by K. G. Reuss
“Eric has patrols this evening. He may drop in. He and Sloane are due to evaluate the wards around the campus. If he’s done early, I’m sure he’ll stop by. I can let him know you’d like to see him if you want me too.”
I nodded eagerly. I wanted to show Eric how I could meld.
“OK.” He placed a kiss on my lips before going still against my pillow. He shook his head, his face darkening.
He must be doing that telepathy thing.
His scowl grew, and a muscle popped along his jaw.
I kissed the corner of his lips before climbing out of bed. I grabbed a t-shirt off a chair in my room and tugged it over my head before pulling on shorts and going into the bathroom to brush my teeth and freshen up. I tied my hair up in a high ponytail and dotted gloss on my lips.
When I went back to my bedroom, my bed was empty.
“Raiden?” I called out.
“Kitchen,” he answered.
I went out and found him fixing a pot of coffee, his torso still shirtless. His eyes swept over me, a hunger in them which made me blush.
“Everything OK?”
“Not really.”
I wrapped my arms around him and looked up. “What’s wrong.”
He sighed and shook his head. “Just stupid shit. Shit I really should talk to you about.”
“OK. We can talk.”
“I-I can’t. Not yet. I’m still working on it.”
“Is it about us?”
“It’s definitely about us.”
“Then just tell me. I know we can’t see each other and maybe last night you shouldn’t have stayed—”
He silenced me with a kiss before resting his forehead against mine.
“Nothing will stop me from seeing you, Everly. And my only regret about last night is that I didn’t make you feel good.”
“What? You made me feel great—” I snapped my mouth closed as he let out a soft chuckle. “Oh.”
“Yeah. Oh.”
“Raincheck?” I squeaked out.
The corner of his lips quirked up into a smile. “Most definitely.”
His brows crinkled again, and I knew he was deep in thought—er, conversation—with one of his crew.
A knock on my door pulled me away from him. My hand was on the doorknob when the knocking turned into a banging.
“Jeez, chill,” I muttered, turning the knob.
“Don’t answer that!” Raiden shouted, rushing forward. But it was too late. I pulled the door open to find a very angry Amara and an upset Eric.
“I figured I’d find you here,” Amara snarled, her eyes glittering with anger. She was nearly vibrating with it. “Oh, and look. You’re shirtless. What a surprise.”
“I’m so sorry. I tried to stop her.” Eric glanced from me to Raiden. “You know how she is, Raiden.”
If I thought Amara was mad, it was nothing compared to Raiden.
“What the hell are you doing, Amara? I told you to wait at the house.”
I backed away, not wanting to be a part of whatever feud they were having.
“And you.” She sneered at me.
I bristled, not liking her tone. So what if she was his ex?
“What about me?” I snapped back, taking a dangerous step forward. Eric was quick to get in front of Amara and Raiden in front of me.
“Not here, Amara. Not now.”
“She was screwing Ambrose. Eric. And now you! After everything we’ve been through!” She was shouting.
Sloane and Adam rushed up, and Adam was quick to shoot out a thin veil of purple magic around the scene. I knew what it was. A privacy charm.
I shoved Raiden aside, moving for her. The girl needed a beating.
“Shit,” Adam hissed, darting forward. Raiden grabbed me and hauled me back.
“Get her out of here,” Raiden snapped, holding me around my midsection as I fought against him. I was going to tear that wolf to shreds.
“I’m not leaving!” Amara shouted over Eric and Adam.
Sloane’s big brown eyes took in the scene for a moment before something flashed over her face. She moved to Amara and shot her hand out. I knew that move. Raiden had done it to me. A sleeper charm.
Amara nearly hit the floor, but the guys caught her before she smacked her head.
“Take. Her. Home,” Raiden seethed, each word clipped as he tightened his hold on me.
I stopped fighting and relaxed against him. He placed a quick kiss on my temple before drawing me back inside.
“I won’t stop Ever if she shows back up. Make sure she doesn’t.” Raiden snapped the door closed and turned me to face him.
