by J. L. Weil
Catina wiggled out from under my arm, scooping up the one thing that gave her security, and placed him at her feet. Zero weaved in and out of her legs, rubbing his scent and fur over her skin.
The witch and her cat followed me silently out of the infirmary, and through the castle to the dorms. It took my mind off other things, which I needed. I hadn’t realized how much I required the distraction.
“The dorms are separated by species,” I informed as her eyes took in the castle. “Fae have the first floor. Hybrids the second. Shifters are on the third level. Witches on the fourth, and Vampires on the fifth. There are many different kinds of supernaturals, so the sleeping arrangements aren’t always precise. It’s more of a guideline to keep the bickering and fighting to a minimum. The academy wants us to save our pent-up energy for training days.”
“This place is a maze. I’m so going to get lost.”
Our steps echoed down the corridor when we turned the corner. “I bet your familiar could help you with that.”
Her brows drew together. “How so?”
“He is your animal guide. I suspect if you got lost, he would find you and lead you home.” The look dropping down on her dainty features suggested this was something Zero had done for her before. She studied her cat, trailing alongside us, in a new light—curious and wonderous.
Numerous doors lined the hallway and I paused at one on the left, only a few doors from Tricksy’s dorm. “Here you are. Room #407.” I swung open the door and waited for Catina to stroll inside.
Zero padded ahead of us like he owned the castle, scoping out the space first as Catina followed with cautious steps. Now, in the mystical ambience of the academy, I could actually see ripples of magic shimmering around her, but whatever concoction Sena had slipped in her tea, kept it in check—sedated. Her eyes glanced around the room, taking in the cozy bed tucked into the corner. It was covered in a pink blanket, especially made for her. A small desk sat against the opposite wall that had a window overlooking the falls, and the trace of vanilla and roses perfumed the air.
Slowly, she turned on her heels, looking at me by the doorway. “This is mine?”
I nodded, emotion tripping in my chest. That had been damn close to the same reaction I’d had. Catina had a story. And like me, she’d share it when she was ready, but something told me our pasts had been similar, and regardless of how different the witch and I might be, I couldn’t help but feel there was a connection between us.
Scorpion too.
I didn’t understand how all the pieces fit, but they were coming together. One by one. I just hoped that when the whole picture was revealed, it wouldn’t be too late.
“The door locks, not that it does much good with a hall full of witches, but my friend Tricksy can teach you how to charm it if you’d like. Just let me know. She’s damn good at spells.”
Nodding, Catina faced me from the center of the room. A confused gleam in her eyes. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
Why indeed? “Let’s just chalk it up to a momentary lapse in sanity. It’s been a weird day.”
A grin captured her lips, seeing through my sarcasm, and perhaps, really seeing me for the first time. Not the girl who used her tough reputation as a shield, but the girl underneath all the oil and vinegar.
Catina cocked her head to the side. “Does this mean we’re friends?”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t hold your breath.” And with that, I shut the door, leaving her to get adjusted and hopefully sleep.
With every intention of zipping to my room, I spun around, but then, as if a phantom wind had blown down the hall, I smelled him. Shit. Just when my brain had stopped thinking about Scorpion, the gods had to go and throw him back in my path.
The leash on my control went slack, and I found myself standing in front of his room. He was sleeping, the soft, even rise and fall of his breath carrying from under the door. My fingers lifted, trailing with the grain of the wood to eventually hover over the doorknob.
What would the big-shot, ex-Delta do if I slipped into his room? Into his bed? A hint of a smile tugged at my lips. I was tempted by more than just the idea of seeing his reaction, and that was what stopped me.
This absurd thing I felt for the human wasn’t healthy. It couldn’t be. A vampire and a mortal didn’t mix. Ever.
I valued my control above all else. Never would I have thought a mere mortal could unravel me—undo everything I worked hard to maintain.
Also, since when did I become a stalker?
