VICIOUS SOULS

SAINTS ACADEMY #3

KC KEAN

Copyright © 2022 KC Kean

www.authorkckean.com

Published by Featherstone Publishing Ltd

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referred to in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Cover Design: Covers by Christian

Editing: Valerie Swope

Proofreader: Sassi’s Editing Services

Interior Formatting & Design: Sloane Murphy

Vicious Souls/ KC Kean – 1st ed.

ISBN 13 -

CONTENTS

Summary

1.  Khaos

2.  Zen

3.  Rhea

4.  Rhea

5.  Rhea

6.  Rhea

7.  Rhea

8.  Zen

9.  Rhea

10.  Rhea

11.  Rhea

12.  Khaos

13.  Rhea

14.  Xander

15.  Xander

16.  Rhea

17.  Rhea

18.  Rhea

19.  Adonis

20.  Rhea

21.  Khaos

22.  Rhea

23.  Rhea

24.  Rhea

25.  Rhea

26.  Rhea

27.  Rhea

28.  Xander

29.  Rhea

30.  Adonis

31.  Khaos

Afterword

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by KC Kean

To Michael, I fucking love you.

Those motherfuckers have no clue who they’re messing with, but I’m more than happy to show them.

RHEA HARRINGTON

SUMMARY

S oooo, we’re just about ready to dive into book three, let's recap.

Xander dicked us and turned into a wolf with amber eyes.

Adonis dicked us which was interrupted by Zellus, asshole, and he now has hot lilac eyes and glamor skills like a boss.

Zen dicked us and got the ability to heal, although he feels the pain too. He’s hiding some black wings, and now has some magically blue eyes.

Khaos is still a dick. A hot dick with those piercing green eyes, butttt still a dick.

Harmonia is our sister from another mister, while the twins Thalia and Cassandra complete our circle of friends. But Selene, the supreme bitch, and Hector are the cunts of the earth.

Nyx and Zeus are our parents, barf, and Zellus locked us in a cage in his room - see asshole.

We are still struggling like hell with this magic shit but no one needs to know that, right?

We may be reckless, and we may be damaged, but fuck are we vicious!

1

KHAOS

I  was a fool.

Fuck.

I still am and I need to fix that. I’d rather do it now since I’m ready for this assembly to be over. I need to get the fuck away from all of these people, the Hex included, and take a minute to catch my breath. Preferably with Rhea beside me. The thought of spending time alone with her kicks up my heart rate.

I need to know she’s okay because Gods know that I’m not. Not for myself, I’m fine, but I’m worried for her. The woman I’ve pushed away with every ounce of my strength, and for what? Absolutely nothing.

My heart continues to pound rapidly in my chest, a mixture of anger, fear, and adrenaline coursing through my veins as I glance in Rhea’s direction once more. I feel raw, my emotions spread thin with all the pure, unadulterated anger that consumed me from the moment Adonis interrupted our class with a limp Rhea in his arms.

Seeing her unmoving, my heart stopped, fearing the worst for my drop of Venom, but thankfully Zen rushed to the rescue. Always the hero. And in this case, I’m forever in his debt for it.

Whatever was holding me back shattered in that moment, my restraint gone.

And now, I have blood on my hands. The blood of the Blair brothers, and I really don’t give a fuck.

Not an ounce of guilt or sympathy. They don’t deserve it.

Then to watch her and Zen rebuild Adonis’ power by fucking right there in front of me. There are no words… her body, her soft moans, and the curve of her lips as she smiled with ecstasy. Her eyes touched mine, only fueling the invisible connection between us, and I knew, right then and there, I was a goner.

I wet my dry lips, feeling my mother staring at me as I twist my gaze back to the front, but I refuse to meet her eyes, worried like always that she’ll push me back into my corner. This forces me to become a shell of who I am, one that throws up walls so thick they’re impenetrable, causing me to piss everyone off around me, including myself. All because I let my mother get into my head.

I’ve realized putting distance between Rhea and me isn’t protecting her. I can see that now. Her lifeless body earlier confirmed it, pushing me full force into my true reality, and not the one I’d made up in my mind.

We’re stronger together; the end of the Blair brothers proved that too.

Fuck my mother, and her ability to leach every ounce of emotional strength from me. I’m done playing a victim of her manipulation and controlling ways. It’s time I did what was right for me, my unit, and my woman.

Shifting my eyes to Rhea once more, I watch with bated breath as her body stiffens from head to toe, and panic immediately consumes me as I watch her nose wrinkle in confusion. It’s the briefest of moments, before she rises out of her seat, eyes wide with shock as she swirls in place midair, before suddenly… vanishing.

One breath, two breath, three.

I suddenly feel like I’m suffocating, the air thickening with each inhale and exhale. I was too busy ignoring what was happening in front of me as I got lost in my own mind, and now she’s gone.

All at once anger radiates through me, a ticking time bomb ready to detonate on its own accord as my body vibrates with the excess energy. Rising to my feet, my head swivels to the podium up front, repeating the parting words I managed to catch from Zellus.

“With that said, you’re to be placed in isolation until further notice.”

Rhea. What the fuck? My hands clench at my sides as I scan my darkened gaze across every member of the Hex standing up there with, no, not with him, but beside him. Helplessness threatens to creep up my spine, panic grappling at my ankles, desperate to pull me into despair, but I cling to my fury, refusing to falter before these motherfuckers.

Zeus looks completely unfazed, fixing the sleeves of his blazer nonchalantly, like his own flesh and blood wasn’t just sentenced to punishment, in the form of isolation, by Zellus. Had he authorized someone to take his goddamn daughter away? And for what reason? Because they’re threatened or scared?

This is a stark reminder that these motherfuckers will do whatever they please to whomever they please.

Dante, Rhea’s ex, who always likes to appear in the most inconvenient way, sheepishly looks toward the exit to my far right. He’s going to fucking find her before I do, and it enrages me. This prick probably has something to do with this too.

Arch-angel Gabriel, and leader of the shifters, Artemis, slightly shake their heads in disbelief. While my mother simply stands with her arms folded over her chest, fingers tapping in disappointment as she glares right at me like this is my fault.

She can fuck off right now.

Tearing my gaze from the front, I don’t miss Zellus’ smug grin that he aims directly at us as I turn to my brothers. Xander, Zen, and Adonis are all standing too, anger blazing from their eyes, as dark as mine are, and a sense of relief that I’m not alone in my emotions washes over me.

I need a distraction. Something. Anything to calm me down so I can think through my racing thoughts.

I just need to find her.

“They just took her right from us,” I bite, a man of few words, but there’s no other way to describe the disbelief I feel at the way the Hex and Zellus continue to treat Rhea. There’s no denying it, they’re intimidated by her power and since they can’t control Rhea, they’re going to suppress her.

Adonis’ eyes immediately flash to lilac, his hands fisting at his sides as he takes a step toward the stage. “Bring. Her. Back. Now.” His tone is menacing, but I sense the build up of emotional tension and panic like I feel in every word that falls from his mouth.

Zellus smirks, shrugging his shoulders, feigning nonchalance, which only seems to heighten the emotions bubbling inside of me.

“Unfortunately, until further notice she—”

“Fuck you, and fuck your further notice. You can’t do this,” Zen interjects, his voice trembling from the unrestrained hatred as his eyes flash blue, and the floor begins to rumble beneath our feet.

I make a mental note that Zen clearly has more than the ability to heal, but for now, I force my facial expression to remain neutral, not wanting to give anything away, especially not to my mother.

Scanning the line once more, my jaw tenses when I realize Dante has fucking disappeared.

I twist my head to murmur in Xander’s ear. I might be pissed at his absence from today’s shitshow revolving around the fucked up Blair brothers and their now… lifeless bodies. But he’s still my fucking brother, and he still cares about Rhea. Shit, he’s her first sealed soul for fuck’s sake. “Dante’s gone.” I don’t need to say any more, it’s obvious where he headed off to.

Fucker still wants what doesn’t belong to him.

“Mr. Elias, I recommend—”

“I recommend you choose your next words wisely, Zellus,” a male voice booms from the back of the hall, drawing everyone’s attention, and I can’t help but gape in surprise as Zen’s parents stand at the end of the aisle.

“Thank the Gods,” Zen mutters under his breath as I shake my head in disbelief.

Yeah, thank the Gods. At least one set of our parents aren’t a total bag of dicks and actually fucking care about their child.

Not like my mother and Adonis’ father, who are up on the fucking stage allowing this to happen.

Glancing back at the assholes in question, I notice the visible surprise on Zellus’ face, but it’s quickly swept away as he plasters on another fake smile. The rest of the assembly hall is sitting in pure silence, eating up the scene before them as my anger levels increase. “Mr. and Mrs. Elias, what a pleasure. Please, follow me,” he murmurs, pointing for them to exit to the left, the opposite way of where Dante went.

While they’re making their way through the aisle, eyes fixed straight ahead with determination in every stride, I remain in place, wondering what the ever-loving fuck is going on. But all Zellus says to the students is, “Dismissed.” Before turning on his heel and exiting.

I gape in bewilderment at his casual dismissal of everyone as the Hex departs in seperate directions.

“Those pretentious, self-centered cunts,” Harmonia bites, stomping her foot as she whirls around to face us. “You better figure this the fuck out.” She points a small finger in our direction like she’s the one giving orders. “I’ll find Thalia and Cassandra, and you lot, find our fucking girl.”

She doesn’t wait to see if we comply or not, she simply spins, and marches back to the row of pews the twins are sitting in.

“She’s right, we need to get to Rhea before anyone else, especially if my parents are distracting Zellus right now. That could work in our favor,” Zen explains, and I nod in agreement.

The hall fills with chatter, a mixture of gossip and disbelief at what just happened, but I don’t have time for any of that shit. A cackle swirls around me, the source coming from across the aisle, and I know it’s Selene. I refuse to give her the attention she desires, so before she can make any further attempts to try and suck us into her pathetic game, I shove Xander toward the exit.

No one has to tell us where she is. They don’t have to do anything because I’ll fucking find her myself.

2

ZEN

I  don’t think I have ever loved my parents more than I do now. I have no idea why or how they knew I needed them, but fuck, I’m glad they did. I’m not ashamed to be a twenty-two year old guy relying on his parents, especially when Zellus would usually be trying to turn them against me. Like he’s done with Xander’s parents.

Fucking dick.

The situation with Rhea is a huge mess, but we can’t dig deeper into it until we find her. Wherever the fuck that is.

“We’re all mad, Zen, but goddamn, would you calm down? The entire Academy is shaking,” Adonis states, a hint of mirth in his tone, but the concern in his eyes makes me pause just outside of the doorway.

It’s that noticeable, huh?

The ground rumbles beneath my feet, the walls vibrating with the shock as the sound of glass shattering rings out somewhere in the distance. The path is clear in front of us, everyone else keeping their distance as they sense the rage fueling our every step.

I take a deep breath and shake my hands out at my side, but it does little to subdue the mess taking over the building.

Now isn’t one of the best times to learn of my other gifts, but I can’t control it. My anger is off the charts. After we just handled the Blair brothers, I was hoping for a moment of calm. Just a single moment. But of course not. Of course the Academy, or more specifically, Zellus, would pull the rug out from under our feet. The dean is clearly fearful of Rhea even though she hasn’t used her power in a threatening way. It’s only triggered when she has to protect herself.

“Sorry,” I grumble, taking a deep breath, then another, and another, until I can contain the rage thrumming through my body. With my hands clenched at my side, and my jaw so tight it could cut steel, I nod once, the shaking coming to a stop as I release a sigh of relief, before proceeding through the hallway.

“Where the fuck are we looking first?” Xander asks gruffly, his body as tense as mine as he swipes his hair back off his face. “I can’t even fucking smell her right now.” I can see the concern, dread, and helplessness that washes over his features as he acknowledges that little fact out loud, and my gut clenches in response.

“I don’t know,” Khaos grunts, running his tongue over his teeth in annoyance as he stops at the end of the corridor. “Where the fuck do they take people that have done nothing wrong, but get swept up by magic and transported before our very eyes?” he adds, clearly thinking out loud as I look back and forth down the hallways once more. I don’t even know what I’m looking for, a sign, a feeling, Zellus?

“We could walk these halls a hundred times and get nowhere. We need to ask someone,” Adonis states, like it can just be that easy, and I scoff.

“That doesn’t seem likely. Most people here don’t like Rhea so why would they help her?” I grumble, trying to remain calm and relaxed to set the tone for the four of us, but our emotions are getting the better of us.

“It’s worth a try, and it’s the only idea we have right now,” Xander says, nodding his head toward the left, and we immediately head in that direction. Moving toward the administration department, Khaos ups his pace so he’s in front, and when we approach the first door, he barges in without knocking.

I fight back the fear that tries to consume me, remembering that Rhea is in danger every moment she’s not with us, especially after what happened earlier with the Blair brothers.

Nothing matters but finding her.

He quickly scans the room, but instantly steps back with a shake of his head when there’s no one present. We walk further down the hall, frustration getting the better of us when we continue to come up empty, until the final door on the left swings open to reveal Noreen, the head administrator. Thank fuck.

She startles at our entrance, but doesn’t seem all that shocked to see us as she sits at the desk with her hands frozen midair. She quirks an eyebrow, waiting expectantly for us to speak. Which seems pointless because she knows damn well what we’re here for, she just wants us to say it. Out loud.

“Rhea?” Khaos grunts, not requiring any more words than that, and she shakes her head with a roll of her eyes, but when she sighs, bracing her elbows on the desk, I know we have her. I’m not sure what her reasoning is, but my gut knows she’s going to help.

“We all know Zellus for the man he is, boys. Think about it, it’s really not that hard to figure out where she is.” With that, she waves a hand dismissively, before adjusting the glasses on her nose and flicking through the documents in front of her, like we aren’t even here.

Fucking riddles. There’s always fucking riddles at this place.

None of us prod further, stepping out into the hall with a frown as we glance between each other.

“We all know Zellus for the man he is… what does that mean?” Adonis murmurs, scratching at his temple as he thinks.

“It means he’s a dramatic asshole who loves to put on a show regardless of the audience,” Xander retorts with a bite to his tone, one I feel vibrate through me too, and I nod in agreement.

“Everything is a spectacle,” Khaos adds, and a sneer plays across his lips.

“Agreed,” I contribute, swiping my hair back off my face in agitation, until it dawns on me and I pause, my fingers laced through my hair as I gape in surprise. “Which means there’s only one place he would keep her.”

Saying it out loud kicks me into motion, and I find myself barging past my brothers, rushing to the end of the hall and turning right before I respond to them calling out my name.

“For fuck’s sake, Zen, explain,” Adonis gripes, catching up quickly as I wet my lips, hoping I’m not wrong.

“Zellus is a cunt, through and through, and he’s going to want her to be where it suits him best. If he’s placing her in isolation, he’s going to watch her, all smug and shit, like he’s bested us and everyone else. He’ll take pride in holding her captive,” I explain, glancing back over my shoulder as I watch Khaos’ eyes flash with understanding. Zellus is fucking predictable and it’s his own arrogance that exposes him.

“His office.”

I nod, not needing to speak my confirmation as I hear Adonis and Xander curse. Colorfully and absolutely justified.

Rushing toward his office, I take the next left, only to stumble to a stop a mere foot away from Zeus just as he’s exiting through a portal. I manage to regain my balance, but he doesn’t hang around.

My pulse rings in my ears as I frown, dusting off my jacket. I hear the voice of Zellus coming from the conference room just before his office, and it completely distracts me from the asshole that filled the hallway moments ago.

The soothing tone the scumbag probably thinks he’s using actually sounds patronizing. It’s almost laughable as I listen to Zellus trying to sway my parents into believing his lies. Before I can consider confronting him there or proceeding to his office, the choice is taken from me as he steps out into the hallway, my parents hot on his heels.

“What are you doing here?” Zellus bites, his eyes ablaze, like he clearly can’t handle whatever is going on between him and my parents. But Khaos steps in front of us all again, his chin jutting up with a hint of arrogance as he looks him over. Zellus almost looks frazzled for the first time ever, frustration getting the better of him for a change. His hair isn’t quite as well kept as usual, and wrinkles frame his eyes as he fights to keep a neutral face.

“You’re going to tell me where Rhea is, or I’m going to destroy this fucking place trying to find her,” he states, his voice dark and void of any emotion other than anger, but Zellus simply shakes his head and scoffs.

“Watch your tone with my family, Zellus,” my dad grunts, arms folding over his chest and his eyes menacing, a totally strange and unusual look for him, but I appreciate the level of protectiveness he’s showing my unit.

To the outside looking in, the Elias family is always calm, collected, and righteous, but if you fuck with us, you’re going to bare the consequences. So here we are, demanding our wants and needs are met without thought for any other person.

“Son,” my mother says softly, stepping away from my father to squeeze my arm in comfort. “I believe she’s in there, you go on through,” she says with a soft smile, pointing toward Zellus’ office.

Xander rushes toward the door, Zellus’ shouts cut short as no one pays him any attention. I squeeze my mother’s hand in return, but I don’t turn to look down at her, instead I keep my vision straight ahead as I follow after my brothers. I can thank them both after Rhea is safe.

“Thank fuck,” Xander grunts, relief washing over him as his shoulders sag, the office door crashing against the wall. But his moment of reprieve is short lived as he turns to glare at Zellus, while Adonis and Khaos step around him. “Why the fuck is she in a goddamn cage?”

His eyes are amber, his pupils barely more than a slit as he growls. Blood trickles down from his fisted hands, making me pause, then I realize his claws are protruding and digging into his palms.

“Fuck him, Xander, go to her,” I murmur, soft in my approach so I don’t startle the wolf in him any further, and he thankfully turns to enter the room again, hearing my order as I follow after him.

“How dare you all just…” I don’t hear the rest of Zellus’ complaint as I come face to face with my firecracker.

All at once, it feels like my heart begins to beat again, my soul swirling happily within me, desperate to reach out to her.

Her brilliant red eyes meet my stormy blues, and my usual sense of calm rushes over me. I don’t like the situation, and I certainly don’t like to see her behind those bars, but she’s here in front of me, and that’s far better than earlier.

She looks exactly as she did before being taken from her seat, only slightly more frayed around the edges with her brown hair loose from her hair tie, and her uniform a little rumpled. I want to run my fingers down her cheek, pull her in close and smell her floral shampoo as I rest my chin on her head.

Then I want to fuck her all over again, just like earlier.

But that will all have to wait.

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulls me from my thoughts. I don’t know who it was though as I approach my firecracker. “Hey,” she murmurs softly, her fingers wrapping around the bar as she nibbles on her lip softly.

“Hey,” I say with a soft smile, ignoring the others as I reach through the bars to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Everything okay?” I ask quietly, wanting to be sure she’s not just putting on a stellar show, but she nods in confirmation, and I take her at her word.

I sense my brothers edging closer, wanting to see Rhea with their own eyes, but I can’t pull my gaze away from her, too relieved with her presence to consider anyone but myself.

“Now that we’re all here, I think Zellus may continue,” my mother starts, eyes fully focused on him, making sure the dickhead knows that she’s giving him approval to begin speaking. As she approaches my side I reluctantly drop my hand from Rhea. She nervously glances toward my mother, a slight crinkle of confusion between her brows, and I realize she’s never met my mom. Or even knew that she was aware I had told my parents about her. I’m just about to explain when my mother continues. “I want to know why you think it is suitable to place my son’s sealed soul…” she pauses again, turning from Zellus back to Rhea with a joyous smile on her face, giving a quirky wink, before her death glare crosses her face once more. “In such inhumane confinements. She is of the utmost importance to him, his unit, and to us. She shall not be treated like an object for your amusement.”

My eyes widen in surprise at the force behind my mother’s words, and when I glance at Rhea, I see her just as taken aback as I am. The surprise is real in her face as her jaw slackens slightly.

Zellus clears his throat, and I’m already pissed off with whatever is about to fall out of his mouth. Just him breathing the same air as us even pisses me off. “Unfortunately, other parents don’t feel the same,” he replies, a fake apologetic tone lacing his words as he glances directly at Xander, and I have to take a deep breath to not lash out at Zellus.

Xander doesn’t need this shit right now, he’s already beating himself up because of others.

First his parents betrayed him.

Fuck.

Then he finds Rhea locked in the cage.

Double fuck.

If the amber glimmer in his eyes is anything to go by, he’s ready to shift into his wolf if I don’t get a handle on the situation fast.

“Always causing a spectacle knowing you’ll get a raw reaction by antagonizing people,” Adonis hisses, moving to stand between Xander and Zellus with a determined look on his face, but Zellus continues to act unfazed. He fucking gets off on this stuff.

What brings me peace right now, is knowing he will continue to underestimate us, time and time again, and I’m going to be utterly euphoric when we bring him to his knees. The beauty of it all is knowing Zellus won’t see it coming.

“She needs to prove herself and make her agenda clear so there’s no cause for concern. Being the offspring of Nyx leaves her questionable. We need to make sure the community is safe,” he says with a shrug, tucking his hands into his pockets, talking about Rhea like she’s not even here, and that just pisses me off even further.

“And how exactly do you expect her to do that when you haven’t given us any proof that she’s been a danger to begin with?” My mother retorts, offering a tight smile to Rhea and responding to Zellus’ bullshit before she has a chance to herself, but Rhea just gapes at her with a complete ‘what the fuck is going on’ face.

“Once I’ve discussed this with the Hex, we’ll figure it out from there. Until then she’ll—”

“If you dare fucking say she’ll stay in isolation, in that cage, I will rain havoc down on you, dickhead,” my mother growls, her face reddening as she interrupts Zellus. Her anger is on another level, matching that of my brothers and I, and I’ve never been more grateful for her in my life.

Zellus swipes a hand through his hair with a fake smile, his eyes cold as he draws in slow, steady breaths like he’s trying his damndest to suppress the anger that burns deep within him. “I understand your concerns but, Mrs. Elias, it’s for her own good. I am only looking out for Miss Harrington’s well-being,” he starts, attempting to soothe my mother, but she scoffs, planting her hands on her hips as she glares at him.

“No it fucking isn’t.” Silence descends over the room for a moment, everyone watching their interaction as the sound of my mother’s heavy breathing fills the room. “You can do nothing tonight. Not a single thing, and I will not allow you to keep her as a prisoner in a cage in your office for your own sick pleasure.”

Zellus glances between Rhea, my parents, and the four of us standing guard around her cage. In slow motion, I watch as he loses a little of the fight within him, shoulders slumping and sighing dejectedly, knowing full well he isn’t going to get away with this crock of shit.

“Everything must be approved by the Hex, Mrs. Elias,” he responds, like he hasn’t listened to a damn word she’s said, and it stokes the fire of anger inside me, making it flare again.

“Please, you're full of shit, Zellus,” my dad gripes, stepping up to my mother and wrapping an arm around her shoulders sweetly. “Always have been, always will be,” he continues with a shrug of his own. “You want them to do your bidding, just like you manipulated someone else’s parents, forcing their hand to aid in whatever it is you have planned for Rhea. You should be ashamed of yourself.” I sense a wave of mixed emotions seep through Xander as he hears my father’s words, understanding that he and his parents are not to truly blame here, but Zellus himself.

I turn my attention back to Rhea, surprised she’s remained so quiet throughout this entire cluster fuck. I offer her a reassuring smile, one she returns immediately, before her eyes glance down at the floor. My eyes follow her line of sight, and I pause, catching a glimpse of the shattered seeker.

Holy fuck.

None of us had seen it when we walked in.

When did she break it?

Had we taken that long to find her?

I hate that she must have felt helpless enough to reach for it.

“Tomorrow morning,” I hear my father state, my mind confused since I zoned out from the conversation, but in the next breath, the sound of a lock unclicking catches my attention, and the metal bars between my firecracker and I are eliminated. My hands tremble from the immediate relief I feel by the sound of her freedom.

“Get me the hell out of here,” she whispers, pressing herself into my side, and I nod. I don’t wait around. I don’t even acknowledge my parents a second longer. I simply wrap my arm around my girl’s shoulders and pull her in close, kissing her temple instinctively.

I feel my brothers right behind me, fighting to take the spot on her left as we move, but none of that matters. All that’s important right now, is getting the heart of our unit as far away from this room as possible.

For her sake, and for ours.

3

RHEA

M y head is pounding from all of the stress and anxiety, but my heart is no longer racing with fear in my chest now that my guys surround me.

My Elites.

They’re my… everything it seems.

It’s an odd sensation, to acknowledge the truth of those words. A concept that I’m not accustomed to, but having them near me, especially after everything we’ve been through today, settles my soul, knowing I don’t have to fight this alone.

The realization is freeing, liberating. It’s no longer Rhea Harrington from Phoenix Valley against the world and fuck that feels amazing.

With Zen’s arm secured around my shoulders, and Adonis’ fingers laced with mine, I sense both Xander and Khaos remaining quiet and contemplative on either side of us. I want to reassure Xander everything’s okay, and look into Khaos’ eyes to see if there is still that new, less angry look, but I’m too drained to do either.

We step through the portal heading to Agion Hall without a backward glance, and I find myself squeezing Adonis’ hand tightly for a brief moment as we move through the billowing black smoke.

Fuck.

It’s not the portal that I have an issue with, it’s just my brain confused by the motion. After literally being lifted from my seat in the assembly hall, and dropped into a fucking cage in Zellus’ office, I feel shaken to the core. The skittish feeling creeping up my spine unwelcomingly.

The guys slow as we near Xander’s room, and he clears his throat nervously, looking at the ground to avoid my gaze. “Rhea, I—”

I step out from between Adonis and Zen, cutting off Xander’s words as I waste no time pressing my body into his. I reach up, cupping his face as I pull him down to me, before touching my lips to his.

It’s gentle, soft, and caressing.

It’s home and safe.

It’s reassurance, and a reminder that we are more than Zellus and his manipulations.

Reluctantly pulling back, even with heavy eyelids, I look up through my lashes to meet his swirling brown orbs as I offer a small smile in reassurance. “Everything is okay, Xander. I swear, but I’m fucking exhausted, so I’m going to take a minute for myself and then crash.” I watch as his face drops immediately, a protest on his lips, but I reach up on my tiptoes quickly to place a quick kiss at the corner of his mouth to calm him down. “I just need a minute to rest, then we need to have a discussion about how we can put that big bed of yours to good use going forward,” I add with a wink, watching his eyes widen, twinkling with surprise and excitement.

“Do you mean…”

He can’t seem to bring himself to finish his sentence, so I do it for him. “That I want to convince you to let the others in too? Not for sex, but just to be? Yeah. That,” I murmur, and his mouth tilts up in a heartwarming smile as his hands find my waist. Watching his metaphorical walls melt away before my eyes feels like a rare gift that I’m proud of.

It’s his turn to lean forward and offer a soft kiss as he presses his lips against my forehead. My stomach pools with a warmth I’m getting more and more familiar with, and my body relaxes even further at the simple gesture.

“I was working up to ask you the same thing,” Xander mumbles in response, and I smile, taking a step back, his hands falling reluctantly to his side as I feel a body collide with mine from behind.

“You know I’ll do whatever makes you happy, Firecracker,” Zen says against my ear, confirming he was the body I connected with as he wraps his arms around my hips. “But we need to discuss the fact that the seeker was shattered on the office floor, Rhea.”

His words make me pause, my teeth nibbling into my bottom lip nervously. “I know, and we will, but does it have to be right now? Today has wiped the floor with me, and I’m not going to lie, the cage, it… fucked with my head. I just need a moment to breathe, ground myself, and then we’ll discuss all of the things you have questions about,” I offer in response, tilting my head to the side to look up at him, but I sense Xander, Adonis, and Khaos looking at me too. The questions are hanging in the air, but I’m more than happy to ignore them, bury my head in the sand for a little while longer.

