by Cassia Briar
“And that’s a wrap,” Brody said. “Do you want it edited? Polished?”
I shook my head. “No. Run it as is. I want it to be as authentic as possible. Maybe I’ll work up to doing these live, if this goes on long enough.”
Gavin clicked off the studio lighting. “Live would be ideal. The more genuine you are the better.”
“I agree. Isabella lives behind that polished facade. I don’t want to be like her.”
“You’re not.” Gavin stepped up to my side. “You’re just what we need.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I know I am.” He grinned, and his serious features relaxed.
I smacked him playfully on the chest and headed for the door.
Brody called after me. “I’m just going to render and format this and send it out.”
“Sounds good.” I let myself into the hall, preoccupied with how my speech would be received by the nation.
“Caprice, can I talk with you?” Kyle’s voice halted me. I slowly turned toward him. What now?
6
Caprice
“I’m really busy.” I folded my arms, my back rigid as I gazed up at Kyle. I took a step away, preparing to leave. To put space between us. Being alone in this hallway was making my spine tingle. “Another time, maybe—”
“No.” His voice held command.
I arched a brow.
In a softer tone, he said, “Please, Caprice, I need you to hear me out.”
“Why?”
He lowered his eyes to the floor. “So I might find some peace.”
Kyle had been acting strange all of last term. He no longer threatened me, or anyone else that I knew of, and he’d tried a couple of times to apologize. Part of me was curious enough to stay and listen. What had brought on this dramatic personality shift in Kyle Aimes?
I leaned my stiff back against the wall. “Fine. What do you want to say?”
His shoulders sagged in relief and he glanced over to me. “My whole life, I grew up being told the British descended witches were better than the Italians. That we were supposed to be on top, and the only way to get there was to take it by force. My dad always said there were two types of people in the world, and I had to choose which one I was going to be. Either be a winner or a loser. Leader or follower. Bully or victim.” He frowned at the floor. “For a long time I believed all of that.”
When he didn’t continue after several seconds, I prompted with, “What changed?”
Kyles pale green eyes studied me. “You…came into my life.”
I bristled.
His words tumbled out in a rush. “I did horrible things to you and lots of other people. But it wasn’t until my hearing over spring break that I realized how wrong I was. What an awful person I’d become. My dad was fine with what Mr. Ashwood did to you in there. But listening to you talk about what I’d done to you…” He visibly swallowed. “Something clawed at my insides. I felt sick. I felt a lot of things I never had before—shame and remorse. It took a few weeks for me to really sort it all out. Finally, I could admit to myself that what I’d done was unforgivable. All I want to do, every day of my life, is apologize to you.”
I was thrown off balance by the anguish in his eyes. He meant every word he’d said. It took me a moment to find my voice.
“Have you apologized to all the other people you hurt?” I asked.
“I have, yeah.”
“And they’ve forgiven you?”
He shook his head. “That’s not what I’m after. I don’t expect to be forgiven. At least not easily.”
“Then what do you want? Why are you telling me all this?” My arms were tightly crossed over my chest.
“I’d done some pretty nasty things to people, but nothing compared to what I did to you. I’d never tried to…force someone before.” Kyle grimaced. “I want you to know that I’m sorry. No matter how many times I say that, it will never be enough. I want you to know that I’ve changed—”
“How do your two buddies feel about that? MacTavish and Bennett bullied right along side you.”
“They only did what I told them to do,” he said. “Besides, we’re not really friends anymore. They’re leaving campus.”
Leaving campus. My tormentors would finally be gone. For a brief second, I considered getting revenge on them before they left. Would making them pay change the past? Would I feel better about it? Strangely, the answer was no. Punishing them wouldn’t change anything. It was done. Over. I had more important tasks to deal with than bullies.
As if knowing where my mind had gone, Kyle said, “I’m telling you the truth when I say they only did what I told them to do.”
