Midnight Fae Academy: Book One: A Dark Paranormal Reverse Harem Bully Romance

by Lexi C. Foss

  I glanced at the stone gargoyle, waiting for him to react. When he didn’t, I tentatively followed and practically had to run to catch up to Shade on the stairs. It seemed he wasn’t wasting any time.

  “Does this mean I’m free to go home?” I asked as we reached the top floor.

  “No.”

  He didn’t elaborate.

  Just pushed through the door and led me back to the obsidian reception area we’d originally waited in.

  A male in a suit with a long black cloak stood waiting for us in the center of the room. His golden irises smoldered with power as he glowered at Shade. “You took your fucking time.”

  “My mother taught me never to interrupt a woman in the middle of a beauty nap,” my captor drawled. “Besides, I enjoyed watching her sleep. She is quite fetching.” He winked at me, causing me to glare at him almost as harshly as the other man was.

  “You’re a willow stump,” I told Shade, folding my arms. “I hope I never have to see you again.”

  “A willow stump,” he repeated, considering. “Most women refer to my cock as more of a tree trunk than a stump, but we can elaborate on the nuances of my girth later. Prince Kolstov is in charge of you for now.” He gave a little bow, backing away. “Do enjoy your time together, and I’ll see you both next week.”

  He disappeared into a swarm of shadows before either of us could reply.

  “Next week?” I repeated. “No, no. I don’t want to see him again. I’m going home.”

  “Afraid not, sweetheart,” Prince Kolstov replied. “You’re going to Midnight Fae Academy. With me.”

  What?! “Like hell I am.” I made to move around him, but he stepped into my way, my head barely clearing his shoulder.

  Glowering up at him, I took in his familiar features. Strong cheekbones. Chiseled jaw. Neatly trimmed facial hair that appeared to be darker than the bronze locks on his head. Well, not exactly bronze. More like brown with streaks of red that seemed to flare beneath the lighting. Handsome, really.

  No, downright hot.

  But that didn’t mean—

  Wait…

  “I know you,” I said, my eyes widening. “You were at Cyrus’s coronation.”

  I’d asked Claire who the handsome foreign fae was after catching a glimpse of him in the crowd. If I remembered right, he knew Cyrus and Exos. Which meant he could get a message to the Elemental Fae Council for me.

  “Yes, I was,” he confirmed.

  My shoulders instantly relaxed. “Oh, good. Then this is all just a misunderstanding. You know I can’t stay here.”

  “What I know is, you can’t leave here,” he corrected. “Not until we see how Shade’s bite affects you.”

  “You mean the bite that was against my will? The one he forced on me before taking me captive?”

  A muscle in his jaw ticked, the only indication my words meant something to him. “Regardless of how it happened, you’re here now and we can’t change the past. All we can do is prepare for the future. So, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to Midnight Fae Academy and your new accommodations.”

  He turned as if he expected me to magically agree to his command.

  I placed my hands on my hips. “Yeah, no. I refuse.”

  Kolstov glanced at me over his shoulder, those golden irises flaring with power. “Refusal isn’t an option.” He turned a little and produced a wand from his cloak. “I’m trying to do this the kind way, Aflora. If you prefer the harder route, then we can dance. But I assure you, you’ll lose.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Queen Claire will not approve of this treatment.”

  “Queen Claire has no jurisdiction here or over me.” He faced me once more. “Which road are we taking, sweetheart? Because my patience is already at wits’ end due to Shade taking his fucking time downstairs.”

  Given that my powers still didn’t work here, my options were limited. Either I tested the extent of what that wand in his hand could do or I pretended to play along.

  Maybe my powers will regenerate outside these walls, I thought, considering him and his casual stance. Worth a shot because staying here isn’t going to fix anything.

  “All right. Fine. Take me to the Academy.”

  Amusement sparked in his gaze. “Dancing it is,” he mused and put his wand away. His response suggested he expected me to act out despite my words. He was probably right. “Come along, pet.”

