by LJ Swallow
"Yes. But they're all connected somehow." He scratches his cheek. "I've finally found some useful information from when the academy was an asylum. More specific than usual. Something odd happened to a patient held in one of the buildings—Petrescu house."
The sensation someone dropped ice down my back interrupts the warmth from the day. "Tell me."
Jamie gives me a rundown on his research, and I listen in horror, but I'm also intrigued. "Do you think vampires lived underneath the asylum and attacked people at night?"
"I think so."
I chew my lip. “That’s crazy. But where? Is there a cellar under the building?"
"Yes, but a small one. I've never been inside."
"Do you think people—vampires—still live there?" I whisper.
"Yeah, Petrescu is full of them." His mouth tips into a half-smile at my questions.
"Ha ha. But seriously."
"We'll talk to Tobias. He has access to the cellars, and we can take a look."
I snuggle further into Jamie and rest my head on his shoulder. "Why would April suddenly give you the book?"
"She knew I was researching the school."
"Hmm." I shift to look at him. "That's a strange coincidence."
"April? No, she often helps out with my research. Her dad works in a human university and also as an archivist for witches. She has access to books not held in the academy library."
"Why would she do that if she didn’t have a motive?" Jamie wrinkles his nose and casts his eyes down. "Oh! She has the hots for you."
He scrunches his face further. "We're on the same level of nerd, that's all. I've helped her with studies before too. It's a thing between us.
"A thing." I laugh. "Sounds like April would like a different 'thing' between you."
"Yeah, well, I'm taken." He takes my hand and rubs his fingers across the back, and the action pushes back the grey clouds our conversation brought over me.
“Are your parents academic like you? You've never spoken to me about your family, apart from that you're friends with Theodora and wealthy. Are you hiding something?" I tease.
"Nothing much to say. My parents are skilled witches. I'm the youngest of three boys. My eldest brother works as a pen-pusher for the Confederacy and the other travels the world. Neither are academic or interested in improving their magic skills."
"And so that puts pressure on you," I finish.
He blows air into his cheeks. "A little. I don't mind since I like to study, but I'll never be the strongest in Walcott."
"Um. Jamie. You brought me back from the brink of death. I'd call that strong." I squeeze his hand. "You have a lot of skill."
"My family—they're not 'up there' with the oldest witch families, but my parents are all about the place ours has in society. They’re obsessed by keeping up appearances and lost their shit when Marcus disappeared to 'find himself'."
Oh crap, not another Vincent. "Disappeared?"
"Not literally. Marcus comes home occasionally, but not for long. Because we're friendly with Theodora, I feel the pressure to be the good family representative."
"But you are. You never step out of line."
He splutters. "I am stepping way out of line recently. I'm lucky Theodora is the academy head and keeps a watchful eye on me, or my parents would want me home. Sofia complained to them that I'm not focusing enough on my divination because I'm distracted."
"She would," I mutter. "Sofia cornered me this morning and asked me to work on my visions this afternoon. I know we agreed to investigate them more last night, but I’m not sure I want to work with her."
"I'll sit with you if you do. She likes the 'bonded soulmates' angle." Jamie suddenly tips his head upwards and frowns.
"Does that bother you?" I ask.
"No. But the weather does. I swear I felt rain."
Chapter Forty-Four
MAEVE
Heavy clouds gathered above us in the short time we've spent at the park, something not unusual for the local weather. Rainstorms sweep in as quickly as they leave in this part of the world.
A large raindrop hits my nose, and I wipe it away as more drip onto mine and Jamie's heads. Before I can speak, the drops turn into a sudden downpour and I jump to my feet. I don't have a coat, just a hoodie that's happily soaking up the water, but I drag my useless hood over my head as the water trickles down my face. "Where can we go?"
Jamie takes my damp hand in his and we run through the deluge, water splashing from puddles up my legs and my Converse squelching. Others run for cover beneath trees and I laugh at the situation despite the rain soaking through my clothes.
