Dark Water: A Collective World Novel (Academy's Rise Book 2)

by Lia Davis

  Throwing open the door, I nearly doubled over. Kevin was in the room. My eyes found him like they were drawn with a string. He sat in the back corner. The only other seat in the room was the back seat on the other side of the room. Perfect. It was about as far away as I could be and I wouldn't be sitting in front where I'd feel his eyes on me the entire class period.

  The professor greeted me as I walked to the back. I made some appropriate sound. Or, I thought it would be appropriate, but I guess it wasn't, because the other students chuckled. Sliding into the seat, I scrunched down, making myself as unnoticeable as possible.

  Still, I felt Kevin's eyes on me. As I tried to focus on anything but him, I considered what I knew about him. I had no freaking clue who he was, but I knew what he was, and as a vampire, he most likely knew all about fated mates. So, why hadn't he been banging down my door since the last time our paths had crossed?

  I casually bumped my hand into my pencil, knocking it off the right side of my desk. The person to my right, a witch I didn't know very well, handed it to me. "Thanks," I said with a smile as I looked at her. I wasn't actually looking at her face. My eyes strayed over her shoulder to see Kevin's burning right back at me.

  He looked very, very serious as he sat sideways in his desk with his fingers steepled in front of his mouth. His white-blonde hair and high cheekbones would've been enough to land him on any runway, but the way he dressed and slicked his hair back made him more appropriate for a stage and guitar. Or motorcycle. Or bed. My bed.

  Son of a bitch.

  Jerking my gaze forward, I watched the professor drone on about algebra with an interested look on my face. Unfortunately for my face, my mind was still on Kevin. My wolf and vampire agreed. I chipped away at my wall a tiny bit, trying to open myself up so I could feel him.

  Virtually tiptoeing through the room, I delved lightly into emotions until I found his. Not that it was hard. Like when I'd walked in, his aura drew me.

  Like any fated mates would. Of course.

  His emotions raged through him. As a pure vampire, he would be more passionate and prone to reckless behavior than a lycan or witch.

  And horny. Lycans were a pretty randy lot, but vampires took the cake. They didn't care when, or where, or how. If the urge took them, they acted on it if at all possible. Though they tended to be fiercely loyal to their mates, whether chosen or fated. They wouldn’t sleep with anyone but their mate.

  I was a little surprised he was sitting in his seat with such a calm appearance when all I felt from him was raging desire.

  For me.

  Damn, but the room was so hot. Flushing, I called on my water and some of Ami's air, letting it rise to just under the surface of my skin, cool and soothing.

  It helped a little, but I didn't really get myself back to normal until I reinforced the bricks in my mental wall. Had to block off those emotions.

  With my wall back up, I was able to breathe again and calm my agitated vamp and wolf.

  Until class was over.

  Bolting from my desk, I headed for the door, but without using preternatural speed to exit the room. Mistake.

  I wasn't fast enough. Damn him. Kevin met me at the door. "Hello," he said in a cheery voice. "Fancy a walk?"

  "Not really, thanks." I tried to push past him, but he stood firm as the rest of the class lined up behind us.

  "A walk sounds lovely." He stared at me until I rolled my eyes.

  "Fine. Let's take a damn walk." He stepped aside and gestured for me to go ahead of him. If I truly didn't want to walk with him I could pull alpha on him and get out of it. But, as much as I didn't want to do it, we needed to have a conversation. Maybe having it walking down the halls would keep us from ripping each other's clothes off.

  "How are we mates?" Kevin jumped right into the hard questions as soon as we turned the corner and had relative privacy. Most of the students went the other way.

  Sighing, I stopped and looked at him. "How is anyone mates? My ancestors or your ancestors or both got together and said hey! Let's put the whammy on them."

  "That's a bitch," he muttered. "I already have family issues."

  Searching his face, I saw nothing but regret. "I guess eventually we'll have to dig into that, won't we?"

  "Yeah. We will." The hall emptied around us as we stared at each other. My water began to move rapidly inside, thanks to my vampire and wolf getting more and more wound up.