Shaking my head, I backed away from the door and raced up a level to my own dorm. A soft puffing sound left the mattress when I plopped on my bed, doing everything in my power to not let my mind wander to him.
I didn’t sleep a wink.
14
SCORPION
After a much-needed run along the academy grounds the next morning, I showered and got dressed, heading to the vampire dorms. I’d learned the dormitory wing of the castle was multileveled, and each race of supernaturals was assigned a different floor. I was staying directly below Renna’s.
A friendly and sexy vampire girl, called Melody, told me Renna’s room number, so I slid the purple paper crane under her door, and headed back down to the training space.
My eyes roamed the weapons along the left side of the wall as I entered. My jaw dropping at the vast arrangement of swords, bows and arrows, daggers, whips, maces and all kinds of medieval-looking artifacts. It might as well have been a museum. They were set in a special built-in case that extended the whole wall, except not a single modern weapon could be found. I supposed they didn’t allow them here, since this place was for hand-to-hand combat and sparring, still, I couldn’t help but wonder if they used firearms at all.
If they didn’t, I was in trouble, because there was no way in hell that I was holding some ancient sword.
“Good morning, Scorpion. I didn’t expect you to be here early.” The masculine voice that greeted me was deep, echoing along the otherwise empty space like thunder.
“I’m sorry, Professor Mikos,” I offered turning toward the door. “I just thought I’d take a look around before we beg—” My words faltered when the professor came into view. “Holy shit!” I staggered back, though I hadn’t meant to insult him.
The man, if you could call him that, was huge in both height and bulk. He had three heads that protruded from various necks above his torso, all three of them pissed off at my reaction. His ten arms rose, hands fisting in anger as he stepped toward me, and when his mouths opened, he roared.
The floor shook underneath me, and my ass slammed onto the floor as I lost my balance. Heart slamming against my chest, I looked up at him, towering over me and ready to attack. All the while, I urged myself to react.
“You dare insult me?!” he barked, voice thundering in the space.
“I’m sorry. I was just caught by surprise that is all.” I stumbled to my feet, swallowing as he continued to stomp toward me. “I-I swear, I meant no disrespect. I’m just-I’ve never seen anyone like—”
Waves of laughter burst out of his mouths suddenly, one of his hands slapping his thigh while the others wiped the tears of mirth that escaped his multiple eyes, and the rest held his shaking stomach. “I’m sorry. That was too easy.”
His laughter floored me, and I straightened, clearing my throat as he offered me his fists to bump. All of them.
“I’m just joshing you. Thanks for being a good sport. It’s been a while since anyone reacted that way to me—you know, not being allowed on Midgard and all. I never get to see humans.”
With a nervous chuckle, I bumped his ten fists—shaking the tension from my hand after I finished. “You are the weapons and sparring professor?” I asked, when what I was dying to ask was what the hell is he?
His various mouths quirked up in amusement. “Yes, I am. I’m also one third of the Hekatonkheires, I believe you humans tell the history of my people as Greek Mythology.”
“Yes, Sir.” My face scrun
ched up as I desperately tried to remember my mythology classes from high school. If I’d known it was all real and I was going to need it someday, I would have seriously paid more attention.
“My brothers and I are children of Gaia, Mother Earth, and Ouranos, Father sky,” he answered, nonetheless.
“Can you read my thoughts?” I asked, taken aback by his reply to my silent inquiry.
Three smiles stretched his lips. “No, I’m just used to getting the same questions. I can see them on your face. Together, my brothers and I helped the gods imprison the titans, but afterwards, my brother Aegaeon decided to break the blood oath and the Furies sent us all to Tartarus, to be imprisoned for eternity.”
“The Furies, as in the ones guarding this realm?” I asked, remembering the three female warriors on the bridge, and something told me they weren’t really statues as they appeared.