"Yes. I think you felt rain," I call out to Jamie as he runs ahead, half-dragging me with him. His jacket has no hood and his hair has flattened and sticks to his face.
"There's a cafe with a covered area over there." He points with a dripping hand and we take a short-cut across the water-logged grass towards the place others shelter. Some sit at the white metal tables scowling at the weather, and the mum we saw earlier scolds her son for jumping in the growing puddles.
Not keen to be around the noisy pair, we move to the edge of the single-storey small brick building, around the corner, out of sight but still sheltered.
Pulling a face, I push my hood down and pull my now-damp hair across my shoulder. The rain continues to fall, relentless and heavy. Jamie stands opposite, rain dripping from his fringe and along his nose. A drop trickles onto his lips and he blinks raindrops from his long lashes as he rests against a white wooden fence between the cafe and park.
His jacket is open, and the blue T-shirt underneath is soaked and moulded against his lean muscle. Why is there something unexplainably hot about guys in wet clothes?
Jamie shoves hair from his face and his eyes shine with amusement to match mine, but I’m still distracted by his damp T-shirt.
"Are you alright? You're soaked," he asks.
I peel the sodden jacket from me and drape it over a stack of spare chairs. My skin goosebumps as the cooler air hits my damp arms. "I thought you said the weather would be fine, weatherman Jamie."
Jamie runs a hand through his hair and peers into the sky. "Maybe there'll be a break in the weather soon. We can head back to town and call an Uber.”
I wipe a hand down my face and flinch against the wet hair touching my neck. Hoodies don't make great raincoats.
"Come here." Jamie takes my arm and rubs vigorously with his damp hands. I flinch again. “I’m not helping much, am I?”
"Your hands are cold."
He sighs. "A hug wouldn't work either, would it?"
The rain drives down harder and I focus on the earthy smell of the damp ground rather than Jamie's scent, which mingles and reminds me of all those times pressed against his chest but never kissing the way I wanted to. Even the kiss in the sanctum that day was restrained; the one in my room yesterday chaste.
I step closer and run my hand down his cold arm, my heart speeding as he extends a hand and wipes rain from my cheek, his cold fingers resting on my skin as he looks at me.
"A kiss would warm me up," I say softly, half-scared he'll reject me again.
Jamie moves his fingertips to my lips and traces them gently before tipping my chin upwards. Time slows as his mouth nears mine and I forget about my wet clothes, the discomfort edged out by my one focus: kissing Jamie.
His mouth meets my lips, a raindrop from his nose touching mine at the same time. His lips are cool and familiar even though we've barely kissed, the softness becoming firm as I press mine on his in return. As I curl my fingers into his damp hair, Jamie draws away, the kiss ending as abruptly as it started. He doesn't speak, but I understand. With a small smile, I turn to look at the pouring rain. Jamie told me he wants to keep things simple; I’m wrong to push things further than he wants.
"Maeve. Look at me."
I turn back and Jamie sweeps me into an embrace, seizing me around the waist. I hold a hand out to steady myself on his chest, but our bodies meet and mould toge
ther, his lips on mine again, more insistent this time. I grasp his hair, desire for Jamie firing as his tongue strokes mine. Holding me against him, Jamie plays his fingers lightly along my side and I snatch my chance to explore the defined muscles of his chest, running a hand along from his pecs to his abs before gripping his soaked T-shirt to stop myself exploring any further.
I pull him by the shirt farther from the people nearby and my back touches the wall. He rests his forehead on mine and his warm breath strokes my heated cheeks. Without speaking, I hold his head, running my fingers across the nape of his neck as I pull him closer. Jamie's mouth brushes my cheek as he gradually moves his mouth to run his tongue gently across my lips. The heat from the sudden passion of Jamie's kiss rushes through my blood, but I still shiver.
This is the moment I’ve ached to share with Jamie.
"The rain was to move you both somewhere safe where I could talk to you, not give you an excuse to make out."
Jamie drops his hold on me, and I turn. Amelia stands beside us in a green rain jacket that reaches her knees. She pushes down the hood and purses her lips. I'm speechless and Jamie remains silent.
