Her laughter turned to howling and it was actually kinda addictive, forcing a laugh from me as I exchanged an amused look with Darcy.
I almost didn’t notice a figure winding their way between the A.S.S. tables and I looked up at the guy from Terra House as he smiled down at me like we were best friends.
“Can I help you?” I asked with a frown, wondering why he was interrupting our conversation.
“I have a message for you,” he said brightly. I eyed his black robe suspiciously, reinforcing my shield as best I could.
“Okay...”
“Caleb says two minutes.”
“What?” I asked, glancing beyond him to the red couch where Caleb was perched on the arm of it beside the other Heirs who must have all appeared in The Orb while we ate.
The boy walked away having delivered his message and I was left locking eyes with Caleb across the room.
He smirked at me knowingly and a little wave of heat built in my core. He lifted his Atlas from his pocket and typed something on it. A moment later my own Atlas buzzed and I pulled it from my satchel.
Caleb:
Tick tock.
I glanced down at my half eaten french fries before catching Darcy’s eye.
“What?” she asked, reading my expression.
I offered her my Atlas to see the message and she frowned. I’d told her all about the lead up to Caleb and I hooking up in Acrux Manor and she clearly understood what he meant by his message.
“He’s not seriously expecting you to play that crazy game now is he?” she asked.
“What game?” Sofia asked curiously and even Diego peered between his fingers.
Darcy raised an eyebrow at me, asking my permission before she told them and I only hesitated a moment before nodding. There wasn’t much point in hiding it from them if it was something that might become a regular occurrence.
“She got Caleb to hunt her while we were at that party at the Acrux Manor. If he didn’t catch her within fifteen minutes then he couldn’t bite her,” Darcy explained.
“And you thought it was a good idea to do that with a Vampire?” Diego asked in disgust.
“Hey, less judgment dude,” I snapped. “I’m not the one sobbing over knitted goods.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that,” he muttered. It had seemed like he meant it like that to me though.
Caleb was still looking at me across the room and as I caught his eye, he tapped the watch on his wrist, reminding me that I was running out of time for my headstart.
I pushed my chair back and got to my feet suddenly.
“You’re going to play?” Darcy asked in surprise.
“Orion said I shouldn’t just accept getting bitten any more. If Caleb can’t catch me, he can’t bite me,” I reasoned as my heart rate picked up a notch.
“I don’t think this was what he had in mind...” Sofia frowned.
“Whatever. Caleb is the most powerful Vampire in Solaria. This is the best chance I’ve got to avoid a bite. And my headstart is going to run out if I don’t go now.”
“Class starts in ten minutes,” Darcy said half heartedly.
“Cover for me. I’ll be there!” I promised before turning and running for the exit.
I glanced back at the red couch in the centre of the room just before I ducked outside and found all four Heirs looking my way.
Caleb was saying something to the others with a smile playing around his lips. Max and Seth seemed mildly interested but Darius looked pretty damn pissed. As his heated gaze met with mine, my heart leapt a little at the anger I found there. I hadn’t spoken to him properly since we’d fought together against the Nymphs and I really wasn’t sure what I’d have to say anyway. In the moment, we’d been weirdly united. I’d saved his life and he’d saved mine. I’d even cried while he lay dying in my arms. But then Orion had appeared and healed him and the momentary insanity which had come over me, making me think I cared about him had gone in an instant. I only had to remember the way he’d tossed me into that pit to know all I needed to about him and who he was. And he was my enemy. The look he was giving me right then said he felt exactly the same.
I ducked out of The Orb and looked around quickly, wondering where the best place to hide would be. I didn’t have many options and I didn’t really have a good headstart either so I crossed the path and headed straight into Venus Library.
The librarian wasn’t at her desk as I entered and I hurriedly shot down the closest aisle, racing between texts on Fae biology before swinging left at the end.
I leapt onto one of the spiralling metal staircases which led to the upper levels, running up and up until I reached the fourth floor.
I darted along a narrow balcony which looked down over the rest of the library and glanced over the railing just as the doors opened and Caleb stepped inside.
My footsteps were ringing along the wrought iron walkway and he looked up instantly, his eyes locking with mine.
A devastating smile pulled at his lips as he spotted his prey and I couldn’t help but laugh as I kept running. I doubted I’d escape now but he still had to make it up to me without the aid of his Vampire gifts.
As he disappeared between the stacks, I found a ladder leading down a level and quickly descended.
Caleb’s footsteps rang out as he started running up the staircase I’d used to get to the top floor and I looked around, trying to find another way down. I tiptoed along the walkway, keeping my movements as quick as I could while trying to remain quiet and I found another staircase hidden between two shelves in the far corner.
I scrambled down to the bottom floor and sprinted between the shelves, aiming for the door again.
Before I made it half way, Caleb dropped down from above and landed in front of me, releasing his hold on the vines he’d magicked into existence to assist him in dropping four floors to catch me.
I skidded to a halt and he smiled widely as he stepped closer to me.
“Got ya.”
Before I could respond, Caleb shot forward, lifting me into his arms and propelling me through the library with his Vampire speed until we ended up inside one of the private study rooms at the back of the building.