“I never screwed around with Marcus or Eric,” I blurted the words out. “I swear—”
Raiden pressed his lips to mine, silencing me.
“I know you didn’t. She’s just… Amara.” He sighed, resting his forehead against mine.
“Guess the cat’s out of the bag now, huh?” I mused softly.
“Eric and Sloane already knew. I’m sure Adam had a hunch.” He tilted my chin up and looked me in the eyes.
“What will happen now?”
“Nothing if I can help it. But it’s not something I want you to worry about. You’re mine, and I’m yours. Nothing will change that. Got it?”
I nodded.
“Good girl.” He placed another kiss on my lips. “I need to get back to the house. All hell will break loose when she wakes up.” He pulled away, and I followed him to my bedroom.
“Why is she so mad? You guys broke up.”
He tugged his shirt over his head and sighed. “I’ll tell you about it later, OK? I’ll see you tonight.”
I followed him to the door where he kissed me once more.
“I can’t wait to see you again.”
“You haven’t even left,” I chuckled.
“That’s just how much I love you.” He placed one final kiss on my lips before leaving me standing there speechless, his words ringing in my ears.
That’s just how much I love you.
Fifty-Eight
Raiden
“You look like shit,” Damien commented, flopping down in the chair in my office. Sloane swatted at him.
“Amara’s parents should be here any minute,” Eric said. “I got the fire message a few moments ago. They’re driving in.”
“Great,” I muttered, smoothing down my black blazer and tie.
“Just get through this. It’ll be fine.” Sloane gave me a wobbly smile.
I nodded and let out the breath I held. All my thoughts revolved around Ever. I longed to be with her now. The moment this dinner ended, I was going to her. It was the only thing keeping me going.
“Just be careful. I have a bad feeling about this.” Eric rubbed his eyes. “Call it my psychic senses twitching, but something is off.”
I nodded. “I feel it too.”
“Then be double careful,” Sloane said, giving me a tight nod.
Damien got to his feet as the doorbell jangled and gave me a sad smile.
“Good luck, Gen. Let me know if you need anything. You know where to find me.” He clapped me on the shoulder and left the room. Sloane followed him out after giving me a quick hug.
“It’s in the air,” Eric murmured, looking at my closed office door. “I can feel misfortune.”
“Are you spouting off predictions now too?” I swallowed hard and adjusted my tie.
“I think we both are. Be careful tonight. I don’t want you or Ever hurt by this. I wish you’d just tell her—”
“After I get through this evening, I’ll go to her and tell her about me and Amara. I should’ve done it sooner, but I’m so scared to lose her.” I swallowed again, locking eyes with Eric. “I told her I love her.”
Eric’s eyes widened. “What did she say?”
“Nothing. I, uh, sort of ran out on her after. I should’ve waited to say it. It was more in passing, but judging by her face, she knew I was serious.”
Eric gave a low whistle as I stared at the door, grindi
ng my teeth. I could hear Sir LaCroix speaking in his rumbling voice and Amara’s mother tittering. Another voice joined.
“My father’s here.”
“Be brave, brother. You’re strong. Get through the evening. I’ll do my patrols and drop in on training.”
“Thank you.”
Eric gave me a tight nod and tugged open the door. “Showtime.”
I nodded, feeling sick. But instead of running to Ever like I wanted to, I marched out to the living room.
“Good evening.”
“Ah, General Hawthorne!” Sir Lacroix exclaimed, acting like we were the best of friends. Amara was at my side, her arm threaded through mine.
This would be a painful night.
Fifty-Nine
Everly
“When I step right, you step…” Damien lifted his brows at me.
“Left,” I sighed. “Come on. This is dumb. I know this stuff. What are you playing at here? This isn’t my first time, Damien.”
“I don’t know where you are in your training. It’s not like I got debriefed much on it.”
I swung at him, narrowly missing his face. He ducked away, a grin spreading across his lips.
“OK. I see you there, Torres. You want to go all out?”
