Savage Monarchs (A New Adult Prison Academy Novel) (Nocturnal Academy Book 3)

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Savage Monarchs (A New Adult Prison Academy Novel) (Nocturnal Academy Book 3) Page 13

by Margo Ryerkerk


  I rolled on my back and pulled him on top of me. His eyes shone with the unspoken question, and I nodded, then wrapped my legs around his hips. He entered me deeply, and the tightness turned into a sharp pain. I gasped, but it was gone a moment later.

  “Are you okay? Do you want me to stop?” Thorsten kissed my temple, panting.

  “No.”

  He began moving, and soon we found a pleasant rhythm. The pain melted away to be replaced by the best feeling ever. What Thorsten had done the other night had been magical, but this was out of this world.

  Once again, I had to keep quiet as to not alert any guards. Yet despite us having to be careful, I wouldn’t have changed anything about my first time.

  “Let me be on top,” I rasped, and Thorsten rolled off me with a smile. I straddled him and adjusted, surprised at how different the position made it feel. On top, I was fully in control of the tempo and depth, which felt really good.

  Soon, my core clenched harder and harder, letting me know I was very close. I leaned forward and kissed Thorsten, and then I moaned my release, riding each wave as it crashed into me. Thorsten came soon after.

  We collapsed against each other. I lay in his arms, not saying anything for a long time before rolling on top of him again. “Want to go again?”

  “Are you sure? You’re not sore?”

  I smiled. “I’m feeling good.”

  And so we did it again, this time with both of us on our sides, him spooning me from behind.

  As much as I wanted to remain in Thorsten’s arms after, I knew I couldn’t. Time stretched out as we lay in silence, Thorsten tracing shapes on my back. What if he accidentally fell asleep and didn’t wake before sunrise?

  “You have to leave,” I whispered, turning over and brushing a kiss against his throat.

  He groaned. “I wish I didn’t.”

  “Me too.”

  “We need to find a way to have this relationship out in the open.”

  Sadness filled my chest, and I quickly hid it behind pressing a kiss to Thorsten’s lips. “First, we need to get rid of Vulthus.” Maybe after that, I could convince Olwen that the Steinbergs were good allies. But even if we were allies, I doubted he’d ever be all right with me seeing Thorsten. According to him, I needed to stick to my own kind.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Thorsten got off the bed and dressed, his eyes shining with longing.

  I forced a smile. “Tomorrow.”

  Thorsten opened the window, then ascended into the sky. I watched his moonlit form disappear, my heart heavy. I was glad we had been together, but I couldn’t deny the aching in my chest. I didn’t want to sneak around with Thorsten. I wanted a real life with him, by his side, out in the open. But if I thought that a happy ending was possible for us, I would only be lying to myself. Even with Vulthus gone, Olwen would never allow it, and probably neither would Griffin Steinberg. Thorsten and I were on borrowed time. Sooner or later our relationship would come to light and then there would be hell to pay.

  Chapter 18

  Though I knew Thorsten was long gone, I reached across my bed, feeling for his sleeping form, and came up empty. Then I opened my eyes to see that clouds had moved over the sun today. I couldn’t tell if it was early morning or later.

  A knock on the door made me jump.

  “Onyx?” Atticus asked.

  “It’s us,” Lily added.

  Lily never arrived at my door with Atticus. I knew she was checking up on me in the only way she could. I only hoped that Atticus wouldn’t tell Olwen about her interest.

  “Your father wishes to see you in the Solstice Room,” Atticus said.

  My heart sank even though I had expected a meeting with Olwen. I dressed and hurried down the stairs, Lily on my left, Atticus on my right. Worry filled me as I neared the Solstice Room, which I was beginning to hate. The ice furniture and walls greeted me when I opened the door to find Olwen standing at the end of the table, both hands splayed out on the bluish ice. He did not motion for me to sit.

  “Are we moving against Vulthus today?” I asked.

  “That depends on whether we can discover his whereabouts.” Olwen let no emotion slip into his voice. “The issue is that I can no longer get close to him or the other vampires. Word has spread that I may be helping my daughter, who attacked Vulthus.”