  Kevin wasn't immune to the changes in my demeanor, no matter how I tried to minimize them. He knew damn well I was dripping wet and dying to connect with him.

  Fucking ancestors meddling.

  Giving in, I closed my eyes and sucking in a deep breath. Time to jump off the high dive.

  Kevin growled low in his throat as I centered myself and thought about what the best way to proceed would be.

  Looking around, I spotted what I was pretty sure was a closet behind us. The inside, full of mops and cleaning products, indicated my assumption was correct. "Come on, then," I said. "Let's get this over with."

  "That's certainly how a man wants to be seduced," Kevin said with a smirk. His fangs lowered as he looked at me, studying my face. "I don't think so," he said with a groan. "If we're mates, and it certainly seems we are, then this isn't how I want to start this off."

  My mouth dropped. "What?"

  He moved closer, inching me toward the wall. Lowering his mouth to mine, he gave me one of the slowest, most sensual kisses I'd ever received.

  After that kiss, his accent ran through me like lava. "The first time I fuck you, mate, will be properly, and you won't be standing over a mop bucket." Moving to my mouth again, he bit down on my lip with his fangs, releasing the smallest bit of venom into my mouth.

  Just enough to start an orgasm, but not enough to finish it. As he pulled away, I was so glad he had pushed me against the wall. Without it, I'd be sinking to my knees in the middle of the hallway.

  I bit back my moan as he straightened, put one hand on his jacket lapel, and walked down the hall, cocky as the day was long.

  Lucifer's chest hair, I was supposed to be in control. I was supposed to be in charge. Except for Meda, I was alpha.

  So why was I standing alone in the hall with soaked panties, watching my mate saunter away like a fox leaving a henhouse with a belly full of hen?

  This wasn't going to be so easy.

  Chapter Six

  My next class was a bust. I didn't even try to go. Instead, I returned to my dorm and drowned in the shower for a while. I made sure to send Randell a text so he wouldn't worry before I got in. He'd update anyone else that needed to know my whereabouts. I’d have to give a think to not skipping classes or someone was sure to tell one of my parents.

  Before Calista attacked, I'd been protected, sure, but not to the point of my sentries and sisters—and parents—smothering me. On-campus, I would've had my run of the place. For the most part, the first week or two of school had been pretty excellent.

  Now, I couldn't take a piss without notifying someone. As soon as we figured out what in the hell was going on with my mates, I'd have to keep the three of them updated at all times as well.

  "Tala?" Meda's voice drifted through the bathroom door. "Your phone is blowing up."

  "Okay, thanks," I called. I washed quickly and walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel.

  I had six texts. One from Randell, replying to me. Okay.

  Two from my mom. Just wanted to check on you, sweetie. The timestamp showed she sent another immediately after. I worry about you and your Empathy.

  I shot back a reply. I'm good, but thanks for checking. Love you.

  The next three were from an unknown number. I got this number from your sister. Thanks for the warning, Meda or Ami. This is Fenton. Great. I'd dealt with Kevin already, why not add Fenton to the mix today? Can we have dinner tonight and discuss what's going on?

  I stared at my phone for several moments, water dripping onto the carpet, as I considered whether or
not I wanted to go on a date with him. Yes, I typed back. But I probably shouldn't leave campus.

  His reply came back in seconds. Dinner at my place?

  Shit. That was a surefire way to ensure we got to fuck. Considering I was still beyond horny thanks to Kevin, that was okay with me.

  You’ll have to pick me up or my sentries will want to come.

  He agreed, and I told him where to come. Be there in an hour.

  Holy shit. My attitude from this morning of trying to look as undesirable as possible fled me. I was clean, so that was a start. I hightailed it to my bureau to pick out some sexy undies and a matching bra, then threw on a form-fitting black dress and black ballet flats to match. There, the clothes would work.

  Moisturizer, lip gloss, mascara. Check. I darted over to Ami’s room. "Meda!" I yelled on the way.

  She looked up from the couch, where she sat with Sterling, looking at what looked like an old grimoire. "What?"

  "Sheesh," I said, skidding to a stop. "I didn’t even see you two."