Zen nods gently, placing a kiss on my temple as he circles his arm around mine soothingly, pulling me into his chest. “Whatever you need,” he murmurs, reluctantly releasing his hold on me as Adonis slings his arm over my shoulders without pausing, starting to guide me toward the stairs without a word.

My eyes linger on Khaos’ a moment, his shimmering green orbs bright beneath the hair covering his forehead, and I desperately want to reach out to him, have a moment with him before I leave. But any consideration or thought that it might happen instantly dissolves between us as he offers me a pained look, before turning on his heels and unlocking his door. Going from a calm, relaxed Khaos that I’ve not really had the pleasure of meeting before, to the man with his eyebrows permanently pinched together and his jaw so tight he could cut glass.

I sigh, but keep my pace with Adonis. My body starts to feel sluggish as we reach the top of the staircase. Adonis doesn’t say a word, but I can already sense he’s going to be the most difficult to convince that I need some time to just be. His steps don’t slow as we approach my door, and I roll my eyes when he comes to a stop beside me.

This fucker knows exactly what he’s doing because he’s silent as fuck too.

Turning to look up at him, I see an innocent grin on his lips, and I shake my head at his antics, struggling to keep the smile from my face. Before I can even begin to speak, he beats me to it. “Baby, you have two options, waste a lot of your breath right here, telling me all the reasons why you need to be alone, only for me to go into my room and walk right through the bathroom to get to you. I can do it immediately or the second you fall asleep, creepy or not,” he states with a pointed look. “Or, you can get over it and let me in now, saving all of the wasted time and effort making me work for it when you know you’re going to cave. The others may know you have your shit together, but well, you’ve met this needy fucking soul of yours,” he murmurs, pointing unashamedly at his chest.

He pauses, taking a deep breath, and I see the shift in his expression. Gone is the playful Adonis with the innocent grin and a twinkle in his eye. He’s been replaced by a much more serious version of himself, one filled with anguish, which leaves me worried about what might spill from his lips. “And I can’t fucking stand for you to be out of my sight tonight. Not after how depleted I was earlier, then the fear I felt when you disappeared before my very eyes. It’s been a bit much for one day.”

The pain he speaks of shines brightly in his eyes, an expression I wish would never have to mar his gorgeous face, but today it’s there all the same.

I wet my lips, considering his words, and the fucker knows he has me when I sigh, reaching my palm out to unlock my door. Emotions used to be hard for me to handle, but when I feel the same pain in my chest as what I see in Adonis’ eyes, I know he’s right where he should be. With me.

He drops his arm from around my shoulders and enters my room before me, not giving me a chance to change my mind as I follow in after him. When the door clicks shut behind me, my shoulders sag in relief. This room is technically a bigger version of the cage back in Zellus’ office in the grand scheme of things, but it’s much less confined, and I don’t feel as unnerved. It’s my safe haven in a twisted web of lies and half truths. Or as safe as it’s going to get I guess.

Leaning back against the door, I attempt to take a few calming breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly as I kick my shoes off, all while watching Adonis strip out of his uniform, right down to his boxers, before digging himself beneath my sheets.

Only him.

No cares, no concerns, nothing except what makes him selfishly happy. And apparently, that’s me. The comfort that resonates in my chest is indescribable, knowing the guy I first met, with the constant facade, has the ability to just be himself around me.

When he raises a questioning eyebrow at me, I smile, stepping toward him as I too strip out of my uniform.

I drop the blazer first, unbuttoning my shirt as I continue to take small steps toward him, before shimmying out of my skirt and heading toward my chest of drawers and grabbing some pajamas. He doesn’t protest at me covering up, but I hear him groan when I step out of my underwear, discarding my bra before I slip into a pair of loose shorts and one of his t-shirts that he left here. Fuck, it smells like him.

“You’re a fucking vision, baby,” he practically purrs, radiating with sensual energy as his lilac eyes make an appearance and he drags his tongue along his bottom lip.

I roll my eyes, faking annoyance as he pulls back the covers of my bed, and I slink beneath the sheets with him. He doesn’t waste a single moment pulling me in close to him, but to my surprise, he maneuvers me to lie with my head on his shoulder as his arm curls around me. I mold my body to his, lifting my leg over his thigh as I release a heavy breath, and my heart soars when he places a delicate kiss to the crown of my head.

There’s just the two of us. Adonis and I. No pretentious bullshit. No innuendos. No discomfort. Just us.

His fingers play with my hair, lulling me into peacefulness with every stroke as my breathing evens out, and all the stress from today, including the shattered seeker, washes away, leaving me present in the moment with one of my men.

“I was worried today, when my magic barely existed,” he says quietly, and I raise my eyebrows in concern as I tilt my face to look at him. “For me, nothing has ever felt so close to dying than in that moment, Rhea. But I would do it all again to keep you safe.” My heart pounds at his heartfelt confession, and I drag my tongue over my bottom lip as I attempt to find the right words to say in response to something like that.

“It was fucking scary seeing you like that. I felt helpless, broken, and overwhelmed with emotions. I was fucking scared,” I admit, a deeper part of me didn’t think I would ever feel that way, let alone show someone, but here we are. Raw, unmuted, and twisted with torture. Nothing and no one has ever held that kind of power over me before.

Adonis has the ability to make me spill all of my deepest thoughts and feelings to him.

“I fear saying this will only scare you away, Rhea, but we all know I can be a selfish asshole, so here I am doing it anyway,” he mumbles, making my nose crinkle in confusion as I tilt my head back to look at him. The second my eyes meet his lilac pools, he confidently says. “I love you.”

There was no hesitation when he spoke, nothing but reverence in his tone.

Tears prick the back of my eyes in a sudden and surprising burst of emotions bubbling inside of me.

Three words.

Three fucking words that have never been directly said to me before, and they immediately turn me into a pile of icky, emotional mush. Who would have fucking thought the most common phrase to express feelings of love would destroy me?

Maybe that’s why I'm so fearful of them, because never hearing them before has left me vulnerable and raw to the reality of what it means, and now it only offers me weakness.

The Elites are my kryptonite, and I can’t deny I’m okay with that.

As I continue to gape up at Adonis, no words find their way to the tip of my tongue, he offers me a knowing smile and a wink, like he knew exactly the reaction he would get from me, or the lack of one.

“If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?” he asks, continuing to stroke my hair as he looks up at the ceiling. My brain spins in confusion as I watch him slip back to such a casual conversation while I’m still reeling over his words, but if anything, I’m thankful for it.

It’s like he knows exactly what to say and do to pull me out of my own head.

Fuck.

“Anywhere?” I ask, swallowing past the lump in my throat, and he nods in response, a pleased grin on his lips as I think. “Hmm.” I think out loud, trying to decide on a moment in my life where I felt nothing but pure joy.

A time when no human life bullshit weighed me down, and with no supernatural barrel of fuckery attempting to bring me to my knees.

One moment comes to mind.

One moment that immediately has a soft smile curling my lips as I look back at Adonis. “The calmest I’ve ever felt in my life was when Zen, Xander, Khaos, and you took me out by the lake on Christmas Eve and showed me snow.”

Admitting that out loud feels more intimate than those three words he murmured moments ago, but the way he looks down at me, a softness to his features as he takes me in, settles my racing pulse and calms my wildly beating heart.

I snuggle into him further, admittedly grateful for his presence, when all of a sudden, snowflakes begin to flutter from the ceiling.

Fucking snowflakes.

SNOWFLAKES.

I reach my hand up in the air before I even realize I’m doing it, a gasp escaping my lips as a shiver runs down my spine. A mixture of the overwhelming sensation and chill washing over me. A small flake lands on my lashes, and I instinctively blink, but I startle when my eyes reopen, my room no longer the space that greets me.

Awe washes over me as I sit up, snow crunching beneath my palms, but it’s not cold as I look out over the lake. Adonis has glamored the room so it looks like we're back at the exact spot where I first saw the snow Zen’s sister created.

His body is still pressed against mine, and I don’t need to look at him to know he has a mischievous grin on his face as he watches me.

Every detail, every last damn leaf is in place, like Agion is on the other side of campus and I’m actually in my happy place. The water of the lake glistens in the distance, the trees of the woods sway around us, and the bristles of the grass under the snow peeks through the piles of white softness.

The most bizarre part is the fact it’s not cold. It’s warm, inviting, and fucking euphoric. I flop back, a puff of white dust billowing around me as a freeing chuckle bursts from my lungs. It’s impossible to keep the smile from my face as I turn to look at the crazy Incubus beside me, the son of Hades, a man that should be everything he is on paper. Gods, the feelings building inside of me are awe inspiring, and I can’t let go.

“Thank you,” I breathe. I know it’s not the three words he murmured to me moments ago, but it’s heartfelt, truthful, and all I have to give right now. Yet he accepts it, his eyes lilac filled with pride, in what specifically I’m unsure, but when he leans up on to his elbows, crooking a finger in my direction, I inch closer. There’s no denying it, I’m fucking drawn to him.

Our lips collide, both of us desperate to feel the other, and I groan.

After a complete fuck up of a day, this is exactly what I needed, even if I didn’t know it myself until now. I appreciate Xander, Zen, and even Khaos, for giving me the space I asked for, but I’m also thankful for this demanding and needy demon beside me, who can read me so well.

Adonis cups my cheek, tilting my head to have better control over my lips, and I let him take the lead as snow continues to flutter around us.

In one swift move, Adonis surprises me as he flips me over, and the feel of the compact snow and slivers of soft grass against my back makes me shiver in anticipation.

“Let me help you forget the shit from today, baby,” he mutters against my mouth, and I find myself nodding before he’s even finished, clutching my arms around his neck as I pull him tighter against me.

The one single move is the only confirmation he needs as he grabs the neckline of the t-shirt I’m wearing, and tears at it. The raw tension in his forearms is hot as fuck, and I love that he used his strength and not his magic to reveal my pebbled nipples to him.

I’m needy for him, for us, in the most perfect glamor he could have created for me.

He instantly discards the material, slipping his hands into the waistband of my shorts to remove them from my body too. Before I know it, I’m sprawled out naked beneath him, the press of his thick cock nudging at my core.

“Fuck.”

I’m not sure which of us curses, possibly both of us as we stare into each other's eyes, electricity zapping between us as I slowly, sensually, reach out to slip my finger inside the waistband of his boxers. I tease the pad of my finger around his waist, barely stifling a groan at the feel of the deep V that disappears beneath the material blocking me from his cock.

When I can take it no longer, I push the black cloth down, and he takes the hint, shuffling them the rest of the way off, revealing his dick as it throbs between us.

“Holy shit,” I say with a groan as he kneels between my thighs, stopping me from clenching them together. The smirk that crosses his lips is menacing, and he knows exactly what he’s doing to me right now. I think I might self-combust if he doesn’t hurry the fuck up.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Rhea,” he states, running his tongue over his bottom lip as he leans closer, chest to chest, and I hiss as my nipples graze his heated skin, but he continues to take his time, running his finger from my temple, all the way down to my collarbone.

“I’m so fucking desperate for you, please don’t make me wait,” I plead in response, lifting my palms to his chest, nails scratching against his flesh as I lift my ass up off the ground, trying to find his cock with my needy cunt.

“I want to play with your body for a little while, baby,” he says with a smirk, his heated eyes only fueling my own desire.

“Adonis. No playing, not now, not after today,” I explain, my breath coming out in short bursts. “If that’s the route you’re planning on taking, I’ll have to find my own climax instead,” I add, desperate to force his hand, and the way his eyes widen in surprise makes my heart skip a beat, need curling inside my stomach.

“Are you going to be wet enough for me to slip straight into your pussy, Rhea?” he asks, a hint of teasing to his tone, but I’m not joking with how hot I feel right now. My body is desperate for release, even though Zen brought me to the best orgasm cliff of my life earlier and shattered me as I tumbled recklessly over the edge.

I don’t answer with words, simply nodding, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip as I maintain eye contact with him. His forearms flex as he eyes me with a sense of challenge, ready to prove me wrong, until his cock meets my core, feeling just how wet I am for him.

“Fuckkkk,” he groans, the cords in his neck tensing as he tilts his head back, but before I can grin in victory at being right, he snaps his hips, thrusting his thick length in my core in one heated move.

A cry falls from my lips, my eyes dropping to half mast as I try to catch my breath, but it’s impossible. No matter how wet I am, he still manages to stretch me, inch by inch, leaving me as nothing more than a hot, pleading, mess beneath him.

This man.

This fucking man.

My fucking man.

“Please,” I beg, unsure what it is I’m actually looking for, but he doesn’t disappoint, retreating from my core until only the tip remains, before thrusting deep inside me once more.

Moans tumble from my lips as I cling to him, my legs tightening around his thighs as I clutch my arms around his neck, needing to feel every inch of him against me. He captures my mouth, swallowing every drop of desire that passes my lips, my skin prickling with goosebumps from head to toe.

I struggle to keep my eyes open, desperate to take everything in around me. The sexual aura that filters around us, the sound of our bodies slapping together, all while snowflakes flutter in the air, landing against my skin, Adonis’ hair, and every imaginary surface I can see.

It’s all too much, my brain is overwhelmed with pleasure as Adonis fucks me harder, faster, my juices coating his cock as he continues with an unrelenting pace, making my breasts bounce with every thrust.

Nothing will ever compare to this, the ecstasy my sealed souls can give me. I could die right now and be a happy woman, figuratively speaking. Every part of my body tingles, and when Adonis drops a hand between us, immediately finding my taut clit with the brush of his thumb, a sob bursts from my lips.

“Holy fuck! Yes, yes!” I cry out against his lips, feeling my orgasm rip through every cell in my body, before I reach the ultimate peak, exploding into a million pieces around him. I ride out wave after wave of pleasure at his hands, feeling his own movements stutter as he finds his own release. His thrusts don’t subside and I know I’ll be sore in the morning, but it’ll all be fucking worth it.

Without a shadow of a doubt.

We collapse in a heap of limbs, exhaustion coursing through us as we struggle to catch our breaths. I don’t know when my eyes fall closed, or how long they remain that way, but I register the feel of my sheets beneath me, before Adonis’ body heat leaves mine.

The protest is weak on my lips, but it’s there all the same. I still can’t bring myself to open my eyes, even when I hear the distinct sound of the shower running in our adjoining bathroom.

I feel safe, exhausted, and satisfied. Extremely satisfied.

And that’s enough to lull me to sleep, for tonight at least.

4

RHEA

I  sit perched at the bottom of Xander’s bed, watching the four Elites stare at me with wide eyes. After last night with Adonis, I feel refreshed as hell, but the permanent sneer on Xander’s lips, and the pinch of Zen’s eyebrows tells me they’re not as happy with the information I just dropped on them.

Adonis sits beside me, hand on my knee below the hem of my Academy issued skirt, stroking gentle circles in a calming motion, while Xander paces before us. Back and forth, deep in thought, only stopping to glare at Adonis, before he gets right back to it.

It would be annoying if he wasn’t so fucking hot when he’s growly.

Zen is sitting to my right, tapping at his chin as he listens to me explain everything that happened in the cage, seeker and all, while Khaos is in his usual spot, foot planted on the wall behind him on the other side of the room. There may be distance between us, but it doesn’t feel as cavernous as before. His presence warms me like the sun, and instead of gale force winds whipping between us, it’s just a gentle breeze.

I didn’t know how they would react to learning who appeared before me when I used the seeker, but they’re taking it better than I expected.

“What are you going to do now that the seeker has been shattered?” Zen asks, a hint of concern flicking across his hazel eyes as he tilts his head to look at me. I offer a reassuring smile, leaning forward to grab my satchel by my feet. It takes me a second to find what I’m looking for, but when I do, I reveal it to the four of them. I’d hidden it up my sleeve when they came for me in the cage, but I don’t intend to carry it everywhere I go.

I watch as Zen’s eyebrows reach his hairline, Adonis pauses his movement for a moment, surprise clear on his face. Xander stops pacing, swiping a hand down his face as Khaos pushes off the wall and takes a few steps toward me.

“Another seeker?” Xander asks, needing clarification for the wooden object in my hand, and I nod.

“Yeah,” I murmur, twirling it in my hand, the new intricate design different from the other as my thumb runs along the engraving. This time, a tree curves into the wood, roots and all.

I cling to it a moment longer, before rising to my feet and moving toward Khaos, cutting the remaining distance between us. His piercing green eyes search mine from behind his jet black hair as I extend my hand, hinting for him to take the seeker from me like last time.

The shake of his head catches me by surprise, and when he reaches out, engulfing my hand in his to close my fingers around the seeker, I gulp at the contact. My hand burns where we’re connected as my throat dries.

“I think you should keep it on you at all times, like an extra layer of security,” he says quietly, his gaze transfixed on mine the entire time. “Besides, we’re not worried if they are seeking you for a good or bad reason anymore. If you’re confident in them, then so are we.”

I nod in understanding, wetting my bottom lip as my pulse rings in my ears slightly at his touch. I don’t move an inch until his hand drops from mine, and I reluctantly take a step back, placing the new seeker back in my satchel.

This new vibe between us calms my soul, settling my racing heart and allowing me to focus on other matters, but I’m also a little scared to get my hopes up with him. I can handle an asshole, especially if it’s directed elsewhere and not at me, which is where I’m hoping this will progress. I refuse to deal with a constant hot and cold personality. I don’t need the emotional whiplash, there’s way too much other shit going on than to worry about feelings.

Just as my ass touches the bed, my phone vibrates in my bag, at the same time everyone else’s, a few chimes ringing out, but before I can reach for my own to see what it is, Adonis places his device in front of me.

MEETING CONFIRMED.

ZELLUS’ OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

Well then.

That didn’t take long.

At least they’re not mincing words on the situation, and it’s a good thing we got up ridiculously early anyway. Otherwise we would be running around like crazy people, having not eaten anything yet which would put anyone in a mood. But thankfully Zen made a trip to the dining hall before we all met in Xander’s room, and brought pastries and fresh juice for everyone.

“Let’s go. We don’t want to upset the dean,” I murmur, rising from my spot on the bed and slinging my satchel over my shoulder. The four of them eye me like I’ve lost my fucking mind, ready to gleefully skip into her execution, but I don’t care. I’m not afraid of Zellus and whatever he thinks he can do.

Using me as a spectacle, flexing his power, and being an overall cuntish cunt, doesn’t stoke fear in my gut. No. It makes me stand taller, fight harder, and strengthens my resilience.

Fuck him, and anyone that agrees with him. He seems to have forgotten that I know things too, and I’m willing to use those secrets against him no matter the cost. Especially when he puts the safety of me and my sealed souls at risk.

In sync, the five of us leave Xander’s room and head for the portal. I send a quick text to Harmonia, before dropping my phone back into my bag, letting her know where we are headed. Xander immediately laces his fingers with mine, his thumb brushing over my knuckles as Zen places his palm at the bottom of my spine.

Adonis grumbles under his breath, and Xander scoffs. “Fuck off, A, you had her all to yourself last night. I can smell the soap from showering this morning, but my wolf can sense you all over each other. You. Need. To. Fucking. Share,” he snaps, squeezing his fingers tighter with mine before pulling me through the portal.

The movement catches my breath, the odd feeling of the portal freezing the smile on my face for a moment as I chuckle at Xander’s words. My wolf can get a little feisty sometimes and I am so here for it.

Zen’s hand remains in place as I take a deep breath on the other side. Once Adonis and Khaos step through too, the five of us move through the Academy building with purpose, heading straight for Zellus’ office.

Thankfully the halls are still quiet, and the few students around are all heading to the dining hall, so we don’t have anyone stalling us. They’re looking in our direction, likely confused with me walking freely through the halls after yesterday, but fuck them, they can pick that issue up with Zellus themselves.

As we take the final turn in silence, Zellus’ office appears at the end of the hall, but to my surprise, Zen’s parents are waiting outside.

My eyes fall to his mom first, remembering the hell she gave Zellus yesterday, all while pregnant, and she must be far along if the size of her bump is anything to go by. Her blonde hair is the same as Zen’s, and for her short height, she definitely knows how to pack a verbal punch, I would know, I saw her yesterday. Even though she was protective over me then, it still doesn’t stop the nerves and uncertainty from bubbling to the surface. But with her soft smile, and sunflower patterned dress floating around her ankles, she looks like a summery angel, full of love and happiness.

Forcing myself to look at Zen’s father as well, I startle at how similar both men are. In height, posture, frame, everything, and I can’t help but wonder if his hair will pepper like his dad’s when he gets a little older.

I swallow past the lump in my throat, my own thought process startling me as Zen’s mother moves swiftly toward us as if the baby she’s carrying won’t slow her down.

“Hi, Rhea, it's fabulous to finally meet you officially,” she says, her face beaming with joy as she wraps me in her embrace before I can even take a breath. I stand frozen in place, but only for a moment as I instinctively wrap my arms around her in return.

The way she squeezes extra tight almost chokes me with shock, but her lavender scent soothes me. Quite the paradox of sensations.

“Hi,” I manage to squeak out, and she releases her hold on me, squeezing my arms one final time before stepping back.

“Rhea, a pleasure,” Zen’s father says, holding his hand out for me to shake, which I do, lamely because proper formality was not something I had learned growing up in the orphanage. “I’m Beni, and this is Ana, we’ve heard so much about you. I just apologize that we’re meeting under such dire circumstances,” he adds with a grimace, and I offer him a tight smile in response.

Words seem to betray me because honestly, what do I even say to that? Zen takes charge and redirects the conversation. “Who’s in there?” he asks, pointing at Zellus’ office, and his mother rolls her eyes.

“Every man and his dog it seems,” she says with a sigh, shaking her head as she runs her hands down her dress. “Which is why I wanted to catch you out here first.” My pulse rings in my ears with uncertainty as her gaze finds mine. A warm smile spreads across her face as she speaks directly to me, but I still don’t immediately calm. “You must come for family dinner this weekend, I insist.”

I’m sure she can see the shock on my face as my jaw slightly drops, but before I can respond, Adonis steps in front of Zen with a pout on his face. “I hope that offer extends to me too, Mrs. Elias. I thought I was your favorite.”

“Even if I say no, Adonis, I’m sure you’ll find a way to make an appearance,” she replies with a wink, before enveloping him in her arms too.

He beams from ear to ear as he kisses her cheek. “You would be correct,” he replies as Khaos and Xander step forward to greet her too.

I guess I have plans this weekend then. Rubbing my lips together nervously, Zen catches my eye and immediately reaches his hand out to lace his fingers with mine, soothing me instantly. My shoulders relax and my heart calms a little, but my moment of peace is quickly broken when the door to Zellus’ office swings open, and the man himself stands there with a stony glare on his face.

“Let’s hope I survive until the weekend,” I mutter under my breath, more to myself than anyone else, but Ana whips her head around to face me in an instant. Determination and fury on my behalf taking over her facial features.

“Please don’t tell me you’re overly dramatic, we have enough of that with Zen’s sister, Serenity,” she adds with a wink, attempting to cut through the tension that stifles the air at Zellus’ unwanted appearance.

I offer her a pinched smile, shaking my head to confirm I am indeed not usually dramatic, or I at least hope I’m not.

“If you’re ready, everyone is waiting,” Zellus grunts, and I fight back the eye roll as we all make our way toward him. Zen keeps my hand in his, and to my amazement, it’s Khaos who snatches the spot to my left, not touching me, but I can feel the protective vibes drifting off him in waves.

Zellus takes a few steps back as we approach the door, and I have to force my facial expression to remain neutral as all of the Hex representatives fill the space before us, along with Xander’s parents. I watch as Xander stiffens, his back muscles bunching with tension, and I want to take a step toward him and rub it all away.

His eyes, full of apology, fall to mine, and I try to communicate with my eyes that it’s not his fault, and it doesn’t affect anything between us, but the droop of his shoulders tells me he’s struggling with the fact that his parents have played a part in this.

I briefly cast my gaze over each member of the Hex, seeing a tight smile from Artemis, leader of the shifters, and Gabriel, the representative of the angels. That’s where the gentle welcome seems to end.

Completely avoiding Dante’s stare, I find Mrs. Black looking at me with a quirked brow, curiosity dancing in her eyes, but I don’t miss the thunder brewing beneath it, while Zeus purses his lips, observing my every move. Which leaves Hades to remain impassive, arms folded over his chest as he looks everyone over. He doesn’t greet his son, simply holding his pose, and it pisses me off.

Family doesn’t seem to matter as much as status around here. In most cases anyway. It seems Zen and his family are on an entirely different level.

I hear the door click shut behind us as my eyes settle fully on Xander’s parents. The look of disappointment is clear on their faces as they take in the scene before them, but I also see the pain for their son. I don’t agree with whatever part they’ve played in this outcome, but I guess deep down I understand the reasoning, even if I don’t want to.

Whatever Zellus said to get under their skin and cause such an issue, such a rift between them, is tragic to see with my own eyes. Demanding to want to know who and what I am on a more intimate level because of my mother however, is none of their fucking business.

“Every time I come here, Zellus, there’s always such an unwelcome gathering,” Ana smarts, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to hold in the bubble of laughter threatening to pass my lips at her sharp tongue.

I can hear a couple of grumbles, but I don’t pinpoint where they’re coming from as I glue my eyes to Zellus. In a navy suit, tailored to perfection, he looks fresh and composed, like he didn’t fuck over my life yesterday, and I add a mental note to the ever-growing list of reasons why I hate this man.

“Shall we get straight to the point?” he asks, clearly talking about me, without even meeting my eyes as he addresses the room instead.

Motherfucking coward.

“If you must,” Beni grumbles dismissively. It’s overwhelming having Zen’s parents naturally be protective over me. It’s not something I’m even remotely familiar with. But they’re here, standing in my corner, defending me against the toxicity living within these four walls, without any hesitation.

“We must,” Zellus retorts with a tsk, but he does indeed swiftly begin to explain what outcome they’ve come to. Like I’m on trial when I’ve not actually committed a crime. He clears his throat, moving to the center of the room as he runs his hands down the lapels of his blazer. “We’ve decided we’re going to do a forced test, to determine what Rhea’s powers actually are, then we can figure out what her agenda is.”

There. Apparently it’s as simple as that.

Before anyone can jump to my defense or respond, I plaster a smile on my face as I finally get Zellus’ attention. “If that is the case, then I want every first year to do it with me. I refuse to be singled out just because you seem to have a problem with me.”

Silence descends over the room for a moment, but I don’t miss the widening of Zellus’ eyes as he realizes where I’m going with this.

Checkmate, bitch.

If you play with fire, motherfucker, expect to get burned.

“That’s not possible,” Xander’s mother finally says, breaking the tension in the room, and I scoff, turning to look at her with a raised eyebrow. “The first years won’t have powers yet,” she adds, like that simply washes away my claim, and I shake my head in disappointment. The shitstarter should know better than to act oblivious. But I’m going to thoroughly enjoy dropping some Zellus truthbombs.

I release my hand from Zen’s, and take a step away from him and Khaos, trying to not let my anger get the better of me. I want to stand my ground on my own, without my eyes flaring red and my magic making an appearance.

“How do you think Zellus is going to force the test, Mrs. Bishop?” I ask innocently, feeling the Hex shuffle nervously, but no one utters a single world. She looks at her husband for guidance, but he offers nothing in response since he’s as clueless as the rest of the Supernatural world. Exactly why I’m targeting my questions at her. I want her to see with her own eyes that she believed in the wrong man. She believed in all of the lies Zellus suffocated her with, making her turn against her own son. “He’ll do that by pushing my magic through, Mrs. Bishop,” I state, making sure to repeat her name, confirming that I am speaking with her, wanting her reaction. Her brows knit together in confusion as she continues to stare at me in confusion, and the moment she glances over my shoulder to look at Zellus, I ask another question. “How will he do that, Mrs. Bishop?”