  I gulped. Rumors in the vampire world moved quicker than a wildfire. “We need to find out where Vulthus will be before he moves against us.”

  “Yes.” Olwen remained unreadable. “It is risky for you to talk to any vampires, even in disguise, as they are all on alert. However, you might get some information from fae servants that used to be your previous classmates. You used to associate with Virgie, correct?”

  Some of the tension eased out of my shoulders. “Yes.”

  “Very well. You will go to the Magical Museum of the Plant Arts where I am told your former classmate Peony works and where Virgie often goes during the day, running errands for her master, Griffin Steinberg. If you go there now, you will minimize the chances of running into any vampires. They are two very well-connected fae and should know where Vulthus will be over the next few days.”

  I had no time to laugh about the silly name of the museum that had bought Peony’s contract following her graduation from Nocturnal Academy. The thought of meeting her again turned my stomach. Virgie, too, but not to the same extent. She had turned her back on my friendship and help, but she had come through for me when I pressured her to help me at the end of my second semester at Nocturnal Academy. Also, the more I thought about her on the drive to the museum, the more I became convinced that Virgie had probably abandoned me due to pressure from Peony. The controlling bitch would definitely stoop to threats to keep Virgie under her thumb.

  I had to make up with Virgie. Even if we would never be friends, I needed to get information about Vulthus. And while she might hesitate, I sensed she hated his kind. Virgie was a business woman who didn’t ally herself with sadistic tyrants.

  Atticus drove me to the Museum of Magical Plant Arts. Like many of the places where vampires hung out at night, it turned out to be behind a basement door in downtown Denver. Unmarked and in an alley, the museum masqueraded as a creepy storage area from the outside.

  “Good luck and don’t stay too long,” Atticus said as I slipped out of the car. He was remaining behind since Olwen and I agreed that his presence would make Virgie and Peony less likely to talk to me.

  I knocked on the door of the museum thrice as I had been instructed. Olwen had told me that the vampires were almost never in the plant museum during the day, but Peony would be on staff as she lived and slept there. Virgie had been sighted going in and out of the museum almost daily, and I hoped she was here today. Teasing information out of her or making some kind of deal would be much better than torturing Peony for intel, who’d probably attack as soon as she saw me.

  Footsteps slowly approached the door, and I looked straight at the peephole. Though I wore a hoodie that covered my purple hair, I had done nothing to disguise my face.

  The door opened seconds later. Two familiar faces greeted me. Virgie was stunning as always. No worse for the wear, and despite being Griffin Steinberg’s newest courtesan, she wore an elegant pantsuit I figured must be for the daytime hours.

  And Peony was...Peony.

  “What just crawled onto the doorstep?” she asked, doing her trademark gesture of twirling a blond curl around her finger. Her amber, catlike eyes trained on me. She wore an elegant green dress no doubt meant to complement the stunning plants beyond my two former classmates. I stood on the threshold of a magical jungle.

  “How original.” I glanced past Peony at Virgie, whose eyebrow was raised with interest. “Business. Can I come in?” Even though I would most likely negotiate with Virgie, I planned to keep a close eye on Peony, who would probably jump on the first opportunity to report my presence to Vulthus.

  Peony didn’t make another snarky comment, and Virgie too remai
ned silent, even though her eyes burned with questions. She must’ve heard about my connection to Olwen and that had probably piqued her interest, so that’s where I would start.

  “King Olwen needs information. His guard is waiting.”

  “So you are his daughter.” Virgie stepped aside to allow me in and so did Peony, whose eyes widened. Apparently, Olwen’s name brought fear that I too could use to my advantage.

  Inside, I inhaled the scents of various exotic plants and studied the room for dangers. There was a wide cobblestone path through the museum, which went past a welcome desk and split through the jungle. No vamps, but lots of plants I had to stay a safe distance away from. I eyed some vines with blue flowers hanging off a tree and knew I had to lay down another threat before Peony got any ideas.

  I caught her looking in the same direction and said, “Don’t make me use my ice on your creations. I don’t think the vamps will appreciate seeing their museum decimated.”