  "You okay?" Sterling asked.

  "Yes, well, no. Meda. Can you and Ami fix my hair?"

  "Sure," she said brightly. "We were researching wards, trying to pick the best one. We put one up a little while ago, but Sterling thought he read something recently about alarm wards." She stood and followed me into Ami’s room.

  "I’m sorry to take you away from that, it's important. But this shouldn’t take long."

  "It’s okay, it's dead boring." She chuckled as we dropped onto the bed around Ami. She was curled up, reading.

  "Hi," she said without looking up from her book. "What’s up?"

  "Fix my hair, please."

  "Oh, sure. You haven’t asked me to do that in a while." Twirling her finger, she looked at my damp hair and smiled. My strands lifted and swirled around me, twisting in the soft wind.

  Meda focused on the air coming from Ami’s finger, heating it. My hair twisted into ringlets in the hot air, then Ami lifted it above my head so I wouldn't feel the heat. Finally, Meda amped up the heat as far as the hair would stand it. We’d practiced it for years and they knew exactly how far to push it before our hair started burning.

  That had been the fun period, when we were still finding the right balance. We’d all ended up having to cut off chunks of burned hair.

  Not this time. When they finished, a few minutes later, I had perfectly curled, soft hair. And it would last all night, too.

  "Thanks." I checked my watch again. "Shit."

  "Time to go?" Ami asked.

  "Hell, no. All that getting ready and it’s only been twenty minutes."

  They burst out laughing. "I guess I better go keep researching with Sterling," Meda said. "It would be nice if you could have another vision tonight with some more information."

  "That would be nice wouldn’t it?" I rolled my eyes and leaned over to give Ami a kiss. She was already engrossed in her book.

  "Night, Ames," I whispered.

  Someone knocked on the door, and I knew immediately it was Fenton. "He said a fucking hour," I grumbled.

  "Good thing you’re ready." Meda grinned at me, taking far too much pleasure in my nervousness.

  "Shouldn’t you be preparing to save us from a psycho?" I pointed out. "Or is teasing me more important?"

  "Way to take the fun out of everything, T." She crossed her eyes at me and sat beside Sterling. I didn’t give Fenton a chance to come in. As soon as I opened the door, I darted out into the hall. "Let’s go," I said, walking toward the stairs.

  Fenton followed awkwardly. "I did some research." He hurried to catch up to me. "About fated mates."

  "Yeah?" I asked as I descended the stairs. "What did you find out?"

  "There’s nothing we can do about it, and what happened in my classroom is pretty normal for a newly mated pair."

  "Right."

  "Tala." Fenton’s voice took on a bit of steel, and I realized he’d stopped walking. "There’s no reason for you to be short with me. You were crude the other day, dismissive. I don’t appreciate that."

  Turning, I looked up at him a few stairs above me. My heart sank.

  He was right. I’d been a royal bitch. "Let’s go eat. I’ll explain everything." Holding out my hand, I hoped he would see my gesture as a peace offering.

  He seemed to. Taking my hand, he moved down the stairs with me, but neither of us spoke.

  His skin touching mine was freaking torture. The desire I’d felt earlier with Kevin returned in full force, and I wasn’t sure if Fenton felt the same. If he didn’t, the evening was going to go south fast.

  His apartment was on the ground floor of a small building for the live-in teachers. Most of the staff were local and drove in every morning. Fenton had moved for the job and needed a home, along with a few other teachers and the manager of the cafeteria. They all stayed in the apartment building free of charge.

  We managed to get inside without running into anyone or having any awkward conversations. As soon as Fenton closed the door behind me, I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Fenton, I’m sorry. Please don’t think this is crude or rude or any of that stuff, but I don't think I can focus or properly apologize until I’ve had you."

  "Are you going to claim me?" he asked and then swallowed noticeably.

  "It’s up to you." My wolf and vampire pushed me to convince him to let me take him, but I wouldn’t do it until he was ready.

  "Maybe not yet."

  It was a big decision. Pressing my lips to his, I grabbed his waistband, unbuttoning his pants. He was nearly as frantic, reaching down to pull up my dress. Breaking away from my kiss, he looked down at my red thong and groaned.

