by M Guida
I smiled.
“Hey guys, she’s awake.” He sat on the edge of my bed and held my hand. He kissed me on my wrist, sending tingles through me and making heart flutter. “You gave us quite a scare.” The concern in his voice, and in his eyes made me feel all toasty inside.
My bed was immediately surrounded by the Royals and Margo, Mina, Poppy, and Katona.
“Hi,” I mumbled. I glanced between Bo and Lucien. “Thank you for the roses and lilies.”
“My pleasure,” Bo said as he brushed my hair off hot forehead. “I’m glad you liked them.”
“Anton told us what happened in the locker room. We shouldn’t have let you go inside alone.” Lucien sat on the other side of me, getting a scowl from Bo. I had to keep reminding myself he was off limits, but I don’t know how long I could keep following the rules.
I laughed. “Oh, really? You he-men are allowed to come into the women’s locker room.”
He didn’t even blush. “We would allow you to change in private, but you wouldn’t be vulnerable. We won’t let that happen again.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Mina asked.
“Yeah, I am.”
Poppy stopped sipping her chocolate shake. “Don’t you think it would make sense for one of us to come in with Raven?”
Xavier frowned. “But only Royals can practice during that class.”
Poppy elbowed him. “We’re the Defenders. It’s not exclusive to you guys and Raven. Katona and I fought in the last battle, too.”
“I quite agree.” Anton parted my friends like the Red Sea.
For once, Lucien’s eyes widened. “You’re not pulling my leg, are you?”
“No, not at all. I also think that Demi, Eden, and Vivian should be part of the Defenders.”
“Why?” Margo blurted.
“Because you need to stop fighting each other. That is the wedge the Dark Demons need to defeat each of you. I have already spoken to the other girls, and we will start our training once Raven is healed.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Vivian and I were supposed to be on the same team. Had he lost his mind?
Lucien picked up the book Anton had left. “What’s this doing in here?”
“It’s an independent study I’m doing with Raven.” Anton took it from Lucien. “I believe our patient needs some food. Lucien, why don’t you go and get her some lunch?”
Lucien’s features dropped, and I could almost hear the snickers. He glanced over at me. “Mexican food, okay? That’s what they’re serving today.”
“Chicken tacos would be nice,” I yawned.
He stood. “I’ll be back with your lunch soon.”
“Now, the rest of you need to give her some space,” Anton said. “I think Raven needs some more rest.”
Bo kissed me briefly on the lips. “Get some rest.”
My body stirred, and I wanted more than just a brush of lips over mine. I needed to forget about Lucien. I slipped my hand around his neck and kissed him hard. His mouth opened, and our tongues tangled in a hungry waltz. His spicy and hot masculine taste spurred my hunger, and I dug my nails into his massive shoulders. It had been so long since he’d kissed me, and I’d missed him.
He threaded his fingers through my hair, and his kiss turned possessive.
“Ahem,” Anton said.
We stopped, and everyone laughed.
“Aaaaoooo!” Xavier howled.
Poppy elbowed him in the ribs. “Xavier.”
“She knocked your socks off, Bo.” Dante laughed.
Katona frowned. “Stop it.”
Anton lifted an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “She’s not yet healed.”
Bo blushed ten shades of red. He was so different from Lucien and so easy to tease.
I grinned. “I kissed him.”
“You’re not healed yet. Now Bo, if you’ll excuse us.”
Bo squeezed my hand. “I’ll see you later, Raven.”
I nodded and closed my eyes just for a moment.
Someone clasped my shoulder. “Raven, do you want to eat or sleep?”
I fluttered open my eyes, and Lucien sat on a chair next to me. I inhaled spices, chicken, and avocados. My stomach growled.
A plate of three different types of tacos, rice, and beans sat on a nearby table. A generous dollop of sour cream and guacamole was on the side. I love guacamole. Did he know this?
I scooted up. “That looks delicious.”