"Look, I don't have long, but I wanted to give you this." She pulls an older-style black phone from her pocket and holds it out to us. Jamie takes hold and stares between Amelia and the phone in confusion. "For if you need to get in touch with me, or us with you."
"Us?" asks Jamie. "Who are you with?"
He cranes his neck.
"Matt is nearby, watching in case anybody approaches."
"Matt," exclaims Jamie and looks around. "Can I speak to him?"
"No time." She chews a nail and darts her eyes around. "Alaric decided we need to be involved in the situation you created and we're keeping track of the Blackwoods. You two swanning around on dates is unhelpful and bloody stupid."
I tense. "Are the Blackwoods here?"
"No. But stay at the academy where you'll be harder to approach. The professors are powerful and so are you guys when you're all together. Stay that way. Please."
I can't help but smile at this new Amelia, out of her shell as she scolds us and takes charge.
“You said the rain is to make us move? Did you create that storm?" asks Jamie with quiet awe.
"With Matt's help, yes." Amelia pulls her hood back over her head and looks around. "We'll keep you updated on the Blackwoods' whereabouts, especially if they get closer to the academy. We're trying to locate Vince too. Have you found any more information about the insider at the academy?"
"Not yet," Jamie replies.
Amelia's expression grows distant and she places a finger on her lips as if listening to something. "Okay. Matt says we need to go. Hide the phone but check daily."
In a display of her old self, Amelia seizes me in a hug. I embrace her in return, wishing she'd come with us, but grateful Alaric and his gang changed their minds about helping. Did Amelia persuade them?
Jamie receives a big hug too, and she steps back. “I miss you guys."
"We miss you. Come back," implores Jamie.
"I can't. But please both go straight back to the academy," she urges. “Promise me.”
“Promise,” I whisper.
Amelia backs away and her eyes fill with mischief. "Either you're pink because you ran from the rain, Maeve, or Jamie is a good kisser."
With a chuckle, Amelia spins around and hurries away, head bowed.
Chapter Forty-Five
MAEVE
"Maeve! I've spent the afternoon looking for you."
I halt at Sofia's voice and Jamie side-glances me before we turn. Are we in trouble for leaving the academy? We arrived back and immediately changed from our soggy clothes, ready to find Andrei and Ash, to tell them about Amelia and the burner phone. And if we have time, also catch Tobias before class.
Sofia’s long, jet-black hair is piled into a bun today, accentuating her eyes, and she’s dressed down in one of her favourite long dresses decorated with blue roses. Her manner is softer than recently, and she gives me a warm smile. She graces Jamie with the same smile. Ah. Because we're together. Her grey eyes attempt to pierce my mind, but my wall is too strong.
"Is everything okay?" I ask.
Her charm bracelet jingles as she waves an arm. "You missed our practice session today."
"Oh. I'd forgotten,” I lie. “I could see you after class tonight?"
"I guess the practice can wait," she says with the tone of a martyr. "But please ensure you come to me tomorrow afternoon." She nods at Jamie. "You could join us if you like?"
“Of course,” I say, forcing a smile.
Jamie nods. “Sure.”
Sofia’s focus remains on Jamie, and she touches her neck in the same place his is injured. "Do tell me what happened to you. Petrescu?"
"No."
Her lips purse. "That is a vampire bite, which is a serious offence at the academy."
"I'm not the only witch who enjoys dangerous activities with vampires, and those other kids don’t get into trouble," he says.
Jamie.
"Yes. I'm well aware of that." I meet her eyes and they take on a harder edge.
"I meant those who enjoy the blood play,” he stammers.
Omigod, Jamie, shut up.
"And who—?" starts Sofia.
"We’ll be late for class," I interrupt. “Professor Whitlock isn’t pleasant if we’re late.”
Sofia makes a derisive noise but doesn’t comment. “Very well. I'll speak to you about that later." She jabs a finger at Jamie’s neck.