  Taking me by the hand, he pulled me into his living room. I watched him look around, after the best spot. His blinds were already drawn, luckily. His couch sat in the middle of the large room. I eyed it, then his height, guessing if it would be right. I was pretty sure it would.

  Pulling up my skirt, I climbed onto my knees on the arm and went down onto my hands, my ass sticking up into the air.

  Fenton’s hands smoothed over my hips as he took a moment to look at me. I curved my spine so I could look back at him, and he looked awestruck. Way to make a girl feel sexy. "Is the height right?" He was pretty tall, so I hoped it would work.

  He pulled his pants down, rubbing his cock against the material of my thong, teasing me. "I think so."

  Moaning, I arched my back, inviting him to take me, but he didn't get the hint. I looked back at him again, and he was watching his dick rub up and down the soft material.

  "Fenton, please," I said, ready to have him inside me, filling me, making me feel like we were connected.

  Half of the mating call was pure horniness, but half was the need to connect to my mate. Having one of my mates inside me made me feel calm, whole.

  He slid his finger under the thong, sliding it down to pull it out of my crack, then I felt it settle over my asscheek, giving him access to enter me without removing it.

  Exactly what I'd hoped he'd do. With the thong out of the way, he rubbed his head into my wet folds. It was his turn to moan.

  Pushing back at the right moment, I succeeded in slipping his head inside.

  He chuckled. "Okay, okay. You're eager." Pushing all the way in, he stretched me slightly.

  I braced myself, pulling away and pushing toward him, complementing his rhythm.

  Every stroke ignited my g-spot, making my water pool inside, ready to explode all over him.

  "Shit," he gasped as I tightened around him. "I didn't think about when we're finished."

  "I can dry your couch," I said, riding the pleasure wave toward an excellent orgasm.

  "Okay," he said, increasing his thrusts, moving harder and faster.

  He gripped my hips, pulling me onto him as hard as he could. I had to keep the fact that he was a witch in mind as I pushed against him. I didn't want to overpower him.

  "Tala," he gasped. "You're fucking amazing. Your pussy is—" He cut
off and gasped. "Amazing."

  He was close to coming, but I wasn't quite there yet--although, hearing the word pussy come from his normally more reserved mouth was a big turn on. Fenton reached around, pushing his cock in deep as his hand sought out my clit, finding it quickly and pressing hard.

  As he moved more slowly in and out of me, he pinched and pressed at my clit, helping me rise above and then fall over the cliff into my orgasm.

  I cried out, zings of pleasure spreading across my abdomen and my water exploding out of me. This orgasm was even harder than the one in his classroom.

  He came with me, pulling me so hard against him that my knees slipped off of the arm of the couch.

  Once we composed ourselves and after I cleaned up, we sat down at his kitchen table. "First," I took his hand. "I want to apologize."

  He smiled at me and looked encouraged. "Okay."

  Shrugging, I tried to figure out how to explain my callous attitude. "I wasn’t looking for a mate. And now I have three. And that’s a lot to take in for me. But even though it's overwhelming, that doesn’t make it right to be a total dick to you or Kevin, and I was. I’m really sorry." I’d apologize to Kevin, but the fucker had left me high and dry, even if it was for a sweet, romantic reason. He’d intentionally let a few drops of his venom enter my blood stream to torture me.

  Fenton squeezed my hand. "Thank you. I figured you were going through something, but decided it wasn’t okay to be treated that way."

  "I’ll be more aware in the future of the fact that I have mates now. I know it's not all about me anymore. I have to get used to that."

  "What can you tell me? I know nothing about you or how this happened." Poor guy, he did look bewildered.

  "You know who I am?"

  Laughing, he sat back in his chair. "Of course. Everyone knows who you are and what you are, but I don't know who you are."

  "That will take more time than one date allows. The most important thing for you to know is that you are one of three." I winced and waited on his reaction.

  "Three what?" He raised his eyebrows expectantly.

  "Three mates." I bit my lip and hoped he was a forward-thinking sort of fellow.