loud thud. I had just a second to throw my hands out to catch my fall. The mystery man yanked me towards him and flipped me onto my back.

  "Who are you and what did you do to her?"

  What? The voice sounded familiar. He reached for my hood but stopped, and… sniffed. I used the opportunity to drive the heel of my palm into his nose. He staggered back with a grunt.

  "Son of a… Fiona, what the hell was that for?"

  "Radolf? Is that you." Propping myself up on my elbows, I gaped at him as he flung his hood off.

  "Yeah."

  "I didn't know it was you. Sorry." I grimaced when he wiped his nose, and his hand came away with a streak of red. "I thought you were…" My eyes narrowed. "Did you sniff me?"

  "It comes with the whole shifter territory." He shrugged. "Good thing I know that sweet floral fragrance well. I was about to do damage."

  "As if. I was about to kick your ass."

  Chuckling, he got to his feet and held out a hand. I accepted because I felt drained. I even swayed a little when I found my footing.

  "Are you okay?"

  "Peachy," I grumbled. "What are you doing here? You ask what I did to her. Did you know Whitney?"

  "No. Did you?" His eyes narrowed.

  "No."

  Radolf and I eyed each other with suspicion.

  "Then what are you doing here?" We asked in unison.

  He smirked. "Never mind. I know why you're here. Council duty?"

  My eyes widened. "I… I don't know what you're talking about."

  He grunted. "Please, Fiona. The other students might be oblivious to what the core council is really about. I know better."

  "How did you…"

  "I suspected, but it was confirmed last year during the invasion of the campus by the slayers." He shrugged. "I know someone who… knows about your council."

  "Who?"

  His lips lifted at the corners. "Don't worry about it. Your secret's safe with me… and my friend."

  As if I was going to take his word for it. Stepping closer to him, I glared. "Listen here, Radolf."

  He gazed at my wagging finger and smirked. Just like the other guys would when I threatened them. A girl half his size reprimanding him must be pretty amusing.

  "Since you know what the core council is all about, then you know that I should be here.

  "You have no reason to be. Explain yourself."

  His grin grew wider. "Or wha
t?"

  "Or…" I had no idea. What was I going to do? Run to the dean and tattle on him? I was no rat… unless he was guilty of something. "Do you have anything to do with Whitney's―"

  "Don't insult me. I'm trying to find out what happened to her just as you are."

  "Why? You said you didn't know her." I was ready to interrogate him, but the pain behind my eyes increased and spread. Soon, it was like tiny needles were pricking my brain. I shook my head, hoping to shake off the discomfort.

  "Fiona? You don't look so good." Radolf leaned closer to peer at me. His eyes widened a fraction. "Shit, you're bleeding."

  Something warm trickled from my nose. "Yeah. Nosebleed. It happens." When I overdid it with my powers.

  He scoffed. "It happens? Come on, let's get―"

  His quick reflexes saved me from dropping to the floor as my knees went weak. Pain exploded in my head, robbing me of breath. Blurry pictures rushed through my mind way too fast—trees, dirt, wings. I blinked. Did I just see green dragon wings? I gasped as a blade came right at me.

  "Fiona," Radolf hissed. Giving my shoulders a little shake. "What's happening?"

  Vision. I couldn't even speak. The pressure in my head was too intense. Fear rose up and threatened to suffocate me. Not my fear. Whitney's. I was still connected to her. "Gods, I think she's in trouble."

  "Who?"

  Remembering that Radolf was present, I gazed up at him, dazed. Voices sounded in the hallway, and Radolf cursed under his breath.

  "It was great talking with you, Clair." That was Enrique, practically shouting to warn me that Clair was about to open her door. I would have laughed if I wasn't on the verge of passing out.

  "Window. Now." Radolf pulled me to the open window. "Go," he urged.

  Holding on to consciousness by a thread, I ducked out and stood on the ledge. Radolf emerged beside me and cautiously pulled the window back down. My eyes fluttered, and I swayed. The flash of images causing my blinding headache wouldn't stop. I pitched forward and toppled off the ledge. I was definitely going to break something falling from the third floor. My eyes closed, and I braced myself for the pain. It didn't come. An arm wrapped around my waist, and I heard Radolf grunt as if he was in pain. When I opened my eyes, I found myself sprawled on top of him.