“Not really, but if it’ll shut you up.” I shrugged.
His grin widened, then he lunged at me. I dodged away from him. He whipped and whirled around me, kicking and swinging. I darted out from every attack. While he was big and strong, I was fast and psychic. I tapped into what I knew and used it to my advantage.
“Come on,” he laughed, falling to the mat. “I give up. You’re an undefeated hellcat. You win.”
“You admit defeat?” I boasted, whooping loudly. “You didn’t even shift!”
“No point. You’re too fast, and it’s almost midnight. I’m too tired for all that.”
The door to the training room banged open, and Eric walked in with Sloane. I hadn’t had many interactions with the caster, but I didn’t need to. I knew she was a sweetheart.
“What’s up, Wick? Get your ass handed to you?” Eric asked, coming over and giving me a quick hug. I returned it, giving him an extra squeeze which he grinned at.
“Yeah. I’m no match for her.” He climbed to his feet. “Your patrol over?”
“Adam and Chloe just took over for us,” Sloane said, giving me a tentative smile which I returned.
Damien snorted. “I’m sure they’ll get a lot of patrolling done.” Eric high-fived him and laughed.
“Ever, we have some time. We could all go for a walk. Raiden said you’d learned to meld.” Sloane gave me a hopeful look. I glanced between the guys who didn’t seem opposed to the idea.
“Sure.” I shrugged. “Let me grab my bag.”
Sloane clapped her hands and bounced on her heels, excitement on her face. Damien reached out and tweaked her nose. I chuckled as I grabbed my bag from the side of the mat before returning to the group.
“Ready?” Eric asked.
I nodded, and Damien led the way out.
The cool night air blew across my face, relaxing me. Walking around campus with Conexus didn’t check my boxes but walking around with my friends did.
“Let’s meld.” Damien lifted a brow at me. “Unless you don’t think you can—”
I shimmered and disappeared. Everyone joined me a moment later.
“How can you see me?”
“Eric,” Sloane answered. “He gives us the ability along with what Raiden gives us. Psychic mixed with Sh—”
“We gain abilities from each other,” Eric broke in, shooting Sloane a look. “Like Damien gives us strength and tolerance for his bullshit.”
Damien let out a boisterous laugh, shoving Eric who grinned. I shook my head at the pair as we walked.
“So how is everything, Ever?” Sloane asked.
“Good. Great. Marcus really helps me with my, um, sleepwalking.”
“Is that what you’re calling it?” Damien chortled. “That shit had nightmare written all over it.”
“No one told you to come.” I laughed.
“Couldn’t leave you and Raiden alone like that. I’d never forgive myself if I had the ability to act and didn’t.”
“How noble of you,” Sloane teased. He shot her a wink.
We’d made it to Waters Street where the Conexus house stood. I frowned as we wandered down the road. When we reached the next street where the side of the house could be seen, I looked over to see the back gardens lit up. People laughed and chatted. It looked like a party.
“What’s going on?” I asked, stopping where I stood and staring at the house.
“Uh, nothing. Just some Order thing Raiden had to do,” Damien answered hastily, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and attempting to move me from where I stood rooted.
“What the hell? What’s going on?” I shoved Damien away, catching the panicked look on his, Eric, and Sloane’s faces. I moved to the edge of the property and watched the proceedings, the voices carrying over.
“It’s so good to see you two together,” a woman with thick, red hair and long pink fingernails tittered, smiling at Raiden. I moved closer and saw that Amara was beside him, her arm around his waist.
“The wedding is set,” the sigil proclaimed, his cheeks rosy red, a wide grin plastered on his face.
“I couldn’t be happier,” a dark-haired man sitting near the head of the table added, smiling.
“What?” I murmured.
“Ever, come on. I want to show you some magic. It-it’s a spell on how to curl your hair,” Sloane spoke in a rush. She reached for me, but I pushed her hand away.
“Ever, I think we should go,” Eric’s voice was soft, coaxing. Sad.
I looked back at him, frowning. Something was definitely wrong.