“Yeah, I can hear your stomach growling.” He picked up the tray and put it on my lap.
I looked around the infirmary. “Where’s Anton?”
“He said he had some urgent business to take care of.”
I picked up a chicken taco and dipped it into the guacamole. “Like what?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Have you ever known Anton to discuss his business?”
I swallowed the delicious taco and the creamy guacamole. My taste buds jumped up and down. “No. I guess not.” Maybe that’s why I hadn’t told him about my dream. I wasn’t sure how much to share with Anton, because I felt like I kept giving him ammunition to lock me up.
I loaded up a beef taco with guacamole.
“Their Mexican food here is pretty good, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.” I took a bite and indulged in the spices. I didn’t realize how hungry I was. “This guacamole is amazing.”
He grinned. “I agree. It’s my favorite.”
“It is?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Guacamole has always been my favorite, too.”
“If you want some more guac…” He tilted his head. “I can go get you some.”
“No, I’m fine.” I rubbed my belly. “Getting stuffed. But thanks.”
“Do you know Anton’s theories about Professor Tuamma?”
“What did he tell you?”
I wasn’t sure if I should or not, but I told him.
“Doppelgänger, huh?”
“Yeah. I could feel the evil in the girls’ bathroom and in the locker room. Did you feel anything in the cafeteria when Professor Tuamma approached us?”
He picked up a tortilla chip from the plate and sank it into the guacamole. “What do you mean?”
“Did you sense hate or anger?”
“I don’t know. I was angry.”
“But did you sense that from Professor Tuamma?”
He studied me. “I wasn’t really paying attention, to be honest.” He went silent for a minute. “No, I didn’t. She seemed uneasy and nervous.”
I smirked. “Because of you.”
“I have that effect on people sometimes.”
I laughed. “So, I have noticed.”
He glanced at my half empty plate. “Are you done?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I’m stuffed.”
He picked up the tray and put it on the nearby table. “So, tell me something, are you and Bo together?”
That hit me out of left field. “What?”
“Why do you ask? You’re with Demi.”
He sighed and crossed his arms. “I guess so. That’s what everyone expects. At least my parents do, the Golden Demon council, even the people at the Academy.”
I frowned. “You don’t sound excited about it.”
“I told you once before.” He leaned over and clasped my chin. “I play by my own rules.”
My heart beat faster, and my skin tingled. His warmth breath sent a fire of desire brushing through me. What was it about him?
I couldn’t take my gaze over his parted lips. He bent his head and kissed me, long and deeply. He tasted of guacamole, but something much more. Power, seductiveness, and temptation. We weren’t supposed to do this. I should have broken away, but I found myself indulging in his kiss and falling under his spell.
No one, not even Bo, turned me into a wanton hussy. Images of running my hands over his naked skin and his hands and lips on mine made me pant harder.
He planted kisses down my throat, and he whispered in my ear, “You’re
all I think about.”
“Lucien,” I panted. “We can’t do this. We’re not supposed to do this. You’re a golden demon, a prince, and I’m a dragon. A dragon who was raised human.”
He kissed the hollow between my breasts. His stubble beard grazed over my skin, and I shivered.
His hair tickled my already hot skin. “I know, and I don’t care.”
I put my hands on his chest. “We need to stop…”
Before we do something really stupid.
He looked up at me. “You didn’t answer my question?”
I blinked. “What?”
“Are you with Bo?”
I cocked my eyebrow. “Are you with Demi?”
He pulled away. “So, we’re at a standstill.”
“I guess we are.” I cleared my throat and needed to think of something fast. “We need a code word.”
“I beg your pardon?” He brushed his thumb down my bruised lips. “To steal kisses?”
I shook my head and whispered, “No against the evil.”
He dropped his arm. “That puts a damper on what we were just doing.”
I pushed my lips together and could still taste him.
He put his hands on his knees. “So, what is this code word you’re talking about?”