“I’m not sure which of you is worse then—you or them.” I ground my teeth together. “It doesn’t matter. I want them out of my life, away from me. If you hadn’t been voted on to the Council I’d make you leave too.”
He shook his head and lowered his voice. “I know you would try. But, you don’t understand, Caprice. My life belongs to you. Punish me if you’d like. Use me as you see fit. I will never be able to make up for every wrong I’ve done before I die, but I can at least try every single day.” His fingers repeatedly fisted and flexed. This wasn’t easy for him.
“If you’re looking for redemption, you’re not going to get it through me.” I straightened and let my arms drop. “If you want to make peace with yourself, that’s on you. Leave me out of it.”
He bowed his head. “Yes, my queen.”
I sighed and turned away.
“Just know I mean every word. I’ll never give up, no matter what,” he said to my back as I walked away. There was the Kyle I knew—headstrong, fearless, and somehow those last words managed to sound like a threat.
Fifty-seven. That was how many people, out of the hundreds on campus, decided they wanted to leave. Most of them were students whose parents were demanding they return home, such was the case for MacTavish and Bennet. A couple were older staff who wanted to get out of this war zone. I couldn’t bring myself to blame any of them.
They left through the front gate where dozens of vehicles lined the roadway. Our wards had been specifically tweaked to allow people out, but not back in. I’d wondered if the Tromara would harass them. Turned out Isabella was true to her word and they were allowed to leave the Academy in peace.
My video had been distributed the night before, and so far no one had posted a reply. I was sure Isabella was simply taking her time. Maybe trying to find a new angle. With so few leaving the Academy, she had to be disappointed. We were stronger than she’d expected.
The Council and I watched as the last student slipped out and the gates were closed. Now it was time to turn our attention to those who’d decided to stay. Everyone knew they’d be walking through a spell that would reveal any deceitful intentions. They also knew it was mandatory of everybody—including the Council. In fact, we would go first.
The mix of witch and fae magic shimmered in one of the doorways of Sorrentino Hall. Translucent blues and purples swirled and twined. Itzel had said the colors would turn a deep red if someone passing through failed the test. I placed my hand in the shimmering light, then the rest of my body followed. On the other side, I entered the completely empty main hall. A moment later Jaxon stepped through. One by one, everyone on campus followed.
Not once did the doorway turn crimson. No traitors lingered among us. We were truly all in this together. My heart lightened for a second at the trust and faith all these people were devoting to our cause. Without warning, the bubbly sensation popped, replaced by a vice.
I couldn’t let these people down. The responsibility weighed heavily on me.
With everyone through the entryway, the atmosphere in the hall became celebratory. They seemed to feel the same camaraderie and cohesiveness I did. I shook off my worries as best as I could.
Jaxon and Kyle pulled out their wands and dissolved the spell they’d helped create. Blue and purple light floated to the high ceiling as i
t dissipated, then burst in glittering white and rained down on us. A cheer rose up. Someone turned on a sound system and an upbeat song filled the hall. The service staff disappeared through the maze of back passageways, only to reappear with trays of finger foods and an assortment of beverages. Who exactly had planned this party?
The confusion must have shown on my face. Jaxon smiled as he tucked his wand away. Liam leaned close to my ear and said, “You did put us in charge of this spell. Though, I have to admit, the party was Kyle Aimes’ idea.” He pulled back a little and frowned. “We all hate his guts—and for good reason. But…something seems to have changed in him.”
I followed his gaze to where Kyle stood in the crowd surrounded by his witch friends. He joked and laughed with them, but the humor didn’t quite reach his eyes. His features had softened too, no longer fixed in that mocking sneer aimed at anyone and everyone. If anything, a shadow of despair had settled over him.
For half a second, I felt sorry for him. I shook away the feeling. Asshole bullies didn’t just change over night, no matter what Kyle said. Even if they did, that didn’t make up for all the horrible things they’d done to people. Kyle’s life did not belong to me. He needed to sort out his own shit.
