by Olivia Ash
I roll my eyes and groan. Anderson.
“Anderson, however, is another story. I keep seeing him lurking, watching me.”
Sometimes, I don’t see him. But I know it’s him doing it. The feeling is always the same.
I shiver. Just the idea of him gives me the creeps.
I catch sight of him again, across the room, staring at me with the eyes of a predator.
Soren leans in further. “Anderson wouldn’t dare make a move on Blackbriar grounds. To do so will actively go against the treaty set in place between the mages council, magusari, and zacars. It’s almost an automatic expulsion.”
“Treaty?” I ask.
“Only a handful of zacars and shadow wolves are allowed to attend because though they don’t have magic in a traditional sense, like you and I, they have a magical nature and are granted traditional schooling for that purpose.”
“That’s confusing.” I shake my head.
He shrugs. “Such is politics.”
“Be that as it may, I have my own means of taking care of issues like Anderson. If I have to, I will take matters into my own hands. I refuse to walk on eggshells here, and I won’t let anyone, especially Anderson, take away my peace.”
I may be a first-year student here, but I spent six harsh years learning how to fight, how to defend myself, and how to thwart an enemy. If Anderson thinks he can stalk me without consequence, I’ll show him exactly who he’s dealing with.
“Don’t do anything that could backfire on you,” Soren warns. “If he becomes an issue, let me and Gideon know. We will handle it.”
I shrug. “Avoiding him has been relatively easy so far. We are on a giant, enchanted island, after all.”
Between classes and time with my men, I am busy. Throw in a dash of time with my aunt, there’s even less time left for him to press his luck.
“Very true.” Soren chuckles. “Makes playing hide and seek fun.”
I quirk an eyebrow and narrow my eyes on him. “You play hide and seek?”
“Trust me, my version is a lot more fun than the child version. You’re allowed to use your magic.”
I nod. “Interesting.”
“That could eat up time,” Soren says and there is something about the tone of his voice that hints at much more than a simple game.
I chuckle under my breath. “Yes, and when my aunt visits, I’ll also have her.”
Aunt Patricia had to leave early to take care of an important business matter. She promised to visit as often as she could since I’m busy with school. She felt that it would be easier to make appearances rather than taking me from my studies. Especially since this is my first term.
The connection between my aunt and I never improved since that first dinner we shared. After that, we had lunch once. Our conversation went from the weather to my most recent class, and then centered on me and what I had done during the time I was missing. It seemed like she was putting the pieces of a puzzle together, and I couldn’t figure out what exactly she was trying to solve.
She’s continued to keep herself guarded and distant. The part of me desperate to have my family back together wants me to think it will take her time to warm back up, but I’m really starting to doubt that she will ever come around.
He nods. “All true.”
“And after this weekend, I’ll have my father back as well.”
“Hopefully,” Soren adds.
“True.”
I skirt my eyes across the crowd and catch Gideon looking in our direction. He nods once. Soren nods in return. “I’ll be back.”
“Okay.” I watch him as he walks off. I find Jesse, Milo, and Savannah sitting with their houses, looking bored out of their minds. For some reason, that makes me smile.
Chapter Nine
After about the fifth or sixth student that praised Professor Lawrence and mentioned how unfortunate his death was, I had to leave the eulogy part of the ceremony. Damn the consequences. I made an appearance and stayed as long as I could tolerate the nonsense, so they will have to forgive me.
I walk through the halls, enjoying the quiet. My feet whisper along the floor and the muted echo from the arena fades away as I walk farther away from it.
A heavy sigh escapes me. The tension in my shoulders ease, and I start to relax into the peacefulness that surrounds me as I make my way to one of the gardens. The beauty on this island is simply too great for words, but the gardens? They are one of my favorite spots to visit.
As soon as I find a bench a good distance away from the commotion, I take a seat and breathe in the salty air from the ocean mingling with the floral scents of late blooming flowers mixed with the chill of winter that will soon be here.
The moon is in the shape of a crescent, hanging down in such a way that I feel if I stretched myself enough, I could touch the bottom of it with the tips of my fingers. Wisps of thin clouds float past, and the stars stretch on for miles. The Milky Way shines in the distance in the south, and toward the north, colorful lights dance in waves.
Absolutely enchanting.
My magic pulsates, and I smile. “Hey, Jesse.”
“I’m getting rusty if you knew it was me.” His voice comes from a few feet behind me.
“Nah, I’m just that good.”
“Hiding from the crowd?” he asks.
“Maybe.”
He chuckles and walks into view from my right. He takes a seat next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “Why would you ever do a thing like that?”
“I would like to think it’s obvious.” I lean into him a little.
“The show a bit much for you?” He runs his thumb over my arm. The sensation leaves a trail of goosebumps.
“Let’s just say there’s only so much flagrant lying I can stomach for one evening when it comes to Professor Lawrence. Hearing all those students’ stories about how good he was ties my stomach in knots. How is it we are the only ones who knew his true colors?”
