High Fae Academy - Year One: Fae Paranormal Romance

by Kaylin Peyerk

  Lucian stirs but doesn't wake and I heave a sigh of relief. I plan to apologize to him in the morning but I don't yet have the courage to face him. He rolls toward me, pulling me into his chest, and I can feel his spirit escaping in his sleep to wrap around me. It blankets me, making me feel safe, and oddly, inexplicably loved.

  Chapter 10

  The next morning I wake up late because there are no classes today. It's already two in the afternoon. The alcohol must have hit me hard. I'm not exactly sure what I'd do with myself today anyway. Ugh, I need to stop thinking so fast, my head hurts. Sitting up, I pull my knees to my chest and groan into them, remembering everything that I did last night right up to when I ended up in bed with Lucian again. Who, by the way, is absent this morning. I move to the edge of the bed but have to stay there when a sweep of nausea overcomes me.

  Ugh, please god do not make me throw-up. I get up and gradually make my way to Lucian's bathroom, gripping the wall with shaking fingers. When I get there a glass of water, three pills, and a note are waiting for me.

  Take these, it will help with your hangover. I'll see you later today. -Lucian

  Despite our most recent fight he's still willing to take care of me. The mirror reveals that I had been spooning with Lucian all night almost naked. The man can't catch a break when I'm around. I don't even have the decency to feel embarrassed. Something about him makes me feel comfortable in a way that makes no sense. That exact feeling leads me to hop into his shower without another thought.

  When I'm in the middle of soaping up my long hair I hear the door open and close from the common room. Thinking nothing of it, I continue to shower. Lucian must be back from whatever errands he had been running. Footsteps make their way into the bedroom, and then into the bathroom.

  Lucian jumps when he sees me through the blurry shower glass, "Gods Tiana! Why are you in my shower?"

  "I just woke up and was already here, so I figured," I stop and shrug my shoulders, "Why walk across the hall?" He throws up his hands and walks out of the room.

  "You know that we're not mates yet, right?" Comes his angry reply from the common room. At first my heart flip-flops at the mention of the word yet, but then I register his mocking tone. Red hot anger rushes through me.

  "Yeah, you made that perfectly clear yesterday!" He doesn't speak again until I'm out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my body. He appears in the doorway and leans against it, watching me. Just to spite him, I use his brush to get the tangles out of my wet hair. He makes a face but doesn't say anything out loud. Good, because I would have chucked it at him.

  "You know that I didn't mean to hurt you yesterday. I was just trying to be honest in my answer because no matter how much I want to be physical with you, and trust me," He pauses and deliberately looks my dripping wet body up and down, "When I say that I want to very much. Being physical with a spirit fae is different from having a one night stand with other elementals. There's a certain bond to it that can be irreversible, and we were close to one last night. That's what all of that free floating magic meant. Because we're both spirit fae we're almost irresistible to one another, forcing our elements to come out whenever we touch intimately. It's a survival mechanism of the spirit fae. There's so few of us left that whenever two of us are compatible our elements attract us to one another."

  I tap the brush against my chin and ask, "Okay, why are there so few of us left?"

  "Only two spirit parents can produce spirit based offspring. For example, if Amira and I had had children they would have been water fae. It's the way we're genetically coded."

  I stand there in silence for a minute, trying to process what he's telling me. Do I only like him because of my genetic makeup? Am I only attracted to him because we are literally meant to be together? Is that what he's afraid of? We stare at each other for a long time, and just by doing that there's an undeniable energy that charges between us. He's certainly right about our elements doing everything in their power to pull us together. Then a thought dawns on me.

  "Wait, so are you saying that if we're physical with each other, the mating bond will snap into place? Like, without permission or whatever?"

  He nods solemnly, "Yes, it's possible that will happen. And while I was worried about being ready myself, I also wanted you to have all the information. Our elements are orchestrating this relationship. It's why we can't sleep alone since meeting one another. I want you to be with me because you want me, not just because your spirit element wants my mating potential. And I want to make sure I feel the same."

  I look at the ground, "I suppose that's a pretty good reason for rejecting me. And I'm sorry for forcing myself on you." He steps closer to me, lifting my chin so that I'm looking into his brilliant violet eyes.

  "You have nothing to apologize for, you don't know anything about our world yet. There's nothing wrong with responding to your feelings and attractions. As a young woman, you're allowed to explore that." My insides melt and ooze all over my chest. My body gravitates toward his in response, pressing my scantily clad chest against him. He closes his eyes and leaves his warm hand on my cheek.

  I ask boldly, "Would one kiss make the mating bond snap into place? I've kissed almost everyone else."

  His eyes snap back open, and he practically growls, "Are you trying to make me jealous? Because it's working." And he kisses me with such force that my toes curl on the tile floor. Without thinking, I drop my towel and wrap my arms around his neck, savoring this kiss. His lips are water I haven't had in weeks, a warm shower after a terrible day, and the nourishment that I never knew I needed.