Liam’s arm came around my shoulders. “That was a bit of a rollercoaster ride of emotions.”
“Yeah, well, it doesn’t change anything.” I turned my attention to Jaxon and Liam. “How long do I need to be here before it’s considered polite to leave? I have so much reading to—”
“Oh, no you don’t.” Jaxon snaked his arm around my waist. “You’ve been working your ass off lately. Tonight you’re ours.” His breath warmed my neck, sending a delighted shiver through my body. At my other side, Liam ducked down and kissed my earlobe using his tongue and teeth. The shiver intensified. I had been neglecting my mates, as well as my own needs.
Elena appeared in front of me, followed by Lana, Olivia, and Payton. She briefly glanced up at Liam and Jaxon. “We need to steal her for a while,” she said to them. Elena reached for my hand. “It’s time to do some dancing, girl.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but she was already dragging me after her through the crowd. Lana pushed from behind. We climbed the steps to the stage where a large group was already letting loose. Pushing our way toward the middle, I was released and closed in by gyrating bodies. Oh, what the hell? I started dancing too.
Someone dimmed the lights and a murmur of approval swept through the hall. I closed my eyes and let the music overtake my senses. It had been so long since I’d just danced. Just let it all go. I hadn’t realized how much I missed it, and with Elena by my side, my world felt more right. Lana and Olivia pushed closer to me as we all started to jump, because…that’s what you did to this part of the song.
Laughter tickled my throat and I let it out. For the first time in my life I had friends—plural. Friends who knew the real me and accepted that I was weird, different. Finally, I knew I belonged somewhere in this world. Right here.
Opening my eyes, I caught sight of Kyle. He quickly glanced at me with a slight nod of acknowledgement as he ground up against a girl who, with a wide smile on her face, seemed to be enjoying it. She undulated her body against his, and his hands roamed her curves. The girl reached for his face and kissed him.
Countless songs later, dripping with sweat, I left the girls to take a break. At the bottom of the stage’s steps, Liam waited with a glass of water. I gratefully chugged it.
Jaxon emerged, taking the empty glass. “Let’s get you cleaned up, cupcake.”
I grinned up at both of them, feeling light and carefree, but tired enough to wind down for the night. “Take me home.”
Jaxon led as we wound our way out of Sorrentino Hall. Groups and couples dotted the lawn, basking in the slightly warm and rainless pre-dawn. I’d been meaning to talking with the dean about changing the campus schedule, so we could be awake during the daylight hours. I’d recently learned that vampires could be out in the sun without bursting into flame. However, they were extremely sensitive to sunlight and preferred darkness. Between that and the Tromara being nocturnal, and lingering outside our walls, I’d changed my mind. I wanted to be awake when the enemy was most active. Soaking up sunlight was just going to have to wait.
When I said I wanted to go home, they both knew that meant Jaxon’s apartment. The door gently clicked shut behind us. Jaxon continued through to his bedroom and the giant bathroom beyond. Liam herded me in the same direction. As soon as I stepped over the threshold, they descended on me like starving men.
Jaxon stripped off my sweat dampened top, while Liam took care of my pants and underwear. They had me naked in no time. Pausing, Jaxon turned on the shower and let it warm up. Then he shed his own clothes. Liam did the same, before pulling me into the large walk-in shower. His lips devoured mine as warm water sprayed my back.
Another pair of lips nibbled my neck. Four hands explored my breasts, hips, stomach, and thighs. My palms splayed against a wall of masculine flesh. I closed my eyes, drinking in the delightful sensations of their touches.
Someone dropped to his knees in front of me. My fingers twined with his soft, unruly curls. Liam’s large hands clutched my butt cheeks as his tongue flicked my clit. I moaned.
Jaxon’s mouth claimed mine. He rubbed his rough palm back and forth over my nipples until they peaked and grew sensitive. Then he drew one in between his teeth. The nip and tug on my nipple made my breath hitch.