“I think a late fall wedding would be wonderful,” the woman continued. “Right after Thanksgiving. Think of the colors we could use!”
“I like the idea of red and orange, but not together. What do you think, Raiden?” Amara chimed in.
“Whatever you want, Mara.”
She beamed up at him, making my guts clench.
“You two should kiss!” the woman pressed, leaning forward. “How it’ll warm my heart to see my youngest daughter married to the man of her dreams!”
“Go on, son. Kiss your future bride!” the sigil ordered.
“Oh god,” I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from the train wreck in front of me. Raiden turned to Amara. He leaned down, and she tilted her head up, a smile on her face.
I lost my footing and fell forward into the bushes, squeaking in pain as thorns ripped at my skin.
“Shit,” Damien shouted, rushing toward me with Eric. Sloane stood stock still, fear in her eyes.
I didn’t know what happened in those moments when I’d lost my footing, but the ache in my chest convinced me I already knew.
“Everly.” My name wasn’t loud coming from Raiden, but it didn’t need to be. I could hear it. Despite knowing I needed to get the hell out of there and fast, I couldn’t stop myself from meeting his gaze. His eyes were enormous, his mouth opened in surprise.
Strong arms tugged me out of the bushes and righted me on my feet, effectively hauling me out of one nightmare and into another. I did what I did best.
“Everly. Everly!” Raiden shouted, running toward me as I backed away. The moment I got my bearings about me, I kicked it into high gear and fled toward my dorm.
“Everly!” Raiden hollered behind me. There were shrieks and screams, the sound of something crashing. I didn’t stop. I kept moving. The moment I slammed my dorm door behind me, I slid down it, my heart breaking.
So much for that.
Sixty
Everly
Did that happen? My heart twisted as I lay in bed, the image of Amara in Raiden’s arms, his mouth on hers. Even though I hadn’t witnessed an actual kiss, my mind proclaimed it happened. A tear leaked out of the corner of my eye, but I didn�
�t bother wiping it, opting to let it cascade down my cheek before landing on my pillow. Another fell. And another.
Raiden banged on my door earlier for an immeasurable time until I heard Damien coax him away. I couldn’t bring myself to answer. There was nothing left to say.
I’d put myself out there with Raiden, letting go of Shadow and the possibilities of… everything. I’d been a fool. The look on his face when he realized I’d seen him. The look on his friends’ faces. The sigil’s.
“Screw it,” I mumbled, squeezing my eyes closed. To hell with it. I had to sleep. Dementon did tests at the end of every block of classes. They were like Nattie midterms. Ours were coming up, and me and palmistry weren’t working out so well. It hurt too much to think about Raiden and his betrayal.
I let out a breath, shivering. My room grew cooler. I hauled my blankets up tighter around me and snuggled deeper into my bed. After what felt like hours, I finally drifted off.
The dream came in a soft wave, flickering in and out before I became fully submersed in a place I hated.
“Damnit,” I hissed, my teeth chattering as I gave my arms a brisk rub. Going to bed with a sweater and jeans on would’ve been smart if I’d have known I was going to end up tossed into the cold, gray world of the Veil. And maybe a weapon would’ve been nice.
I pinched my arm.
“Wake up,” I whimpered, wincing in pain. I focused like Raiden had instructed me the last time I’d tumbled into the Veil. Nothing happened. “Come on. Come on!”
A scurrying through the dense fog had me whipping around, trying to find the source of the noise. If past experiences had taught me anything, it was that there was never anything nice lurking in places I couldn’t see.
As much as I wanted to call for Shadow, I knew that ship had sailed. He was gone. I doubted he’d be coming back.
“Argh!” A scream tore from my throat as a mass of black lunged at me, sending me colliding to the cold, wet ground onto my back. The creature leaped off me, its claws digging deep into my skin in the process.
My breathing came in ragged gasps as I staggered to my feet on high alert. The fog hung thick around me. I could hear the beast snapping and growling. It was everywhere, regardless of which direction I faced.