As we walk along the empty hallway towards the exit, my neck prickles as if she’s watching my every move. “Sofia won’t give up until she has an answer,” I say to Jamie.
“Yeah. I know.” He links his fingers through mine. “Have you warmed up now you’ve changed?”
“Definitely.” Everything changed. We’re back in uniform and back to academy life, far away from trips to the movies.
“I can’t believe we saw Amelia and she ran off,” he whispers, darting a look around. “Did you hide the phone?”
I nod. The moment I arrived at my room, I put the phone inside a small box and hid it behind bottles of lotions and shampoos in the cupboard beneath the sink. Would anybody look for it? I might be over-cautious but I don’t think that’s possible right now.
“Hopefully we’ll hear from her soon.”
“I do, but I also don’t want to, Jamie.”
He pushes open the door from the Walcott building and holds it open for me to walk through. “Why?”
“Because she might have bad news,” I say softly.
“Or a warning to help us.” We pause at the bottom of the stone stairs and he brushes a stray hair from my blazer shoulder. “As long as she doesn’t pour rain on our heads again.”
I chuckle. “At least she didn’t include lightning bolts.”
Jamie takes my hand again and the contentedness we shared when out together radiates from him. “I enjoyed today.”
“Me too. I can’t explain how good it felt to step away from everything for a few hours.” I wind my arms around his neck and his mouth tips into a smile. “Time with you.”
“Yeah. You needed that. You're brighter than you were this morning. My work here is done.”
I laugh. “And this is exactly what I love about you, Jamie. You’re in tune with me and I don’t think that’s only the bond.”
His arms go around my waist and he rests his forehead against mine. “I’m a bloody idiot, though.”
“Why?” I draw back.
“The kiss.”
My stomach lurches. “Oh. Sorry. Did I push you? I knew you wanted to keep things simple.”
Jamie’s laugh echoes around and he draws me closer. “No, Maeve. I was bloody stupid not to kiss you before.”
“You have kissed me before. Several times.”
“Not a kiss like that,” he says, and his eyes drop to my lips.
Not a toe-curling, mind-melting kiss that took me b
y surprise. “True.”
Leaning into my face, Jamie’s lips press on mine again, the gentle guy teasing me to respond as his arms tighten around me. I pull away. “Class,” I whisper.
As I tug him by the hand across the courtyard, he stops again. “What Amelia said—were you pink from the rain or our kiss?”
I look over my shoulder and bite my lip. “What do you think, Jamie?”
Andrei and Ash hang outside Tobias’s classroom and we approach them. One eye on the gathering students, we give the pair a brief rundown on our meeting Amelia—and Jamie’s discovery in the asylum records. Andrei purses his lips, but says nothing.
Ash lowers his voice. “Did Amelia tell you anything else?”
“Literally, that’s all she said,” says Jamie.
“Give me that bloody phone and I’ll call her,” he says.
I laugh at his stern tone. “She’d be pissed off if you called just to shout at her. We keep the phone for the reasons Amelia said, or Alaric might change his mind.”
Ash huffs but doesn’t reply.
“Do you know anything about the cellars at Petrescu?” I ask Andrei.
“They’re locked,” he says gruffly. “Used for storage, as far as I know. Maeve, if there were someone hiding in there, somebody at the academy would know.”
“If we ask Tobias, could he check?”
Andrei wraps an arm around my shoulders and hugs me to him. “He’d take us down there, I’m sure.”
I relax a little. If we can solve one mystery, I’ll be happy.
Chapter Forty-Six
MAEVE
I can't focus in Mental Magic as I watch Tobias struggle to keep on top of soothing the students’ emotions. He passes me a couple of times as I work on mental blocks with Jamie; vampires rarely look as haggard as humans, but stress creases his face, his eyes dull.
What happened to him when he was with the Confederacy? Has he left gaps in his story again?
"Now, I'd like you to swap to a partner who's a different house to yours and fight against the resistance I can feel in this room." He cocks his head in warning to students starting to protest. "Katherine, Yvette. Dane, Jamie. Maeve, Andrei."