  “Onyx has a good point.” Virgie was siding with me. Our gazes met. Something more than curiosity burned in her eyes.

  “How’s life?” I asked.

  “Fine. For the most part.” Her tone darkened with each word. Things were not completely fine then, and she’d be open to making a deal.

  “Well, you shouldn’t have put yourself on display,” Peony hissed to Virgie.

  Even though I had no idea what the two were talking about, my fists balled. Peony was being a shitty friend as always. But why was Virgie still putting up with it? We were out of Nocturnal Academy, and Virgie had Griffin Steinberg now. Then again, it never hurt to have as many people as possible in one’s corner.

  “Vulthus visited a couple of nights ago,” Virgie said. “He’s been all over the Steinberg mansion, trying to see if they mess up.”

  I shuddered, not wanting that asshole anywhere near Thorsten. The nervous shine in Virgie’s eyes told me that maybe Vulthus had tried to do something to her too.

  “Funny you should bring that up,” I said, taking the opening. “Olwen needs to know where Vulthus will be during the next few days.”

  Virgie hardened her features and squared her shoulders. Her eyes sparked with need for revenge. Yes, Vulthus had tried to do something to her. Maybe he wanted to remind her of her place, as the twins had back in Nocturnal Academy. Or maybe he wanted to get information about me out of her. Either way, I sensed she didn’t want to talk about it.

  “Really? It’s pointless to get in his way,” Peony said, and not without a hint of joy. She wanted me to fail, and for Virgie to remain scared and at her side.

  Ice filled my veins. I advanced on Peony, but kept my voice sugary sweet. “It must suck to constantly rely on manipulation to keep friends around.”

  She opened and closed her mouth, and a tingle of satisfaction raced up my spine.

  Virgie’s mouth turned up at the corners. “I’ve been at Griffin Steinberg’s side often,” she said, masking her emotions with a businesslike tone. “He has been tracking Vulthus every night, anticipating an attack. I’ve made mental notes of where he’s going to be.”

  “We don’t have to give her this information. We’ll both be betraying our benefactors,” Peony protested.

  Virgie didn’t look at her. “This information didn’t have to come from us, you know. And, my master will be happy if Vulthus is taken down, even by a fae. The Wus are also angry at Vulthus. He accused them of moving against him when Onyx escaped. He still suspects Mei might have had something to do with it. Vulthus thinks he’s better than everyone, and one day, he’s going to move against Nilsson and you too.”

  Virgie and Peony stared at each other for a long time, until finally, Peony nodded. “Very well. Do what you must, but I’m not participating.”

  Yes, Peony had everything to do with Virgie turning her back on me back at Nocturnal Academy.

  “Let me write down where Vulthus will be for the next week.” The fierceness in Virgie’s face told me all I needed to know. I reached into my pocket and handed her a pen and paper.

  Virgie moved to the big desk and I followed, while keeping an eye on Peony, who stood with her arms crossed, disapproving, but not making a move to stop us. I doubted she’d tell anyone about this, because then she’d have to admit that she couldn’t control Virgie or the conversations that went on in her work place. Peony hated me, but she loved herself more. She’d always protect her hide first and foremost.

  Chapter 19

  I was walking on air as I exited the Magical Museum of the Plant Arts. Virgie had given me Vulthus’s address without demanding anything in exchange and Peony seemed satisfied to keep my appearance silent for now. Still, I didn’t trust her. We had to move quickly. I never knew with her when she’d change her mind.

  With a smile, I opened the passenger door of the black sedan and got in.

  “I got everything we need,” I said, but Atticus only gave me a grim nod.

  “Good. Your father wants to see you immediately.” His tone was clipped as he peeled out of the parking spot. I sensed his eagerness to return to the mansion had to do with more than getting away from all the iron.

  “Has something happened?” I asked carefully.

  “I don’t know.” Atticus drove like a maniac, disregarding speed limits and running a few red lights. By the time we reached the mansion, every muscle had tightened and my stomach turned. With Atticus on my heels, I hurried toward Olwen’s study and knocked.

  “Come in.”

  I entered, and Atticus closed the door behind us, remaining a few steps behind me. Whatever this was, he would not help me.