You could hear a pin drop in the room, no one speaking as my pulse pounds in my ears and my palms sweat nervously at my side. No matter how many times I transform into my badass bitch persona, there’s still a part of me who questions whether this, whether I, am worth fighting for.

Zellus clears his throat, but I lift my hand, not even turning to look at him as I cut him off. “He’s going to do exactly what he does with the second years at the end of the Academy term, and do you know what that is?”

I eliminate the distance between us, surprised no one steps forward to cut me off as I stride toward her, watching as she shakes her head. I may have to apologize to Xander later for coming at his mother like this, but fuck, she started it, and if anything, I’m being polite and informative.

“He undoes the suppression placed on each student, allowing their magic to finally flow through them. That’s what he’ll do to me, completing the process my sealed soul hasn’t done already; by force, like they always do. And that's exactly what he can do to every supernatural under the age of twenty-two, don’t you think?”

Her jaw hits the floor, but I can tell she doesn’t quite believe me, I mean, who would? Why should I have this information and not her?

“What on earth is this about?” Mr. Bishop grumbles, protectively wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulder, but no one answers, not right away at least.

They’re either fumbling to find a way to lie about what I’m saying or in shock over the truth bomb I’ve dropped. How else can I educate the uneducated supernatural?

When the room continues to sit in silence, it’s Ana who speaks first, a gasp falling from her lips as she gains everyone’s attention. “Oh my Gods, is this true?” Her hands are planted firmly on her hips as she gapes at Zellus to the members of the Hex and back again.

I follow her line of sight, only to find Hades smirking mischievously as he claps slowly. My mouth slams shut and my body stiffens, bracing for impact with whatever words threaten to pass his lips, but to my surprise, he nods. “That is indeed correct, Ana. Suppressions have been put in place for many things, containing people’s magic is one of them. Maybe it would be fun to do as Rhea says, hmm? Let’s unlock it for all the first and second years, make a real event out of this, then we can discuss what we do with all the other children at the end of the school term.”

I try to keep my surprise at bay, but it’s harder than it looks. I turn to glance at the Elites, the shock evident on their faces, but none more than Khaos, the only one of us who truly doesn’t have any of his powers yet. He glares at his mother, disappointment swirling in his green eyes, but it could easily be mistaken for rage. Sometimes, those two emotions are one in the same.

The room erupts as chatter fills the space, everyone talking at once, but it doesn’t quell my nerves, uncertainty of my future clearly still hanging in the balance no matter what the outcome of this meeting is. But I will do whatever is required to survive.

Expose the corruption and false narrative driven by the Hex to keep everyone in line.

Everything and anything.

But I won’t run.

I refuse to do that.

“Enough!” Mrs. Black hisses, her eyes turning black as she moves toward me. The room falls silent as she eyes me. She looks as flawless as ever with her off-white pantsuit perfectly in place, with a pure white blouse underneath, like she’s trying to go for an angelic look or something. But it doesn’t cover the fact that she’s a fucking bitch. “You, Miss Harrington,” she starts, pointing her finger at me as she puts the emphasis on the last name I shouldn’t have. Clearly she won’t aim her rage at Hades who agrees with me, targeting who she believes is weaker instead. Me. “Are untrustworthy, dangerous, and a disgrace to our society. Would you like me to add liar to that list of adjectives too?”

I scoff, squaring my shoulders as I keep my gaze fixed on hers. “No, because the word liar is a noun,” I sass, challenge flashing in my eyes before turning my back to her and facing Zellus, dismissing her, something I’m sure will piss her off just as much as my attitude. “All or nothing, Zellus.”

He eyes me, almost curiously for a moment, like he’s trying to decide how to spin this in his favor as usual, before he sighs. “Call an assembly.”

5

RHEA

“A fter much research and hard work from myself and my team, I am more than pleased to announce that we have created a groundbreaking new procedure, which will allow us to activate your magic early.” Zellus’ voice rings out around the assembly hall as I roll my eyes at his choice of words, and I can’t stop the scoff that falls from my lips either. I don’t know how he gets away with this shit, but since he’s the Dean and it’s Academy related, if the Hex wanted to do anything, what would they even say anyway?

Motherfucker.

Of course he would spin it to make himself look like a hero, and he practically beams with joy when the collective gasps ring out around us, the chatter escalating as excitement begins to settle over everyone.

The guys to my left sit just as tense as ever, anger at his little show evident in their body language and expressions, while the air whooshes out of Harmonia sitting to my right. When we had walked in for the assembly, she had given the Elites a stern look, before linking her arm with mine and dragging me to the front of the hall.

No one refused, and I’m sure they’re glad for it now, because when she squeals beside me, my ears ring. “Oh my Gods, Rhea, I can’t believe…” Her words trail off when her pink eyes meet my blues. She searches my gaze for a moment, her brows knitting together in confusion as she runs her tongue over her bottom lip. “Why aren’t you excited? There’s more to this situation than I can see, isn’t there.”

It doesn’t come out as a question, more like a statement, and I nod in response, feeling Adonis shift in his seat beside me as Harmonia casts her gaze down the length of the pew.

“You should know Zellus loves a show, but he’s a shady motherfucker underneath it all,” he murmurs, and Harmonia nods in agreement at the fact.

“Obviously,” she deadpans. “And you. You’re going to have to fill me in on all of this,” she states, slouching back in her seat as she tilts her head at me in a silent demand, and I offer a tight smile in response.

“For sure. It seems like I always have some slice of drama to share with you at any given minute,” I grumble back as Zellus claps, gaining the attention of everyone in the room again.

“The exact layout of the process will be confirmed in the coming days due to the short notice. I just couldn’t wait to share the discovery with you,” he states, eyes flicking to mine with an evident glare, but I don’t flinch under his accusatory gaze, refusing to give him the reaction he wants.

“Why do I also get the feeling this is happening because of you?” Harmonia asks, whispering my ear, and I turn to her with a smirk.

“Because you know me so well,” I mutter in response, hearing her gasp a ‘holy fuck’ before Zellus continues.

“With this in mind, the students who had been moved up to the second year, will now return to the first year classes as of today. Thank you.” With a short nod, he turns for the exit to the right, as far away from me as possible, and wastes no time running off stage before anyone can question him.

Once he’s finally out of the hall, I heave a sigh of relief. I’m ready to get the fuck out of here. I haven’t even been awake for two hours, and I’m already exhausted from this shitty day. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts as I try to juggle and balance them.

The fact that we’re being dropped back down to first year classes is a surprise though, but a relief all the same. How it will affect my training fogs my mind, but I’ll figure it out, I always do. It keeps us all together and with Harmonia and the twins too, even if I do have to face Selene and Hector once again. Though compared to the Blair brothers, they feel tame in comparison.

I rise to my feet, letting the chatter and buzz of excitement drift over me as the rest of the Academy learns of this new revelation, but it hasn’t escaped my attention that he didn’t announce the test would happen immediately. Sly fucker. He better though, I refuse to be forced into this alone.

Running my hands over my skirt, Harmonia and the Elites stand with me. Adonis’ hand instantly goes to my lower back, inching me closer to him as he places a kiss to the crook of my neck, sending a shiver running down my spine.

I don’t even get to take a step in Harmonia’s direction to get out of the pew before the twins appear. Thalia and Cassandra are wide eyed and look in complete bewilderment as they stop before us.

“Oh. My. Gods,” Cassandra squeals in delight, and I can’t stop the smile from spreading over my face at her joy. It’s pure, raw, and real. And I like it.

I like that they’re getting their magic sooner, I just don’t like the assholes that made it a thing to begin with. I may never find out all of the details, but there’s something more to them withholding the students’ magic, I can feel it.

Before I can respond, a shrill voice from the opposite side of the hall registers in my ears, and I cringe instantly.

“I can’t wait. The time is coming for every single one of you to see just how powerful I am. Some of you will feel my wrath more than others, and I’m ecstatic.”

Selene. The supreme bitch.

I know, without looking, that her extra comment about wrath is aimed at me, and as much as I want to turn around and give her a piece of my mind, I refuse to give her the satisfaction. It seems my lack of reaction is not enough for her though, because she continues to push, desperate for attention as always.

“I’m talking to you, Rhea Harrington,” she bites, making sure to use the last name I turned up here with as the hall goes quiet around me, eager to see the drama unfold. “You thought you were so much better than everyone else, showing up here and tainting the souls of the Elites. Now you’re coming back to reality with a bang, and I’m more than ready to watch you fall.”

I roll my eyes even though she can’t see, ready to take a step out of the pew to leave without response, but Cassandra has other ideas as she lifts her foot up onto the seat beside Harmonia, turning a scathing look in Selene’s direction.

“Shut the fuck up you washed-up has-been. Get over yourself. The Elites didn’t want you then, and they certainly don’t want you now. So take your little reality hit, and fuck all the way back off to where you came from.”

Her chest heaves with each breath as her hands clench at her sides. Silence descends over the hall, waiting for whatever response is about to come, but the first sound to fill the air is that of a clap. A slow clap that gradually gets louder and faster as more people join in.

My eyes fall to Thalia, acknowledging the fact that she started it, and now half of the hall is joining in as a few whistles resound around us. These fucking twins.

I can’t help but grin, shaking my head in disbelief at the pair of them as I link my arm through Harmonia’s and head for the exit to our right. It’s not until we’re out in the hallway that I can hear myself think.

The twins are chuckling and high-fiving with pride in front of us, when they suddenly come to a stop, turning to face Harmonia and me, with the Elites a step behind us.

“Girls’ night, tonight, it seems we have a lot of catching up to do,” Thalia announces, hands on her hips, and I grin. A catch up is one way of putting it.

My response is halted on the tip of my tongue as Khaos comes to a stop at my side.

“No.” His tone is harsh and dismissive, making me frown.

“I’m sorry, what?” Cassandra throws back, folding her arms over her chest as she glares at her cousin.

Khaos clears his throat, making my eyebrows rise in surprise. He rubs at the back of his neck nervously, flicking his gaze from his cousins to me, but he settles his gaze on mine. “I was hoping to speak with Rh—”

“Unfortunately for you, Khaos Black,” Thalia says, pointing her finger in his direction as she interrupts him. “Your finger was shoved so far up your own ass it has taken you forever to pull it out, and well, that’s not my problem,” she states with a sniff and a shrug. “Pick another night.”

My heart pounds in my chest, surprised at her words and the fact that he was about to say my name. Apparently we’re making huge strides here, and when he turns his pleading gaze to mine, jaw tight as he tries to keep his cool, I shrug.

Thalia is right, he can fucking work for it.

“She’s right, pick another night.”

I spent the rest of the day in class, worrying about my choice to cut Khaos off and side with his cousin, but with the four of us all sitting cross legged on my bed, I know I made the right decision. He might hold a lot of my headspace at the minute, but I need this just as much.

I did give him the confirmation that there would be time for us to talk about whatever was on his mind, but he wasn’t going to get everything he wanted all at once just because he had some sort of an epiphany.

That’s not how any of this works. So, the moody vampire is in a time out.

Music plays through the television that I linked my phone to, offering a quiet hint of background noise as we gossip, eat chips and dip, popcorn, and chocolate. All of the carb essentials are scattered in the middle of our makeshift circle.

Catching up takes a lot of energy, and we have to refuel.

“I still can’t believe Selene’s face after you laid into her,” Thalia says with a chuckle, nudging her sister with her shoulder, and a grin spreads across my face too.

“I wish I could have seen it, but I was trying to be the bigger person and not let her get a reaction from me,” I reply, grabbing a handful of kettle corn popcorn.

“Oh, I totally agree you made the right decision. That’s exactly why I decided to open my mouth instead. We don’t all need to be level headed,” Cassandra says with a wink, making the rest of us chuckle. She’s clearly had a bite on her tongue, aimed and loaded for Selene for some time, and now she’s finally been able to fire it.

“I can’t wait to see her stumble in the test at the end of the year, in like what, two months,” Harmonia adds with a smirk, and I nod in agreement.

“I don’t care what it entails, I’m just excited to finally feel my magic flowing through my veins,” Thalia says, almost whimsically.

When I had dropped the bomb about the test, I’d expected more of a reaction out of them if I’m honest, but they’re all onboard for getting a feel for their magic and putting it to the test anyway. The gasps and looks of horror I expected were replaced with shrugs and bursts of excitement.

I wish I felt the same, but I think that may be the uncertainty with the fact that I was just an earthling eight months ago. No matter whose blood is running through my veins, it doesn’t change the fact I’m still completely lost in this world.

“I can’t wait to find out what my abilities are,” Harmonia murmurs, a soft smile on her lips and a hint of uncertainty in her pink eyes. She rakes her fingers through her white hair, almost lost in thought, and I nod in agreement.

“Same.” I don’t want to take away from her thought process, but even though I’ve sealed my soul with three of the Elites, my magic seems to be somewhat elusive. Apart from the red eyes, the occasional slamming of doors and light bulb explosion, I have no fucking clue.

“I think that’s what I like about being a vampire,” Cassandra says, glancing at her twin who nods in agreement before she explains further. “Knowing what our abilities are and what strengths and weaknesses we will have helps prepare you for the transition.”

That makes a lot of sense. I hadn’t considered it like that.

“What about you, Rhea?” Thalia asks, pulling me from my thoughts as I nibble on my lip, considering her question.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I have little experience with any of it. I haven’t grown up in a supernatural surrounding, and even though I’ve sealed my soul three times, my magic is… limited,” I state, loving how my chest eases with the fact that I can be open and honest with my friends. People I trust that aren’t directly linked to my soul. “The truest magic I’ve seen has probably come from the guys,” I admit, replaying the moments in my mind as I speak. “Watching Xander shift into wolf form is fucking magical. You can feel his raw power, his strength, and I know that fucker can hear from a mile away now,” I add with a chuckle.

“If you're listening now, Xander, fuck off,” Harmonia says with a chuckle, and we all join in. My jaw aches from the smile that’s been plastered on my face since they got here, and now, thinking about the Elites, it only stretches it wider.

“Adonis’ glamors are phenomenal, almost like I’m traveling to another world, an escape, and he does it so seamlessly. While Zen literally healed my body with his bare hands the other day. Bare. Hands,” I repeat, still in awe of it all. “I will forever be grateful for that. And then with Khaos, I can’t wait to see him find who he is among all the madness.”

A prideful smile passes Cassandra’s lips as she reaches over to me and squeezes my arm, like she’s pleased I still have an interest in the asshole who’s been nothing but a pain in my ass since his mother’s words and agenda got into his head.

Silence descends over us all for a moment, all deep in thought, when Harmonia shifts on the bed, stretching her legs out as she thinks out loud. “What do you think the test will involve?”

I sigh, my gut twisting as I offer my friends a tight smile. “Fuck if I know, but I’m sure it will be rigged to ensure my failure. It’s inevitable,” I answer truthfully, not wanting to make this about me, but I’ve explained how everyone’s being tested because of me, and thankfully, they don’t hate me.

Thalia laughs, chucking a handful of popcorn at me as I gape in shock. “Girl, they don’t even realize who they’re fucking with,” she says confidently, giving me a pointed look and a boost of self confidence as I absorb her words.

I release a breath, again thanking the Gods for the amazing friends I have stumbled across. Because she’s right, Thalia is exactly right.

Those motherfuckers have no clue who they’re messing with, but I’m more than happy to show them.

6

RHEA

I  tie the laces of my sneakers before rising from the bed, stretching out my shoulders as I stand. Last night was a lot of fun with the girls, relaxing, chatting, and just taking the time to breathe. Then I slept like a baby, although I was surprised to find Adonis hadn’t worked his way into my bed.

Raking my fingers through my hair, scooping it up into a messy bun on top of my head, a knock sounds at the door, drawing my attention. I grab my satchel, slinging it over my shoulder as I make my way to the door, but as I swing it open, in the spot I expect to find Harmonia, I come face to face with Khaos instead.

I startle, eyes widening as my body freezes at the unexpected visitor as I watch his eyes rake over me from head to toe. He takes his time doing it, almost teasingly, and he makes my skin prickle under his watchful gaze.

It feels like an eternity before his fierce green eyes meet mine, shaded slightly by the flop of hair covering his face, and I watch as he drags his tongue over his bottom lip. Slowly. Like he can already taste me.

Holy fuck.

Remember he’s been an asshole. Remember he’s been an asshole. I chant it over and over in my mind, but every time it gets weaker, and the longer I stare at him, the harder it is for me to focus on what it is I’m trying to remember.

“Hey,” he murmurs, clearing his throat as he leans forward, bracing his hand on the door frame.

I swallow past the lump in my throat as I try to act unaffected by him. “Hey.”

Just fucking hey, I bet he can tell my nipples have pebbled at his hoarse voice as my heart begins to beat faster at his close proximity.

I’m so screwed.

“Was girl time fun?” he asks, short and clipped, like he’s trying to be nice and sound interested but it’s come out all wrong. I have to bite back the smile tempting my lips at his attempt at small talk.

“Yep, it was just what I needed,” I offer in response, hitching my satchel on my shoulder better, before folding my arms over my chest nervously. Not wanting to look down to see if my nipples are indeed on display.

“Good.”

He nods, his eyes roaming over me once more as a long pause falls over us. It’s not uncomfortable, surprisingly enough, and it’s likely the first time in an eternity that the silence is not pissing me off, demanding for him to not speak to me.

Progress. I think.

“Is that all you came to ask?” I finally ask, leaning my arm against the doorframe his hand is near, an inch or two between us, but he doesn’t back away.

Definitely progress.

His gaze locks back on mine, eyes searching as he scrubs at his jaw. “Yesterday, you said another time, and I wanted to lock that in before my cousins decided to intervene again,” he grumbles, swiping his hand down his face as the other moves down the door frame toward me, just a breath away.

I can’t stop the grin spreading over my face this time. “And what exactly do you need this time for?” I raise an eyebrow, watching as his eyes squint, staring at me. He knows exactly what I’m doing, but what can I say, I’m a young and clueless earthling that needs everything in the supernatural world to be spelled out to me, including this.

“Don’t. Push,” he mutters, lips twisting in uncertainty. Like he can’t tell how far I will actually try to push him, but instead, I fake gasp, opening my mouth wide in shock as I place my hand on my chest.

“Who? Me? I would never.”

That’s when I see it, a fucking smirk on Khaos’ lips, and I don’t think he’s ever looked hotter.

Fuck.

He’s delectable as a dark and angry vampire, but as a smirking, happy faced vampire, shit, he’ll ruin me.

I watch as he runs his tongue over his bottom lip enticingly once more, leaning forward to tuck my hair behind my ear and I freeze. Every inch of me is aware of him right now, but I can barely hear anything past the sound of my pulse pounding in my ears.

I’m so affected by him. It was ridiculous to think I would be able to pretend I’m not.

He edges closer, the small gap shrinking as each second goes by.

Fuck, is there any distance left between us? It sure as hell doesn’t feel like it.

I somehow seem to stand taller, electricity zinging through my body as his other hand drops from the doorframe and grabs my waist. He’s gentle, but fuck, his presence is known.

Holy fuck I’m dead and writhing in angsty dick heaven.

I need to remember to breathe.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

With our bodies moving closer, his nose rubs against mine briefly and my eyes flutter closed.

“What did I miss?” Harmonia hollers, breaking the moment and the smoldering energy flashing between us, and I have to bite back a frustrated groan. Khaos doesn’t suppress his displeasure at her timing as he grumbles, his forehead falling to my shoulder as he seems to catch his breath, and I look over his head to see Harmonia staring at us with knowing eyes. I can’t help my jaw from slightly dropping, surprised by how this morning is turning out.

“You missed your calling as an alarm clock, Harmonia. Always interrupting a good thing,” Khaos grumbles, and I can’t stop the chuckle slipping from my lips as I shake my head at him.

Reluctantly standing tall again, he meets my gaze once more, offering me a wink and turning me into a huge pile of mush at his feet, before he takes a step back and signals for me to lead the way.

I take one step, followed by another, and another, but I don’t know how, it feels like I’m walking on clouds with jelly legs.

So totally fucking screwed. But it’s going to be so fucking worth it.

Harmonia links her arm with mine as she cuts the distance between us, and Khaos keeps to my right as we make our way to the stairs. I can sense his heated stare on me with every step, and I find myself thinking up as many excuses as possible for me to go back to my room with him in tow.

Thankfully, Harmonia speaks, distracting me from my own impure thoughts. “Where’s Adonis this morning? He’s usually stuck to you like glue,” she says with a grin, one I match as I shrug, but the way Khaos ruffles his hair tells me there’s something I don’t know.

“I convinced him to wait downstairs,” he mumbles as we take the steps down.

“How did you… oh, now that makes more sense,” I mutter, the visual before me explaining everything.

Rounding the bottom of the stairs I find Xander, Zen, and Adonis waiting for us, only Adonis is locked in Xander’s arms, pinned with his back against Xander’s chest and his mouth covered by Xander’s large palm.

“You can let him go now,” Zen mutters with an exasperated eye roll, but Xander doesn’t move at first, his gaze, full of mirth, locked on mine as he replies.

“But it’s so quiet right now,” he states nonchalantly, releasing his hold on his prisoner anyway.

Adonis barrels toward me, circular glasses in place as he pouts. Harmonia releases her hold on my arm as he gets near, pouncing before wrapping me in his arms and sweeping me off my feet.

“Oh my Gods, Adonis,” I squeal as he spins me around, then places me back down on my feet before him. His hands remain at my waist, and I instinctively press my palms into his chest.

“They were ganging up on me,” he says, sticking his lower lip out more and frowning even harder, and I raise my eyebrow at him questioningly.

“And if you didn’t want to play along, you would have glamored the entire Academy, stop being so dramatic. Otherwise I’m going to have to start calling you Zellus two point oh.”

He gapes at me in shock, not liking the comparison to the biggest drama queen in all of Paradise Heights, as the others chuckle around us. Without missing a beat, he stands tall, winking in my direction, before turning for the portal at the end of the hall.

“Ready for another day as a first year again?” he asks, glancing back over his shoulder like his brothers hadn’t held him back against his will, and I smirk, shaking my head at his antics.

The Elites will do nothing but keep me on my toes it seems.

“Hell yeah I am.”

“One more lap, then we drop and do fifty,” Professor Riva yells, and the class breaks out into groans.

Holy fucking shit, what crawled up his ass and died this morning? I have no clue, but fuck, this combat lesson has been exhausting.

It’s been drill after drill after drill. With minimal breaks. I need a damn nap. I’m even tempted to get Adonis to glamor the shit out of the combat hall so I can pretend I’m anywhere else, but I decide that’s not a good idea after the last class I was in where I entered a glamor. The reminder of the Blair brothers is forever fresh in my mind.

As my feet hit the ground beneath me, I can’t help but wonder how the Professor for that class hadn’t noticed, or intervened when everything went to shit.

Just another layer of suspicious bullshit added to the world that is Saints Academy.

I run to the edge of the Combat field one more time, and as I slow in front of Professor Riva, I join the others in dropping to the ground, but I take a second to catch my breath before I even attempt to start working through some push ups.

I’m fit and lean from all the yoga, and running is calming, but even I’m sweating my ass off after he’s made us do fifty laps of the damn field. It almost feels like he’s testing our stamina or forcing us to work on it. Does this have something to do with the test?

Swiping my hair back off my face, Zen falls into the spot to my left, while Xander moves over from where he was a moment ago to be at my right side.

“I do love watching you sweat, Firecracker, but I had much better exercises in mind to make the moisture bead at your temple,” Zen murmurs under his breath with a wink, and my thighs clench. As if my heart wasn’t beating fast enough, just that simple comment seemed to kick up the beats. I catch sight of Xander shaking his head at his friend, but he doesn’t say a word.

He’s quiet, and almost tentative around me, which only serves as a reminder that I need to talk with him. Did things go to shit while he was with his parents? Yeah, but that doesn’t mean what happened with the Blair brothers was his fault. So he needs to get over it, like I’m trying to. What’s done is done. There’s no point dwelling on the past, especially when there’s enough shit from then that hangs over my head still.

For now, I opt to keep my mouth shut on the subject, not wanting to have such an intimate conversation in a public setting. Instead, I turn my gaze to Zen, taking the bait at his comment. “You can definitely pencil me in for those exercises you had in mind.”

His eyes heat at my words, making me smile, pleased with myself for eliciting that reaction, but Professor Riva interrupts the moment.

“If we’re talking, we’re not working hard enough. Does everyone understand?” His voice sounds more strained than usual, and it makes my brows knit together in confusion.

“What crawled up his ass and got stuck there?” Adonis asks, repeating my thoughts from earlier, before dropping down in front of me, straight into a push up as he looks up through his lashes at me.

Fucking hot and sinful. It shouldn’t be allowed.

My mouth slams shut as I take him in, desire continuing to ripple through me, which only intensifies when Khaos drops down beside him.

I’m completely surrounded by my unit, and nothing feels quite like it. Attempting to put it into words feels useless since they just won’t do it justice.

Adonis winks, and a thought comes to mind as I get into position to start the grueling push ups. “Why do you wear glasses? Couldn’t Zen heal your eyesight?” I ask, and to my surprise, Khaos bursts into laughter, followed quickly by Zen and Xander.

Even Adonis joins in a little as his blue eyes meet mine again, mischief twinkling in them. “Baby, we both know I look hot as fuck, and smart too, when I wear them,” he states, like that makes perfect sense on it’s own.

It takes a moment for me to process what he’s actually saying by not saying it.

“You don’t need them?” I ask, mouth falling open in surprise. He shrugs mid push-up like it’s obvious, and I shake my head in disbelief.

I shouldn’t be surprised. Not even a little bit. It’s such an Adonis thing to do.

A chuckle slips past my lips, and the five of us sink into quietness as we work our way through the push ups. My muscles strain since we jumped straight into the exercise after so many laps, but only a little. Not like they once would have, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s linked back to my magic.

Sweeping my eyes over the rest of the area, I spy Professor Riva correcting people's form as he observes us all. Harmonia and the twins are not far from us, and I chuckle slightly at Harmonia’s red face. These insane drills are taking it out of all of us.

I turn my attention back to my guys, and when I see Adonis, Xander, and Zen do them effortlessly, I know it’s the magic making it easier for them. Shit, Xander powers through them so quickly, I’m quite sure he doubles it and hits one hundred before I’m even half way. Although it does make sense considering his body is made for strength.

“So, while you had girl time last night, I was in the library having a read up on Furies,” Adonis says, catching my attention as he still doesn’t break a sweat.

I know he did the research for me, and it makes my heart swell, reminding me of those three words he uttered to me the other night. Furies have been on my list of research topics since our trip to Phoenix Valley, but getting a spare minute has been a little hard.

These men are changing me in so many ways it’s crazy, and I can’t help but believe it’s for the better. The weight of the world on my shoulders almost seems… lighter, and my view isn’t so dark and twisted. Which is surprising considering the shit I’ve come up against.

“Did you find anything?” I ask, hope filling my veins, and the crinkle of his forehead gives me mixed signals.

“I learned that there are three original furies; Alecto, Tisiphone, and Megaera. Each fueled and powered by a different… sin. One unceasing in anger, another the avenger of murder, and the third sought to seek out jealousy,” he explains without breaking a sweat, causing a tinge of surprise to run through me.

That’s definitely some new information, but what does it mean for us? And Al’s presence in my life.

Adonis must see the question in my eyes, but before he responds, he reaches out to me, bopping my nose, all while still doing another push up, one handed. This fucking man.

