by Emma Cole
She ran up to my sneakered foot in answer, and I scooped her up, holding her aloft so I could see when she indicated her room. It was only a few down from mine, and after opening her door for her, she disappeared inside. I left her things inside the door without looking in and closed it behind me. I couldn’t wait to get back to my own room and into clean clothes. Hopefully, there was a shower nearby too. The smell of the soap from the showers at the council had an odd scent that I didn’t like, and the clothes were scratchy and bland. They were a drab tan color with a v-neck and front pockets made from stiff cotton that could almost double as the scrubs medical professionals wore.
My keen hearing picked up the argument going on somewhere downstairs. Sounded like the she-cat in heat was still whining while my wayward mate chewed her out. Didn’t seem like he was getting very far either. I highly doubted that she cared an iota about anything but herself, and I’d definitely have to keep a keen eye on her.
Safely ensconced in my room and feeling half starved, I perused the contents of my trunk. From the few stray hairs tucked here and there, I knew my mother’s former companion had packed it for me. That woman was a godsend. The false bottom was apparent and tucked into it were things like personal letters and jewelry. It would have passed a basic search and likely ensured that the others wouldn't be looked for. The other two compartments were smaller and hidden in the sides. They also wouldn’t open without a key—but I didn’t need one with my abilities. My mother’s friend was one of the few people who knew about that specific one. The others, such as becoming incorporeal or walking through objects and people, were only speculated about. I’d never put someone in danger by confirming it, only to have it tortured out of them by my power greedy uncle. Because that’s the only way Marta would give me up; she’d loved my mother too much to betray her memory in such a way.
Feeling it prudent to wait until I was more secure in my surroundings to check out what she may have stored in there, I instead checked out some more of my packet. Of course the first thing I opened it to was what 'graduating' entailed. At the end of the students’ sentences was a thing called The Culling; you either graduated or you died. It was a barbaric ceremony— the students and staff were called out to witness it, and the manner of the execution, if you were culled, was left up to your species and the dean. The Culling won't matter if I can't make it through the first day.
Deciding the reading material was too morbid, I put it away and rummaged around in the trunk for clothes. I came up with softworn jeans with a tank and a black hoodie—tennis shoes and black socks completed my outfit, and after grabbing some toiletries, I went in search of a bathroom. I really hoped there was a large communal one or at least several separate ones. It had been disappointing but not surprising that there wasn’t one in my room. This was supposed to be a punishment after all.
The bathroom turned out to be communal. Sort of. There was a half of a hall dedicated to them and linen closets— one side was individual showers, and the other had toilets and sinks with stalls. I grimaced at the lack of privacy. Would have been better to not have to sit next to someone taking a shit on the other side of a flimsy wall. I would definitely try to time things for when it was unoccupied. Like it was now.
At least the showers were clean even if the water pressure sucked and only heated to lukewarm with the tap turned all the way to hot. They severely needed an update and I had to avoid some of the tiles in my bare feet, as several of the timeworn things were chipped or broken. It made me wonder if there was somewhere to get shower shoes here— if I even had a way to pay for them.
I wasn't a posh princess and shouldn't catch anything if I cut myself, but it would still hurt. Not to mention it was gross. Even some of the silvering was missing from the mirrors when I went up to the bank of them above a countertop that was just wide enough to hold sundry items needed to get dressed and ready for the day. Briefly, I wondered how the guys would shave but maybe they used the sinks in with the toilet stalls.
My glowing purple eyes were set above a pert nose, my features sharp, yet not unattractive. I didn't know why I was bothering to compare myself to the female downstairs, but I had to say that my waist-length silvery-white hair was far more striking than hers. Even though my eyebrows and lashes matched, they fit with my unique coloring.
Primping complete, I left the shower room carrying my dirty clothes. Upon entering my room I found Lorca waiting. Along with the stench of the female that had been wrapped around him.