  I glowered at his back after he turned, not appreciating the “endearment” one bit.

  Pet, I thought at him. Yeah, I’m a pet all right. With teeth.

  He led me into an elevator of sorts, then keyed a code in plain sight, suggesting he didn’t mind me knowing it. Or maybe he was just that stupid. I memorized the alphanumeric mix, just in case.

  The walls shifted around us, crickets sounding in the distance. I focused on the shifting scenery, searching for anything familiar, when we suddenly materialized outside a set of iron gates that were nearly three times my height.

  Kolstov murmured a foreign command that caused the doors to open, then gestured for me to cross the creepy threshold. Two stone gargoyles stood watch, their red gazes analyzing my every move.

  I swallowed.

  They’re technically made of earth, so if I just—

  “Even think of harming me, and they will cut you down,” Kolstov warned. “And while they may be beings of your element, they’re not yours to command, but mine.”

  I considered testing that theory, but the writhing snake-vines slithering along the iron posts had me retracting the idea. On top of that, I still couldn’t feel my element. Closing my eyes, I searched the fractured connection, frowning when I found frayed ends flickering with lost power.

  A hiss from the gate had me jumping backward.

  Kolstov tsked. “Careful with your thoughts, sweetheart. They’ll be on you in a second, and you can bet your ass I’ll let them bite a few times before I call them off. Just to teach you a lesson.”

  Meaning he could control these vile creatures.

  “Prince Kolstov,” I mused out loud. “You’re next in line for the Midnight Fae throne.” Hence his ability to tame the beasts. I’d read enough about international fae politics to know the important names throughout the realms. It was why I’d been surprised by his presence at Cyrus’s coronation.

  And maybe I’d been a little interested because of his looks.

  Not so into those traits now.

  “Just as you’re Princess Aflora, the sole Earth Royal,” he returned, pressing his palm to my lower back to give me a nudge. “On you go.”

  I stumbled forward, my heels not made for the pebbled pathway. “If you know who I am, you know how wrong this is. The Earth Fae need me and my access to the source.”

  “Yes. We’re working on that.” Another push to the base of my spine compelled me to walk alongside him. “Your bindings are temporary until Councilman Chern can develop a better harness for your natural gifts.”

  Bindings? That explained why I still couldn’t access my element. “It’s dangerous to keep me severed from the source. I’m the conduit that allows the Earth Fae to thrive.”

  “We’re aware,” he said, directing me to the left.

  Gothic architecture met my vision. The entire campus resembled a castle of horror set against a moonlit landscape. Large trees void of any life or leaves decorated the ground with black branches, their roots thicker than both Kolstov and I combined. Bats dangled from the limbs, along with other foreign winged animals of varying sizes.

  A phoenix landed on top of one of the obsidian towers in the distance, its fiery wings fluttering in the breeze.

  “Given your royal status, you will be housed with the Elite Bloods. Specifically, in my family’s wing. Our suite has four bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, a study room, and several bathrooms. I think you’ll find it to be up to your standards.”

  “Elite Bloods?” I repeated, swallowing. I have to live with this guy?

  He stopped to gape down at me. �
��You haven’t studied the Midnight Fae lines?”

  “N-no.”

  His expression told me that was not an appropriate response. “You’re the Earth Fae Royal, and you know nothing about our political structure. How is that possible? I can tell you everything of importance regarding the Elemental Fae Council.”

  “Interspecies politics is on my course agenda this year.”

  “Was,” he corrected. “Your new schedule will be assigned this week. I’ll see what I can do about having Midnight Fae politics added to it.” He shook his head and continued walking. “Absolutely ridiculous.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting to be kidnapped and forced into attending school in this realm. My bad for not taking a course about vampires.”

  He halted once more, turning slowly. “Careful, sweetheart. That tone could earn you a lot of hurt on these grounds, especially when in reference to our existence and what we are—Midnight Fae.”

  “Bloodsuckers. Yeah, I’m aware.”