I gasped in surprise as he kicked the door shut behind us and pushed me back against the wall before sinking his teeth into my neck.
His grip on my waist tightened to the point of discomfort and I tried to push him back a step but he held on tight, releasing a growl.
“Ow,” I protested irritably and he finally released me with a sheepish grin.
“Sorry, I’ve been running on empty since the fight with the Nymphs and I don’t wanna bite anyone else.”
“Orion thinks I should be putting more effort into fighting you off,” I said, touching the tender skin where his teeth had pierced my skin. “I’m thinking he has a point.”
Caleb stepped forward slowly, reaching out for me and I let him. His fingers brushed against my neck and his magic slid through the wound as he healed it.
He stayed there, his hand on my skin as he held my eye.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I muttered, trying to shake him off but he didn’t budge.
“Like what?”
“Like you didn’t take part in that whole shoving me in a pit bullshit right before the Nymph attack. Like we aren’t on two different sides of some fight I never asked to be in,” I spat, surprising myself with how angry I felt at him.
“We are on two different sides of it though,” he said and there was no apology in his voice, just acceptance. “But shit, Tory you don’t understand how freaking much I like playing this game with you. Ever since we got back from that party I’ve hardly been able to think about anything else. The feeling of you in my arms, the taste of your blood on my lips, the rush I get when you run from me...”
My pulse spiked in response to his words despite myself and as he drew a little closer to me, I didn’t push him back.
“You’re not even sorry, are you?” I breat
hed.
“Can’t be sorry for it. I’ve got responsibilities. To the other Heirs, my family, Solaria... I have to think of what’s best for all of them and if you take the throne then the Nymphs might just get the leg up they need to win this war. You have to know I can’t let that happen.” He hadn’t released me and I found I didn’t really want him to.
“I have a bit of a weakness for assholes,” I admitted slowly. “But I’m used to them lying about what they are. At least you own it.”
“I do,” Caleb said with a smirk, his hand travelling up my neck ever so slowly. “I’m an honest to god asshole. Do you want to keep playing with me, Tory?”
“Maybe,” I breathed because in that moment I didn’t even know anymore.
I should have been trying to keep away from him and his psycho friends but one way or another our lives all seemed to be destined to tangle up with each other's. And at least Caleb wasn’t lying to me. He wasn’t offering me the world, but he was offering me freedom, at least in this. So maybe I could try keeping the two things separate, when we were alone we could forget about being an Heir and a lost princess. And outside of that, we could stay on opposite sides of this stupid feud. It seemed kinda like a recipe for disaster but maybe I wanted a little rebellion.
“I’ll take maybe.” Caleb leaned forward to kiss me and I didn’t make any move to stop him.
His mouth was hot and demanding against mine and the passion that burned between us sprang to life instantly, urging me on.
My heart thumped harder and his fingers twisted into my hair, tugging just enough to elicit a moan from my lips.
Before he could push me any further, I pressed him back. “I have to get to class,” I protested. “I can’t afford to miss lessons before my Elemental Trials.”
“No, we wouldn’t want you to fail The Reckoning, would we?” Caleb teased, moving his mouth across my jaw and working really damn hard to keep me here.
“I mean it,” I said on a laugh, pushing him back more firmly.
Caleb pouted at me, refusing to step back while he kept me caged in with his body.
“Come to Terra House tonight then,” he asked, his navy eyes sparkling with promises.
“I won’t be going anywhere tonight, there’s a curfew, remember?”
“Those rules don’t apply to me. Besides, I’ll keep you safe if you’re with me. You’ll just have to stay the whole night.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “I can keep myself safe, thanks. But now I’m going to be late-”
“If I run you to class will you come tonight?” he asked, his mouth slipping to my neck and sending shivers right through my spine.
“If you get me there on time, I’ll consider it,” I replied.
Caleb glanced at his watch then cursed, sweeping me into his arms before speeding back out of the tiny room.
I managed not to shriek like a nine year old on a roller coaster, but I did cling onto his blazer like my life depended on it as the world shot past us in a blur so intense I couldn’t concentrate on a single thing.
Caleb skidded to a halt right outside the Fire Arena locker rooms and placed me back on my feet before leaning close to speak in my ear.
“One minute to spare. I’ll expect you tonight, sweetheart.” He pressed his mouth to mine and my heart leapt a little at the fact that he’d done so in plain sight. I had no intention of being marked as his in front of the whole school and I pulled back quickly, looking around to make sure no one had seen us. Luckily, we were already so close to being late that everyone else had already headed inside so I was spared the drama.
“Don’t go getting ahead of yourself,” I warned as I headed into the girls’ locker room. “I only said I’d consider it.”
The door swung closed between us and I bit down on a smile as I headed in to get changed. I almost considered refusing to wear the flame resistant outfit required for the class, but I decided that today wasn’t the day for me to have that argument with Professor Pyro. I’d just have to accept the fact that I wouldn’t have the same level of control over my fire magic as I would without it. But I’d keep practicing without the outfit until I was confident enough to prove her wrong.