Chapter Four
"Get the fuck out of my room." I wasn't interested in dealing with him. I still had to find someone to help me complete the orientation, so I could figure out exactly what I should be doing tomorrow. It would make my uncle’s day if I were to perish in the Culling.
"Arimina, please hear me out. There are things you need to know." He bristled at my scoff. "Not just about our mating— there are other things you don't know about."
"Like what? About the fact that I was misled that you would be waiting for me at the council?" Yeah, I was still pissed off about that one. Also, I was hangry.
"That wasn't my fault. I was shipped here directly after arriving at the council. But I need to talk to you about your other mates." So there are others.
"And where might they be? And how many are there?" I demanded.
"There were four of us…" His eyes widened in shock and then in hope at a mist forming in the corner next to me. I turned my head to better see what was happening, and my jaw nearly dropped when three men appeared in my bedroom. Three mates to be exact. The recognition hit as I made eye contact with each of them.
"Are, brother— are" said the bulkiest one. "There are still four of us. Just three of us happen to be Wraith Guardians now." He appeared sad, his mouth turned down at the corners when he imparted the news.
Lorca, forehead wrinkled in confusion, asked, "But how can I see you now when I couldn't before?" I didn't understand, and it must have been apparent, because the big one opened his mouth to answer. Before he got anything out, the fierce willowy one wrinkled his nose in disgust and narrowed his eyes on Lorca.
"What is that stench?" Lorca's eyes widened in consternation, and he sniffed himself even as he quailed under the intense scrutiny of the three men. "You let another female touch you? You have a mate, Lorca!" He gestured at me.
"It wasn't on purpose," Lorca protested, hands held up as if to ward off a blow.
"If you're referring to the horny she-cat from downstairs, then I would have to disagree with you," I challenged him with a silvery-white brow arched above my direct stare.
"You did what?" This from the third that hadn't spoken up yet. I was going to have to find out what their names were, but first...
"Just because we were interrupted doesn't mean it was a request. Please get the fuck out of my room." Lorca's face fell at my demand, eyes flicking between me and my other three mates that he was obviously close with.
As he got up, the stockier one intervened on his behalf. "Wait, Lorca, go take a shower. Arimina, there are things that we do need to go over, and Lorca is the most loyal Enforcer I've ever met."
How did he know my name? My eyes about bugged out of my head as it clicked. The puzzle pieces fell together, and then Lorca wasn't the only one that had my ire.
"Are you telling me that you were the ones tracking me last week?" I was incredulous. They had to have known I was their bondmate… then a thought occurred. "Unless you didn't recognize me as your mate since I didn't see you?"
They all had the grace to look away guiltily which only confirmed my suspicions. "Then I'm not sure I want to discuss anything with any of you. This all could have been prevented, and my people…" I was crushed. They'd let me get caught. Maybe even facilitated it. How could I trust them? Fuck, I'm hungry. The shakes were going to start if I didn't eat soon. Tired of holding my dirty clothes, I moved toward the bed to set them on the top of my trunk. I’d have to find where the laundry was done, but those might end up in the t
rash— not like I wanted to wear them again.
"Arimina, please. Just hear them out, okay?" Lorca had crossed the small space and was about to put his hand on me when he thought better of it and ran his hand through his short dark hair instead. My scowl at the offensive appendage had probably had something to do with it. With a grimace, he left the room, giving me a last beseeching glance as he closed the door.
Turning to the others, I let out a sigh as I sunk down onto the bed. May as well get it over with. This is not how I imagined meeting my mates would go. “Obviously something happened to you three." I waved my hand at the group still standing where they’d materialized. “Go on, then. I need to eat, and soon.”
Their expressions ranged from consternation to concern at the mention of being hungry. Males were notorious for making sure their mates were taken care of— well, the good ones anyway. There were always the bad apples that didn’t give a shit about anyone but themselves. Like Uncle Bolin. The tall, scary one shared an indecipherable look with the big one and then winked out. They smelled like shifters, but that wasn’t a normal ability, and they all seemed to have it. In fact, their scent was quite similar to my own with a few nuances I didn’t recognize, so I guessed they were some type of mustelid.
