Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning: An Academy Bully Romance (Supernatural Bullies and Beasts)

by Caroline Peckham

  Thanks to our Dragon friend, the classroom was all clean and there was no sign we’d been here aside from the missing hat. Geraldine strode over to pick up the door, carrying it back into place as we all hurried out into the hallway. Angelica stepped forward to help, fixing it back onto its hinges and removing any signs of a break in.

  “Thanks amigas,” Diego said with the biggest smile.

  “Any time,” I said, nudging him as we jogged back to the atrium and out into the raging storm. As curfew closed in, we all said our goodbyes and I headed back to Aer Tower with Diego. He was practically skipping along beside me as we went. I’d never seen him so happy.

  When we were in the dry stairwell of the tower, my heart started thrumming harder for an entirely different reason and I quickened my pace upstairs. We turned into the eleventh floor and I said goodnight to Diego before hurrying into my room and stripping off my wet coat followed by my uniform. I headed into my bathroom in nothing but my underwear with my package firmly in my grip.

  It was time for a new me. A girl who was Fae. A girl who was royal. And a girl who wasn't afraid to trust anymore.

  ***

  Fae hair dye was incredible. My hair shimmered like stars when it caught the light and was as deep blue as a twilight sky. I'd coloured it all over, every last hair. And as I ran my fingertips through my soft locks, my heart began to beat harder again.

  Blue means you like me.

  I did like him. And I boldly, proudly wanted him to know it. But that wasn't the only reason I'd done this. It felt right. Like I was claiming that deep wound inside myself and healing it at long last. It wasn't an injury anymore, it was a battle scar. And I was owning it like a warrior princess.

  I took a steadying breath as thunder cracked overhead and goosebumps fled across my flesh. The urge to show Orion what I'd done was consuming me. My body was alive with need tonight and I wondered if that had something to do with the dawning Lunar Eclipse or if it was all me.

  I headed back into my room, pulling on my strappy white pyjama top and shorts for bed and dropping down onto my mattress. I picked up my Atlas and lightning flashed beyond my window, igniting the room in a white glare for half a second.

  I chewed on my lower lip, shifting my hips as this need grew wilder and wilder.

  What the hell is in the air tonight?

  I tapped on my daily horoscope to reread it, wondering if I could find any answers between the lines.

  Good morning Gemini.

  The stars have spoken about your day!

  It's time for an important decision to be made, and with that decision will come a big change. This is a time of growth so embrace the side of yourself which has started to bloom and you will soon reap the rewards.

  Your stars are in perfect harmony with a Libra today and now would be a good time to address any issues between the two of you. It will be almost impossible not to enjoy this day if you follow your intuition.

  I placed my Atlas down on my bare thigh, mulling over that last line. Follow your intuition.

  I rose to my feet, moving to the window and a shudder rolled down my spine. The rain pattered against the glass in thick wet drops and every time the lightning flashed, all of them lit up like tiny snow globes.

  Water magic rose to the edges of my skin and some deep part of me wanted to be out there in the tempestuous world, throwing my magic into the sky to see if I could equal its power.

  A light glowed far down on the path below and I spotted a teacher patrolling within a shield, an orb of blue light hovering above them. I spotted another light far out in The Wailing Wood, their shield lit up in purple. Everyone was still on high alert after the Nymph attack and the idea of those creatures still lurking nearby made my blood chill.

  I moved back to my bed, fishing up my Atlas and tapping out a message to Orion, adrenaline crashing through me in waves.

  Darcy:

  What are you doing..?

  I waited for a reply and he gave me one in the form of a photo which made my heart nearly give up on life.

  He was propped up in bed with a Numerology book in one hand, shirtless and giving me that sideways smile that made me want to just...gah. A message swiftly followed.

  Lance:

  Reading...

  I'm sure I don't need to remind you to delete that picture. What are you doing?

  (photographic answers are highly encouraged)

  I grinned stupidly, sighing as I deleted his photo along with the last few messages he'd sent.

  What am I doing? I'd like to figure that out myself. Because it feels like playing with fire and I'm one slip away from getting burned.

  For some unknown reason I trusted Orion. It didn't make sense to me, but it seemed the stars were firmly on board with that idea today too.

  Darcy:

  You don't deserve a photo because you were rude to my friend earlier.

  Lance:

  Polaris was asking for trouble. Plus he had his hands all over you so you can blame the Vampire Code. I have to protect my Source.

  P.S.

  What am I gonna have to do to earn this picture?

  A flush of heat took over my body as I realised this was so not about the Vampire Code. Diego hadn't been anything of a threat to me.

  Darcy:

  You can have a picture if you tell me the real reason you attacked Diego.

  I hit send, laughing as I hugged a pillow to my chest. Why is this so exciting?

  Lance:

  Fine.

  Seeing another guy's hands on you makes me want to rip out their eyes so they never get to look at you again.

  Darcy:

  That is so dark.

  I started laughing, knowing I probably shouldn't. Diego definitely hadn't deserved to be shoved to the floor, but I couldn't deny how good it felt knowing Orion was possessive over me like that.

  Lance:

  It's nature, baby ;)

  Where's my photo?