“They lived in the underworld, Rhea. Among my father, and…” His words trail off, giving me the answer without saying another word. A shiver runs down my spine.

My mother.

“It’s rumored Furies can do anything they desire, as long as it feeds what fuels them,” Zen adds, making my eyebrows rise in surprise. That’s some next level shit, and something we clearly need to remember going forward, especially after I shattered the seeker.

The thought alone has my eyes scanning over to my satchel, picturing the new one in my possession.

“Thank you, Adonis,” I murmur, a genuine smile spreading across my face as I turn back to face him, and he nods, pride shining in his eyes, all pleased with himself.

When I am near the fiftieth push up, I realize the guys around me have surpassed the required number, just to keep going with me, and I’m grateful. I dip down into the last one, out of breath, tired, and dripping with sweat.

My entire body hits the mat with a dramatic slap because of the amount of sweat pouring from me, chest heaving as I try to catch my breath, every muscle in my body aching as my eyes close for a moment.

“Time,” Professor Riva calls, and I relax even more, relieved I’ve reached the finish line.

Before I can even consider rising to my feet, someone grabs me at the waist, lifting me up into their arms, and I squeal in surprise, coming face to face with Zen as he holds me around my back and under my thighs.

I wrap my arms around his neck, happy for him to take my weight, but he only takes two steps toward our things when Professor Riva calls out to the class again.

“With the new changes coming, we will be progressing into the other parts of the training center within the next few weeks,” he states, a buzz of excitement whipping around the students among the groans, and I’m glad I’m not the only one disappointed that even more is expected of us. I don’t think I truly understood what gaining powers would do to our lesson plans and the intensity of them. “I’ll see you next lesson,” he says, dismissing everyone. “Rhea, a moment please,” he adds, making Zen freeze, and I groan.

I can see the uncertainty in Zen’s eyes, but I pat his arm for him to lower me to the ground, which he does reluctantly. “Grab my bag, I won’t be but a minute,” I say with a smile, before he can offer to stay with me.

He doesn’t speak, giving me a tight nod as the others follow him, and I turn to face the Professor. His eyes are pitch black, hands planted firmly on his hips as he watches me approach. I can hear Harmonia groaning somewhere, I’m quite sure she’s ready to pass out, and it makes me chuckle.

Coming to a stop in front of the Professor, I fold my arms over my chest nervously. “You wanted to see me?” I ask, confused with why he called me out as he drags his hand down his face.

“I heard what happened with the Blair brothers,” he starts, making my spine stiffen as I rear back a little. He raises his hands as if to motion me to calm down. Before I can ask where he’s going with that statement, he continues. “You need to be pushed, Rhea. You need to be strong and focused if you are going to pass the test. They will make things harder because of your lineage. You also need to make sure you have iron-clad reasons for your actions going forward, because you’re not always going to have a balancer of right or wrong around. You’re lucky that woman was there.”

My heart pounds in my chest, taken aback by the direction of this conversation as his jaw tenses and his nostrils flare.

“I have no idea what any of this has to do with you,” I state calmly, taking a step back, and he shakes his head disapprovingly at me like I don’t fucking get what he’s trying to tell me.

“You need to find out the additional power of your gift from Pandora’s Box, and you’re going to need to be able to use it. I’m trying to help you, Rhea. What do you think all this is for?” he says, swinging his arms out wide, and I feel like I’m being scolded by a parent.

What the fuck?

“The last time you helped, you said some cryptic shit and left. Leaving me with more questions than I started with. So, unless you’re going to be helpful and tell me what the test will entail, then I think we’re done here,” I grumble, struggling to keep the bite out of my tone. This hot and cold bullshit is not what I need right now.

He stares at me for what feels like an eternity, chest heaving with each breath he takes, before waving his hand dismissively, and I take the hint. Turning away, I march toward the Elites, noting the look on Xander’s face. He heard what Riva said to me. His eyebrows are knitted together in confusion, likely similar to mine, and I watch as his mouth moves, explaining to the others what was said.

Adonis, Zen, and Khaos clench their fists at their sides, seemingly angry. None of it makes sense. But Professor Riva must know something if this is how he’s reacting and giving me cryptic messages. Again.

Why offer to help me? Because he was an earthling once too? I don’t know, but he’s right, I need to learn what my dagger does.

After this weekend, visiting Zen’s parents, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

The determination carries me toward my men. Adonis wraps his arm around my shoulder, and I sense Khaos wanting to step closer to me, but he doesn’t, neither does Xander, likely because they’re both in a similar head space, while Zen doesn’t waste the opportunity to lace his fingers with mine.

“I’m starving for some pizza,” I mutter, not addressing what just happened, and Adonis chuckles, taking the change of subject before the conversation could even begin.

“I’m starving for you.”

Yup, I’m a goner.

7

RHEA

I  run my hands down my dress, nerves running through my body as I stand in the bathroom, looking at my reflection. Harmonia insisted on some make-up, but it’s a completely natural look that just accentuates my blue eyes and puffy lips. She braided my hair so it falls over my right shoulder, and then recommended this outfit.

A blue and white floral dress, paired with brown strappy sandals and a cute purse to match.

When I first saw it all laid out on my bed, I frowned, convinced it really wasn’t me, but now that I have it on… I love it. It’s just the actual reason that I’m wearing it that makes me jittery.

Which is ridiculous because I don’t get nervous. Ever.

Taking a deep breath, I grab the purse off the vanity, scooping it up so the strap sits on my shoulder, when the bathroom door swings open from the other side, revealing a gorgeous Adonis. In denim jeans and a blue shirt, he looks stunning, his fake circular glasses perfectly in place as he rakes his eyes over me from head to toe.

Slowly.

My skin prickles under his gaze, and a shiver runs down my spine as he steps toward me, pressing his chest firmly against my back as we both look in the mirror.

“Rhea baby, are you nervous?” he asks, his voice husky as he runs his fingers down my bare arms, and I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, suppressing a moan.

I consider lying to protect my ego, but what’s the point? He can clearly see right through me anyway, and Xander’s only a few steps away in Adonis’ room.

Xander will probably step into the bathroom, noting the rate of my heart, the pounding of my pulse and everything in between, thus bringing him to the same verdict as Adonis. So I simply nod in response.

His mouth tilts up in a grin, his chest rumbling with a slight chuckle, and I narrow my eyes at him. “Shut up, Adonis,” I grumble, folding my arms over my chest, but he completely ignores me, peppering kisses over my exposed shoulder instead.

“Rhea, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. You’re strong, resilient, and undeniably you. They’re going to love everything about you, especially in a surrounding that doesn’t involve Zellus and all of the tension the Academy swarms you with,” he says, attempting to soothe me as I wet my lips.

I mean, I don’t need them to love everything about me, I just need them to like me enough for them to be happy about Zen, our unit, and me. His parents seem like the only ones there may be a chance with, and I don’t want to screw it up. Not when I can clearly see how much they love their son.

Fuck.

Before I can actually voice any of that, another figure appears in the open doorway. Adonis wraps his arms around me, his hands splaying out over my stomach as I turn to find Zen watching us.

The heat in his eyes is unmistakable. With his white linen shirt and chino pants on, he looks like a literal yoga guy, complete zen, no pun intended, and ready to soothe all my troubles away. His blond hair is getting longer, tucked behind his ears, desperate for me to run my fingers through it.

Another time, Rhea, another time.

“I just came to see what was taking so long,” he murmurs, leaning against the door frame, and I scoff.

“You mean you came to see if Adonis had his dick in his pants or inside me, right?” I retort, a grin on my lips as I try to shake off the nerves, and he smirks back at me as Adonis groans in my ear.

“Pretty much,” he answers with a shrug, and I almost consider it as an option, but since we’re about to go and meet Zen’s parents, whose powers I'm unsure of, I’d rather not turn up smelling like sex.

“Our girl’s nervous,” Adonis explains, making a frown instantly taint Zen’s forehead as he takes a step closer to us.

“Really? Why?”

I feel ridiculous saying it out loud, but with Adonis’ touch and presence, I manage to find the words to explain the awkwardness. “I’ve just never done this before,” I mumble, tilting my head to the ground so they can’t see me blush, even through my makeup. “It’s not a big deal, honestly, let’s just go,” I add, but as I try to take a step out of Adonis’ hold, his hands come up to grip my waist, holding me in place.

“Wait, not even with Mr. Needle Dick Dante?” he asks, his choice of nickname making me chuckle as I shake my head.

“Nope.”

I quirk a brow at him, and his eyes light up with that knowledge. Maybe there’s a sense of relief there too knowing my relationship with Dante was not as serious as he still seems to think it was. Adonis’ mouth opens ready to ask another question, when Xander trudges into the bathroom which is starting to get cramped, a glare on his face and his eyes fixed on Adonis.

“Whatever is about to come out of your mouth, shut the fuck up,” Xander states, pointing a finger at Adonis. “We don’t need the reminder that he was ever with our girl. It will only piss us off and ruin the rest of the day, thinking about our girl with him.”

Silence falls over the room, my heart pounding loudly in my chest as I flick my gaze between the three of the Elites. To my surprise, Adonis mumbles in confirmation of Xander’s words, before kissing me on the neck, holding back whatever was on the tip of his tongue.

“Good call,” Khaos grumbles from Adonis’ bedroom, and I shake my head in disbelief at him. Of course he agrees. I should have known to expect it.

Xander likely sent Zen in to make sure we weren’t about to fuck. That fucking hearing of his, breaking down every gasp of my breath, every beat of my heart, and every flutter of my pulse.

Just wait until Khaos is a full vampire and I have him to contend with too. I won’t be able to breathe without either of them knowing anything and everything, stupid super hearing.

Shit.

“Let’s get out of here, shall we?” I offer, putting my hands out in Adonis’ direction, and he laces his fingers through mine without pause as Zen comes to my other side, hand splayed out at the base of my spine as always.

We leave Agion, and make our way through the grounds of the Academy in a blur, not really spotting anyone, but feeling eyes on us the entire time. Even though the news of the whole Academy receiving their magic has taken over, the fact that I have sealed my soul to three other students, the Elites nonetheless, is still high up on the gossip train. It irritates me that my life is such a high topic of conversation for one reason or another, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my unit, so I just have to accept it.

Awesome.

Approaching the glamor bubble that covers the entire Academy, I can’t help but take a deep breath as I step through the barrier, a shudder running down my spine as we leave. As soon as we step fully out into the open field, a portal appears out of nowhere with a man waiting for us with a wide smile.

“Mr. Elias, a pleasure as always. Mr. Black, Mr. Bishop, and Adonis, how nice of you to join us,” he says, glancing at each person as he speaks, before his gaze settles on mine. “And, Rhea, lovely to see you again,” he adds, and a blush creeps over my cheeks as I force a smile to my lips. What the fuck is wrong with me?

No matter how many times I meet this man, I’m nowhere near used to this level of gratitude and manners. It turns my stomach uncomfortably in a way I’m not familiar with. The pleasantries aimed in my direction leaving me speechless like a fool.

Zen nudges me forward with his hand at my back, a casual smile on his lips as he approaches the man. “Nigel, thank you so much for coming to get us, it’s appreciated. But you know you don’t need to be so formal,” he murmurs, and the older man grins, like this is an ongoing discussion between them.

“The fact that it’s not necessary only leaves me more inclined to do so, sir,” he replies cheekily, swinging his arm out to the side for us to step through the portal.

Xander leads the way, Khaos right behind him before Zen steps through. Adonis squeezes my hand as we approach the billowing smoke, and I swallow past the lump in my throat.

“You got this, baby. You just have to be you, they love you already. How could they not,” he states, placing a kiss to my temple before guiding me through the portal.

The odd sensation swirls through me once more, my body never adjusting to the change, especially after Selene and her minions attacked. When we come out the other side, I find myself in a huge kitchen with a few chefs cooking away, while other helpers are plating up the dishes.

My eyes widen, disbelief evident as I gape at the space. This is where Zen lives? This is his family home? Holy fucking shit balls.

The kitchen alone is the equivalent to four of my rooms at the Academy, and I’d hate to consider how it compares to the shoebox apartment I had in Phoenix Valley which was even smaller than that. There are surfaces everywhere, two five-burner stoves, four ovens, and a huge walk-in fridge and freezer. Everything is cream and oak, making the space feel homey even though it’s huge.

Adonis chuckles beside me, drawing my attention to him, and I realize my jaw is hanging open, so I quickly slam it shut.

“No, not everyone has kitchens like this in Paradise Heights, but yes, the four of us all come from wealthy backgrounds, Rhea. Otherwise we wouldn’t be Elites, would we?” He offers me a wink as I let that information sink in. Information that makes complete sense, but leaves me feeling a little out of my depth.

The thought of what my life would have been like if I had grown up knowing my heritage flits through my mind. But I quickly squash it down. I’ve never been one to wonder about the what if’s or what could have been’s, and I’m not about to start now. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that I can’t change the past.

“Are you okay?” Zen asks, standing by the door leading out to the hallway with Xander and Khaos beside him, and I nod, releasing the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Adonis holds my hand with every step, and I can’t decide if it’s him being his usual needy self, or if he feels like I need the comfort in a new environment. I pray it’s the first reason, because I’m a grown ass woman, and I don’t want him to see me as weak.

I keep a smile plastered on my face as I cut across the floor, not wanting to disturb any of the chefs, who don’t even acknowledge our presence.

Following the others out into the hallway, I observe more of the house as Zen reaches out, cupping my chin to tilt my face up to his, making everything else fade away.

Between their little touches, and not-so-seemingly innocent words, I’m already consumed with need, which definitely isn’t helping with the current situation. Because it’s embarassing to be thinking about sex while I’m visiting Zen’s family.

Fuck.

Although, I wonder what he would say if I asked him to take me home and fuck me senseless? But I don’t, seeing the glint in his eyes that this is important to him. And if it’s important to him, then it’s important to me. I want to be here just as much as he does.

Without a word or some pep talk like I expect, he crashes his lips to mine, making me release my hold on Adonis to grip his arms, clinging to him and the taste of him he’s offering.

All too soon he steps back, but I see the promise in his eyes, like our minds are in the same place. I nod, confirming the silent agreement between us, and this time it’s his turn to take my hand, leading me into the room on the left.

Xander, Khaos, and Adonis are hot on our heels as I find Zen’s parents, as well as another guy and two women at the table already. Shit. Siblings too? I don’t think I signed up for this.

A table for twelve fills the room, a few family portraits dotting the walls as a stunning light feature hangs from the ceiling. Not that it’s needed with the floor length glass windows letting in all of the natural light, offering a breathtaking view over their manicured grounds.

It doesn’t escape my attention that I have exactly zero knowledge of whereabouts in Paradise Heights I am, and it plays havoc with my general sense of direction.

Beni and Ana smile at me as they wave us over. Beni is almost in an identical outfit to Zen, while his mother is in a floor length floaty dress that drapes over her baby bump perfectly.

“Rhea, it’s so good to see you, come in, come in,” Ana ushers, her blonde hair falling softly around her face as she walks toward me. With the sun hitting her from behind, I would think she looked like an angel approaching, even if I didn’t know she actually is one.

She wraps me in her arms, just like she did the other day, and immediately, any worries or concerns I had over being here drift away. A calmness washing over me like a second skin as I hug her back.

It’s still a strange sensation, but one I’m beginning to like more and more every time she does it. Much to my disappointment, she pulls away far too quickly, turning me to the other people at the table with a smile and her arm around my shoulder.

“Rhea, these are my other awful children,” she says, making the three of them roll their eyes in response. “Rosa, Gabe, and Serenity,” she adds, pointing to each of them as they smile at me.

“Hi,” I murmur, a little dumbstruck on what else to say because my socializing skills are lacking, but I’m quickly whisked to my seat before I can think anymore on it. Beni sits at the end of the table to the left, a spot is kept for Ana, while Serenity, Rosa, and Gabe fill that side of the table. Leaving the five of us to complete the set. Zen sits beside his father, and Ana puts me in the next seat. Khaos somehow manages to take the spot beside me, leaving Xander to take the final seat on the row, and Adonis to take the end seat.

I can hear him grumbling about being kept too far away from me, but I don’t pay him any attention. He’s got to learn to share. Which sounds so fucking strange when the thing he needs to share is me.

Shaking my head, I focus back on Zen’s hand that falls to my thigh, and I don’t miss the way Khaos inches his chair closer to mine.

“Your arrival is perfect timing, Agnes will be out with the food in a few moments. I hope you like steak. Zen said you didn’t seem to be a fussy eater,” Beni says with a smile as someone appears beside me, filling my glass up with water.

“That sounds perfect to me, thank you,” I reply with a small grin.

“It’s way too funny watching them dote over the girl you brought home rather than you, Zen,” Gabe says, a grin on his lips as he winks at me, and I shake my head at his teasing.

“That’s because you’re never going to bring someone home, Gabe. They’ve given up hope,” Zen retorts, a line I would usually expect from Adonis, and I chuckle.

“I’m not here to be tied down, brother,” he states like it’s a written fact, before quickly glancing back at me. “No offense.”

“None taken,” I reassure, loving seeing such a dynamic between the entire family before me.

Any further conversation is cut short as people fill the room, carrying trays of food, and my stomach grumbles, the delicious smell of thyme and rosemary filling my nose. A plate is placed in front of me, steak, seasoned potatoes, and vegetables. The steam coming off the food has me wetting my lips in excitement.

Count me in for every family visit if this is what it looks like. The people, the food, the atmosphere; everything.

Silence descends over the table for a moment, everyone tucking in, and I bite back the groans of approval as I eat. Halfway through the meal, Ana takes a sip of her drink and looks at the five of us before she speaks.

“How has the Academy been since the news dropped?” she asks, eyes falling to me for an answer, and I quickly swallow my food, taking a sip of water before I respond.

“Zellus was obviously hyping it up like he was doing the world a favor with some great breakthrough he had, but otherwise, nothing has happened. I think everyone’s waiting for the ceremony and the activation of their powers, but right now it just seems like gossip since he hasn’t given a plan of action yet,” I explain, and she nods in understanding.

“True Zellus style,” she says with a roll of her eyes, and I smirk, agreeing fully with her observation.

“Has Zeus made an appearance?” she continues, and my face scrunches.

“That would be a definite no,” I reply, and this time, when a hand squeezes my thigh, it comes from my right.

Khaos.

Goosebumps prickle beneath his touch, my breath lodging in my throat as he silently offers me support. Something I never thought I would receive from him.

“He’s even more of a disappointment than we thought then,” Rosa says from across the table, shaking her head in disgust, and my eyes widen as I nod.

“Rosa, that’s her father,” Beni says, chastising her, and I wave my hand.

“Please, it’s okay, he really isn’t. He’s exactly what she says he is. There’s no offense taken here, not after his parting words with me,” I blurt, clamping my mouth shut and instantly regretting the statement slip from my lips, but thankfully, no one wants to dig deeper and the conversation shifts in another direction.

Instead, Beni turns his attention to Xander with an empathetic smile on his lips. “What about your parents, Xander? Have you heard from them?” The question makes me freeze, just like it does Zen’s siblings, who cast nervous looks between Beni and Xander, who simply shakes his head in response.

His head remains down, disappointment pulsing off him in waves, and I reach across Khaos beside me to lace my fingers with his for a moment. He looks at me from the corner of his eye, pain clear on his face. It’s a stark reminder that we really do need to have a conversation about the elephant in the room between us.

I don’t blame him, but the way he clasps my fingers tells me he’s still blaming himself enough for the two of us.

“What about your mother, Khaos?” Ana asks, turning the conversation, and Xander’s shoulders sag in relief. I squeeze his hand once more, before pulling back to my seat properly, just as Khaos grips my thigh tighter, sure to leave bruises as he grunts. Likely a knee jerk reaction to the mention of his mother.

“I think we all know my mother is always an embarrassment to our kind,” he replies, as cryptic as ever. Answering the question without directly answering it, but anything Mrs. Black does now is not likely to be a surprise any longer.

Sitting at this table, it’s surprising to see that supernaturals maybe aren’t all that good at being parents.

Zeus. Nyx. Hades. Mrs. Black. Mr. And Mrs. Bishop.

Fuck. Unless you’ve got angels for parents, you’re screwed.

It doesn’t escape me that Beni doesn’t mention Hades to Adonis. Was that intentional?

Silence falls over the table once more, teetering on the edge of awkwardness, when Serenity clears her throat. “Did you like the snow, Rhea?”

My heart skips a beat at the mere memory, and the smile that spreads across my lips is pure and genuine as I nod eagerly at her. “Oh my Gods, honestly, it was spectacular. I loved every single flake that fell from the sky,” I gush, making her beam back at me. “Thank you so much,” I add, my hand coming to my chest as I try to calm my heart.

“It was my pleasure. I love the snow, so when I was gifted the power to create it, I literally cried all over my mom’s new dress,” she says with a giggle, her face lighting up, as does Ana’s, the memory flashing between them.

Zen really is lucky to be blessed with such an amazing family. What makes me more in awe of them, is the fact that I don’t wish they were my parents growing up. I hope with everything that I am, that I can be them when I get older. But with my heritage and the untold backstory there, that might be easier said than done.

Ana’s face twists in distaste, leaving me slightly confused as her eyes search mine. She reaches across the table to place her hand on top of mine, not an easy task with her swollen belly in the way.

“Let one thing be clear. Your parents may have created your DNA, Rhea, but they don’t create who you are. Core values, inner strength, morals, and drive come from life lessons. All of which you have in abundance, dear.”

Holy fucking shit balls. I think I’ve fallen in love with this woman. I can’t bring myself to ask how she seems to read me so well. If she could read my mind, Zen would tell me… right?

I feel my cheeks burn, but I don’t hide from them or shy away, my gut and my magic know I’m safe here. Safe to be me, however that looks.

Time becomes non-existent as we all relax, chatting and basking in each other's company, until the sun sets and Zen leans in to kiss my cheek, before whispering in my ear.

“I’m going to tell these fuck nuts that I’m exhausted because I’m ready to go. I want some time with my Firecracker.”

My lips sink into my bottom lip as I offer a slight nod.

How do I say no to that?

8

ZEN

I  step through the portal into Agion, my body sagging a little now that I know I’m back home as I turn to wait for Rhea to follow through with the others. I love my family, more than words can say, but all of the fun and laughter has left me slightly drained.

My eyes brighten the moment my girl steps through the portal, the black smoke billowing around her only makes her seem lighter, softer, and serene. A complete contrast to the swirling darkness behind her.

Xander rakes his fingers through his hair, clearly still struggling with everything left unsaid between him and Rhea, while Khaos hovers closer to her every day, also desperate to get her alone. Adonis loosens his grip on Rhea’s hand, and I seize the opportunity, reaching out to grab my girl by the waist and pull her toward me.

She squeals in surprise as her chest presses against mine. I kiss her forehead quickly, feeling her hands on my shoulders, before I lift her into the air. A giggle falls from her mouth as I carry her over my shoulder. I don’t hang around, instantly moving toward my room without pause.

“Hey, motherfucker, that’s not fair,” Adonis grumbles, and I flip him the bird over my shoulder.

“It’s not my problem you weren’t quick enough, and I made her a promise,” I retort casually.

Xander and Khaos grumble under their breath, but don’t put up a fight to steal her from me. It doesn’t mean they don’t stop Adonis, clearly enjoying him acting like an asshole because neither of them moved to capture her attention.

Rhea continues to chuckle as Adonis moans. “I’ll just use the fucking bathroom, I’m not bothered.” He must mean the adjoining bathroom he shares with Rhea, and it’s my turn to laugh this time.

Turning to face him, I quirk my eyebrow as I let my magic run through my veins, into the ground beneath me, and watch as it rumbles at my touch. Adonis’ arms instantly go out wide trying to keep his balance as he glares in my direction.

“That’s exactly why we’re not going to her room,” I state, using my free hand to unlock my door, while squeezing Rhea’s thigh with the other.

I don’t wait around, eager to get my girl alone, so I step into my room and slam the door shut behind me, reining in my magic at the same time.

Moving toward my bed, I take my time, running my hand over her bare skin peeking under the hem of her dress. I can feel the goosebumps I leave in my wake, her skin reacting to my touch and I grin, until I reach her ass, and I realize all too quickly that she hasn’t had panties on all day.

A groan falls from my mouth, my dick throbbing with the realization as I move to take a seat at the end of my bed, adjusting her in my lap so she’s sitting sideways on my knee.

Rhea’s arms immediately wrap around my neck, pulling me close as her ass nudges my throbbing dick. I pause a moment, convinced Adonis is going to come barging in, but thankfully, all is quiet. I don’t worry about the bathroom in my room, since I have a private ensuite, so I know he can’t come through there.

Taking a moment to bask in Rhea’s scent and feel her body pressed against mine, I release a breath, placing a leisurely kiss to the crook of her neck. Her head tilts back, offering me better access, and my cock twitches even more at her surrender.

When a moan falls from her lips, I grab her by the waist again, flipping her around so she’s lying on my bed, hair fanning out around her as I look down with desire thrumming through my veins. I loved the pretty braids in her hair earlier, but when she loosened them, letting the waves float around her face, I was left desperate to run my fingers through it.

She gapes at me in surprise, but when I lean closer, bringing my face to hers, I watch as she parts her lips and her eyes widen all at once. She wants me just as much as I want her.

“All I’ll ever need is you, Rhea, and I’ll never be able to say no to your sweetness,” I breathe, desperate to tear the pretty summer dress from her body as she grins up at me.

“Is that so?” she purrs back, reaching her hands out to unbutton my shirt, and I let her, nodding as she goes.

“Yeah.”

I keep myself bent over her as I dig into the pocket of my pants, retrieving the little gift I was going to give her earlier, but had changed my mind. She must sense me placing it on the bed, because when she releases the final button on my shirt, her eyes immediately shift to where I placed it.

She licks her lips, surprise evident in her gaze as she looks from me to the gift once more, before reaching out to grasp it in her palm.

Before she can ask any questions, I enlighten her. “I brought this for today, wanting to tease you, but after I saw your nerves, I thought better of it,” I explain, taking the other piece of the gift from the bed.

I watch her closely as I press the little black button on the remote in my hand. The toy she’s holding comes to life, vibrating softly as she gasps. I turn it up a notch, then another, and another, until she groans.

“Holy fuck,” The words slip from her lips like a dream, making me grin. “You could use it now,” she adds, making me freeze, my brain malfunctioning as my cock rubs against the waistband of my pants, desperate to seek her out.

“But if this pretty little toy is enjoying your pussy, where is my dick supposed to go?” I ask with a quirk of my brows as I try to rein myself in, my body ready to just fucking rut into her for thirty seconds and call it a good time.

I stand tall, swiping my hand through my hair as I take a breath, but not once do I pull my gaze from hers.

She shakes her head at me with a knowing gaze, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip as she continues to hold the vibrator in her hand. “It could go exactly where you want it to.”

I understand her meaning immediately, my dick swelling even more as I groan. “Fuck.” I run my tongue over my teeth, trying to respond like an adult and not a horny adolescent, but it’s proving very difficult. “That’s not something I want you to do just for me,” I state, wanting to make sure this is an open conversation, and she smiles up at me.

“I want to try too,” she murmurs, her eyes glazing over with need and desire as I try not to come on the spot.

Moving to my nightstand, I dig around in the drawer until I reach what I’m looking for. I quickly move back around to stand at the bottom of the bed looking down at her.

It’s funny, because to the outside world this would look like power play. Me hovering above her while she does as I please. But in actuality, she’s the one with all the power here and I’m just happy to be in her presence.