In the meantime I had to get through this class and hope she would just be pleased that I’d finally managed to get in a training session with Darius.
The thought of the Dragon Shifter set me on edge. But I’d known I’d have to face him some time. Hopefully there would be enough going on in class to ensure that that time wouldn’t have to be now.
I jogged into the locker room and found Darcy and Sofia waiting for me, already dressed for the lesson.
“Did he catch you?” Sofia asked with wide eyes.
“Yeah,” I sighed, though the memory of him kissing me took the sting out of the bite. Maybe Orion had a point about me starting to like it. I’d have to consider going for the throat punch next time.
“Well maybe it’s not worth playing his games if he’s just going to catch you anyway?” Darcy suggested as I started stripping out of my uniform.
“It gives me a shot at escaping,” I replied. “Besides… it’s pretty hot.”
“There it is,” Darcy said, rolling her eyes as Sofia laughed.
I smirked as I quickly changed into the fire proof outfit required for the class and we hurried outside. I plucked at the material irritably as we went. I was sure it was affecting my ability to shape my fire magic but Pyro just wouldn’t listen to me.
I tied my hair into a high ponytail and headed out into the Fire Arena keeping my focus on my sister and Sofia, not sparing a glance for the two Heirs who were lurking at the back of the assembled students.
We moved to join the other freshmen and Pyro tasked us with creating a ring of fire then shooting fireballs through it.
Sofia moved away to work with the lower powered members of the class while Darcy and I made sure we had a good amount of space around us before we started so that we didn’t end up accidentally hurting anyone.
We began to practice and my magic instantly started to go haywire, not listening to what I wanted from it and alternating between blazing out of control and sputtering away into wisps of smoke.
Darcy was in a similar position beside me and I sighed irritably as I tried to decide how best to overcome these issues without removing the fireproof outfit.
Professor Pyro approached us with a frown on her face and I prepared myself for another lecture on how we were failing to grasp the essence of the flames.
“Roxy managed a lot better than that in our session together, Professor,” Darius called before Pyro reached us and I glanced over at him in surprise.
After the quote he’d given for that article in The Celestial Times I’d presumed we were back to hating each other. But then everything else Gus Vulpecula had written was a load of shit so maybe I shouldn’t have paid much attention to the quote either.
My gaze skimmed over Darius as I tried to gauge his mood. He was in the process of coating his fists and arms in gloves made of fire and I couldn’t help but stare at the impressive display of magic.
“Well perhaps you’d like to assist her again for this class?” Pyro suggested.
I opened my mouth to protest but what could I really say?
“Of course, Professor,” he said, offering her a wide smile like he couldn’t think of anything better.
“And perhaps Mr Altair would help Darcy?” Pyro added, waving Caleb closer too.
He was looking my way but I ignored him, walking to meet Darius instead. There was no point in me trying to argue my way out of it and I wasn’t going to let him see that his company made me uncomfortable.
“Let’s see if your theory about that outfit has any merit to it then,” Darius said as I closed in on him. His gaze swept over my skin tight shirt and trousers and I resisted the urge to fold my arms over my chest. Something about the clingy material made me feel more exposed than I would have in something more revealing.
“At least if you agre
e with me, Pyro will have to listen,” I muttered.
“That’s where you’re going wrong, Roxy. You keep asking her to let you wear something else but Fae don’t ask permission to do what we want. Especially when we’re more powerful than the person saying no.”
“So you think I should just tell the teacher I don’t agree with her and do whatever the hell I want?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. No doubt he was hoping I would so that I’d get into trouble for it.
“I’m just telling you what I’d do,” he said with a shrug.
Before I could reply, he snatched my hand and his power slammed into my body like a tidal wave. I gasped as my own magic fought back instinctively, shoving him out so that his power could only dance around the edges of mine.
Darius grunted irritably. “You let me in last time,” he reminded me in a low voice. “Why did you trust me then and not now?”
I cleared my throat uncomfortably. “I didn’t trust you then either. I just had to push past my natural inclination to protect myself from sociopaths. You’ll have to give me a moment before I can easily do so again.”
The pressure of Darius’s power increased against mine and he tugged me a step closer to him. “Let me in, Roxy,” he breathed and for a moment it seemed like he was talking about more than our magic.
Why did we have to hold hands for this? My palm was tingling and it had nothing to do with magic and everything to do with the insanely attractive asshole in front of me. He shifted his thumb over the back of my hand, making heat dance beneath my skin and I was sure it was intentional. But I wasn’t going to let him throw me off my game.
I looked up into his dark eyes and released a long breath as I removed the shields around my power.
His magic tumbled into mine with a shudder of ecstatic energy which filled me from the soles of my feet right through to my core. My back arched involuntarily and I shifted a little closer to him despite myself. Darius caught my other hand too, his gaze holding me captive as I adjusted to the feeling of his magic in me.
“Push back,” he commanded, his voice rough.
I was about to ask what he meant but his magic was so entangled with mine that I could feel what he wanted. Our power slid out of me like the pull of the tide and passed back into him through the point where our hands connected.
Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning: An Academy Bully Romance (Supernatural Bullies and Beasts) Page 5