  I hesitated then whipped the pillowcase off and wrapped my hair up in it. I took a selfie, poking out my tongue and grinning as I sent it. He replied almost instantly.

  Lance:

  Shit, how did you know about my pillowcase fetish?

  I reined in my laughter, tapping out my next message.

  Darcy:

  I made a decision about my hair.

  You're not allowed to see it.

  Lance:

  Hang on, why am I not allowed?

  Is it green or blue?

  Or am I way off base?

  Please tell me you haven't got a mohawk like Max Rigel. Although, I'd probably still want you just as much. I certainly did when that fuckwit Capella took your hair.

  My breathing grew unsteady and the smile on my face was starting to hurt. It felt so natural when we were messaging each other like this. As if he was just a guy I liked who happened to like me back.

  It made me think about my first boyfriend and how I'd been naive to believe what we'd had had been anything close to love. I was nowhere near falling in love with Orion, but I already felt a thousand times more chemistry with him than I ever had with my ex. Orion made me want to jump in the deep end of this desire head first without question. And though I was completely terrified of that, it also made me feel incredibly alive.

  My fingers hovered over the keys and all I could think about was him lying in bed with that demigod body going to waste. He really needs a little company for all of those muscles...it would be a travesty for them to be alone tonight.

  Oh holy shit am I really considering this?

  He might turn me away.

  But he also might not.

  Ohmagod I know where he lives.

  I recalled the mailbox he'd gotten his letters from and I just knew, in the depths of my soul that that wasn't a coincidence. It was exactly like my horoscope had said. The stars were aligning for us tonight and I was sure they'd stay on my side at least a little while longer.

  I jumped out of bed, pushing my feet into my
sneakers and tugging on my raincoat. My legs were bare but screw it.

  I'm not going to think tonight, I'm just going to do. Regrets belong to tomorrow.

  I crept out of the door and complete silence met my ears. With the teachers moving around campus in those lit-up shields I'd be able to spot them a mile off.

  I jogged downstairs, not letting myself back out on this for one second.

  As I hurried across the ground floor, I paused at the door, tugging it open a crack and peering out into the howling night.

  Raindrops blew over me and I shivered as thunder boomed overhead, something about the rumbling noise urging me on. There was no sign of any professors close by so I slipped outside, pulling the door shut behind me.

  I clung to the edge of the tower, circling around it toward The Wailing Wood. It was the quickest route to Asteroid Place even though it slightly terrified me to go in the forest when it was this dark.

  By the time I thought to cast an air shield I was already soaked but I was running on adrenaline anyway so I could hardly feel the cold as I raced down the path into the trees. My sneakers squelched in the mud, splashing it up my legs as I ran on and I started to wonder if I was losing the plot. But if this was what going crazy felt like, I was more than happy to sacrifice my mind.

  I ran on, my hair drenched and dripping, seeming to make the dye even brighter as if the rain was bringing it to life. This dye is awesome!

  I ran with fear and anticipation crashing together in my heart, burrowing in deep.

  This is insane - what the hell is he gonna think?

  I finally slowed to a halt in front of the tall fence surrounding Asteroid Place. Students were strictly not allowed here, but I'd known that when I'd left. And there was no backing out now.

  Through the raging wind and beating rain, it seemed like I was reborn as a new, powerful girl who ruled her own life. And she was damn well going to get over this fence.

  I gazed up at the top and forced air into my palms. I launched myself skyward, stifling a yell as I propelled myself too high and crashed down toward the concrete path on the other side. I somehow landed on my feet which was a damn miracle and I smiled as the rain washed the mud from my shoes.

  With a nervous exhale, I eyed the rows of chalets stretching away to my right and the alleys parting each one. In front of them was an enormous pool which was rippling under the downpour.

  The windows I could see were shielded by curtains or blinds but fear still clutched my heart as I hurried toward the alley between the third and fourth house.

  A porch light on number four placed a glaring target on my back and I could barely draw in air as I stepped in front of the door to number three.

  Don't back out now.

  You've come this far.

  I raised a hand, standing entirely still as icy water trickled under my coat and sent goosebumps rushing across my neck. I knew if I hesitated a second longer I'd turn back, run away and pretend I'd never come here. But I was Fae. And I was going to embrace this reckless side of me because it felt like pure ecstasy.

  Do it, Darcy Vega.

  I lifted my hand and tapped on the door, afraid of being too loud in case I disturbed any of the other teachers. With Orion's Vampire hearing, he wouldn't miss it.

  A few agonising seconds passed where my stomach scrunched up into a tight ball and my whole body began to shake.

  The door yanked open and Orion stood there bare chested in nothing but black sweatpants, looking ready to berate the person knocking on his door late at night.

  He stared at me with his mouth parted, his throat bobbing as he processed me standing on his doorstep with soaked blue hair and raindrops clinging to my cheeks.

  “Blue,” I answered his ongoing question on a breath that rose before me in a cloud of vapour, knowing that it meant far more than that. That I'd just told him I wanted him. And in turn, agreed to this dangerous affair.