Leaving the toy in her hand, I place my hands on either side of her head, one still holding the remote in my fist. Lowering my head, I kiss from her collarbone all the way down to the neckline of her dress. She strains beneath me, reactive to my touch as always, and when I reach for the straps of her dress, I realize it’s too tight to shimmy down her body. I don’t have the patience to let her take it off properly, so without any further thought, I grab the neckline, tearing the material in two.

The noise echoes around the room, and I groan when I realize there’s no bra in my way either. Just my girl, naked and ready for me. Her nipples are peaked, her skin flushed, and the curve of her hips enticing me in.

“So fucking beautiful, Firecracker,” I mumble, dragging my lips down the valley between her tits. I can hear the sound of the toy buzzing in the distance, and it encourages me lower, shaking off my shirt as I run my tongue around her belly button, before dropping to my knees and tasting her sweet pussy.

Rhea’s hips immediately buck up off the bed, her hand clutching the sheets beneath her as I lap at her folds, twirling my tongue around her clit as she groans with pleasure.

I love it like this, hearing her moans just for me, but having an audience last time also filled me with fire. She’s ours to share, and we’re going to give her everything she wants and needs. For now, it's just the two of us, it’s an orgasm of pure bliss. And another. And another. Multiple. The best plan I’ve ever laid grounds for.

Using one hand to pin her thigh to the mattress, I run the other over her pussy as I lean back, looking up the length of her body to see her already glancing my way. Eyes half mast and her hair splayed out around her.

Fuck. She looks divine.

Wanting to hear her cry out, I thrust two fingers deep into her core, watching her mouth form the perfect O as I explore her pussy, loving how wet she is as she coats my fingers.

I play her perfectly, watching her face redden as need ripples through her, before I hold my hand out, waiting patiently, but she’s too dazed to understand what I want.

“Firecracker, if you want me to make you come, then I’m going to need the toy in your hand,” I murmur, leaning forward to rake my teeth over her clit, and she gets the message, dropping the purple toy to the bed with a thump.

A smirk spreads across my lips as I reach for it, retreating my other hand from her center, making her pout, but I don’t stop. Instead I reach for the lube I retrieved from my drawer, dripping it over the toy and my fingers before I place the bottle beside me on the bed.

“Holy fuck,” she says, her voice husky and raw as I tease the cool, silky, wet device against her folds, leaving it at the same vibration setting as earlier. Dragging it between her folds, she shivers before me, arching her hips with every glide, desperate for it to fill her pussy, and I grin.

“How needy are you, Rhea?” I ask, my own voice raspy with desire as I look up at her.

“Don’t tease me, Zen, please,” she begs, which only stiffens my cock and encourages me.

Rising from the bed, she gapes in shock that I’ve paused, but her eyes widen with excitement as I unbutton my pants and discard them, along with my boxers, leaving my cock jutting out in her direction. Revealing I’m just as wanting as she is.

I grab the bottle and pour a few more drops of lube onto my hands, warming it between my palms, before dragging it over my length. Her eyes dilate watching me, so I take my sweet ass time, slowly twisting my fist over my cock. I could fuck my fist all day to this woman and never tire of it.

Desperate to feel her, I grab her thighs, pulling her closer to the bottom of the bed, before grabbing the toy once more. It’s small, barely bigger than the palm of my hand, so it will sit snugly in her core.

Just as I bring the tip to her pussy, I look up to meet her gaze, and she nods, giving me the confirmation I was silently searching for, before I ease it slowly into her.

Her knuckles whiten as her back arches and her head tilts back, pleasure flooding her body as my own heats at the visual.

“Fuck,” I bite, my cock begging for release already, but I take a few deep breaths, attempting to calm the need so I don’t explode before this even begins.

“Please, Zen, please,” she begs again, leaving me unsure of what it is she’s actually asking for, but I don’t think she’s fully aware either until she continues. “I need you to fill me, too.”

Holy. Fucking. Shit. This woman was made for me.

Not needing any further encouragement, I make sure the toy is secure, humming perfectly in her pussy as I drag my fingers down to her ass. Knowing she’s never done this before fills me with pleasure on another level. It’s mine. Always mine.

Slipping a lubed digit inside her slowly, she stiffens for a moment, before relaxing into the touch, the vibrations from the toy relaxing her muscles for her. Working her slowly, stretching the tight ring of muscle that grips me like a vice, I add a second finger, watching as she bolts her hips up off the bed.

She screams, an orgasm ripping through her unexpectedly, and I have to grip my cock with my other hand before I explode from the sound alone.

“Oh my Gods, Zen. Don’t stop, please don’t stop.”

“Never, Firecracker,” I croak in response, scissoring my fingers to stretch her, all while she continues to ride the waves of her orgasm. But she doesn’t go limp or spent. No. Her body seems to drag me in closer, desperate for more, and I take that as my sign to take us both to the next level.

Retreating my fingers from her ass, she whimpers, pleading blue eyes meeting mine, but she instantly realizes what I’m doing as the tip of my cock nudges at her entrance. Her body tenses again, realizing my cock is thicker than my two fingers.

“Relax, Rhea. I’ve got you,” I murmur through gritted teeth, sweat trickling down my spine as I fight back the urge to thrust inside her without consideration.

I watch as her chest heaves with each breath, but she does as I say, nodding when she wants me to continue. The slickness of the lube makes it easier to enter her ass, but the tight bundle of muscle grips my cock fiercely.

Thrusting slowly and gently, her thighs fall open as the toy continues to vibrate, the sensation touching my cock through the thin wall separating us, and I groan with pleasure.

“Shit,” I grunt, dragging my hand over her stomach and up to her tits, watching as they bounce with every soft thrust I offer.

“Just fill me, Zen. I won’t break,” Rhea bites, eyes wild and face red as she reaches her hands up to me. Taking a deep breath, I follow her order, gripping her thighs as I snap my hips forward in one swift motion, and she cries out. “Fuck!”

I pause, biting my bottom lip as I give her a moment to adjust, my cock already wanting to erupt. But before I can ask her to tell me when, she’s thrusting her hips, rubbing my cock over the toy in her pussy, demanding more from me without words.

Pulling out until only my tip remains, I slam back inside her, jolting the toy in her pussy as I claim her as mine. My hands grip her thighs, bruises forming under my fingertips already as I fuck her over and over again.

I see the moment she’s going to crash into another climax, her body stiffening as her eyes roll to the back of her head and she screams.

The muscles in her ass grip my cock like nothing I’ve ever felt before, ripping my own orgasm from me before I can even consider if I’m ready for this to be over or not.

“Fuck,” I hiss, continuing the same pace as I watch Rhea ride out wave after wave of her orgasm.

The pair of us pant, exhaustion and pleasure rippling through us as we attempt to catch our breaths, but it’s easier said than done.

Looking down at this woman, the woman who has done nothing short of change my entire life, and only three words come to mind. Three words I won’t say until she’s ready to hear them, but they ricochet in my chest, pounding with every beat of my heart.

I love Rhea.

9

RHEA

T he sound of my chair dragging across the floor rings out around me as I take my seat at the table. The dining hall is filled with chatter and the sounds of utensils clattering, but it’s not as busy as it could be. The Elites and I get our food earlier than most which definitely helps.

I think I protested every step of the way.

After meeting Zen’s parents and seeing his… bedroom, we spent the rest of the weekend doing very little. I was busy basking in my afterglow, slightly sore and spent for longer than a usual fuck session, but shit, it was in the best way possible and totally worth it.

Harmonia had only just woken up when I messaged her about coming down for food early, so there’s no sign of her or the twins, which leaves the table a little on the quiet side.

Adonis takes the seat to my left, while Zen drops down to my right, leaving Khaos and Xander to sit across from me.

After selecting pancakes and an orange juice for my breakfast, I watch the tablet disappear before I drag my eyes to Xander. He’s staring at me, yearningly, but the minute I look, he turns away, encouraging this awkward energy between the two of us.

I’ve been pushing out this conversation longer than I meant to, and there’s no time like the present to finally have it. “Hey, I think we need to talk,” I state, waving my hand in front of his face so he knows I’m talking to him.

He flinches immediately, his head rearing back as his brown eyes widen in panic. I’m sure I see flecks of amber threatening to take over, like his wolf is rising to the surface to protect him, and I frown. What does he think I’m going to say? Does he think I’m going to hurt him?

He wets his lips, still not uttering a word in response, so I push on. “We can do it now or later, privately,” I offer, making sure my voice is calm and relaxed, but it does nothing to change his demeanor.

Before he can respond, Zen strokes a hand down my spine. “I was hoping we could go out by the lake and test our gifts from Pandora’s Box after classes. We need to start working with them in preparation for whatever these tests are going to be,” he explains, and I agree with him.

“That’s a good idea,” Khaos adds at the same time my breakfast appears in front of me, and I take a sip of my orange juice before I turn my attention back to Xander.

His egg and bacon breakfast plate appears in front of him, but before he can lift a forkful to his lips I speak. “Now is as good a time as any,” I start, glancing around to make sure Selene or Hector aren’t present to kill my vibes. But the dining hall is free of their bullshit. Fixing my eyes on Xander’s, I lace my fingers together in front of me as I give him a stern look. “We can’t go on like this, with you thinking what happened to me was your fault.”

The words fall from my mouth, and he gapes at me in surprise, while his eyes seem to swirl in challenge, ready to prove me wrong. And if he thinks that’s going to happen, he’s underestimated me completely.

He sits back in his seat, food forgotten as he rakes his fingers through his cropped brown hair, his eyes dimming as the fight drains from him. Yup, definitely having this talk right now. I’m about to unleash a whole bunch of truth on him, and something tells me he isn’t ready for the storm that is me.

“Am I devastated that you weren’t in the class? Yes. Am I devastated that we couldn’t get hold of you? Yes. Am I devastated that we dealt with the consequences without you? Yes.” I point everything out on my fingers, a shiver running down my spine as I remember the consequences and how drained Adonis had become before I watched someone die for the very first time. How I don’t have nightmares or lose sleep is a mystery to me, but I guess it’s because I don’t regret what happened. It was my life or theirs.

I take a breath, watching Xander’s shoulders slump in defeat, his chin pressing against his chest in disappointment as he attempts to speak a few times, but comes up empty for words.

“But, Xander, I’m not pissed at you. Not even a little. I was devastated for all those reasons because you’re mine, and I’m yours, and if there’s anything the five of us are good at, it’s working as a team. As one. As a unit.” The truth bleeds from my lips, my emotions laid out before him as I get everything off my chest. “I’m pissed at Zellus. Your parents. Everyone that seems hellbent on putting barriers between us so we can’t be together,” I admit, his eyes meeting mine, confusion floating in his brown pools of hope and uncertainty. “This doesn’t fall on your shoulders,” I add, wanting to make sure he understands my point.

He shakes his head as the rest of the Elites watch us silently, not interrupting or getting involved. Which hopefully means they feel the same, otherwise I’m sure they’d share their opinions.

“It should,” he grunts, swiping a hand down his face, and I sigh.

“I did not seal my soul with a strong, fearless shifter, only for him to keel over at the first hurdle. This isn’t you, and this isn’t us.” He gapes at me in surprise again, his jaw slacking as he continues to stare at me, but I need him to hear me. “My life changed when we sealed our souls and that means something to me. This unit has always meant something to me,” I murmur, forcing my voice to remain quiet as I throw my arms out at the side. “Fuck, Khaos and I haven’t always seen eye to eye on many things, but we protected the unit. Which means you don’t get to blame yourself for something that was out of your control. We need to move past this. Please.”

Taking a deep breath, I try to control my racing heart, but it's harder than I expect, until he reaches his hand out across the table, lacing his fingers with mine.

“I’ll work on it, sweet Goddess,” he states, certainty in his voice as he nods, and my body and mind relax at his words.

A soft smile plays on my lips, relief zapping through every cell in my body. “Good, because we need to figure out our sleeping arrangements,” I state, drawing a line under the conversation and hopefully moving on, and he thankfully takes the bait.

“I’m down for that. Adonis is hogging you,” he says with a scoff, making Adonis gasp beside me like he’s innocent and has no idea what Xander is talking about. Even with Zen’s hand still on my back, Adonis swings his arms around my shoulders, holding me close.

“I’m not,” he retorts with a pout that even has Khaos chuckling, and I shake my head in disbelief.

“Then you won’t mind if we all figure it out in Xander’s room,” I say, wetting my lips, waiting for his refusal, but his blue eyes shine with excitement.

“All?” Khaos asks, his piercing green eyes searching out mine as he stares at me from across the table.

I nod. “All, but your ass is on the end right now until we’ve worked through our shit too.”

He doesn’t argue with my statement, happy to go along with whatever I say right now, which seems bizarrely out of character for him, but I’m rolling with it. I know it won’t last forever, he’s too strong willed, so I may as well make the most of it.

“I can definitely agree to this,” Zen adds. “After classes, we’ll go down to the lake, come back and have dinner, then figure out our sleeping arrangements,” he clarifies, the others nodding in agreement, and a grin spreads across my face.

Perfect.

After what feels like the longest day of classes in history, the Elites and I finally trudge through the woods, heading to the clearing out by the lake with our gifts from Pandora’s Box. A comfortable air of silence hangs over us, each of us lost in our thoughts, and it feels strange to be able to do that surrounded by others, but I like it.

Khaos leads the way, wearing a pair of black jeans, a white tee, and a black and white checkered shirt. He hasn’t brought a bag or his magical refilling chalice since he is lucky enough to already know what it does. Every time he glances back over his shoulder, his heated gaze meets mine, and I think I’ve nibbled my bottom lip raw from watching him.

Fuck. Me.

Literally.

Adonis stays close to my left, wearing a pair of stone colored chino shorts and a plain white tee that clings to his body perfectly. He’s hot and he fucking knows it. But the way he reaches out to stroke a hand down my spine from time to time reminds me just how much he’s changed since I first got here.

Zen is on my other side, an off-white linen shirt with the top two buttons undone, and a pair of navy shorts scream Zen’s style. His blond hair is getting longer and longer, and the more it grows, the more it seems to suit him. The way he rakes his large hands through his hair is sexy as fuck, all I need is for him to hop in the lake, and climb back out doing it with beads of water trickling over him and his muscles glistening in the sun.

I’m so fucking screwed. It should be tattooed on my forehead.

Glancing back over my shoulder, I find Xander, but it takes a moment for his eyes to reach mine since he’s clearly staring at my ass, and I grin. He’s wearing a gray hoodie and matching gray shorts, which only seems to deepen his olive skin making him look like he’s lazed on a beach all day. The smile that reaches his eyes when he does finally look at me melts my heart. I’ve fucking missed that. I’ve missed him.

I focus back ahead, fixing the hem of my oversized band tee that I'm wearing as a dress, feeling the heat a bit more today than usual, and I’m sweating.

Heaving a sigh of relief when we confirm no one else is here, we move closer to the lake, finding a patch of grass that we’re happy with. I place my satchel at my feet, biting the inside of my cheek nervously, before startling when Xander leans in to place a kiss at my temple, making me shiver at the contact. But I smile up at him, appreciating the touch.

A mixture of excitement and nerves swirl in my chest, more powerful than usual, like my magic feels it too. It’s the most bizarre feeling, like you’re connected to something in your core. Something that seems to know you better than you even know yourself. Magic. It’s an impossible thing to fully comprehend or even describe.

It’s empowering, but because my powers haven’t come to full fruition yet, it also feels jumbled, confusing, and exasperating.

My soul immediately settles, this place is like our sanctuary in the middle of all the crazy. Maybe not on a weekend when everyone’s out here partying, but all the other times, it just has a way of relaxing me.

I think it definitely links back to Zen and the snow he had created for me.

“You okay, baby? You seem deep in thought,” Adonis murmurs beside me, his eyebrows raised slightly as he looks down at me.

I smile, brushing a loose tendril of hair back off my face. “I’m good,” I reply, not explaining further, but the calmness in my tone must be enough for him to believe me.

He’s been right by my side since we set off. When I refused to let any of them carry my satchel, I worried it would cause an issue, but they all seemed to understand.

You can take the girl out of Phoenix Valley, but you can’t take Phoenix Valley out of the girl.

Independence, resilience, and strength were all traits I had to learn, and they’re still fresh in the here and now. Right down to carrying my own damn bag.

They chose to walk an extra step closer to me, like bodyguards protecting a VIP, and I can’t say I don’t like it. Although, they always walk so close to me anyway, I don’t know how they managed to find an extra drop of space without all of us bumping into one another.

“Adonis, are you ready?” Zen asks, the five of us forming somewhat of a circle as Adonis nods in response.

“Yeah,” he replies with a grin on his lips, rubbing his hands together excitedly, before he closes his eyes and holds his hands out on either side by his hips.

Just like that, a distorted, translucent bubble forms around us, like a miniature version of the one over the Academy, one just for our group. My shoulders relax back at the barrier he’s placed between us and the rest of the students, so if anyone does come out here, they can’t see what we’re doing.

Lesson learned.

“Thank you,” I murmur, reaching out to squeeze his arm, and he grins wider, loving the praise, before he swings his arm out to the side. A moment later, his trident appears in his hand.

Fuck, it’s cool as hell that his magic lets him call upon it like that, like it’s truly one with him. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being amazed by the variety of magic within Saints Academy. I can’t imagine what else I’ll see once I venture into Paradise Heights.

Zen pulls out his shield, and I stand mesmerized by it for a moment, watching the gold glisten before me. Xander retrieves his bow and arrows from his bag, encouraging me to remove my dagger from my satchel.

I pull it out slowly, catching my name engraved into the gold handle, while the jewels glisten and shimmer around it. How does something so dangerous, deadly, look so beautiful? It almost doesn’t seem real.

“Why doesn’t everyone play around with their gift, get a feel for it, do what feels natural, and I’ll help guide, Rhea,” Khaos states, not waiting for them to agree as he cuts across the grass to me, nodding to an empty space closer to the water but still within the bubble.

I don’t hesitate in following his lead, but I also don’t miss the way his shoulders sag in relief that I didn’t just point blank refuse to go with him. There’s a lot to this man, a lot he seems to carry the weight of, I see it in his troubled eyes. I told myself I would wait for him to realize we were more important than any of his worries or concerns, I told myself I would give us a chance when he did, and now here we are. Although we’re taking baby steps, fuck is he trying.

When he’s happy with the space, he turns to face me, a tilt to the corner of his mouth as his delicious green eyes pierce mine. “How do you look so hot with a dagger in your hand?” He tilts his head as if he’s genuinely piecing it together, but I think the words were spoken almost to himself, and I scoff.

“Oh, it’s all the sparkly, gemmed up badass dagger and nothing to do with me,” I say, spinning it in my hand.

“If that’s what you keep telling yourself, sure, but deep down you know you’re a work of art. Gifted to us for some unknown reason, and I can’t figure out what good I’ve done in my life to deserve you. But I’ll let you know when I do, Venom,” he grunts, eyes darkening as my skin prickles under his gaze.

Fuck.

Why do I love it so much when he calls me Venom?

Dragging my tongue over my lips, I watch him track the movement, his jaw tensing before he shakes his head, clearing the desire in his eyes. “But let's focus on the task at hand for now, yeah?” he mumbles, turning to adjust himself in his pants, before nodding at the dagger. “Do whatever feels natural, Rhea, and if I have any ideas on movements or your form, I’ll point them out.”

I nod, relieved with the distraction as I hold the dagger out before me. Curling it through the air, I let my body flow naturally with the blade, feeling like we’re one and the same, completely in sync.

Thank the Gods some part of my supernatural senses are clearly working with the item, and it fills me with determination to push harder. Something might be finally going right for me.

Grunts and grumbles from Zen, Xander, and Adonis going through their moves can be heard from behind me, but I’m too focused on myself to become distracted by it.

I have no idea how much time passes, move after move, with some appreciated assistance from Khaos, but still… nothing. I’ve tried handling it differently, twisting, turning the handle, while shoving it in every direction.

“Let’s call time,” I hear Zen holler. “It’s been two hours, we need to eat, reassess, and come back out here another day,” he explains, making my shoulders slump in disappointment.

Not one of us has figured it out, well, except Khaos, and the grim expression I find on his face settles in my gut. He seems just as beaten as the rest of us.

“Fuck,” Adonis grunts, stabbing the fork end of his trident into the grass in frustration as Xander swipes a hand down his face.

“This is utter fucking bullshit, man,” Xander bites, slamming his bow harshly into the ground in frustration, but all at once, the move triggers something with the object.

Before our next breath, Zen, Khaos, Adonis, and I are thrown back, hitting the rim of Adonis’ glamor like a brick wall as a dome forms over Xander. I gape in shock, clearly seeing him on the other side of what looks like a force field.

I gasp for breath, the sudden move and shock leaving me winded as I stare at him in bewilderment.

Panicked eyes meet mine when he sees where I am, but when he spots the smile on my lips he relaxes, and realization dawns on all of us.

“Holy fuck, he did it.”

10

RHEA

I  race up the stairs of Agion with Adonis, excitement bubbling in my chest. The sense of relief I feel for another one of us to figure out our gifts is next level awesome. We needed this win, this chance to figure our shit out. I only hope Adonis, Zen, and I learn ours soon too.

My stomach grumbles with hunger, but I don’t slow my pace, this unspoken race I seem to be in with Adonis only enhancing the good feeling I have in my gut. With my satchel slung over my shoulder, I hold it to my body as I slow my steps outside of Adonis’ room.

“I win,” I declare, slightly breathless as I turn to face him with a grin, but when I do, I realize his gaze is fixed on my ass.

“Hmm, did you though?” he retorts, raking his teeth over his bottom lip as I roll my eyes at him. I shouldn’t expect anything different from him at this point.

“Meet you back here in two minutes? I just need to put my things away before we go for food,” I state, blatantly ignoring his comment, and he shakes his head.

“I can come in your door or through the bathroom,” he says with a suggestive tease to his lips, and I immediately raise my hand between us to pause him from coming any closer.

“No fucking way. I’m starving, and you’ll be… distracting,” I declare, wagging my finger as he doesn’t heed my warning and still comes to a stop right in front of me.

“But I like being distracting, Rhea,” he murmurs, my breath catching in my throat as I stare up at him with a heated gaze that matches his own.

“I’m sure you do. But if I don’t eat, I turn into a real hangry bitch, and you’ll have even less chance of fucking me,” I say, cocking my hip as I raise my eyebrow at him in challenge, but he just grins, leaning forward to brush his lips against my temple, before taking a step back.

“Be as quick as you can, baby,” he mutters, pressing the palm of his hand against his door and stepping inside before I can consider if I made the right choice or not.

With a grin on my lips and an extra bounce in my step, I do the same, rushing into my room as quickly as possible so I can get back outside to him, then to the food because I’m beyond starved.

I waste no time, placing my dagger safely away, making sure to grab my phone from my satchel too, before I shut my closet doors. I may need something to sleep in later, but I can either run back up or steal one of Xander’s tees.

Not needing anything else, I consider going through the bathroom to him, but our words from moments ago play on my mind, and I decide against it, swinging my bedroom door open and letting it fall shut behind me in the hallway.

Turning to my right, I take one step towards Adonis’ door, when I balk, rearing back in shock, sucking in a quick breath as I stare at the man standing before me.

Hades.

He’s wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, with a matching black shirt and polished leather shoes, but no tie. A reminder he’s not the complete business man he makes himself appear to be. His blue eyes dance with excitement as they meet mine, his fingers raking through his blue hair as he assesses the situation.

“Rhea, what a surprise,” he breathes, his arms hanging at his sides casually, but I don’t miss the telling twitch, indecision of whether he should reach his hand out to shake mine or not. I’m thankful he doesn’t.

Clearing my throat, I give him a pointed stare as I fold my arms over my chest. “Is it though? I mean, this is the hall I live in. There’s certainly more reason for me to be here than you,” I blurt, my hackles rising as I look him over from head to toe, trying to get a read on him. “What are you doing here?” I add, not liking the presence of anyone from the Hex at all.

“I wanted a moment with my son,” he states, swinging his arm out to the side, pointing at Adonis’ door.

“Oh,” I mumble, swallowing past the lump in my throat.

“Is that allowed?” he asks, a smirk on his lips as he quirks a brow at me.

Asshole.

“Sure it is,” I reply, having nothing better to say.

Maybe the floor could open up and swallow me whole, that might help. And if I want to go to hell, the man before me could definitely make that happen.

I internally scramble over what to say or do next, trying to see all my options, and when he doesn’t attempt to cut me with barbed words or bring me down like anyone else from the Hex would, I decide it may be best just to leave. I can head down to Xander’s room now, the others will be waiting there for me anyway, and I can message Adonis.

With my plan decided, I offer a tight smile, moving to step around him. I give him a wide berth, not stepping within arms length of him, and I immediately wish I still had my dagger as a form of defense, just in case. Would I really need it?

I don’t want to stick around to find out.

Just as I reach the top of the stairs, his inquisitive voice reaches my ears, making me pause. “Have you heard from him?”

I glance back over my shoulder, finding him turned in my direction as I frown in confusion. “Who?”

“Your father.” he says, his facial expression giving nothing away as those two words so casually slip past his lips. It catches me off guard so much that I almost stumble back in surprise.

Is he for real?

The last words Zeus spoke to me ring in my mind, a reminder of who he truly is leaving me slightly numb and confused by it all.

“If you’re standing here before me, I can’t help but believe your mother is still alive. If you want to prove yourself as trustworthy, you will find her, then kill her. When you’ve done that, come talk to me. I might be willing to up my parenting skills with you.”

I scoff, raising my eyebrows at him as I turn to face him fully. Anger tainting my joy from moments ago as I remember my true reality and the web of lies and deceit that seem to drape themselves around me. Trying to find peace doesn’t even matter since I am the spawn of Nyx and Zeus. This will always be my life.

“I think I have just as much chance of Zellus making an appearance and having a good old heart to heart with me,” I grumble, distaste thick on my tongue, and Hades chuckles at me.

Fucking chuckles.

A mystical and alluring sound that only seems to trigger uncertainty in my soul, forcing me to feel everything I wish to avoid.

“You have his fire,” he remarks casually, placing his hands in his pockets like we’re not talking about something I wish to avoid for the rest of eternity.

My spine stiffens as I stand taller, my lips pursing as I try to quell the disdain burning through my body. “No, I have my own fire. I fuel myself. Always,” I bite, unable to keep my hands from clenching at my side, but he pays my body language no mind as he continues to dig deeper.

“Do you have his magic?” he asks, tapping his chin as he takes a step toward me. If Hades thinks he can intimidate me and make me take a step back, then he’s got another thing coming.

I didn’t back down when they magically suspended me in the air like a puppet. No. It was him that let me down. I didn’t back down when Zellus attempted to fucking cage me. And I didn’t back down when they forced me into this bullshit testing situation.

If he’s wise, he’ll remember my resilience. I have plenty of it.

“His magic?” I finally respond, my brows knitting together as I stare him down, and he nods eagerly, the grin spreading on his lips.

“Can you control rain and thunderstorms? Have a passion for handling lightning bolts?” he pushes, eyes wide as he seems to entertain himself with the possibilities.

My mouth dries, but I fight it down, hating that I don’t truly know what I can do yet. “I thought it was rude to ask people about their powers?” I retort, although I do dislike the statement. I need to know what I’m up against with these people, including the powers they wield, especially since I always seem to be in the line of fire.

“Hmm,” he ponders, propping his elbow on his hand as he continues to tap at his chin, irritating the fuck out of me. “Sly and seemingly observant. Definitely not learning anything from Zellus I see,” he breathes, like he’s thinking out loud.

What the fuck?

The mention of another man attempting to ruin me from all angles makes me realize I’ve never knowingly been in the presence of Zellus and his magic, which leaves me intrigued to know more.