“Mom used to do this with me. We had a code word if anyone were to pick me up or call me when I was alone. If they were approved, they’d know the word.”
“Which was?”
“You’re going to laugh.”
He crossed his heart. “No, I won’t. I promise.”
I threw my arms wide. “Dragon.”
“You’re shitting me?”
“No, I’m not. I always wondered why mom picked that word.” I looked down at my crossed hands. “Now, I know.”
“Is that word you want to use now?”
I shook my head. “No. Supernaturals would probably guess something like that. It has to be something they would never even think of.”
“Then what?”
I licked my lips and flashed him a grin. “Guacamole.”
He tilted his head back and roared with laughter. I never heard him let loose like that, and I liked the sound of it.
He kissed me. “Guacamole, it is.”
I took a deep breath. My gaze focused on his warm lips, and all I thought about was indulging in temptation one more time, but heavy footsteps echoed down the wooden hallway.
Lucien returned to his chair and was back to his kingly look.
“Lucien,” I whispered. “No one can know about the code except for us. Not even Anton. Because we won’t know who to trust.”
He nodded just as Anton returned.
“Oh, good. Raven, I see you had something to eat.” He flicked his hand. “Lucien, you can return her tray, and then my dear Raven, I think it is time to rest. You will be having a busy week. Tomorrow, you’ll return to your classes, but I will be excluding you from physical activities… for now.”
Lucien picked up my tray. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Raven.” He nodded. “Anton.”
“Good night, Lucien.” Anton sat next to me.
I watched Lucien leave, wishing I had time to tell him about the voice.
But he distracted me on so many different levels. Every time I was around him, he turned my world upside-down. And to the answer to his question about Bo, I had no idea. I had feelings for Bo, but they were different than Lucien. Not that I didn’t enjoy kissing him…
I rubbed my forehead and sighed.
“Feeling weary, Raven?”
“Yeah. I guess so.”
“Get some rest. You’ll feel better in the morning, and you might even have some answers.”
I furrowed my brows and brought the quilt up to my neck. Why did Anton always say such cryptic things? Did he mean between Bo and Lucien or something else?
I closed my eyes, not thinking sleep would come, but soon I drifted off.
This time, I didn’t dream about the strange castle.
Chapter 11
Anton finally released me from the infirmary. The first thing I did was go to my dorm and take a long, hot shower. Within minutes, I was dressed and ready for a hearty breakfast.
I grabbed my bags. Mina had already left, but I’d catch up to them.
When I got to the cafeteria, the Royal table was crowded with no place to sit. I didn’t care. I headed for the breakfast line and smiled. Breakfast burritos.
“Guacamole,” a husky voice whispered in my ear.
I jerked back. “Lucien.”
“Good morning.” He flashed his gaze over me. “You’re looking beautiful today.”
“Thank you.” I tilted my head toward the Royal table. “You’ve got a full house today.”
“True, but I’m finished. I’ll keep you company.”
I caught Demi’s scowl. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
He followed my gaze. “She’ll get over it.”
I poured pumpkin spice cream into my coffee. “You’re kidding, right?”
“I’m done eating, Raven. I don’t have to stay and entertain them.”
I put the coffee cup on my tray and sighed. “I guess you don’t.”
He followed me to a half empty table and sat across from me. “Eat up. Class starts in twenty minutes.” His smile died.
Bo sat next to me with a cup of coffee. “Good morning. You’re looking much chipper than when I saw you last.”
I smiled. “It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep, a shower, and a coffee can do for you.”
Lucien looked at me. “But you looked good with your hair tousled in the infirmary. Not many girls can say that.”
“Amen to that.” Bo leaned close. “Don’t look now, but trouble’s coming.” He took a sip of his coffee.
I followed his gaze, and my gut tightened. Both Demi and Vivian headed over toward us. Neither of them looked happy. Vivian sat next to Bo and Demi on the other side of Lucien. It wasn’t my fault both these guys wanted to be by me but try telling them that.