  He lifts me up and I wrap my bare legs around his waist. When he carries me into his bedroom, and we drop onto the bed, I continue kissing him passionately. My legs are still locked around him when his hand grazes my breast with the slightest touch. I moan into his mouth while fumbling with his belt.

  He coaxes my mouth open wider to let his sweet tongue inside. I do so without resistance, wanting all of him. In response his skin begins to glow and beat in time with my heart beat. A part of me opens up to him, beckoning him closer to me. And with a start, I realize that it's my spirit trying to pull him in. I have to force myself out of this haze of lust. It's so strong that it's almost scary.

  I say, "Lucian." But it comes out as more of a moan that I intended. He responds by pulling me closer and slowing the kiss. The mood turns so sensual and sexy that I almost forget why we need to stop. So I try again, "Oh, Lucian."

  An embarrassed blush fans across my face. Whenever I open my mouth what I say just gets more and more sexual. But seeing my blush seems to bring him above water because he jumps up and moves backwards away from the bed. We stare at each other, breathing hard.

  He states gruffly, "Okay, no more kissing."

  But his eyes are roaming my exposed body and everywhere they look makes my skin tingle and tighten in response. I stand up and walk toward him. He visibly swallows, and holds out one hand in front of him, "Tiana, if you start kissing me again I don't know if I can ever stop." My core aches in response to his words.

  I tease, "Gods, I want you Lucian," I circle him, trailing one finger across his strong back, "I need you. Too bad you can't help me." His skin pulses violet once, twice, and then dims again.

  "Tiana," he warns. With a pout that I make sure he sees I saunter out of the room.

  ***

  The second, but cold, shower I had to take by myself was definitely not as satisfying as Lucian would have been. It's actually depressing. The one person I want to be intimate with is off limits. Well, not the only person I suppose. Damon's glittering jade green eyes come to mind and I smile. But what would Lucian think? He did say that I'm entitled to exploring my sexuality as a young woman. But I'm not sure if he meant with him or someone else. And if I want to be with him, shouldn't I be faithful to only him? Ugh! This train of thought is too confusing to bear.

  When I walk out into the common room Lucian is lounging on the couch, reading. The book
looks ancient and is bound in leather. I wonder if it's something having to do with being king. He did say that training new spirit fae is part of his duty to his kingdom and that it doesn't happen very often. It's easy to forget that he's royal since he spends so much devoted time to both training and seducing me. Not that he has to try very hard in order to seduce me, I think dryly. Him simply sitting there in jeans and a button down shirt makes me blush.

  "I have an idea." I announced. He closes the book, setting it into his lap. I go on, "Our dilemma is that we don't want to rush into things, correct?"

  "Yes, that's the main dilemma." He leans forward, placing his sole attention on me. It makes me fidgety.

  "So, since it's the weekend, let's go on a date." He sits back while raising one eyebrow, "A date?"

  "Yeah, like going out to dinner and asking questions to learn about each other. Then come back here to watch a movie on the couch with popcorn and candy. It's the classic form of courting where I'm from."

  He seems to think about it for a long moment. Has he never heard of a traditional date before? Do they even use that term here? I know he knows what courting is at least. Something like this really puts our age difference into perspective. I've never given it much thought because he looks so young. But I guess we might have things to learn from each other.

  "Alright, I accept your date proposal. But I get to pick the place," He stands and walks over to the counter to grab his things, "Meet me back here around seven, and we will go on our date." And then he's out the door before I can reply.

  With Lucian gone there isn't much for me to do in an empty dorm alone. And to be honest, I want a break from the sexual tension, so I set out in search of Adrian. The water quad is exactly what I need right now. A calming, peaceful presence. Even if Adrian isn't at the lake, I'd love to sit at the edge and practice my water funnels. When I walk in there's no one around, and the lake is so calm that it looks like a sheet of ice. It gives me an idea.

  Despite air being my most troubling element, well, not counting spirit of course, I want to use it to walk on water. Rai mentioned that air masters with enough skill can manipulate the air around then in order to hold themselves afloat, or essentially to fly. But he warned me not to try it until I can effortlessly control air currents. Is it really so hard? He said my power, all of my powers, may end up exceeding the masters. So wouldn't that mean I can do things more easily?

  Before stepping out over the water I practice on the shore for some time. Envisioning a human shaped air funnel around myself, I push upward. The first few times are a bit disastrous, but I learn that each side has to work against each other in a constant vortex. After I have the hang of my body’s vortex, I practice lifting myself up, and dropping again, each time getting higher from the sand. Closing my eyes to focus, I also count the seconds I'm able to stay in the air without wavering.

  "What are you doing?"

  A voice says from behind me, breaking my concentration. My vortex fails and I drop back to the sand, staggering. When I turn, Adrian is standing there wearing full gear.

  "Oh, I'm just practicing my control over air. Admittedly, it's my hardest element to focus besides spirit. But I consider that a whole different animal."