But first, I need this interaction with Hades to end. “Is this conversation done?” I ask, forcing a bored tone to play on my lips as I fold my arms over my chest.

“Ah, there’s the hint of your mother I always see in you,” he says, rubbing his hands together as he waggles his fucking eyebrows at me, and I frown.

“My mother?” Why do I keep half repeating what he’s just said to me? I don’t like that he seems to leave me off kilter.

“Hmm, she was a Goddess with substance, a presence always felt, right down to your bones, but always feared. Gods would vy for her attention only to be knocked back so effortlessly, quickly dismissed with a look… that look plastered on your face right now,” he says, my heart ricocheting in my chest at the sliver of information he offers. The asshole likely did it on purpose, to reel me in, knowing my curiosity could get the better of me.

He can’t see that what he’s saying intrigues me, no fucking way.

“I wouldn’t know, remember? Abandoned and cast out to Phoenix Valley for twenty-two years under the guise of being an earthling,” I state, my tone clipped as I hiss out the nickname for humans, but it’s necessary to drive the point home that I have no interest.

“Yes, I recall. Abandoned by a woman who was supposed to be dead nine months before, yet here you stand,” he remarks, saying the same line I’ve heard countless times. The pointed look he gives me as I gape at his assessment in response only emphasizes his statement.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask another question and figure out what he fucking knows, if it’s anything at all, but the sound of a door slamming shut behind Hades makes me pause. Adonis comes into view, a frown visible on his face as his gaze flicks between the two of us.

“What are you doing here?” he asks his father, moving around him to step between us, almost shielding me from his father’s view in the process. A move I see as protective immediately.

“I came to see you, son, but the reason why seems to have slipped my mind,” he murmurs, a somber, almost soft smile on his lips as he speaks to Adonis. I don’t think I will ever figure this man out. “Likely something to do with how sealed soul life is treating you, but I can’t think of it off the top of my head now,” he adds, moving toward the stairs.

Before either Adonis or I can speak, Hades steps around the two of us, and disappears from sight. Taking the stairs so lightly you don’t hear a single step.

Silence descends over us as I take a deep breath, confused about what the fuck just happened.

“What was that about? Are you okay?” Adonis asks, drawing my attention to him as I nod mindlessly.

“I honestly… don’t even have a clue. I’m fine, I just… your father seems to be the king of mind games,” I grumble, and Adonis scoffs.

“He is very good at saying something cryptic and making you read between the lines to understand what he truly means,” he replies, and I nod, eyes wide as I turn to him.

“Exactly that,” I state, letting Adonis wrap me in his arms as he cuts the distance between us.

“Do we need to talk about it? Or do you need me to chase him down?” he offers, making me smile as I shake my head.

“It’s all good. Let’s go and find the others so we can eat before I starve to death,” I say with an exaggerated groan of hunger while rubbing my stomach.

“I can make that happen,” he says with a grin, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as he turns us to the stairs. “I hope you save a spot for me beside you tonight,” he adds, a grin spread across his face as he places a kiss at the crook of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I get the feeling that if I let that happen, there won’t be very much sleeping going on.”

11

RHEA

W etting my dry lips, my body aches as I stretch, the peace and tranquility of slumber slipping away without care, leaving me groggy but awake. Unfortunately.

Attempting to stretch my legs and work out the kinks in my back, I pause for a moment, feeling someone’s thigh pressed beside me. My eyes widen in surprise, only to come face to face with Zen, and then I remember exactly where I am.

In Xander’s bed.

Fuck, I fell asleep during the movie. What a buzzkill.

Swiping my hair back off my face, I look at Zen’s peaceful face as he sleeps, a small grin forming on my lips as I take him in. Is there ever a moment this man doesn’t look so calm, and well… zen? Fuck my life that pun gets old, but how else can I describe him? He’s the epitome of every adjective used to describe zen. A flash of the Blair brothers flits through my mind, expertly reminding me that there are more sides to this man than just his peaceful face.

I gulp at the sight of his bare chest, his toned arm slung over my waist, but none of that explains the body pressed behind me.

Peeking over my shoulder, I find a sleeping Xander, body heat radiating off him something crazy as I spot Adonis on the other side of him. I can imagine the tantrum he must have thrown because he wasn’t beside me, but it clearly wasn’t loud enough to wake me so I’ll take that as progress.

I turn back around, catching sight of jet black hair over Zen’s shoulder, and the skip of my heart beat makes my breath catch.

Khaos actually stayed.

I know he said he would, but those words have been mentioned before yet made a complete U-turn when his mother got in his ear. Hopefully this means he’s ready to figure his shit out. With actions and not just words.

In this very moment, none of that is my concern. I need to use the bathroom and freshen up before the alarm sounds and we have to head to class. I brought everything I needed down with me last night and placed it in a bag beside the bathroom door, so if I can get out of this tangle of limbs, I’ll be ready to go.

Shuffling myself out of the sheets, I tiptoe across the room, and slip into the bathroom as quietly as possible, closing the door behind me with a soft click.

I quickly use the toilet, before moving over to the vanity, splashing water in my face before I reach for my cleanser. Just as I’m patting my face dry, the door swings open, startling me as a groggy Khaos walks in.

His black hair is swept back off his face, his muscles on full display since he’s only in a pair of boxers, and the outline of his cock at half mast beneath the material captures my attention.

I don’t know how long I stand frozen in place, completely checking him out without care, but it’s him who breaks the hypnotic spell I seem to be under.

“My eyes are up here,” he states, the mirth evident in his tone as I quickly search out the green pools for myself. The wry smile on his lips has the potential to make me blush, but I’m not ashamed or embarrassed at being caught checking him out. He’s hot as hell. An asshole, but hot as hell. I wet my lips, still unable to form any words, and he chuckles under his breath. “I guess this is repayment for me watching you in the shower, huh?”

The memory floods my mind, my heart rate kicking up a notch as I keep my gaze fixed on his.

“At least I’m enjoying what I see,” I blurt, also remembering the way he dismissed me so casually, and the sting that I hate to admit immediately followed.

He shakes his head immediately, swiping a hand down his face as he cuts the distance between us. I turn, pressing my ass into the vanity behind me as I face him head on. He doesn’t stop until we’re chest to chest, my head tilted up slightly to keep my eyes on his.

“It was the hottest thing I had ever seen, up until that point,” he breathes, hand reaching out to tuck a loose tendril of hair behind my ear, all while I scramble to have some kind of response. “Now it's second to the show you and Zen put on for Adonis,” he adds, and a shiver runs down my spine, need curling its way through my limbs as desire attempts to take over. And I’m far too tempted to let it.

“That’s not the impression you gave,” I murmur, clutching the vanity behind me as his shoulders slump slightly.

“It’s something I will always regret, but at that time, I hated the decision I made with regards to you, yet I had such little control,” he admits, making my eyebrows rise in surprise. “I hated that I felt out of control, no matter how hard I held the reins. I hated that my mother turned us into what felt like a business transaction, a demand, and everything else that it wasn’t. And I hated that her words had the power to show me at my worst. I feared she had tainted me and that would be the beginning and end for us.”

His green eyes darken, truth flowing from his lips as I gape up at him.

“Tainted you?”

He nods, a sigh falling from his lips. “I didn’t want you to second guess my intentions, Rhea.”

“You didn’t really give me a chance to do anything but deal with your wrath,” I state, quirking a brow at him, both of our chests heaving with every inhale and exhale, the rawness and realness of the situation leaving us breathless.

“At the time, I did what I thought was right,” he states, somehow edging closer to me, his hips now flush with mine, and it takes everything I have to remain present in the conversation instead of getting lost in his close proximity. Even though the feel of his cock against my hip bone is so fucking enticing.

“Hmm, which is why we need to chat and clear the air properly, because that shit can’t happen again,” I say, my voice stronger than I expect.

“We don’t need to do anything but be, Venom. You were attacked and hurt, while I was being an asshole to you. The pain that caused me, the fear for your safety, far outweighed anything else I was concerned or worried about. I’m just pissed it came to that before I got my shit together,” he admits, cupping my chin as he looks deep into my eyes.

At least he can admit when he’s an asshole, that definitely helps.

“What the hell am I going to do with you?” I say under my breath, an internal thought leaping out of my mouth as he offers me a wicked grin.

“Make me pay for it, make me earn it, make me beg for it, but please, don’t regret it.”

Before I can say anything in response, he places a delicate kiss on my throat before turning away and heading into his room through the other door to my right.

For real, what the fuck am I supposed to do with that man?

Harmonia’s arm tightens around mine where we’re linked, a laugh falling from her lips as she throws her head back. She’s finding it highly hilarious that she’s stolen one of the spots beside me, making Khaos, Xander, and Adonis grumble amongst themselves the entire walk here as Zen remains plastered to my other side. Clearly not willing to give up his spot.

Fucking men.

It is funny though, but I bite my lip, holding my smile back before any of them notice and pout any harder.

Arriving at Combat class, it looks like most of the students are here already as Professor Riva taps away on a tablet. I drop my satchel in its usual spot, before walking with the others to join the group.

We’re not in the center of the grass like we usually are. Instead we’re much further to the left, by the large square of water. It seems odd, but not completely out of the ordinary, so when no one else mentions it, I keep my mouth shut too.

I can hear Selene, Hector, and their little circle of friends to my right, but I focus on Riva, tuning the group out, not letting myself be distracted by them.

“Okay, I think we have everyone here,” Professor Riva starts, clicking his fingers and the device in his hand disappears. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise, noting the first time he’s used magic in front of us, and I can’t be the only one with that reaction, because he glances out among the group of students and quickly proceeds to explain, feeding my curiosity. “Usually, when teaching first years we keep our magic use to a minimum, but now that things are changing, it doesn’t make sense to continue.”

I guess. I nod in understanding, Harmonia doing the same beside me, but of course the supreme bitch has something to say. “When exactly will things be changing? I was promised my powers early, and here I am, still without them,” she hisses, like it’s Professor Riva’s fault, and as much as I agree with her question, her execution pisses me off. She’s simply concerned about herself and not everyone as a whole.

I sigh, most days, she really does live up to her nickname. A spoiled little bitch at its finest. Has anyone ever taught her the word no means no?

“Zellus will hopefully have that information for you soon,” Riva replies with a bored tone, turning his attention to the rest of the group as he dismisses her before she can respond. “Today, we’re going to be focusing on the water,” he continues, my heart stilling as I remember his parting words from the last class. Words that completely left my brain with everything else going on, but now, now I realize how fucked I am.

My breath instantly gets heavier, and I attempt to swallow back the bile creeping up, not wanting to reveal my panic or nerves as everyone else seems to hum with excitement. Riva waves everyone over, and I take small nervous steps, still linked with Harmonia, but she doesn’t seem to notice my unsettled state as we all line up along the water's edge.

“The water area in here has an elixir from Poseidon himself, adding a magical quality to the seemingly standard pool. Whether you’re at full power or not, if you’re fueled by magic you will sparkle like diamonds and glisten in its beauty,” he explains, and a few gasps ring out, a bubble of energy forming around everyone as they itch to test the theory. “For now, as much as that may happen to some of you, my job is to start preparing you for the test that’s to come. Since even I don’t truly know what that entails yet, I think we need to try all of the elements. That way you’ll all be aware of your strengths and possible weaknesses.”

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Please, please, don’t fucking say what I think—

“Everybody in, ten laps, and if you all do it quick enough, I’ll use my magic to dry you all off afterward,” he announces with a clap, and without further thought, everyone jumps in feet first.

Thankfully, Harmonia unlinks our arms before she takes off, Khaos, Xander, Zen, and Adonis behind her, leaving me to stare after them in fear, rooted to the spot.

Fuck.

Nibbling on my bottom lip, my gaze transfixed on the water, I call out to get his attention. Not wanting to let my weakness be known by anyone but him. “Professor Riva, how mandatory is this?” I ask, watching enviously as the other students cut through the water seamlessly.

“Rhea, I don’t really care if you don’t want to get your hair wet or whatever your issue seems to be. I haven’t got time for this, just get in the fucking water,” he grumbles, clearly misunderstanding the situation, but I can’t move my eyes from the pool, not an inch, as fear leaves me crippled to the spot.

My damp palms clench at my sides, distress getting the better of me as I start to feel clammy, but I can’t do what he’s asking. “About that, Professor Riva, I can’t s—”

My words are halted as hands hit my back and a familiar girl's voice rings in my ears. “Just get the fuck on with it, earthling.”

Selene.

It’s impossible not to tumble forward, unable to fight back against the shove as fear leaves me tense and stiff.

I hit the water face first with a splash, a cry barely leaving my lips before I’m plunged under the water, sinking immediately as my nightmare takes over. The water isn’t cold, but my stiff body, frozen from fear, combined with my edgy mindset, makes it feel like razor blades against my skin.

Flailing my arms and legs out, attempting to put some kind of power into my movements, I plead with the water to let me rise to the surface, to let air into my lungs. But it’s almost like it wants to keep me for itself, trapping me beneath the surface as the life slowly begins to leave my eyes. My lungs burn, my muscles ache, and my head is fighting to think of a way out of this situation, but it’s hard, just… too much.

This is how I die. I can feel it, as it weakens my movements and I start to drift down, alone, surrounded by nothing but water. A word I haven’t thought of in what feels like forever.

Alone.

The Elites, Harmonia, the twins, they eradicated that word from my mind when they accepted me for who I am, wanted me for who I am. I should have known I’d only be given a small taste of it before my life ended.

At least I can say it wasn’t at the hands of Zellus or any members of the Hex, and that’s something to be happy about I guess.

The light from above seems to dim as I look down at my almost immobile body, dressed in my sportswear, and a sudden shimmer of blue appearing along my skin catches my breath.

What the fuck?

Why the hell am I shimmering blue?

Am I fueled by water?

My magic is channeled by the very substance that is killing me, and my erratic fucking magic doesn’t want to jump to the surface to help.

I shouldn’t be surprised, not at all. The irony isn’t lost on me either.

My mind flits with a sudden burst of what ifs and what could have beens as I think of Zen, Adonis, Xander, and Khaos. My heart aches for things I never let myself consider. I don’t do what ifs, I don’t, but as my world fades around me, darkness clouding my vision, it’s all I can cling to. Which only makes my mind beg my limbs to fight against the water.

I feel something hike under my arms, my body floating with the movement, but I can’t open my eyes to see if it’s all in my head or not. My body reacting to the sway of the water as it dances around me.

The tugging under my arms gets stronger, until all at once, oxygen fills my lungs and brightness shines behind my eyelids.

What the fuck?

My back is pressed into something hard, the feeling of grass brushing against my legs as I cough and splutter. I want to curl into a fetal position, but my body is too pained to move. Water sputters past my lips in what feels like a second attempt to drown me.

I can barely breathe as I try to gasp in air all at once. Unsure whether I’ve made it to the afterlife or the grass field in the Combat area, I force myself with all my strength to pry my eyes open. The coughing and spluttering hasn’t subsided, but I need to see for myself where I am.

My eyes burn, stinging from the sunlight filtering into my blurred vision, until I catch sight of a color. A color that settles my soul, and a soft sob falls from my lips.

Holy fuck.

I’d recognize those emerald green eyes anywhere.

12

KHAOS

I  kick my legs with all my strength, my arms banded tight under Rhea’s arms, as I break through the surface of the water, quickly lifting until her head is out of the water.

Glancing up, I see Professor Riva waving his hands beside me, his mouth moving, but I hear nothing over the pounding of my pulse, and the indescribable feeling of fear and panic mixing together inside of me.

When he reaches for Rhea, I reluctantly let go of her, knowing it’s the right move for her safety, but I quickly place my palms flat on the grass at the edge of the pool, pushing up and out of the water as quickly as I can.

Water drips from every part of me, but I’m numb to it, too caught up in my emotions and Rhea to feel anything but concern.

Frantically looking around, I find Rhea lying on the grass beside me, Professor Riva hovering over her as she coughs up water, and relief immediately washes over me. I don’t care for the polite way of doing things as I crouch down beside her, shoving Professor Riva back and out of the way.

I lean over her helplessly, sensing Zen, Xander, and Adonis kneeling beside her too, but I don’t draw my eyes away from my girl, my Venom, as she tries to catch her breath.

While her struggle subsides, I watch with bated breath as her eyes slowly open, and any further fears I have disappear.

“I’d recognize those green eyes anywhere.”

Wait… what the fuck?

I know that was Venom’s voice, I’m sure of it, but her lips didn’t move to speak as she focuses on evening out her breathing.

Fuck, my head is messed up right now.

Swiping a hand down my face, I feel someone pat my back. I turn to find Zen right beside me, concern in his eyes as he worries over Rhea, but I don’t miss the hint of appreciation toward me for getting to her before anyone else.

“Thank the Gods, Khaos,” he murmurs, the ringing in my ears calming now my panic has eased, and I nod, unable to offer him any other response.

“Okay, the show’s over people, let’s get her to the medical center,” Professor Riva calls out, and I immediately begin to shake my head. Not a chance in hell.

“No!” I shout, louder than I intended to be, but I know she won’t like it if we take her there. She refused to let Adonis and Harmonia take her to the medical center after she was attacked, and I know for a fact now is no different especially after what happened with the Blair brothers. “I’ll take her back to Agion to rest, if she needs any medical attention later, Zen can help us,” I state, rising to the balls of my feet as I scoop one arm around her back, and the other under her thighs.

I lift her up, cradling her to my chest as I stand, and her arms weakly drape around me.

Zen, Adonis, and Xander all rise with me, only to turn and find Professor Riva shaking his head, black eyes meeting mine as he places his hands on his hips.

“I insist—” he starts, but I ignore his stance as I step around him, cutting off whatever bullshit was about to fall from his mouth.

“I said. I. Will. Take. Her. To. Agion,” I hiss, just as mad at him as myself for not realizing she couldn’t swim, and jumping in the water without any thought or consideration toward her.

“We’ll all go, Khaos,” Adonis says, swiping his blond hair back off his face as he glares at Selene who stands off to the side with her friends, the only dry person in the vicinity.

“No, I want her fucking punished. And if the Professor isn’t willing to do it, we’ll do it our goddamn selves,” I bite, my fear and panic morphing into anger and frustration.

Without uttering another word, I continue across the grass toward the exit with my Venom in my arms.

She seems dazed as I step through the first portal, the pair of us dripping wet with every step I take, but she’s no longer gasping for breath like she was earlier, and that’s a relief.

She hums calmly under her breath as she snuggles in close, cheek pressed against my chest, and I could swear I hear her, but that’s not possible.

Yet the murmurs of he’s so calm, he’s so soft, he smells so good, somehow seem to circle in my mind. I have no idea how it’s happening, and if it is coming from Rhea like I think it is, then I don’t think she even realizes she’s doing it.

We thankfully don’t run into anyone as we cut through the main Academy building toward the next portal. Either that or I don’t see them, too caught up on what feels like her words in my head.

Could it be part of her magic?

If it is, is it linked to the fact that she’s fucking shimmering a mixture of silver and blue in my arms, or maybe because the full moon is due?

Surely it can’t be the latter, that’s mainly going to affect Xander in a few days time.

Shaking my head, I step through the portal to Agion, keeping Rhea pressed against my body as I press my palm against the wood of my door. I step into my room quickly, kicking the door shut behind us as I approach my bed, not caring how wet she is as I lay her down.

As I slip my arms out from under her, she turns her dazed expression to me, her brows crinkling slightly in confusion as she lifts her hand to cup my cheek.

“What do you mean the full moon has something to do with Xander?”

I freeze, staring down at her, my jaw dropping in disbelief before I find my tongue. “I didn’t say that out loud,” I murmur, confusion evident in my tone.

Rhea shrugs, uncertainty flashing across her face. “Well I heard it.”

“Yeah, in my fucking head, Venom,” I murmur, completely lost to the situation right now as her eyes widen in surprise.

“Uh, no I didn’t,” she defends, brows knitting further together as she squints at me like I’m lying.

“You really did, Rhea,” I murmur, and the use of her real name from my lips must register in her mind.

She glances down at her body, like she's coming around a bit more, taking stock of herself. “Is it because I’m glistening blue?”

I perch on the edge of the bed, my gaze fixed on hers as I think, when something else comes to mind. “Possibly. But come to think about it, in the pool it felt like I was swimming toward a beacon, your body calling to mine for help, like I knew exactly where you were without second guessing myself,” I try to explain, the words confusing even me, but she just chuckles. The distress I felt was real, there’s no other way to describe it.

“And you call me Venom,” she says with a scoff. “When really, you should be calling me a beacon of—”

“Nothing, a beacon of nothing. You’re Venom, always, whether you like it or not,” I interject with a wink, and the soft smile that touches her lips transforms her face. A hint of joy and gratefulness lighting up her grin.

Her hand drops from my cheek, but immediately falls to my thigh, palm down as she strokes her thumb across the bare skin beneath my shorts. She looks past me, taking in my room, and I try to see it through her eyes. It’s a very similar layout to her room. My bed is pushed under the window, my closet and access to the adjoining bathroom to the right, but my desk and drawers are to the left. The only major difference is the color scheme. Mine is a forest green and gray.

I like it. Not that I had any say in it at all, you get what the Academy assigns, but I like to think it suits me at least.

“I’m in his bed, finally, and we’re not going to have sex.”

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

“Oh, I can fuck you if you’d like,” I blurt, a smug look on my face at the sneak peek into her mind that tells me all is not lost between the two of us.

Rhea’s eyes widen in surprise, her hand moving from my thigh and slapping her chest in mock horror. “Get out of my head,” she shouts, making me chuckle. “You should learn to respect a woman’s privacy.” Like I have a fucking option right now.

“And what, into your pussy?” I question, ignoring her comment about respecting her privacy, wagging my eyebrows as a blush creeps over her cheeks.

I never thought I’d see that. And I never thought I’d be the one to cause the pink to color her face.

With a soft smile, I shake my head. “I’m joking, for now at least,” I murmur, rising from the bed and stepping into the closet for a moment. I need a second to calm my dick and get her some fresh, dry clothes. I move back into the room with a spare towel to dry her off, one of my t-shirts and a pair of boxers in my hands as I approach. “You need some rest after that. How about you get changed, take a nap, and when you wake, Zen will be here to check you over, alright?”

“I just need to not be doing this mind thing right now,” she grumbles, pushing up to sit at the edge of my bed, swiping her t-shirt off without care, her bra quickly following, and I have to slam my eyes shut and glance up at the ceiling before I explode in my fucking pants.

“Your magic may just be a little haywire since your near death experience,” I admit, hoping that doesn’t sound harsh, but softer words have left my mind as I focus on not fisting my cock.

“It's been haywire ever since I sealed souls with Xander,” she murmurs, and when I look down at her, she’s already dressed in my clothes, a pile of wet sportswear beside the bed as she hands me the now damp towel. She dives under the covers, her eyes barely open as she talks.

“Hopefully that will be sorted out when Zellus lifts the suppression on our magic,” I state, but she shakes her head slowly, like that’s not the right answer.

“No, my magic will be complete once my soul is sealed with yours.”

My next breath lodges in my throat as I try to wrap my head around what just left her lips.

“How are you so sure?” I ask, unable to stop the question from slipping past my lips as she looks up at me with such certainty. My heart pounds in my chest, my dick screaming for attention, while my heart almost melts off the frosty coating it’s dipped in by her conviction.

“I know it in my soul, without a doubt.” Before I can find a single word to utter in response, she reaches her hand out, grabbing mine as her eyes fall fully closed. “Thank you for this, for saving me,” she mutters, sleep pulling her in as I nod like a fool.

“Always, Venom. Always.”

After making sure she was sound asleep, I tiptoe out of the room, letting the bathroom door click shut quietly as I strip out of my own wet clothes.

Turning the shower on, I quickly step under the spray while it’s still cold, loving the shift in temperature against my skin. I swipe my hair back off my face, before dragging my hand over my eyes. Can we go a day without something going to shit?

If it’s not Zellus, it's Selene. If it’s not Selene then it’s my fucking mother. Or Xander’s for that matter. It’s all just exhausting and ridiculous, but if anyone was built to survive all of this, all of them, it’s us.

Once I’m clean, I shut the shower off, grabbing a gray towel off the vanity and wrapping it around my waist, desperate to get back to Rhea. I tense as I see the door to my right open, but I calm when I see Xander step through.

Zen and Adonis are right behind him, concern glazing their eyes as they scan the bathroom in search of Rhea. Before any of them can utter a word, I bring my finger to my lips, like I’m dealing with children, and shush them.

They each frown, muscles clenching, hands turning to fists at their sides as they debate whether to go against my order to approach her.

“She’s sleeping, and after all that shit, she fucking needs it,” I murmur, making sure to keep my voice low as they all step further into the bathroom, nodding in understanding. “She seems okay, but Zen definitely needs to give her a once over, just to give us peace of mind. We all need the reassurance that she’s okay,” I add, knowing her safety and current condition is important to them just as much as it means everything to me too.

“Is this what Khaos looks like when he’s claiming what’s his?” Adonis asks with a cock of his eyebrow, and I shake my head, not bothering to answer him. Yet it somehow seems to say it all at once.

“I’m glad we’re all finally on the same page, even if I do have to share my Goddess with another person,” Xander adds, folding his arms over his chest as he leans back against the vanity.

Dick.

“It’s about damn time,” Zen murmurs, a small smile on his lips, and my shoulders relax.

“So, please tell me what happened to Selene, I need something to brighten my day,” I say, attempting to change the subject, and thankfully they do.

Although the scoff that falls from Adonis’ lips as he places his hands on his hips doesn’t fill me with much confidence. “Fucking Riva gave her a verbal warning,” he states, my eyes widening in disgust as I glance to the others for confirmation.

“Just a warning? That’s a fucking joke,” I grunt, my own hands clenching at my sides in anger as Xander chuckles under his breath.

“That’s exactly what Harmonia said, right before punching her straight in the face.” There’s humor in his voice, but we all know it doesn’t completely right the wrong Selene did.

“Holy fuck,” I murmur, in shock yet impressed by that piece of information. “Rhea chose her friends well.”

“She chose everything well,” Adonis corrects, and I fight not to roll my eyes at him.

I hope those words are right, and I hope like hell they include me too.

“We need to teach her how to swim before the test,” Zen advises, and I nod instantly. Isn’t that the truth. Fuck, it’s a huge disadvantage for her if water is involved, even if it does fuel her magic.

“Although, if her magic is activated by Zellus, then that should help too. She would at least be able to get herself out of the situation,” Adonis mutters, and it makes sense, although her words from earlier run through my mind.

Clearing my throat, I rub at the back of my neck nervously. A move Zen doesn’t miss as he gives me a pointed look, knowing there’s something I’m not saying. “That’s not what she thinks will make her magic whole.”

Xander frowns. “She doesn’t?” he asks, slightly confused, and I shake my head, unsure of how to say it out loud without sounding like an asshole.

I can just picture how it would go down if I was arrogant about it. Adonis would throw a bitch fit, Xander would get pissed at me for being an asshole for holding her magic back and Zen? Although he may not look like it, his response is unpredictable.

“No.”

The three of them look at me patiently, but it’s clear I just need to blurt it out. When I still can’t manage to find my tongue, Adonis takes a step toward me, hands dropping to his sides as he looks at me in confusion.

“Then what does she think will complete her magic?”

My heart beat pounds in my ears.

Once. Twice. Three times. Before I muster the courage to say the four words that seem so surreal to utter out loud.

“She thinks it’s me.”

13

RHEA

A  yawn slips from my lips, like I haven’t slept for what feels like a century. Leaning forward, I splash water in my face, before looking back at myself in the mirror.