“Yes. Even though my brothers supported each other in their treachery, I never truly shared their sins, so the Aereum pardoned me, taking me out of Tartarus and giving me another chance. Thankful for their mercy and honored by their request, I accepted this position, where I’ve been training the academy’s special teams for the past century.”
“Wow.” I really had no other words.
My gaze instinctively wandered over his form once again. He was at least eight feet tall, with short black hair, black eyes and fair skin. Bulging muscles stretched along his ten arms and thighs—visible under the paneled leather skirt he wore and gladiator sandals. He was intimidating as shit. Mikos was shirtless, and after one look at his ripped chest, my abs shrunk in shame and embarrassment.
“My true name is Cottus, the Striker,” he continued, “but in the spirit of starting anew, I changed it to Mikos.”
“I can definitely understand wanting to start fresh.” I smiled at him, surprised at finding something in common. “I think this is my chance too. Wait. I remember now. The Hekatonkheires—the hundred-handed ones. Your brothers are Aegaeon, the vigorous, and Gyges the big-limbed. Earthquakes and tsunamis are attributed to the three of you.”
He nodded. “Well, my brothers do love throwing fits.” We chuckled. “They call us the hundred-handed ones because when we are together, we are giants of strength and colossal ferocity. Yet, some things are not literal,” he clarified with a wink.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Professor Mikos. My name is Ethan, but you can call me Scorpion.”
“Just call me Mike. It’s what all the students call me.”
Grinning, I watched him turn toward the door.
“My favorite student has arrived,” he announced, lifting all hands in the air, while my eyes struggled to track Renna—she used her enhanced speed to high five them all. “This one is your partner?” he asked, pointing five thumbs at Renna and I nodded. “May the gods save you, boy.”
Mike walked to the weapons wall, while my attention was once again captured by the striking beauty that forced me to toss and turn all night, unable to do anything else but think of her.
“Good morning, Vixen,” I greeted seeing her smile at the professor, not sure where I stood with her after what happened last night.
Her lips thinned as she glared at me, then walked toward the wall, joining our professor. My chest sank at her attitude toward me—apparently our little talk last night had done more damage than good.
Walking to her side, I reached for her hand. “About last night…” I paused, waiting for her to snap at me or wrench her hand away. She didn’t. “I’m sorry,” I added, knowing I had her attention, and saw her turn to look at me. “I didn’t mean to be an ass or appear righteous about our mission. I guess this is a tough adjustment for both of us. Getting me as a partner must have been hard for you, especially since I have no supernatural abilities, but I’m not sorry the Aereum chose me to lead.”
She lifted an irked brow and I sighed.
“Okay, that sounded snotty but that is not what I meant. I’m not sorry I’m here, Renna. I’m finally where I’m supposed to be, and I promise to keep up. I want to help, and I have no plans of letting you down.”
She didn’t answer, but there was still irritation in her eyes when she turned away.
Nice screw up, Scorpion.
My shoulders slumped until my gaze fell to her perfectly tight ass the next second, and I noticed a purple little wing sticking out of her back pocket. I checked her ass while I was at it—because I was a guy after all—then smirked, loving that she was carrying my tiny paper bird with her. Women loved little gestures like that.
Scorpion 1, out of -85,520.32. Yeah, I had my work cut out for me, but damn it if she wasn’t worth it.
Forget the fact that she was a vampire. I wanted her. I needed her. But most of all, I ached to take away the hurt she had once suffered. To show her that she could trust me, and she could count on me. I silently vowed to be there for her from now on, regardless of what we were, or what we had been through, together we’d be stronger than anything else.
Allowing my eyes to take her all in, I enjoyed the way the spandex little number stretched over the most enticing curves of her body—I recognized the exercise gear, having used it myself. She wore compression leggings and top, breathable, comfortable, allowing for maximum sport performance, but all I could think about was how they adhered to every deliciously torturing inch of her.
“Each of you, choose a weapon,” Mike instructed, stepping aside.