  Kolstov stepped forward, invading my personal bubble. “You know all about that, don’t you, love? What with Shade having already snacked upon your neck?” He hummed, the sound low and menacing. “Call me a bloodsucker again and I’ll give you a thorough demonstration of what a Midnight Fae can do.”

  “As you said, I already ‘know all about that.’ ”

  “Oh, sweetheart, no. A bite is nothing compared to the power I can unleash upon you.” He reached up to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear, then cupped my cheek to allow me to feel the energy throbbing beneath his skin. “I could destroy you in seconds, baby.”

  “Only because you’ve handicapped me,” I seethed. “Take off my bindings and let’s see what happens.”

  His resulting smile oozed condescension. “As entertaining as it would be to put you in your place, I have other plans tonight that are far more important than indulging a little Earth Fae.” His palm landed on my ass this time, pushing me forward.

  I elbowed him in the ribs. “Do not touch me there. In fact, do not touch me at all.”

  He smirked and produced his wand. “Fine.” With a flick of his wrist, he created a strand of magic that wound around my waist. He gave it a little tug and I jolted forward.

  “Oh, come on!” I snapped. “I can walk on my own without all the theatrics.”

  “I know, but this is more fun.” Another yank had me nearly falling on my face, but his magic righted me before I could fully trip.

  A growl caught in my throat. “Stop.”

  He chuckled. “Make me. Oh, right…”

  I ground my teeth so hard my jaw popped.

  As soon as this rope disintegrated, I would introduce my fist to his arrogant jaw.

  We walked the rest of the way in silence, my fury boiling hotter with every step. At least there wasn’t anyone around to witness this humiliation. I nearly asked why the Academy was empty but decided against speaking again. He didn’t deserve my words, my questions, or my compliance.

  Instead, I studied the campus around me, searching for escape points.

  There had to be a portal somewhere, because the gargoyle-guarded entrance was out of the question.

  Of course, I had no way of knowing if my codes would whisk me home or to another part of this realm or to nowhere at all.

  Trial and error, I decided. I just needed an exit.

  “These are the Elite Blood quarters,” Kolstov announced, his amusement seeming to have faded into a serious tone. He escorted me up the marble stairs to a set of grand doors. “To enter, you need to know the right spell. It also requires a wand.” He glanced at me. “I’ll ask Zeph to get you set up with one this week before classes begin.”

  Zeph? And they intended to give me a wand? Does that mean they expect me to learn dark magic? The questions all lined up behind my lips, but my teeth held them at bay.

  This monster had already proven to be unhelpful. Why bother opening up to him now?

  He arched a brow. “Silent treatment?”

  “I’m cooperating,” I bit back at him.

  His lips twitched. “Indeed you are.” With a muttered word, the magical lasso around my waist disappeared, and I launched myself at him. My palm connected with his cheek while my opposite hand formed a fist that he caught deftly before spinning me around and trapping me in his arms.

  “I’m adding warrior training to your curriculum,” he said, his lips at my ear. “Your form is atrocious.”

  “Sprinkle dust!” I shouted at him, squirming against his too-hard body.

  “Sprinkle dust?” he repeated, his humor palpable. “Who taught you how to curse? A dessert pixie?”

  Gah! “Release me.”

  “No.” He held me captive with one arm and pulled out his wand with his free hand. “Listen and learn, as I won’t be repeating myself.” Hypnotic words fell from his lips, the language foreign to me. “Al’damu almalakia.”

  The tip of his charcoal-colored wand created an infinity pattern, causing the doors to creak and open beneath his command.

  He kissed my temple, his arm releasing me. “After you, gorgeous.”

  I practically sprinted through the threshold, just to escape him, but my face burned from where his mouth had brushed my skin. As though he’d branded me with his power via that simple act alone.

  He fixed his cloak and hid his magical tool once more, then snapped his fingers.

  Flames sprang to life all around us, lighting the interior of a grand hallway with a master staircase to the left. He gestured toward them. “Two flights. We’re on the top floor.”