I woke up in Khaos' room sometime last night to the smell of food. Adonis had gone down to the dining hall and arranged plates for everyone, and I devoured it before falling into Xander’s bigger bed with everyone and falling straight back to sleep.

Falling asleep with one guy and waking up to four is something I’m enjoying the surprise of far too much.

Apparently almost drowning really zaps the energy out of you.

I’d stayed awake long enough to learn Harmonia punched Selene in the face, and I can’t say I’m shocked, more that I’m jealous I didn’t get to do it. But there’s still time for me yet. I’ve been done with the supreme bitch since I stepped foot into Saints Academy, and that’s never going to change. If anything, it just makes the magic thrumming beneath my skin want to watch her be ruined. And I wouldn’t be sad if it were by my hands either.

The mental thought of my magic sends a shiver down my spine when I remember yesterday, and the way I seemed to hear Khaos’ thoughts and he, mine. I don’t know if the way I shimmered blue from the pool had anything to do with it, or if I was delusional, but I don’t think it’s something I can get used to if that’s the case. Now I have no blue and no thoughts. Another few pieces of unpredictable magic to add to the pile.

A creaking sound pulls me from my internal thoughts, and I glance to my right to see Xander leaning against the door frame looking at me.

“Hey,” I murmur softly, a smile touching my lips as he rakes his eyes over me from head to toe.

“Good morning, Goddess, how are you feeling?” he asks, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him.

I nod, feeling worlds better than yesterday, and I don’t know whether that’s because Zen healed me in some way or not, but either way, according to my body it’s like my near drowning experience ever happened.

“Never better,” I answer as he comes to a stop before me, grabbing my hips and placing my ass on the vanity. My legs part of their own accord, and he fills the space immediately, crowding me in the best way possible.

I lift my hands to his shoulders as he grabs my waist, and for a moment, we just stare into each other's eyes. He’s much better at not distancing himself from everyone while he still beats himself up over a situation that was completely out of his control. However, a moment like this feels intimate, heart racing, yet soothing all at once.

“No projecting your internal thoughts today then?” he finally says, his eyebrow quirked as he looks me over, and I shake my head.

“Nope, thank the Gods,” I mutter, running my thumb over his pulse at his throat.

“So I’m going to have to say out loud exactly what it is I want to do to you, instead of letting you just hear it in your mind, huh?”

My mouth dries as I try to gulp back the instant need that ricochets through me as I nod eagerly, unable to find my tongue.

Neither of us move, no rush to act on his words, just happy to bask in each other’s presence, and that’s when I notice something.

“Your eyes are fully amber, is everything okay?” Concern floods my veins as I reach up to trace my finger down the side of his face.

“I’m fine. It’s a natural reaction to the full moon which is in two days' time. My wolf is going to constantly be at the surface until it passes, that’s all,” he explains, making my eyes widen at the new fact.

“That’s pretty fucking cool, but why don’t you seem happy about it?” I push, noting the slight droop to the corner of his mouth and tightness to his jaw. I’m sure there may be things to worry about regarding this, but I don’t want to add to the negatives that seem to be washing over him.

“It’s nothing, sweet Goddess, I—”

“It’s never nothing, Xander. Never. You can talk to me about anything, you know that, right?” I rub my lips together nervously, hoping like hell he answers me, but either way, I have to accept his choice if he chooses not to. I know I wouldn’t want to be pushed, so I won’t do it to any of them either.

He scrubs his hand over his face, his lips twisting as he thinks, before he finally speaks. “Every full moon, all the wolf shifters gather together, as a pack, and take off into the night, and just… run. It’s a mixture between a ritual and tradition, but with everything going on with my parents, an invite hasn’t been extended to me, so…”

His words trail off as he places his palm down on the vanity beside me, his head tilting forward so I can’t see the disappointment on his face, but I know it’s there, and it fills me with anger and frustration.

Are his parents seriously just going to cut him off because of me? Because our souls are sealed? Because we make each other happy, safe, and content? Because we want the best for each other? Because I lo—

Shaking my head, I grip his shoulder tight, pulling his attention back to me, and I hate the sorrow flashing in his eyes. Pain for him and his wolf mixed together as he looks up at me helplessly with the roundest puppy dog eyes I’ve ever seen.

I hate this.

I hate this for him, fuck, I even hate this for them, because they’re missing out on one of the most amazing guys I’ve ever met, over something neither of us could even control.

Not that I’d take it back, not ever. These guys, the Elites, Zen, Xander, Adonis, and Khaos, they’re my family, my safe place, my home. Three luxuries I’ve never truly had, and I won’t let anyone ever take that away from me, or taint it with their disapproval.

Before I can voice anything that’s swirling around in my head, the door to Xander’s room swings open, a tired and confused Adonis standing in the doorway. “Save the sexy times, we need to head to the dining hall for breakfast, then there’s an assembly,” he states, scrubbing his hand through his hair.

Fucking hell. There’s always an assembly.

Why does Zellus always have such shitty timing? I’m already mad about Xander’s parents for continuously hurting him, so whatever is happening will only tip me over the edge today. Gods help whoever if they get in my way and piss me off.

“Let’s go, sweet Goddess,” Xander murmurs, placing a gentle kiss on my temple, before lowering me back to the ground and heading into his room without a word.

Adonis watches him leave, turning back to glance at me when he’s gone. “Everything okay with him? I noticed his eyes…” His eyebrows rise as concern flashes across his face.

“I’m not sure, but I know the root cause of it, and I won’t fucking stand for it.”

We step out of the dining hall together as a unit, Zen, Khaos, Xander, Adonis and I, along with Harmonia and the twins. Following the crowd toward the assembly hall, I let Harmonia link one arm, and Cassandra the other as Thalia walks backward in front of us with the widest grin on her face.

“Honestly, Rhea. Harmonia was all, ‘I’m not accepting Selene’s shitty punishment on behalf of my friend’, then pow, right in the fucking face,” she says with a laugh, fake punching herself and I stifle a grin.

“Please, I was way more sophisticated than that,” Harmonia insists, brushing her hair behind her ear as she blushes.

Cassandra scoffs, shaking her head in disbelief. “Oh come on, you were a total badass bitch, and you fucking rocked it.”

Harmonia’s blush only seems to deepen as Adonis nods from the other side of her, agreeing with Cassandra. Khaos grabs Thalia’s arm, spinning her around to face the right way, mumbling something under his breath about dangerous family members and warning signs. The interaction makes me smile.

As grumpy and cold as Khaos may be sometimes, he’s never like that to his cousins. There’s no rivalry, no superiority, just unabashed love and understanding for each other. I can’t help but wonder what the twins' parents are like, especially after meeting Khaos’ mother, but I refuse to bring it up in conversation. Not wanting to taint the mood with bad vibes since we already have so many of them around us.

Nearing the assembly hall, a flash of blonde hair catches my attention, and bright blue eyes meet mine immediately.

One of Zeus’ daughters.

Aphrodite.

Awesome.

My breath catches in my throat, uncertainty washing over me as she stands tall, chin tilted up in the air as she looks down her nose at me. There’s that air of superiority I was talking about. One you see in so many families, and apparently, she wants to aim that righteous attitude toward me.

It feels foreign, acknowledging that the blood that runs through my veins runs through hers too. Especially when she comes across so callous and icy. Although, considering those traits, it makes me lean toward the fact that we may have gotten the same genes. I can accept that I’m not the nicest woman to be around when I don’t know or trust you. But the similarity only freaks me out more.

Silence washes over the group as we step inside the assembly hall, my eyes remaining on Aphrodite until I’m fully past her as she remains at the door. Halfway down the pews, I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding, and as much as I want to glance back and look over my shoulder at her, I refrain. Not wanting to give her the satisfaction of knowing she can so easily get under my skin… even if she did.

Fucking politics.

Fucking family drama.

The Academy kind, the social kind, fuck… the bloodline kind.

It’s all a chaotic mess, and I wish I could be over it. But that’s not what surviving is about. It’s about wading my way through all of the troubled waters and coming out the other side. I’ll get a moment of peace eventually, I hope, a hint of undisturbed happiness.

With that in mind, I take my seat on the Agion pew, right at the front of the assembly hall as always. Harmonia at my side, my men flanking us on either side as the twins sit a few rows back.

Relaxing into my seat, I notice the guests present today. Zeus, Mrs. Black, and Dante, only three members of The Hex, along with Xander’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. My pulse quickens at the sight of them and I squirm in my seat, sitting forward slightly as I try to figure out a way for me to speak to the motherfuckers causing Xander more stress than necessary. They deserve a piece of my mind whether they like it or not. Whether I choose a calm voice or scream at the top of my lungs, that fact is not yet known, but they’ll get what they’re given.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Zellus clearing his throat as he appears front and center on the platform. There’s a wide smile on his face, and a glint of excitement in his eyes as he adjusts the cuffs of his sleeves.

Here we fucking go.

His shirt is pristine as always, perfectly white against the charcoal suit he wears. Hair brushed back and styled off his face like he’s ready for a photoshoot or something.

It’s all a facade. Every last detail of it. Right down to the fake as fuck smile he plasters on his face at all times. I can’t stand him. I never could, but day after day my feelings of hatred toward him only seem to get worse.

“Thank you so much for arriving swiftly, I won’t be keeping you too long since I know you all have lessons ahead that are of the utmost importance. Especially with the test coming up soon,” he states, eyes flicking to mine as he mentions the test, but I make sure to keep my face neutral.

This motherfucker won’t see any emotion from me unless I want him to.

He pauses a moment, watching me intently, but I simply cross my legs, lacing my hands together in my lap as I hold his gaze. A hint of a smirk gracing my lips. When he’s quite sure he’s not going to get what he wants from me, he continues.

“I wanted to call you all here to announce that a date has been confirmed for the ceremony in which you will receive your magical abilities.” He lifts his arms out to the side, soaking in the excitement buzzing around the room.

Attention whore.

“Oh my Gods,” Cassandra says loudly with a squeal, and I feel bad that I’ve roped them into this, but fuck, what else was I supposed to do? Let Zellus win. No.

“The event will be held one week from today, and all your families will be invited to the Academy to join in with the celebrations. Then in the evening, the magic will literally happen.” I cringe at the fake chuckle that falls from his lips at his attempt at a joke, but I manage not to shake my head in disgust.

Instead, my gaze swings to Xander’s parents again, trying to watch their reaction to the man they let lead them down a dark path, losing the connection with their son along the way.

“I highly recommend that you all dress accordingly for the occasion. The full moon will have passed, so everyone can attend, and enjoy a spectacular event. Thank you.”

He offers a slight wave, dismissing everyone. Borderline hysteria buzzes through the room, everyone getting closer to the end result, and for that, I’m grateful I opened my mouth. I’m grateful these people get back what’s been suppressed for so long, even if that does involve the supreme bitch and her friends.

As everyone begins to shuffle out of the room, Harmonia rises, but instead of following after her with Xander and Khaos to the right out of the pew, I slip past Adonis and Zen to the left with a tight smile.

Thankfully they don’t try to stop me, likely unsure what the hell I’m doing, but I quickly rush through the crowd to catch Xander’s parents by the door at the far left of the room to the side of the platform. My hand wraps around Mrs. Bishop's arm before she can step through the open door, and she balks at my touch.

“I need to talk to you,” I state, not releasing my hold as her husband stops too, both of them glaring at me.

“I don’t wish to talk to you,” she retorts, glancing down at where my hand grips her arm, raising her eyebrow in question. I notice the confidence seems lacking in her voice, the knowledge she learned the last time I saw her playing a part in that. But still not enough to convince her that our souls sealed together for a reason, and I’m the right choice for her son.

Apparently she’s stubborn, it’s clear to see exactly where Xander gets it from.

“I don’t care, this isn’t about me or you,” I push, refusing to give up as I move to take a step back so we’re not in everyone’s way, and she thankfully moves with me as I continue. “It’s about your son.” My words are sharp as I drop her arm, determination burning my skin as I stare into her eyes.

Her eyebrows crinkle together in concern at the mention of Xander, but she quickly shakes it off as her husband comes to step beside us too.

“Our son made his decision, and he chose you, not our pack,” he explains with a shrug, like it’s just that simple, and I scoff.

“Yes he did,” I bite, unable to contain my disappointment in them, all while gripping her arm tighter, but she doesn’t flinch. “But do you know what he didn’t choose? What was genetically passed down to him. The supernatural ability to become a wolf. And you’re going to abandon him and force him to be alone on his first full moon? You disgust me. Your son deserves better than that,” I hiss, my emotions getting the better of me as I growl at them, but fuck, they deserve it.

My eyes plead with them when my words can’t, but I see the torn look in Mrs. Bishop's eyes, her husband’s too as he glances over my shoulder.

“Rhea, let's go.”

Fuck.

I follow Mr. Bishop's line of sight to see Xander standing with his arms folded over his chest, a disinterested look on his face as his amber eyes swirl, revealing more to me than he cares to give to anyone else.

“I’m coming,” I murmur softly, knowing I don’t need to shout for him to hear me, but also fully aware that he’s heard every word that just fell out of my mouth. Clearing my throat, and sigh. “Your son is loyal, whole-hearted, and tenacious. Don’t make a mistake you’ll regret for the rest of your life, because I won’t let him feel the disappointment and pain you threaten to ruin him with.”

Without another word, I spin on my heels, rushing to Xander as he throws his arm around my shoulders. I slip my hand to his back, lifting up his shirt so I can touch his skin, following his lead as we leave the hall.

I’ve said my piece, like I needed to do, and I don’t regret it.

I meant every word.

Every. Damn. One.

14

XANDER

H eat pours from every part of my body. Sweat trickling down my spine and forming at my temples as I toss and turn in bed again, but it does nothing. Absolutely fucking nothing.

I’m too geared up, too high on the magical energy coursing through my veins, and my goddamn fucking wolf is so close to the surface I have to rub my hands together to make sure my claws aren’t protruding.

Fuck.

Swiping a hand down my face, I thank the Gods I fell asleep at the edge of the bed, leaving Khaos to sleep beside Rhea, with Zen and Adonis on her other side. Climbing out of bed, I look down at my sleeping Goddess, watching as her chest rises and falls so subtly.

My chest swells with a mixture of pride and love for the woman before me, thoughts and feelings my wolf is desperate to act on, making my hands clench at my sides so I don’t wake her too soon. Seeing her with my parents, not caring about anything but me in that moment, fuels my soul for her.

Shit.

Heading for the bathroom, I try to keep my footsteps as quiet as possible as I grab a clean uniform from the closet, before shutting the door behind me. Quickly turning the shower on, I turn to the vanity and startle at my own reflection.

My eyes are pure amber, so bright they’re almost glowing as I brace my palms on the vanity top, looking myself over. Taking note of my body, my toes twitch, my thighs tremble, my arms are so tense that my veins are noticeable as the muscles in my neck bunch together. All due to the strain of keeping my wolf at bay.

The full moon really does seem to hit differently.

I can get through this, it’s just a day, two at most.

My wolf whimpers, making my chest rumble as I remember I’ll be doing this without my pack. Alone, but with my unit, and I know I can rely on them with any needs or concerns I have. I just wish someone was there who really understood.

I haven’t seen any third years lately, not even Farrah, so there’s no one for me to reach out to.

Shaking my head, I try to ease the frustration building inside of me, but it does little to quell my raw emotions. Stepping into the shower under the cool spray, I tilt my head back and let the water cascade over me. Focusing on the feel of the water hitting my body, my muscles ease slightly, but I know I’m in for one hell of a rough day.

When it’s confirmed the water won’t wash away my tension, I wash my body and hair, before shutting it off and reaching for a towel. The silence around me seems to echo in my ears, encouraging me to get lost in my own mind, when I know that’s not the right thing to do.

Getting dressed, I tuck my shirt in to my pants, fixing up my tie and straightening my collar, but forgo the blazer for a moment since I’m already fucking sweltering from the heat my own body is giving off.

With a reluctant sigh, I run my fingers through my hair before exiting the bathroom, only to find everyone else awake. Fuck, was I loud?

Rhea must see the concern on my face because when my amber eyes meet her shimmering pools of blue, she shakes her head softly. “The alarm went off. Are you okay?” she asks, shuffling to the bottom of the bed, her hair messy from sleep as she offers me a soft smile.

Khaos pats me on the back as he walks past, stepping into the bathroom as Zen and Adonis murmur their exits. Each is likely going to shower in their own rooms before we have to get to class.

It gives me a moment to gather my response, but when the door clicks shut to my room, and it’s just Rhea and me remaining, all I can think about is her. The length of her exposed neck, the swell of her breasts beneath her tank top, the curve to her hips.

Fuck.

I want to lay her back down on the bed and spend all day exploring every inch of her body. From her head to her toes, all the places in between. She’s mine and I’m hers, and after watching her reprimand my parents yesterday, I want to worship her like the sweet Goddess she is.

“Fuck, that sounds so good,” Rhea says with a groan, breaking me from my thoughts as she looks up at me, nibbling on her bottom lip. I frown in confusion, but before I can ask her to explain she reaches up and taps my temple. “You’re thinking awfully loud this morning, Xander Bishop.”

She says it so casually it takes me a second to register what it is she’s actually saying, and I balk in surprise, taking a step back as I adjust my cock in my pants, my body stiffening in surprise.

“You weren’t supposed to hear that,” I grumble, scrubbing the back of my head as I stare her down. “And I thought that wasn’t happening anymore?” I add as she reaches her hand out, taking mine as she pulls me closer once more.

She doesn’t respond until my legs hit the bed and she’s risen up onto her feet. We’re eye to eye, her hands around my neck as mine immediately find her waist.

“I thought so too,” she admits, a soft smile on her lips. “But I don’t know whether it’s my magic slowly starting to trickle through me, or the fact that your eyes are shining so bright, anyone could see them from five miles away.” Her smile widens as she traces a finger around my eye, like she’s drawn to them.

My body relaxes with her closeness, my wolf soothed just enough to take the edge off.

“Are we going to have fun with Mr. Snappy today?” Khaos asks from behind me, but I don’t bother to turn around. Instead, I lean forward, leaning my forehead against the crook of Rhea’s neck as I bask in her presence and what she does to me.

Inhaling her sweet scent, I relax even further into her hold, before sighing. “Let’s go before I change my mind,” I grumble. This is supposed to be a phenomenal day for wolves and shifters as a whole, but I just want it to be over with.

“Want to go down to the lake later? Just the five of us?” Rhea asks quietly, offering me an opportunity of solace, and I take it, nodding against her before I stand tall again.

“Thank you,” I murmur, relief evident in my tone as I take a step back before I really do change my mind and fuck her into tomorrow instead.

“Always,” she replies, her gaze shifting to Khaos’ behind me, an unspoken statement flashing between us.

I have all I need right here.

Fuck my parents and what they’ve taken from me, as much as I long for them and their approval, I long for her more.

Every inch of my body thrums with anger as Professor Fury addresses the class. He refuses to glance in our direction, highly aware that we’re not happy with what went down with the Blair brothers under his fucking nose.

There almost looks like a hint of shame and apology gracing his facial features, but I could be confusing it with guilt. Either way, we’ve got our eyes on him. The classes are usually split up, but since Rhea was attacked, we’ve refused to separate ourselves in here. The fact that he still has a job is beyond me.

I feel even more irritated and annoyed by his presence, and I know for a fact it’s because of the moon. Magic is definitely in the air, my eyes not subsiding in color and brightness as I keep myself positioned right at Rhea’s side. Her presence is calming my wolf just as much as it is me.

She knows what we’re all doing, but doesn’t stop us, even though she’s strong enough to defend and protect herself, it doesn’t stop our unit from wanting to protect what’s important to us. And she’s our everything.

“Are you okay to be here?” Rhea asks, tilting her face to look up at me while Professor Fury speaks with one of the ‘soon-to-be’ angels in the group. I frown down at her in confusion, but before I say anything, let alone even think about it, she continues. “I can almost feel you vibrating between you and your wolf.”

My eyes widen, surprise catching me off guard as she smiles up at me, clearly able to read on my face that she’s right and loving the fact that she is.

“It’s a struggle,” I grunt, clenching my hands at my sides, making sure the strength I’m barely holding onto doesn’t slip.

“Oh, you are a delight today aren’t you,” Adonis says with a chuckle, slinging his arm around Rhea’s shoulders, which only seems to piss my wolf off more, and I shove at him, moving him back a step before I even realize it’s happening.

Adonis chuckles as Rhea gapes in surprise, but I hide away from both of their expressions, swiping my hand down my face as I try to take a calming breath.

“Adonis, don’t irritate him when you know he’s handling a lot. You know better,” Zen murmurs, always the one to calmly approach the situation, and I roll my eyes at him behind my hand.

“Yeah, Adonis, don’t let the big bad wolf get upset. We wouldn’t want him to blow your house down now, would we?” The blood in my veins freezes at the sound of Hector's voice. If anyone is asking to piss me off, and throw me over the edge, it’s definitely him.

“Back the fuck off, asshole,” Khaos bites, and I feel him shift, stepping between me and the dickwad trying to get under my skin as Rhea laces her fingers with mine.

Cracking my neck, I turn my attention his way, using every ounce of control to keep my face calm and impassive as he fucking chuckles at me. “What?” he asks, a smug grin on his lips as he throws his arms out to the sides in surrender. “I’m not doing shit. Just stating the truth. It’s not my fault that everyone knows your little bitch is the spawn of a whore, and raised with the earthlings, which is exactly where she fucking belongs. Either there… or dead,” he taunts, eyes fixed on me the entire time, trying to get a rise out of me.

Inhale.

Exhale.

My heart pounds wildly in my chest.

Inhale.

Exhale.

My pulse rings in my ears.

Inhale.

Exhale.

My body locks from head to toe.

Inhale.

Exh—

Fuck. It’s doing nothing. Not a single thing.

My eyes meet Hector's once more, and I can’t stand the glint of smugness there much longer.

“What’s the matter, wolf? Do you not like it when I call out your bitch for what she—”

I don’t hear another word from his lips as a growl escapes my mouth. Every muscle in my body groans, relaxing from the tension and pressure I’ve held onto as I tried to keep my wolf at bay. None of that matters anymore.

No sooner do my muscles relax, then they tense back up excruciatingly tight, a sharp pain slicing through my body as my eyes slam shut. I recognize the feeling immediately. The moment my wolf takes over and my own mind caves under the power struggle.

My world goes dark as I hear nothing, see nothing, feel nothing.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

A sense of calm washes over me internally, my mind and my wolf are one, at peace, and it completely transforms my body. But one thing remains the same. My desire to rip this motherfucker’s throat out.

My eyes blink open wide in a split second, my vision falling straight to Hector who stares at me in shock, rooted to the spot where he was before I shifted, and a snarl falls from my lips. I bare my teeth at him, taking a step forward, protecting Rhea instinctively.

The gasps from around the room finally register in my mind, the overwhelming sound of feet trudging over the wooden floor, the squeals of those fearing my magic burning my sensitive ears. But all I do is remain focused on the fucker who pissed me off first.

Well, technically that might have been Adonis, but this dick pushed everything too far.

“Everybody out.” The sharp voice zaps through the air, and I recognize it as Professor Fury’s. Another one on my wolf’s hit list, and I can no longer contain him.

My teeth snap as I flick my gaze toward him, noting a sense of determination within him, like he’s ready, or begging, to use his magic on me.

“Don’t even think about it. Get out,” Rhea demands, moving to come to my side as I hear a few other people shriek in fear, following Fury’s order.

Fury looks between Rhea and the guys behind me, an argument ready on his tongue. I lower my head, a growl rippling from my chest as I ready myself to pounce, ready to fight, ready to tear him to shreds.

I hear a gulp from him, before he offers one solemn nod and heads toward the door along with the students.

Asshole.

I could have had fun watching him squirm some more.

A scoff from my right draws my attention back to the fucker that made me lose my resolve.

Hector.

He skittishly takes a few steps back, but even though I can hear a few people calling his name, demanding him to hurry to the door, he continues to stand tall against me.

One step. Two steps. Three.

Before I can consider my next move on whether I want to go for his lower half or pounce higher, the floor rumbles beneath me. Zen. I don’t need to turn to know he’s controlling this right now. It’s barely noticeable beneath me, but under Hector, it’s close to a fucking earthquake.

Hector’s gaze shifts nervously, but he remains in place with his hands on his hips, begging for a fucking fight, and I’d love nothing more than to knock him off whatever pedestal he seems to think he stands on.

I’m ready to tear him limb from limb, completely done with his bullshit, when Adonis steps in front of me, hands raised at his sides as the room flickers between darkness and reality. Glamors. Fuck, if my appreciation for my sealed soulmate wasn’t enough, the respect for my brothers, who will to stand beside me always, fills me with pride.

“You either leave now or in multiple body bags after I let Xander feast on you,” Khaos bites, and Hector’s jaw tightens.

He considers his options for a moment, before finally taking another step toward the door. But not without making sure he gets the final word. “You’ll regret all of this when I have my power, Bishop. I’ll be coming straight for you.”

With that he turns and hightails it out of the door, slamming it shut behind him.

Scared-ass bitch.

My body is filled with pent up energy that I need to release, need to express and get out. The only real option I have is the clearing by the lake, but fuck, it’s not really enough.

I whine, rubbing my face against Rhea’s thigh as she stands beside me, running her fingers through my thick black coat. A reminder of my markings burns into my memory, and I hope every fucker here got to see it. To see that I belong to her and she belongs to me.

“Hey, what’s going on, big guy?” Rhea asks, dropping to her knees before me. She offers her hand out and I lean into her touch, loving the feel of her palm against my fur. I don’t know how to express my frustrations without my voice. “Up here, baby,” she adds, only this time without using her mouth.

She’s in my mind again, and thank fuck for that.

Before I can respond, the sound of the door swinging open to our right catches our attention. A growl slips off my tongue as the sight of my mother fills the doorway, ruining the moment I was having with my soulmate.

What is she doing here?

Her eyes travel over the length of me, her jaw dropping more with every inch she takes in, and I can’t help but admit the jolt of hope that thrums through my veins. My wolf can’t help but stretch out, making sure she gets a good look at my red ‘sealed-soul’ marking so she knows it’s real. Then I remember the pain she’s caused, the bigger catastrophe she’s already been a part of, and my hatred and disappointment in her rears its ugly head. A growl slips past my lips again.

I glance at Rhea, her eyes suddenly red as she takes a step forward, half standing in front of me as my brothers hold their positions. Rhea’s body is tense from head to toe, and as I shift to the side slightly, I notice my mother’s eyes are black; her magic color.

A look of consideration flashes over my mother’s face as she looks from Rhea to me and back again, a nod quickly following, and I frown. Until I realize Rhea must be inside her head right now, wanting to keep the conversation away from my ears. I almost feel hurt, but I understand her reasoning in not wanting to enrage me any further than I already am.

After what feels like an eternity passes, Rhea turns to me, her hand cupping my jaw once more, even though I’m growling. Completely unafraid because she knows no matter what form I’m in, I would never hurt her.

“Go with her, Xander.”

I take a step back, confused. “You’re fucking joking right?”

Rhea shakes her head, looking over me for a moment, before the guys all move closer too.

A flash of movement by the door flickers at the corner of my eye, and I turn to find my mother now in her wolf form. Pure white fur covers every inch of her, a complete contrast to my jet black fur.

Like this, two wolves staring deeply at the other, I feel differently about her, and a part of me hates it. She makes her way toward me slowly, trying not to spook me, and I remain frozen in place, but I don’t miss the feel of Rhea’s fingers dragging through my fur. Grounding me, comforting me.

Panic kicks in when my mother approaches Rhea, but there’s no snarl on her lips or growl on her tongue. Her fur brushes against mine, a shiver running down my spine at this connection with my mom.