He shrugs. “All a part of the art of illusion, my darling.”
“Well, he sucked at it.”
“Naturally.” He leans deeper into the back of the bench. “I still say we should’ve gone with my explanation of accidentally blowing himself up.”
“So, come to check on me?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Well I did see an opportunity to get you alone for a bit. Too good to pass up.” He smiles at me. The light of the moon reflects off his blue eyes, making them seem like they glow with silver. It’s a bit mesmerizing.
“Satisfied with the outcome?” I ask, a little breathless. He does it to me. All of the men have a way with getting to me.
He shakes his head. “No complaints so far.”
I shake my head and chuckle. He makes it so easy to be around him. “Are you returning to the memorial after the eulogy is over?”
“Only if you are.”
“I have to make an appearance. I was his last initiate. It would raise eyebrows if I didn’t go.”
“Then I guess I’m going. Can’t let you have all the fun.”
I snort. “That is the furthest thing from fun that I can get. It’s more obligatory.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while doing it,” he whispers in my ear. The warmth of his breath seeps into my skin. Heat builds between my thighs and I squeeze my legs together to keep the pressure from building any more.
I meet his gaze darkened with desire and mischief.
“How ‘bout it, Wren? Wanna have some fun?” His voice is deep, heavy with unbridled desire.
I take in the shape of his lips and meet his gaze again. Narrowing my eyes, I ask, “What sort of mischief do you have in mind?”
“Oh, you’ll see.” He winks.
“That’s not very reassuring,” I say through a chuckle.
“That’s the point.” His devilish smile stretches his lips and there’s a glint in his eyes that makes me question what he’s up to.
“What devious plan are you hatching in that gor
geous head of yours?” I tap his forehead.
“So, when is your aunt supposed to be back?” he asks.
“Don’t change the subject.”
“I just did.” He nods pointedly at me. “Now, answer the question.”
I level my gaze on him. “Really? It’s like that?”
He slides his hand along my cheek and says, “It could be like this.”
Before I have a chance to respond, his mouth is on mine. And I’m working to keep up with the expert moves his mouth makes. I’m filled with a primal need to let him take me right here and now. And as much as that need really pushes aside my much more logical self, this is a very poor place to be exposed for all the world to see. I don’t want to think about the repercussions if someone were to happen across our little session.
I reign in the desire as much as possible, as his tongue explores my mouth with delicious motions.
He pulls away, just before I lose all my self-control, and leans back against the bench. He settles his eyes on me with a devilish smirk.
I stare at him for a moment, still recovering from his kiss.
He smirks. “Now, about that question?”
I shake my head. To be perfectly honest, my head is empty of everything except the raging hormones still coursing through my veins from that amazing kiss.
He laughs under his breath. “Your aunt? When is she supposed to come back?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Why?”
“Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back.”
“You realize you come up with some of the most ridiculous things to say?”
“Makes you smile, doesn’t it?”
Though he’s correct that I’m smiling right now, I often find myself wondering where he gets all these little sayings and if he is purposefully trying to confuse me. “Seriously, why?”
“I know it means a lot to you. And what you care about, I care about.”
“Oh.” Wow, that’s actually kinda sweet.
“I love a woman of few words.”
I smack him playfully and he chuckles. “Watch it, you.”
“How about it, ready to make one last appearance?” He stands from the bench and holds his hand out for me.
I blow a raspberry. “Do we really have to?”
“You said it yourself. It’s obligatory.”
I take his hand and stand. “Fine. But no foolishness.”
“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, hmm.”
I shake my head as a chuckle bubbles out of me. As we make our way toward the memorial, I silently thank whoever is out there looking over me for giving me Jesse. He makes me feel so relaxed and free. Helps me to see the lighter side of things. Without him, I probably would spend the rest of the night in solitude, mulling over how horrible this whole charade is.
Not to mention I love spending time with him. And kissing him too.
Chapter Ten
Once we arrive, most of the academy is already here mingling, and the reveal of the memorial plaque is complete.
The guy gets a freaking plaque immortalizing him as a great professor of Blackbriar Academy.
A plaque!
That’s too much.
As I get closer, I see the poem dedicated to him, etched under his name, and that damn near makes me shoot it with a ball of fire. My magic pushes into my palms, asking to be freed.
Jesse squeezes my shoulder.
I turn my attention to him. He nods once and pulls me away so that other students can have a chance to look at it and place flowers and cards at its base. Just in time, too. It helped ease the anger boiling inside me enough to calm my magic. I have to remind myself that this is all for show. I have to keep what really happened under wraps. Showing my true feelings toward the man would only raise questions, and I don’t need that right now.
Savannah catches up with me, sliding her arm through mine and whispering in my ear. “I know there’s more behind this. Are you okay? With the show I mean.”
I nod.