  Not wanting to give him a chance to touch me with his hands or his power, I darted up the steps to the third floor and waited for him to join me.

  “Someone’s eager,” he teased when he reached the top.

  I didn’t deign to offer him a reply, just waited for further instruction.

  He nodded with his chin toward the end of the hall. “Three forty-seven is our suite.”

  Our suite. I shivered with the statement. This is temporary. I’m not staying here.

  Only, the entire hallway was lined with more of those rattling monstrosities, all of which were watching my every move as though waiting for me to step one toe out of line.

  I never did like snakes.

  And these appeared to be far more deadly than the reptiles of my realm.

  They wriggled along, gliding over the wooden panels I thought might be doors except for the fact that they were all missing knobs. Including our own at the end of the hall. However, there was a knocker with a tiny gargoyle lounging upon it, his blood-red eyes narrowing at me.

  I paused so suddenly that Kolstov ran into my back, his hands finding my hips in the process. It aligned us perfectly, sending a shudder down my spine.

  No. I’m not attracted to this jerk. Do not get any ideas.

  “Sir Kristoff, this is Aflora. Scan her as appropriate, then allow us both entry. She will be staying in the suite for the foreseeable future, so you are to grant her access as you do the others on our list.”

  The red eyes flared to life, little black pupils moving over me in lazy regard as the gargoyle’s lips curled to the side.

  “Hmm,” the being hummed in a low, masculine tone that sent a chill down my spine. He pushed out of the door, his little hands holding on to the ledge of the knocker while his bottom half remained inside the wood. Almost as if he were hanging out a window. “Something’s not right with this one. Not right at all.”

  Right back at you, I thought, mortified by his lifelike form that had been made of rock just seconds ago. Talking-goblin stone thing.

  “Perhaps, but you bow to my commands. Now scan her and allow her entry.” Kolstov’s tone brooked no argument.

  “Yes, yes,” the thing hissed. “As you wish, Master.”

  A blinding light beamed from the gargoyle’s eyes. I would have jumped backward if Kolstov wasn’t still holding me. The damn stroke of the creature’s gaze burned over me, leaving an inky sensati
on in its wake as if it had marked me with its magic.

  “You may enter.” The eyes rolled back into a red gleam, the knocker turning to marble once more.

  Kolstov used his hands on my hips to walk me forward through the door. As in, it didn’t open. We moved through the wood.

  A shimmer of energy passed over my skin along the way, causing all the hair along my arms to rise.

  This isn’t natural.

  “Welcome home,” Kolstov said as an elegant living area appeared before us. “I hope you like it, because I suspect you’ll be staying for the year.”

  Chapter Five

  Kols

  “A year?” The gorgeous Earth Fae spun in my arms. “That’s a cruel joke, right? Tell me you’re kidding.”

  “I thought most females fancied the truth over lies, but if it’s a lie you prefer, I’ll happily give you one.”

  She shoved away from me, her petite form proving to be stronger than one would expect. I could subdue her in less than a second but opted to give her the space she required. It was the least I could do considering her circumstances.

  While, outwardly, I might have appeared unapologetic, inwardly, I felt for the poor girl.

  “You mean the bite that was against my will? The one he forced on me before taking me captive?”

  Her admission was on repeat inside my mind. I hadn’t expected her to say that. Most women fell at Shade’s feet, all of them adoring his bad-boy persona. Yet it appeared this one hadn’t been a willing subject in his attentions at all. Unless she’d lied to me, but I doubted it. She’d glowered at Shade with a similar contempt as the glare in her gaze now.

  Not the look of a woman smitten over her betrothed.

  Nor one that seemed to care for me all that much.

  Well, I deserved that. I hadn’t exactly been kind to her.

  “Are you hungry?” I asked her, walking through the living room and to the open area of the kitchen toward the back. Windows lined the walls, overlooking the courtyard out back. Flickers of lights drew my attention to the fire gnats buzzing about the forest below. I’d have to warn Aflora to stay away from those. Dangerous little buggers.