“You’re still looking a little pale, Raven,” Vivian said. “I’m surprised Anton released you.”
Bo winked at me. “I think she looks fine.”
I smiled and went back to eating my sausage, cheese, and egg burrito. Vivian and Demi monopolized the guys’ time, so I could eat. Not that I thought they did on this purpose. God forbid, they do anything nice for me.
“We should go,” Bo said.
I finished the last bite of my burrito. “I’m finished.” I picked up my tray and put on the conveyor belt that took it to the dishwasher.
I turned around and ran into Lucien. His massive chest was like a wall.
He grinned. “Ready for your first day?”
Bo waited for me at the table. Vivian crossed her arms and tapped her feet. Yup, that’s who I wanted to escort me to class.
“You know he’s going to want to walk me to Anton’s.”
“Yup. I’ll meet you down in the dungeon. See you there.” He headed toward the front door where Demi waited for him. Worry glimmered in her eyes. Did she already guess she was losing him? If not to me, to someone else? Like Vivian, I felt for her. How could anyone ever get over Lucien? He’d be worse to get over than Bo.
I sighed. I forgot our secret classroom was down in the depths of Legacy.
Bo tilted his head. “Ready for your first one-on-one with Anton?”
I hated lying to him, but I cleared my throat. “Yeah, sure.”
Bo, Vivian, and I walked toward Anton’s quarters. Anton stood on the steps and smiled as we approach.
“Ah, Raven. Go ahead and sit at my desk. I’ll be in there in a minute.”
“Bye guys,” I mumbled. Lying to them about who my real teacher was didn’t sit well with me, but Anton had his reasons for this gigantic secret.
I brushed past him and sat in one of the high red leather chairs in front of his desk.
Screeech Screeech Screech
I gasped and slowly stood
on my shaking legs. The bookcase to the left of Anton’s desk slowly moved. I swear my heart beat faster than when I faced Professor Tuamma in the locker room.
“Anton…?” My squeaky voice was quieter than a frightened mouse.
I thought about shifting and freezing the sucker who walked out from behind the bookcase.
Suddenly, a tall, muscular figure slipped out.
“Hey, Raven.”
I exhaled a loud burst of air and slumped down in Anton’s chair. I put a shaking hand on my sweating forehead.
Lucien’s smile faded. “You’re as white as a ghost. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I dropped my arm. “Well, you scared the life out of me.”
He grinned. “I guess it’s good you have nine lives.”
“Ha, Ha,” I muttered. I grabbed my bag. “So, that’s a secret passage.”
“Yeah.” He tilted his head. “Goes down to the dungeon.”
“What’s our secret code?”
He laughed. “Guacamole. Don’t worry. It’s me.”
I smiled. “Just had to make sure.”
He motioned with his arm. “Come on.”
I followed him down the stairs. I expected a spooky dark stairwell, but instead, torches flickered and revealed clean, white halls and hardwood stairs. It felt warm and cozy.
Lucien led me down into the supposed called dungeon. Rather than torture devices, it was a great room with a roaring a roaring fireplace, books shelves, and a big wooden table.
“This is the dungeon?”
He shrugged. “Not what you expected, huh?”
I put my bag on the table. “No, it’s not.”
“Don’t be fooled.” He pointed to a close door. “The cells are on the other side of that door.”
“Really? Can I see?”
“Sure, if you want.” He opened the door, and a florescent light revealed a long row of cells. Glass doors revealed cells with a cot, sink, and a toilet. My throat immediately closed up.
“My mom’s in a place like this,” I mumbled.
Lucien put his arm around me. “I know. I’m sorry.”
His warm breath brushed over the back of my neck. The tenseness in me edged away. I nodded. “Okay, I’m done with exploring.”
“Let’s get started.” He escorted me to the table.
He took the seat opposite me. “So, what do you know about golden demon powers?”