  "Oh, well, you look like you're getting the hang of it. But if you're focusing on air, why are you at the water quad?"

  We both take a seat in the fine sand, leaning our shoulders against each other. My internal storm calms upon touching him. I'd be with him just for the peace he brings me if I could. It's such a stark difference from my current whirlwind of a life that I sigh.

  "I just needed this today. No other element leaves me feeling so peaceful and centered."

  I lean my head against his shoulder, and he pulls me closer to his side. While the attraction between Adrian and I is simmering just beneath the surface, the strong nature of his water gift overshadows it with the emotions that I need. He's just such a balanced individual and I'm grateful that he helped me to understand my elements on that first day. I don't know where I'd be at this point without him.

  He pokes my cheek, "If it makes you feel better, you're almost at the level of a fourth year student with your water mastery. You're a quick learner and have the natural ability of a queen." I swat his hand away, laughing off his praise.

  While it's flattering, he can't possibly know how much I don't want to be noticed by the various kings of the elements. I don't want to fight in a war. I don't want to be this lands' supposed savior, and I don't even know what they hell I'm doing. And yes, I know I'm a hypocrite for wanting Lucian to want me and notice me. But he doesn't feel like a king, he's just Lucian. At least to me.

  "Thanks for being one of the few who aren't constantly flirting with me. It's a bit exhausting." He laughs out loud and it's such a melodious sound that I smile and sink further into his embrace.

  "While I know that you're overwhelmed right now, I don't want you to count me out of the running. I know that your connection with Lucian is both strong and complicated, but don't forget your other options. Just make sure you know him before committing to the bond. It would be an honor and a pleasure to be your water king."

  The way he says pleasure sends a shiver down my spine. It shows me that there's another sexier, more intense, side of Adrian that no one can see. The fact that he's willing to open himself up to me is both humbling and sweet.

  I whisper, "Thank you, Adrian. That means a lot."

  His response lightens the mood, "Oh don't get so sappy about it. Stand up and let's practice control while you're here."

  Chapter 11

  I'm smiling on my walk back to the spirit dorm. Adrian's confession didn't make me feel more confused. It came across as all other things from him do, balanced and effortless. My feelings for him grew at that moment and now he has his own little love plant growing happily inside my chest. It sits next to Damon's basking lilac and Lucian's thriving sunflower.

  I admit that it's getting a bit crowded in there. And while I know that I have to choose one as my mate eventually, maybe I'm entitled to be calculated in my decision. If they're all going to become kings one day then that makes me a queen by default. But which element sings to me the most? My inner woman whispers, spirit.

  Or maybe that's my spirit itself, weaving another tale to pull me closer to Lucian. That part of it is not helping me at all. It's making me question every emotion I have towards him. Is it real or fabricated? Even if I end up with Lucian, there is no way that I'm having babies anytime soon. I don't want our relationship to feel like an obligation.

  And then there's the issue of his original mate, Amira. What if you only get one true mate in life? Would our bond be secondary to her memory? The thought doesn't sit well with me. I don't want to be anybody's second best. It may be selfish to think that I deserve to be his first choice, but I don't care. I'm not the type of girl who’s okay with anything less.

  By the time I get back to the dorm, it's already six thirty and I very little time to get ready for our date. Will it be casual, or fancy? Knowing Lucian he'll probably be going all out. With that thought in mind I slip on my little black dress that hugs every single curve. As I'm admiring myself in the full length mirror Lucian comes in and leans one shoulder casually against my door frame. He looks both handsome and dangerous in his black dress pants and a matching black button down. His violet eyes flash, letting me know that he's aroused by my appearance.

  It's nice to have instant gratification that your partner is interested in you. There are no guessing games here, our cards are laid embarrassingly on the table. It's also so honest and raw that I feel constantly exposed. If this is what mating with a spirit fae means I better get used to being vulnerable real quick.

  "You look beautiful Tiana," the smile on his face makes me blush. He pushes off the door before sauntering close to me and holding out his elbow, "Shall we go?" I slip my arm through his and let him lead me outside. We walk to the edge of campus in contented silence, savoring each other’s
spirit energy after being apart. The more time we spend together, the less time I'm able to be away from him. My soul begins to ache without him as if he restores me again each time we see each other. It's a scary thought. Will we always be dependent on one another even if we aren't mates? I shake the dark frame of mind away before it can overtake me.

  When we get to the school gates there's a sleek black car waiting for us, idling quietly. I didn't know that the fae drive. For some reason I pictured them having the magical ability to teleport or to always use horses. And maybe they still do but Lucian is trying to make me feel comfortable.

  He opens the passenger side door for me and I slip into the buttery leather seat. Man, this is an expensive car. The dashboard is full of chrome and touchscreens and the leather interior is so polished that it shines. It looks even better once Lucian gets into the driver's seat. He shoots me a sexy dare devil grin before slamming the car into drive and ripping out of the parking lot.