  Everything inside of me contracted as I took in Olwen’s narrowed eyes and tightly pressed together lips. He was furious. No, it was more than that. He was disgusted.

  I got straight to the point. “I have Vulthus’s coordinates. He’ll be at a party tonight, but—”

  “Good,” Olwen cut me off. “We’ll be expecting him after he returns. But first, we need to take care of Thorsten Steinberg.”

  “Thorsten Steinberg?” I tried to suppress the rising tremor in my voice. “But the Steinberg’s are Vulthus’s enemies. He hates them. They’ll be grateful for us getting rid of him. They may be a good alliance to have in the vampire community.”

  Olwen smirked, revealing his teeth. He might be no vampire, but he sure looked ready to take a bite out of me. “Allies? Is that so? Tell me, Onyx, do you go to bed with all of your allies?”

  Deafening silence fell over the room, my mouth went as dry as the desert as my heart stopped beating.

  “Don’t bother denying it. My guards saw him floating into your room. They heard you.” Olwen shook his head. “A daughter of mine, sleeping under my roof with the enemy.” He spit on the ground. “Despicable.” He advanced at me, and I raised my hand protectively in front of my face, terrified despite all my training. I might have magic, combat training, and some privileges in this household, but Olwen could turn me into a prisoner in less than a minute. He had all the power here.

  Instead of backhanding me, Olwen simply said in lethal, low voice, “You are weak. You will be punished.”

  Tears gathered in my eyes, but I didn’t dare to speak. Olwen was dangerous. Anything I’d say would only make the situation worse. If I pretended that it was just about sex, Olwen would probably call me a vampire whore who had no respect for herself. If I told him that I cared about Thorsten, he’d do whatever it took to get rid of those feelings.

  Olwen snapped his fingers. The door burst open behind me, and footfalls approached. Two guards seized my wrists, and I didn’t protest. I was expecting them to drag me away, but they just kept me there.

  “Atticus,” Olwen said in a calm voice that made goose bumps explode on my flesh. “Inject her.”

  Atticus shot me an apologetic glance before producing a syringe and moving toward me.

  “You’re going to kill me?” Like this? It didn’t make any sense.

  Olwen gave me a cold smile. “I wouldn’t kill my o
wn child. This elixir will merely ensure that you do what you need to do for us to move forward.”

  I felt my eyebrows furrow at the syringe. “It’s bespelled?”

  Olwen nodded as Atticus hesitated. “By my own royal herbalist.”

  “Will it make me forget Thorsten?” Maybe that was for the best. Maybe if I didn’t have the memories it would be less painful.

  A vein ticked in Olwen’s temple. “Warriors don’t get to forget, Onyx.”

  I tried to free myself from my guards, but their grip on me was too strong.

  “Now,” Olwen said, and Atticus grabbed the inside of my elbow and inserted the needle. In horror, I watched as he injected me with the see-through, clear solution. I expected to feel pain, but I didn’t feel anything.

  “You may release her.” Olwen motioned at the guards. “Leave us alone. Atticus, stay. You’ll drive her when she’s ready.”

  I massaged my wrists, now red from the tight grasp of the guards, still not quite understanding. “What have you done to me?”

  “This is a reminder of your loyalty. This potion will activate your killer instincts. You will kill Thorsten.”

  I shook my head. “Impossible.” How could a potion make me kill someone?

  Olwen’s cobalt gaze drilled into me. “Your desire to execute him will grow until you finish the job.”

  My heart thumped. “I won’t do it!”

  “Yes, you will.” He was so calm, so sure, the opposite of what I was feeling. My blood raced through my veins, burbling, like it was boiling. Was this part of the spell? It had to be.

  “Have you ever had a blood crystal used on you?”

  I nodded, remembering how Preston had nearly gotten me to cross the portal and how Lady Cardinal had forced me to reveal that I was still a virgin.

  “Who do you think creates those?” Olwen grinned.

  I swallowed. Vampires didn’t have any magic. “Fae.”

  Olwen interlaced his fingers. “I’ve sold blood crystals to the vampires and bartered with them to keep a friendly alliance. You know why?”

 

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