Liam sucked on my clit, hard. I squeezed his shoulders. My core tightened in a rush, spiraling straight into a full body wracking orgasm. Holy fuck, it had been too long.
My body continued to tingle as Liam stood and they pressed me against their chests. Jaxon lifted me, and I wrapped my legs around his hips.
“You want us both?” he asked, gazing into my eyes.
“Yes.”
“Together?” His grey eyes smoldered.
My brow pinched in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Like this, sweetheart,” Liam said from behind me. One of his long fingers slid in my ass.
“Oh my God,” I groaned, letting my head rest against Jaxon’s shoulder.
Liam’s hot breath brushed my ear. “You like that, naughty girl?”
“Yeah.” It was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. A glorious merging of pressure and pleasure. The full picture of what they planned to do to me formed in my mind. Holy fuck. I shuddered in anticipation.
Jaxon eased away only far enough to slide his rock hard cock between my folds. He eased me down until his length was buried in my body. I clung to his broad shoulders, my eyes rolling back at the exquisite sensation.
My attention snapped to Liam as I felt his velvety tip nudge my other entrance. Slowly, he inched in and back out, stretching me to accommodate his mysteriously slick shaft. He nibbled my earlobe, his heavy breathing punctuated with low groans. His fingers dug into my hips.
“Are you okay?” Liam whispered.
“Yes,” I sighed, relaxing into both men.
Jaxon finally started to move. They set a rhythm working me from both sides. It was so intense, I thought I was going to explode as soon as they began. I panted and moaned, letting them take my body.
“Oh, you feel so good.” Jaxon’s tongue parted my lips, plunging in at the same tempo as his cock.
I couldn’t speak, only feel. In that weird nonverbal way these two communicated, they sped up in unison. Heat rushed through my veins. My lower belly coiled tighter and tighter. Jaxon adjusted his upward thrusts in a way that hit just the right spot. He pumped harder, faster. Liam’s grip on my hips firmed as he continued to fill me completely.
I came with a scream muffled by Jaxon’s chest. My insides convulsed around both their cocks. Liam followed me over the edge, his whole body shivered against my back. Jaxon thrust twice more before his release.
As if waking from a dream, I slowly came back into my physical reality. The warm spray from the shower head trickle
d down my arm. All three of our chests heaved, trying to catch our breaths. I stirred between them. They slipped out of me, before planting me on my wobbly feet.
I tilted my head back to kiss Jaxon. “I love you.”
“I know,” he said.
I rolled my eyes, but the effect was ruined by my smile. Twisting around, I pulled Liam’s lips to mine.
At the same time, we said, “I love you.”
I grinned up at him like the love-sick fool I was so very happy to be. My inner dragon contentedly sighed. Rightness warmed my chest. Mine. Both mine.
7
Angel
Diego Cortez, Alpha of the Pacific Pack, Supreme Alpha of the Gran Lobo Pack, and royal member of the American Supernatural Council, died three days after our first and only conversation since I’d arrived. The loss of him fucked with my head. On one hand, I had the decades of memories of his sometimes harsh but fair dealings as my father. The colder, sterner, persona of Councilor Cortez would come out on occasion, but rarely at home. He loved his family—I never doubted that. On the other hand, the last few months had shown me another side of him, one I hadn’t known existed. In the end, that last conversation confirmed my worst fears. My father hoped I would fail. Promised I would fail. That was his dying wish. And that was fucked up.
The funeral service had been brief since we were all still in hiding. My mother had taken his cremated remains and put them in a jar. At some point, she’d go up and spread his ashes in the forest, returning him to nature, as was our way.
“When are you going to get married?” Damian asked. “You can’t take over as alpha until you do.”
Casparo swatted at him with his beer. “Don’t be an insensitive ass, Dad just died. Even if he was a traitor,” he muttered.
The three of us had wound up together in the alpha’s official meeting cave after the funeral. I was waiting for Bruno to get back with the Codex. My gut twisted realizing he’d missed our father’s passing.