Suddenly sweating, from my brilliant idea of admiring the vampiress’ tempting body, I let out a settling breath and focused on the weapons wall. Glancing at a pair of Bo staffs that hung in front of us, I unconsciously inched closer to Renna, wearing the guys’ version of the workout uniform I’d found in the closet that morning.
Renna’s eyes traveled to me, raking my body, and taking in the way the long-sleeved-tee clung to my chest, biceps, and back. My pants hung low on my hips, the spandex tracing the ripped muscles of my thighs, hips, and ass, and she took her sweet time cataloging it all.
The heat of her desire-filled gaze made my skin zing, and for a split second, I hated being a man. My body was far too eager to respond to her attention. Though, I doubted Mike would appreciate seeing my reactions to her.
From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Renna biting her bottom lip when my arm stretched and bicep flexed, reaching for one of the long Bo staffs. Her head tilted back, checking out my back and ass, so I flexed every single muscle for her. You know, because it was the decent thing to do for a girl.
“Enjoy the view,” I whispered in her ear as I walked past her, staff in hand, joining the professor on the mat. I didn’t turn to look at her, but I was certain I’d get one of two reactions from Renna.
She was either pissed, and more than ready to kick my ass during sparring, or she was attempting not to smile while scowling at me.
When Renna stood across from me, I got my answer. She narrowed her eyes at me, promising retribution, while her lips twitched repressing her amusement. Though to be fair, she also seemed like she wanted to beat the hell out of me, so I guessed it was a combination of both. I’d take it.
Nothing worth having ever came easy, and boy did I know it.
“Take your places, and get ready,” the professor instructed and we both took on a fighting stance. “Okay, on three, fight fair, and don’t forget to give it your all.”
We both raised our staffs—Renna had taken the other one from the wall—and got ready for his command.
“One. Two. Go!”
Renna came at me with everything she had.
“Wait!”
She stopped in her tracks before she could hit me. “What?” she growled at Mike.
“Scorpion, do not hold back. We do real fighting here, bruises and all, and she can take it. She can also dish it, so be alert and on top of your game. Renna, no enhanced speed, and no biting,” Mike warned. “He’s human, and right now I just want to see what he is capable of. Besides, your eyes are twinkling like those of a mad woman, looking to
inflict pain.”
“Ugh. You take the fun out of everything,” Renna grumbled.
I chuckled, but his words resonated with what I was feeling. This was my chance to show her what I could do, why I was here, and that contrary to her belief, she didn’t need to babysit me. I might be human, but that didn’t place me under her, I was more than capable of handling myself in hand-to-hand combat. I was her equal.
“Okay. One. Two. Three!”
The sound of wood hitting wood reverberated around us when our staffs connected, mine swiftly blocking her attack, and I turned with her, striking down to stop the jab at my knee. Wood slammed against wood again and again, halting a blow to my neck, and another toward my elbow—my staff taking every single hit meant for me with her swift advances.
Pushing her off me, I stepped back, breathing hard at her fury.
Damn, this woman wanted revenge.
She was trying to kill me, and now I knew why she was the professor’s favorite student.
Renna came at me and my arms lifted promptly, blocking her once and three times more after that as we danced across the mat. Yet, even though the staff was the only thing I could use that resembled anything I had ever wielded, I was having a hard time getting out of the defense. The weapon was too long and heavy, throwing me off balance, and hindering my movements.
The vampiress lunged forward, twirling as she drove down the wooden stick against my ankle. I blocked her but was unable to do anything else. Renna hissed at me. HISSED. The other end of her staff crashing against my ribs, and then my back as she whirled in the opposite direction, coming at me harder each time.
Holding nothing back from me.
With her next charge, the stick connected with my jaw, and my head flew to the right, the hit bursting my lip. She struck me once more, harshly driving the weapon into my stomach to force me back. She succeeded. I slipped, the slapping sound reverberating around the room as my back harshly crashed onto the mat.