“My name is Vaughn. I’m the leader of our Enforcer Quad.” Vaughn was the hottie. It wasn’t surprising that the tall, built, and tatted-up man was the alpha. He exuded the dominance required to hold the position. I hadn’t been sure, as his curly black hair and deep brown eyes softened his countenance. The scarier one had been a good candidate too. “My second, Iliam, will return shortly. You’ve met Lorca—I think?” I hadn’t really but shrugged noncommittally. “And Bane is our fourth.”
My attention strayed to the bulky and brutish man with a square jaw. He wasn’t fat, I noticed as I took him in. He was lighter in coloring than the others, honey brown eyes and dark, almost sable locks with liberal blond streaks. His tanned skin, whether it was from the sun or natural, was darker than the others, who were pale in comparison. Then he smiled, honeyed eyes crinkling at the corners, and his face lit up with welcome and… affection? It seemed he had already grabbed onto the tenuous bond with both hands, and my alter purred. It was the only way I could think to describe it, and I knew she definitely liked this one.
From his actions, he was also aware of it. Before I could form a protest, he reached my side hand outstretched to touch my face. But I needn’t have done a thing— he couldn’t touch me. Some sort of barrier prevented it. His face fell, and he turned his head sharply to stare at his leader. My alter hissed in displeasure at being denied his touch.
“Bane, man, you know we were warned by—” Vaughn’s explanation cut off as he grasped at his throat. On instinct, I was up off the bed and to his side in a flash, but I was prevented from touching him by the same barrier that Bane had encountered.
“What the heck is going on?” Fear laced my voice. My mate appeared to be choking, and I couldn't help him. “Bane, please!”
Bane jumped into action, but Vaughn pushed him away. Only a moment passed before his coloring returned to normal, and he was breathing evenly.
“It’s the geas. As long as you don’t keep trying to override it, you’re fine. That was… unpleasant.” He sighed and explained further. “We can’t tell you anything. You have to make your own path. Wait until Lorca is back; you both need to hear the rest.” His dark eyes pleaded with me to acquiesce.
“Fine, but I need food. Really, it’s been too long, and I’m starting to feel sick.”
At that moment, my bedroom door opened, and a plate bearing Iliam came through. "Food. And let me put it down first. I don't think I can hand it to you."
I didn't even care about that. I just wanted food. Manners went out the window as soon as he set it down, and half of the ham sandwich was in my mouth in seconds. They silently watched while I plowed through it and the chips that accompanied it. By the time the plate was empty and my hunger satisfied, Lorca was coming back in.
A not-so-discreet sniff test did indeed reveal he was cleared of the female's scent. It assuaged my alter, but I wasn’t about to forget anytime soon. I stretched out on my bed feeling lazy after eating. “So, you were saying about the touching?”
Lorca, eyes narrowed, stared at the others seeming pissed off at the mention of touching. It was Iliam though, who asked, “You tried already?” His dark and deadly looks were aimed at Bane and Vaughn. Where Vaughn had messy curls, Iliam’s midnight hair was shaved on both sides with the top portion left long, hanging almost to his ice blue eyes.
“Bane got a bit frisky,” I answered for the Vaughn. “It didn’t go well.” Iliam went stiff, and I could see he was the tallest of them all. His whipcord body gave off the bad-boy vibes in droves. “So, who’s explaining? I have an orientation to figure out and shit to deal with here. Having mates pop up that I can’t touch is going to be problematic on its own.” I spun my finger, trying to hurry them up.
Lorca made to perch on the foot of my bed, and when I only rolled my eyes at him, he braved touching the toe of one foot. A tiny touch shouldn’t have had a zing traveling all the way up my leg and in between my thighs, but that’s exactly what happened. I yanked my feet from his reach, but my alter was forefront and demanding more. It was a brief and downright dirty struggle to win, but I had her all battened down except for my eyes, which even I could tell were glowing.