  He said nothing as the rain continued to beat down on me and fear made a passage through my chest, clasping my heart with sharp claws. “I just...came to tell you that.”

  Oh shit he's gonna turn me away. I'm gonna have detention for a full year.

  I took a step back and he finally moved, catching my hand and dragging me inside. He pushed the door closed, boxing me in with his arms and I couldn't breathe as he remained there, one hand planted on the door, the scent of cinnamon caressing my senses.

  “I know this is crazy,” I whispered, aware of how near the next chalet was.

  Water dripped steadily from my hair and Orion reached out, brushing his fingers through it and casting heated air which dried it out in seconds, leaving it soft and shining around my shoulders. The air continued to travel down my body and my skin tingled with sensitivity as every inch of me dried out.

  I eyed his athletic chest, craving to move closer and take what I needed. But he still didn't speak and I was starting to worry that I shouldn't have come here.

  “Come in then.” He turned away, moving into the kitchenette to my right.

  Okay...

  “Drink?” he called.

  “Um, just water.” I took my coat off, hanging it on the back of the door then kicked off my shoes. I stepped onto the soft carpet barefooted and took in the large lounge ahead of me. Everything was cream and grey, neat and tidy. I hovered near the huge L-shape couch, unsure what to do with myself. I'd only really planned up to knocking on that door, but now I was here this was all very real.

  I brushed my fingers over the throw on the back of the couch, my eyes flitting to the open door across the room which gave me a glimpse of a large bed. My mouth became overly dry and I turned away sharply, catching sight of Orion leaning against the counter in the kitchen, his muscular arms firm with tension.

  Shit, maybe I've made a serious mistake. I don't wanna put him in a compromising position.

  I cleared my throat and the noise sounded like a gunshot.

  I took a step toward the exit, my heart all knotted up in my chest.

  I'm never going to live this down.

  “Actually… I think I'd better go.”

  Before I could take another step, Orion shot in front of me in a blur, crowding me in against the couch. He had two tumblers of water in his hand and held one out for me.

  “No,” he demanded. “Stay.”

  I nodded, my throat tight as I took the glass from him and my legs brushed against his. I lifted the glass to my lips, unable to drag my eyes from his as I swallowed down the water in two gulps and he did the same.

  When I was finished, he took my glass, reaching past me, his shoulder grazing mine as he leaned down and placed them on a table at the end of the couch.

  “You're not drinking?” I breathed.

  “No.” He inched closer, resting his hands on the couch either side of me.

  “And you haven't been drinking?” I raised a brow and a smile finally tugged at his mouth.

  “No.” His fingers intertwined with mine and he leaned in closer, his body so agonisingly close to pressing against me. Energy crackled between those tiny millimetres parting us, making it almost unbearable not to cross the distance. But I didn't want to make this decision for him. He hadn't said the words and I needed to hear them before we really did this.

  “Are you angry that I came here?” I asked, trying to assess his mood as he kept that firm mask over his face.

  He dipped his head to my shoulder, his lips brushing my skin and sending an arrow of heat right to the deepest regions of my stomach. “No.”

  “Is that all you can say now?” I asked, growing frustrated as he lifted his head and slid his hand onto my cheek, his fingers tangling in my hair.

  “No,” he said with a grin.

  “Stop it,” I begged, pushing against his chest, but he responded by pressing me back and closing the distance parting us. His heated skin moulded to mine and it felt so good.

  “What would you like me to say?” he asked and I desperately tried to swallow down the lump in m
y throat.

  “You haven't made any comment on me coming here,” I said, growing hot all over and throwing a glance at the exit again. He caught my chin, tugging me back to look at him, sending my heart ricocheting through my chest.

  “Give a guy a second. One minute I'm messaging you wishing I could have you right here and the next thing...” He leaned in, kissing the corner of my mouth and I melted. Or that was what it felt like anyway. As if there wasn't a single solid organ in my body. “Here you are.”

  Instead of giving me more of his mouth on mine, he painted a line of kisses up to my ear. He pushed his fingers into my hair, his touch like a drug bleeding into my veins and I shut my eyes to savour the high.

  “I don't want to get you into trouble,” I whispered, sliding my hands up his arms to rest lightly on his shoulders. It still felt like we were hovering on that line between doing this and not doing it. I could still walk away and I wouldn't put him at risk of losing his job and so much more. But this connection between us was undeniably powerful and I didn't think I could leave until he point blank refused me.

  His hand wound around my waist, sliding under my vest and pressing against my back, skin on skin. His teeth grazed my ear at the same moment and everything down south squeezed with need.

  “Orion,” I warned, determined to get my answer.

  “Lance,” he corrected. “And I know the risks.” His hand trailed up my spine, driving my top up at the front too so even more of our skin united and made my thoughts hazy. “But do you?”

  He shifted my hair over my shoulder, his lips making a more dangerous journey south. I tilted my head to one side with a breathy moan, his gentle torment more powerful than a hurricane.

  “I do,” I panted, desperate for him to put me out of my misery as I came apart under his wandering mouth.

  He hooked his finger under the left strap on my shoulder then paused, lifting his head to look at me with a concerned frown. “If we do this, we can't undo it.”