Of course, Savannah knows there’s more behind everything. The girl is practically unstoppable with her uncanny knack to pick up on things most wouldn’t. Though she’s right in her deduction, I don’t want to share the full truth just yet. I still need time to get comfortable with the idea of friendship. Though Savannah hasn’t ever hinted at a reason not to trust her, I’m still hesitant on completely opening up so soon.
I suspect she already knows that, coupled with being new to friendships, and is respectful of my boundaries and willing to give me that time. She’s not pushy. I appreciate that.
“Everything is fine. Just processing.”
She levels her gaze on me as though she’s waiting for me to go into more detail. I won’t though.
“I really don’t want to talk about it.”
Savannah smiles. “That’s okay. Just know that when you are ready, I’ll be here. We can talk about anything.” She wraps her arms around me. I breathe in the lavender scent of her hair. She pulls away as Milo, Soren, and Gideon join us.
“Wren,” Gideon says. There’s a serious look in his eyes and that sets my nerves on edge.
“Yes, Headmaster Storm?”
“We need to talk.”
I nod. “Okay.” I turn to Savannah who instantly waves me off.
“Go, have your talk with your men.” She winks.
“Catch up with you later?” I ask.
“You know it.” She waves me off again.
I face Gideon. “Lead the way, Headmaster.”
His lips quirk a little, almost imperceptivity, as he turns and heads toward the castle.
Sitting with my men in Gideon’s office, we discuss our plan for the morning.
“So, we are leaving early?” I ask from my perch at the window. The sooner, the better. I’m finally going to see my father.
“The faster we get there,” Soren says, “the sooner we can get back.” He sits in a chair in front of Gideon’s desk.
“And the less people will be suspicious of us leaving,” Gideon adds from his seat.
Jesse leans against the farthest wall, playing with a small flame in his palm. Milo sits in the other seat in front of Gideon’s desk, relaxing into the back, seemingly at ease.
“What if there is trouble?” I twist to face the room.
“You mean, if it’s a trap?” Jesse asks. His eyes hold a devious glint in his eyes, and I can’t be sure what to make of it. With him, it could be anything.
“As you and Soren have already agreed,” Gideon continues, “you will leave with Jesse and Milo at the first sign of trouble. Soren and I will handle any problems that may arise.”
“I know what I agreed to.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m also aware that we need to walk into this fully prepared for it to be a trap.”
Soren turns his attention to me. “Having second thoughts?”
“Absolutely not.” The audacity. Honestly. I know full and well he’s trying to get me to stay behind. I made my position on this matter clear. I approach Gideon’s desk and rest my hands on it. “I just don’t think it makes sense for three of us to leave if there is a fight.”
“What do you propose?” Gideon sits back in his chair and tents his fingers with his elbows resting on the arms of his chair.
“We all get out at the first sign of trouble. We are all stronger together. There’s strength in numbers. If it is a trap, we are either going to have no choice but to fight together, or we’re all going to have to leave together. Not just Milo, Jesse, and me.”
Soren sits forward in his seat. “If there is a fight, you won’t be fighting.”
“You may not have a choice in the matter.” I set my gaze on his. “I refuse to sit back and let you go in and risk your lives for me. I realize you want to protect me—all of you—and I adore that. Truly. But I could never live with myself if something were to happen to any of you if I stayed behind twiddling my thumbs. I’m useful. I can hold my own. And besides, he is my father, and I
have a right to be there.”
“You agreed.” Soren’s voice is deep and full of warning.
Milo raises his hand, drawing our attention to him. “You guys have to admit that what Wren suggests is not only smart, but feasible. With all of us working together, we have a better chance of survival. Whether that be getting back at the first sign of trouble or staying and fighting once the trap has sprung.”
Gideon nods. “Indeed. With a little more careful planning, we can be prepared for any outcome. It’s a smart choice.”
“You’re agreeing with her?” Soren pinches the bridge of his nose.
“She’s being smart about this,” Gideon interjects.
“Oh, I’m not?” Soren stands from his chair to pace the floor behind it and Milo’s.
“I didn’t say that.” Gideon rests his hands in his lap. “She’s considering all angles and possibilities. She also deserves to be there for her father, providing things work out according to that plan.”
“And if they don’t?” Soren faces Gideon, hands clenched into fists at his sides.
“Then we will either disarm our adversaries long enough to get back, or we stand our ground. It will all depend on the direction things go, whether her father is there, taken somewhere else, or if it was all a hoax to get us there.”
“You’re going to allow her to risk her life?” Soren’s voice raises in volume, bouncing off the walls with more anger in each word that leaves his lips.
“I would risk everything I have to protect those I care about,” I snap. “How dare you assume I’m a helpless damsel. After everything we have been through so far? I may not be as skilled as you or Gideon, but I’ll be damned if I let you risk your life rescuing my father on your own. Which, I might add, is precisely why I said we should all leave at the first sign of trouble.”
“Gotta love our little firecracker,” Jesse adds. “She’s standing up for what she believes in.”
Soren spins to face Jesse. He points a finger at him. “Not another word from you.”