Hesitantly, Vaughn filled them in. “The geas is in full effect, and we can’t touch her. Haven’t tried Lorca yet.”
“I didn’t have an issue touching anyone downstairs,” Iliam replied. A low growl actually trickled through my lips— it wasn't a canine growl but more of a chuffing. My alter had to be well and truly pissed to go from hissing to growling. “Down, girl. I snagged a guy by the elbow to ask where the kitchen was —then washed my hands before I made you food.” She settled, but he’d better watch himself with the ‘girl’ business. It wasn’t a moniker I appreciated. “Vaughn, hurry up, you know what’s—” And there went the choking again. That shit was going to get old fast.
“Stop trying to think about it, and it will let up,” Vaughn advised his second. Lorca watched, worry creasing his forehead. Iliam got it figured out quicker than his leader had, and the latter turned his attention to me. “We were set up by the Regent. We let you go at the house when you were helping that woman and her child and were going to track you to tell you later, but your uncle was waiting when we went back outside. At that point he had us arrested, and I misjudged his flippancy for the authority of the Enforcers.” Vaughn ran a hand through his hair, tugging on the ends in consternation, before blowing out a breath and continuing. “When we realized we needed help, Lorca escaped, but before assistance could arrive, the Regent’s interrogators had already had their way with us. Iliam barely Invoked before he died. The rest of us… well, we were convinced we needed to follow suit directly.” His brown eyes appeared darker and haunted at the recount of events.
“What’s ‘Invoking’ have to do with anything? Isn’t that some myth about Enforcers and the Wraith Guardians?” I jogged my own memory with my question. “Wait, nevermind, you said you three were Guardians already. So it’s not a myth then? Is that how you can de and rematerialize?” Nods came from the three, but Lorca remained quiet and sad. I kinda felt bad for the guy and extended a leg to put my foot back within reach. He immediately latched onto it, rubbing ticklish circles on the bottom. I didn’t stop him, fairly certain it was more to soothe him than me. “Okay, so you can’t touch me even though I’m your mate, and you can’t tell me anything because…”
I waited for them to fill me in, but they just shook their heads. Iliam carefully explained, changing his words as the ones he couldn’t utter strangled off. “We have to let you and Lorca make your own— forge your own path. We can help with basic things, like the food, but nothing that interferes with the cho— your free will. We were allowed to leave the— we’re able to stay in your vicinity for the t
ime being. We can move around, but we can’t leave the school’s boundary, or we won’t be able to return. I’m afraid to try to say more than that. It doesn’t feel good and is making my alter panic.” Iliam’s pale face was sweaty by the time he’d gotten out that much, and I didn’t want to push him since they couldn’t change things. I’d just have to figure it out for myself, and Lorca might be able to help too.
“Okay, so you can hang out and watch but not participate. Got it.” I got up and found socks to go with my tennis shoes, ready to go find out what was needed orientation-wise, so I could get a nap in. My alter was pushing to do what was instinctive for her, but not being able to touch the guys posed a massive problem. And I wasn’t ready for Lorca yet. “Are you coming along for the tour? Lorca, have you been shown around?”
“Yes,” he warily answered. “I have your class supplies in my room. Didn’t want them to get stolen.”
That was… kinda sweet. “Fine, you can show me around. Better than trying to find someone else anyway.” I was nonchalant, but it probably didn’t fool anyone in the room. I wanted to be close to him, even when I didn’t. “Just to clarify— you were sent ahead before I arrived at the council?”
“I believe so. They heard my side of things and said they’d investigate. Under the circumstances, the Commander requested that you be sent here while it was conducted and that I come ahead to facilitate your arrival. He was pissed when he found out about what happened in the gaol. The story was that you attacked the guards or some shit and died in the resulting confrontation.” He directed the last at the rest of his quadmates. “I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get word out of what really happened; there are measures in place to prevent outside contact. This situation is FUBAR.”