She nuzzles against me, a move my wolf absorbs, before she turns back to the door, nudging her head toward it for me to follow. I stall, unsure of what to do.

Everything I’ve felt for this woman for the past few weeks has bubbled to the surface today, only for her to step in here like none of that matters.

“None of it matters, Xander. Right now, all that matters is you and your wolf.” My heart swells at Rhea's words as she tilts my head to face hers, a soft kiss from her lips touching the end of my nose as the rest of the world melts away, leaving just the two of us. “Go, Xander, I’ll be right here when you get home.”

15

XANDER

I  move through the portal after my mother, the instant smell of home filling my nostrils and spiking my heart rate as my family home comes into view in the distance. My younger brothers and sisters will be in there, not yet ready for the ritual of racing under the moon together. But I know some of my older brothers and sisters will be here.

There’s sixteen of us in total, and I’m tenth on the list. It’s all part of pack life, there’s never really a small family, especially when you’re the son of the alpha.

The short snap sound that follows the portal disappearing has me whipping my head around to look behind me, only for my mouth to fall open in surprise at the sheer amount of wolves here tonight.

There must be at least one hundred that I can see, an array of colors filling the open field, and my father remains the only one in human form.

Everybody watches as I approach with my mother, who remains at my side, a soft rumble coming from her throat that I feel in my chest too. Like my wolf is beyond satisfied. The energy feels different here, more charged, more exposed by the full moon that doesn’t even yet fill the sky. But I’ve heard all of the stories of what goes down when the moon comes up, hence why the packs run earlier.

Coming to a stop beside the group, a brown wolf appears at my side and immediately nuzzles into me. Her scent is familiar, telling me who it is immediately. I release a heavy breath, the feel of my sister’s coat against mine only serves to confirm that coming here was the right thing to do.

Just because my parents were taken in by Zellus’ bullshit doesn’t mean the rest of my family was too.

“I’m glad you could join us, Son,” my father’s voice booms over us, and a sense of relief washes through me at his acceptance. I hate it. I hate that it matters to me after what they played a part in, but I force it to the back of my mind for now.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but Rhea was right. Now it is about my wolf, and the surge of energy I need to release. A need that almost feels like I must fulfill in order to survive.

Without another word, my dad shifts into his wolf form, a mottled black and white wolf with eerie white eyes and the mark of the alpha on his side. Nothing else is said as my father leaps onto the only rock in the otherwise empty field. He tilts his head back, looking up at the sun as a howl slips through his jagged teeth, almost a whimsical sound, and just like that, everyone takes off.

The pounding of hundreds of paws hitting the hard ground beneath us rings in my ears, but it feels euphoric. It’s enticing, alluring, and exactly what I need. My wolf exudes joy and excitement through every part of my body, a fantastic and truly indescribable feeling that I don’t think I’ll ever do justice.

Realizing I’ve yet to move, I jump into action, racing after the rest of the pack as they run toward the forest that’s part of our pack's land. The coolness from the shade as soon as I run through the trees is a relief. The break from the hot sun instantly soothing my wolf.

I’m lost to the feel of the wind whipping around me, my body electrified by the presence of my pack, buzzing with adrenaline and joy as I race to keep up. With no rules, no expectations, and no worries of being caught like I had at Saints Academy, I run faster, growl louder, and put no thought into any of my actions. Everything is raw and primal.

I let my wolf take control as I fade into the background.

Hours rush by, the feel of my heart racing with the new levels of speed I’m reaching, seeming to give me more energy. I run among other wolves, with members of my family, and alone. Feeling everything through my wolf’s form is incomprehensible, addictive, and freeing. I have Rhea to thank for this, for encouraging me and never restricting me. Even after what my parents did. I’m sure many others would have pushed me away, hated me, blamed me. But not her. Never her. And that’s how I know she’s my soulmate.

The right decision, the only decision, my every decision.

Rounding back through the trees, I spy my family’s home off in the distance, when the sound of a howl comes from up ahead. I follow everyone else’s lead as we step out from the trees, only to realize the sun is just setting, and the full moon is on perfect display in the sky.

“It’s time,” my father announces, and I notice he’s shifted back into his human form, sweat dripping over every inch of his currently naked body. But among us, the pack, this isn’t a surprising sight. It’s the norm. “Let’s enjoy the rest of our celebrations with food, drink, and rutting,” he says joyously. He lifts up in the air, shifting while off the ground, before taking off again.

The part of the night everyone talks about is beginning, and I no longer want to be here. Not because my wolf doesn’t want to celebrate and ride out the urges building inside of me, but because the woman I want to do that with isn’t here.

A brush along my fur gains my attention, and I turn to find my mother still in wolf form. She smiles with her eyes, a look I can’t truly decipher, before she nods her head to the right.

It’s bizarre, not having words, yet when she howls to me softly, I understand exactly what she’s saying, even if it does confuse the fuck out of me.

“Visualize where you want to go, Xander, and it will appear.”

When she doesn’t back away, waiting patiently for me to do as she says, I close my eyes, thinking about where it is I want to be.

With Rhea.

Always with Rhea.

Opening my eyes, I gape in shock when I watch the flickers of amber smoke appearing before me, billowing in place to reveal a portal.

A portal I fucking created.

I glance at my mother, looking for confirmation or an explanation as she takes a step back.

“It’s a secret, Xander,” she whispers, a piece of information I’m shocked by, before she takes off after the pack.

Turning my attention back to the amber smoke before me, I waste no time stepping through the fog.

I’m ready to go home.

I manage to slip back into the Academy without any issues, thank the Gods. I had to shift into my human form to get inside the building. Then I shifted straight back, opting to be seen as a wolf running wild on the grounds instead of walking around with my dick swinging about.

A thought comes to mind that I haven’t seen a single third year, who should already have their magic activated, roaming the grounds as any kind of shifter. Again, not even Farrah. Which is odd as fuck.

Shaking my head, I focus on my one goal until I’m practically racing through the halls to get back to Agion.

Rhea.

I know my emotions are heightened, my wolf demanding her, and my soul desperate for her. But I’m still fully aware of everything I’m doing. What I’m wanting. Who I’m needing.

I don’t slow down as I approach the portal leading to Agion, hearing a screech of surprise coming from somewhere behind me, and I know they’re likely shocked to see me in the halls, but I don’t consider any of that as my paws hit the floor.

My heart races in my chest, adrenaline pounding through my veins as I shift back. A small grunt falls from my lips, but nothing more, my body seemingly adjusting to the whole transitioning process the more I do it.

Swiping my hair back off my face, I place my palm flat against my door, wanting to quickly throw some clothes on before I go in search of my woman. It seems pointless in the grand scheme of things, but I have no idea where she is or who she’s with, so it’s the safest option.

But when my bedroom door swings open, I find everything I’ve been waiting for already here.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, confused as fuck why I blurt that out, staring at a true vision on my bed.

Rhea’s laying on top of the sheets in one of my t-shirts. It’s the only thing she's wearing as the television plays in the background, and it sets my heart racing even faster.

She laughs softly at me, not meeting my gaze as her eyes travel up the length of me. My cock juts out in her direction, begging for attention as she simply stares at it, wetting her bottom lip in the most seductive way I’ve ever seen.

Holy. Fuck.

This might end before it even begins.

Seeing her in my space, in my clothes… fuck. It does something crazy to my wolf. Not that it needed any further assistance in accepting the magnetic pull I always feel toward her.

“Khaos let me into his room and I came through the bathroom,” Rhea explains, sitting with her legs crossed, running her fingers through her hair as she finally meets my eyes. “Then, they decided it might be best for your wolf if it was just me in here tonight.”

My chest heaves as I digest her words, my pulse ringing in my ears as my hands clench at my sides. I have no idea what I did to deserve any of these people, but I will forever appreciate them being able to read a situation, without knowing how shifters really feel.

“They thought right,” I murmur, unable to think of anything else to say. My tone coming out gruff, but she doesn’t seem to mind.

I take a step toward her, fighting my wolf’s desire to take her right this second.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, nibbling at her bottom lip, concern flicking in her eyes, and I nod.

“Uh-huh.”

“Was everything okay with your parents?” she adds as I take another step toward her. Followed by another, and another, until my legs hit the edge of the bed.

“Uh-huh,” I reply, my brain locked on her, leaving no words to betray me as she smirks up at me.

“Have you forgotten how to talk?” she pushes, her voice huskier, and when I meet her gaze again, her eyes flash with the desire I’m sure is reflected in my own.

“Uh-huh.”

I don’t bother to attempt any words, instead, I lift one knee to the bed, loving the way she lies back against the sheets basking in my proximity. Lifting my other leg, she uncrosses hers, and I catch a glimpse of her perfect pink pussy, begging for my attention.

A carnal groan slips from my lips, my hands reaching for her thighs immediately as I part her legs. Looking up through my lashes at the beauty before me, I find her watching me intently, her mouth forming the perfect O as my fingers dig into her skin.

“Please,” she breathes, hands fisted at her sides, and I don’t waste a second diving head first toward her core, running my tongue over her folds. “Oh Gods.”

Her gasp only fuels me, and I release one of her thighs to tease her pussy, slipping two fingers deep into her core, teasing, swirling, fucking her with my hand as she writhes beneath me.

I don’t go gentle, cautious, or slow. I take and give all at once.

“You’re so fucking sweet, Goddess,” I mutter against her folds, watching her stomach clench as her hips buck up off the bed, meeting every lap of my tongue with a thrust of her own.

My own needs and desires revolve around bringing her to the brink, making her a quivering mess beneath me, before pausing, prolonging the inevitable and doing it all over again. Just as her pussy clenches tight around my fingers, I do just that. Hearing a groan of frustration from Rhea as I start again.

“You’re a fucking tease, Xander Bishop,” she grumbles, frustration getting the better of her, and I grin against her clit, swirling my tongue in circles as I thrust my fingers deep inside of her again.

Building her up once more, her body thrums beneath me, but just as her cries get louder and a flush creeps over her cheeks, I stop again.

“What the fuck, Xander,” she hisses, rising to her elbows as she glares at me, and I shrug.

“As sweet as you are, Goddess,” I mutter, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, leaning up from her core. “You’re coming on my dick.”

Before she can utter a single word in response, I grab her legs, dragging her down the bed until the apex of her thighs meets my cock. I slam straight into her, not missing a beat, just thrusting my dick fully inside of her.

“Oh shit,” she gasps, pussy clenching around me as her legs wrap around my waist.

I hold still, giving her a moment to adjust. Our chests heave in sync, need and desire curling between us as her eyes flash red, meeting my ambers. I suddenly can’t stand the material between us, and reach forward, grabbing my t-shirt in both hands and tearing it apart down the front.

Her breasts spill out, her nipples tight as they beckon to be tasted, and I do just that, lapping at her taut peaks before sinking my teeth into her flesh.

The sound of her groans getting louder makes my cock twitch inside of her, and I can’t help but flex my muscles, somehow trying to thrust deeper inside of her.

Rhea’s back arches up off the bed, and my hands wrap around her back, before flipping us so I’m sitting on the edge of the bed and she’s placed perfectly in my lap. My cock still remains inside of her as she places her hands on my shoulders, and I release my tight grip on her and playfully nip at her breasts.

She slinks the torn material down her arms, discarding it without care as she tests her weight above me, slowly rising and falling on my cock.

Her smile spreads when I moan, my throat rumbling with need, begging to be released from inside of me. I let her increase the pace, slamming down harder and harder as our chests press together. Our sweat mingles between us, loose tendrils of hair sticking to her face as her nails dig into my skin.

“Fuck,” I groan, my hands grabbing her hips and encouraging her movements. Harder, faster, soul destroying.

A feverish need washes over me, my wolf refusing to come like this, with Rhea in control. It wants to take everything, until all that remains are our climaxes. Stopping him is futile. I won’t even try.

Dropping my hands under her thighs, I let her slam down on my cock one last time, before I tighten my hold and rise to my feet. She weighs nothing in my arms, squealing with delight as she wraps her arms around my shoulders.

I cross the bedroom floor before she can ask what’s going on, finding the perfect spot I’m looking for by the door to the bathroom.

Pinning my sweet Goddess to the wall, she grunts with the slight extra force I use, but I can’t seem to find the words to apologize as I lift her a little higher, slamming deep into her core once more.

“Oh Gods,” she cries, head slamming into the wall as her back arches. Her pussy is so fucking tight around my cock, trying to milk me dry before I’m ready.

I press my forehead against hers, our eyes clashing together in a swirl of magical colors as we stare deep into each other’s souls. Our bodies are connected as one. Our souls burning as one like stars colliding together in the dead of night.

It’s all too much and not enough at the same time.

Gripping her throat, I keep her balanced against the wall as my thrusts become brutal. I don’t relent as I slam into her again and again, rutting like a fucking mad man as my wolf comes so close to the surface, I’m just shy of shifting.

Everything feels heightened, like we’re floating in the goddamn air while I rut into her over and over.

“Yes, fuck, Xander,” she screams, her body tightening around mine, and this time, when I feel her ready to explode, I don’t stop, watching her ride wave after wave of pleasure out on my cock. When her pussy squeezes me for the final time, I’m unable to stop myself from exploding. My moves become jagged and frantic as I reach another level, my orgasm pouring from me.

My forehead falls to her shoulder as I scramble to catch my breath. Our chests rise and fall together, each of us clinging to the other like our life depends on it. Like we’re only breathing because the other is within arms reach.

Perspiration clings to every inch of me as I lift my head up, running my finger down Rhea’s face as she breathes heavily. She’s wrung out, exhausted, and almost limp in my arms.

“Hey,” I breathe, my voice raw and husky, and she prys her eyes open, looking up at me with such happiness, it feels like I hung the sun, stars, and moon for her.

“Hey,” she murmurs back, wetting her dry lips as I place a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth.

“Thank you for today,” I say, the words I probably should have led with when I first got here.

“For what?” she asks, brows crinkling together in confusion as my heart soars for her. She’s so fucking amazing, and she doesn’t even know it.

“For not judging me, and encouraging me to do the right thing for both me and my wolf. It seems others are simply content to please just one side of me, whereas you accept me completely,” I state, my throat constricting as I get truthful and emotional with her. All while my semi is still inside her.

“I’m always going to accept all of you, Xander. I love you.”

16

RHEA

A  smile plays on my lips as I walk hand in hand with Xander down to breakfast. I slept like the dead last night, the result of being fucked against multiple surfaces in Xander’s room.

The thought alone has me glancing up at him again, nothing in the halls of the Academy’s main building distracting me from the man that made me see stars last night.

I can hear the Elites chatting around me, Harmonia and the twins giggling about something too, all while I walk in a daze. I think I’ve been fuckmatized. Hypnotized with an unreal level of fucking, and it’s phenomenal.

My thighs ache, my core sensitive, and the little fingertip bruises I saw on my waist this morning remind me it was all real. The guys had mentioned he was likely to come home in a rutting frenzy, but as delectable as that sounded, I was worried he was going to be mad at me for encouraging him to go with his mother.

Yet it was the complete opposite. I blurted those three words for the first time and I didn’t regret it. Didn’t want to take them back. Didn’t want to overthink or over analyze the entire situation. Although the words falling from my lips leave me almost relieved and oddly satisfied.

Now I’m starved.

Pulling my gaze away from Xander’s eyes, currently a light mixture of amber and his usual brown, he no longer seems to be radiating the crazy energy from the full moon.

I need to check when the next full moon is, because I’m excited to feel it all again. And again.

Deep down, I’m just glad he was able to have some form of connection with his parents, his pack, and his wolf got to feel everything he needed.

A kiss to my temple pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see Adonis grinning down at me. His fingers are splayed at the base of my spine, above my shirt, but slipped under my blazer. I smile back at him, in complete awe with how we’re all falling naturally in sync.

“Are you okay? You seem lost in your mind,” he murmurs, keeping his voice low as the rest of our group surrounds us, the double doors to the dining hall appearing up ahead.

“I’m good, just happy thoughts before we get to the drama that always follows us around,” I admit, tucking my hair behind my ear as he nods.

“As long as I’m involved in all of that, then that’s okay,” he says with a smirk, and I shake my head at him.

“I don’t know,” I say with a fake gasp, worrying my bottom lip as I hold his gaze. “It depends if you can do that thing with your mouth again,” I add, not referencing anything in particular, just wanting his response, and the way his eyes widen, his tongue peeks out, and his hand moves to grip my waist tells me he likes it.

“You have no idea, baby. No. Idea,” he murmurs against my ear, his voice husky as I shiver. “If I didn’t know how sore you were this morning, I’d take you back to your room right now. Although, come to think of it, I could get Zen to heal you,” he continues, actually contemplating the thought, leaning back to wink at me as I simply gape at him.

How does he always manage to one up me? Whenever I think I’m luring him in, he gets me back ten fold. Damn incubus.

I shake my head as we step into the dining hall, attempting to pull myself back to the present and not get lost in the dirty thoughts of Adonis and I repeating in my mind.

Shit, one day, I want a repeat of what happened with Adonis and Xander, but with all of them.

Dammit.

Maybe I need to ask Zen to make me better so I can make that happen.

“Baby, you’re practically drowning in sex vibes. Your aura is flooring me,” Adonis says with a groan, adjusting his cock without care as his eyes flash lilac.

“Who’s got sex vibes where now?” Khaos asks, the first to drop down into his seat at our usual table, and I take the spot across from him. I try to keep the blush from my face, unashamed by the fantasies running through my mind, but highly aware I haven’t taken things further with him yet.

“Rhea,” Adonis announces, taking the spot to my right as Xander moves to my left. Zen sits beside Khaos, while the twins take the other side of their cousin, and Harmonia gets comfortable in the seat next to Xander.

Opting to ignore them, I peruse the tablet that appears before me, taking my sweet ass time finding what I want for breakfast. When I do finally lift my gaze again, it’s to find both Zen and Khaos looking at me with heated gazes.

Fuck.

They must be able to sense my shift in emotions, picking up on the arousal running wildly through my veins.

It’s crazy looking at them side by side.

Blond hair. Jet black hair.

Calm and soothing. Blunt and angsty.

One light and airy, the other dark and deep.

Yet both of them draw me in with every beat of my heart.

Now I definitely need to find myself sandwiched between them.

“Stop staring at her, you’re making it worse,” Adonis sings, eyes fully lilac when I turn to face him, a knowing grin on his lips as even Xander chuckles.

“I think it’s too late for that. Her heart rate has spiked, her pulse is going crazy, and I bet if I place my hand on her thigh, I’ll find them clenched together,” Xander says with a smirk, which only deepens the need in both Khaos’ and Zen’s eyes.

The two dipshits on my left and right are fueling the sexual tension and it takes every ounce of my willpower to remain seated.

I’m so fucking screwed.

“Girl, ignore these assholes. Women are objectified daily, they deserve to be a bit of eye candy for us too every once in a while,” Thalia says, wagging her eyebrows, and it instantly relaxes the strain inside of me, even though it’s the good kind. The orgasmic kind. I chuckle along with them, feeling one of the guys from across the table place his leg against mine.

Khaos.

I can sense it.

He’s worried our souls aren’t going to seal like the others’, but I know better. Or at least, I think I do. My body calls to him, the familiar zing that runs through me when he subtly touches me feels unmistakeable.

Fuck, right back when we practically dry humped in the forest by the lake at my first party, feels like these moments too. It’s always been there. Always.

And even if we didn’t seal our souls together, it wouldn’t make me feel any different about him. He’s an asshole. One hundred percent. But mine all the same.

My eyes meet his, a flash of desire rippling between us, a promise of soon, and a deep need to feel one another on a physical level.

The sound of someone slamming their hands down on the table jolts me from my thoughts, and I look to my right, searching for the cause of the sound, only to be annoyed when I see the supreme bitch has made her arrival known.

Here. We. Fucking. Go.

Her hair is pulled back in a sleek bun, her eyes casting over each of us at the table as she keeps her palms flat against the wood. “How’s our resident wolf doing today?” she asks, a grin taking over her face as she looks at Xander, and I want to rip her fucking throat out immediately. If the energy burning inside of me is anything to go by, then I’d say my eyes are definitely red.

“Why don’t you fuck off, supreme bitch? Otherwise Harmonia here will have to remind you what her fists are capable of,” Cassandra says with her eyebrow quirked.

That’s if I give Harmonia a chance to respond. At this rate, I’ll take Selene down before she even breathes another fucking word.

“What did you just call me?” Selene bites, hands clenching on the table as she glares, but the Elites simply chuckle around us. This is too funny for them. Watching Selene be called out on her bullshit. But there’s nothing more upsetting to a self-titled queen than being known for something she didn’t title herself.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize I had acquired a stutter overnight,” Cassandra says, rising from her seat and matching Selene’s stance as she repeats herself, an inch between the two of them as Cassandra slightly tilts her face down. “I said, supreme bitch. Do you want it in writing so you don’t forget? Perhaps we can make it into a hashtag, spread the word to the others, and put it on a T-shirt for you?"

I sink my bottom teeth into my lip, desperately trying not to laugh as the anger continues to swarm around Selene. I fucking love Cassandra’s sass, and she definitely showed up with it today.

“It seems like you forgot who you’re fucking talking to,” Selene hisses, pushing up off the table as she stands tall, offering her glare to every female in the vicinity. Her gaze softens on the guys, like there’s still a chance, and it instantly sparks fire inside of me.

“No, Selene, I think it’s you that’s forgotten your place,” I murmur, my voice dropping as my magic swirls to the surface, desperate to claim what rightly belongs to me, and certainly not her.

She scoffs in my direction, but when her eyes meet mine, they flare wide in surprise, letting me know they are indeed red. I feel a hand on the back of my thigh as I rise from my seat too, sensing the attention of everyone else in the dining hall. But none of that matters, all that matters right now is reminding Selene. She’s walking a fine fucking line right now with all the bullshit she’s pulled.

I’ve put up with enough shit from her. The attack, the way she ran to Zellus, attempting to claim my unit when it was never an option. And apparently looking at them again now, with hope and desire in her eyes is all I need to be tipped over the edge of no return. I’m fucking done with it. With her.

Done.

The sound of my chair scraping across the floor as I push it out reverberates off every wall, the cafeteria drenched in deadly silence. I stalk around the table, moving closer to her as she continues to stand her ground.

“I’m not fucking scared of you, Rhea Harrington. When my magic is activated, I’m going to bring you to your knees and enjoy every minute of it,” she spits, anger darkening her features as she clenches her hands at her sides. It’s hilarious that every time someone uses my last name they think they’re insulting me. If anything, it reminds me of who I am and where I’ve come from. But Selene is going to continue to push me. “Then when the Elites see just how wrong they were about you, they’ll—”

She doesn’t get to finish her sentence as I reach out, gripping her throat and dragging her the short distance that remains between us.

My heart feels like it’s going to burst from my chest, a mixture of frustration and anger curling through my veins as I tighten my grip on her throat, my nails digging into her flesh.

Her eyes are wide, fear tinging the edges as her hands grip my wrists, silently begging me to stop since her words are lodged in her throat. I’m not weak by any means, but I know my magic is playing a part in the hold I have on her. Apparently she forgot that even though I may not fully have my powers, the energy sometimes bleeds into me when I need it the most.

I watch, frozen for a moment as her face reddens, her eyes bulge, and her gripping my wrists to get me to release my hold become more frantic, more desperate. Not one of her friends is approaching, attempting to save their beloved queen from the big bad earthling, and I almost feel sorry for her. But the reminder of all the damage she has caused already makes it quickly disappear.

Yanking her closer to me, my lips at her ear, I speak low and quiet, making sure no one else can hear me. “The only reason you’re getting these fucking powers to begin with is because I fucking made it so. You don’t know shit, supreme bitch, not a single thing. You can get your powers, and you can come for me, but mark my words, you’ll never take a goddamn thing.” My chest heaves as my emotions bubble to the surface, my eyes focusing on Hector sitting at the table with Selene’s friends, watching as they simply stare at me. “You set all of this in motion without even realizing it, and I’m much further ahead of the game than you are. I already have the blood of two people on my hands, Selene, and I’m going to enjoy adding to that tally. Starting. With. You.”

In one swift move, I swing my leg out to the side, catching hers and knocking her clean off her feet. The thump that echoes around me from her body hitting the ground satisfies my soul as I keep a grip on her throat.

Leaning forward, I hover over her, eyes wide and teeth bared, ready to snap again when a shrill voice calls out my name, drawing my attention.

“Miss Harrington and Mr. Bishop, to the office. Now.”

I blink once, twice, three times, breathing through the fog in my brain as I reluctantly release my hold on the cunt. I can’t stop the eye roll from taking over my face when she gasps for breath, exaggerating every inhale. I almost laugh. Almost.

I look back over my shoulder, searching out Xander who has already risen from the table with the rest of the Elites. Every single one of my guys look far too pleased at watching me bring this bitch down a peg or two, and my friends are barely containing themselves, practically jumping with joy.

Fuck.

“Whore,” Selene bites out, coughing and spluttering as she dramatically rolls on the floor.

I chuckle uncontrollably at her attempt to hurt my feelings, cutting the distance to the Elites, all of them ready to head to the office even though only Xander and I were called for.

We made the mistake of letting him go alone last time, we won’t let it happen again.

Adonis places his hand on the base of my spine, leaning in to place a kiss against my temple he murmurs in my ear. “Hot. As. Fuck.”

I grin, desperately wanting to lean into his side, but I make a point of stopping and turning to face the supreme bitch who still remains on the floor, the rest of the dining hall watching every single move but not uttering a word.

Raising one finger, I add another, indicating the blood on my hands before aiming my finger in her direction and adding a third finger. The small sob that bursts from her lips tells me she got the message.

She’s next.

17

RHEA

M y body remains stiff as we make our way through the Academy corridors toward the offices. I can’t stop my hands from clenching and unclenching at my sides, begging me to go back to finish what I started with Selene. My magic is not ready to let her off the hook yet, the supreme bitch has finally crossed a line of no return and pushed me too far.

“Are you sure we have to head toward impending doom straight away? My dick is so hard after that,” Adonis grumbles to the group, hand still splayed at my back as he tilts his head toward me.

“I’m starting to think just about any kind of action from Rhea feeds your fucking magic. Sexual. Aggressive. Dominating,” Khaos reels off, glancing back over his shoulder at Adonis and me as he walks ahead.

Adonis scoffs. “Aren’t they all the same fucking thing? What’s your point?”

I should have expected a response like that from him, but he still manages to catch me by surprise, and a soft chuckle slips from my lips. My body relaxes slightly, the tension not sitting so heavily on my shoulders.

Adonis places a kiss to my temple, sensing the shift within me as Khaos grins at me.

“It was hot as hell though, we can’t deny it,” Xander adds from my left as Zen nods just as eagerly beside Khaos.

“Noted, thanks,” I murmur, tucking my hair behind my ear as I shake my head dismissively at them.

“We really do need to have a more in-depth conversation about our powers though. We’re evolving, and learning as we go, but we need to learn how our powers will work together as a unit, and quickly since we have the test coming up,” Zen states, raking his fingers through his hair as he gives an accurate description of what needs to happen.

“You just love a good excuse for a SWOT analysis,” Xander mutters, making Zen fake glare at him, but that sounds exactly like him.

Taking the left turn at the end of the hall, the offices appear up ahead, and the reminder that we’ve been summoned once more makes my shoulders tense a little.

“We can do it tonight when we—”

“There you are.” An exasperated tone interrupts our conversation, and it doesn’t take a genius to know exactly who it came from.

Zellus.

None of us respond as we come to a stop, staring at him expectantly as he fixes the sleeves of his blazer. He makes a show of it, like it’s a practiced move to gain control over the situation, setting the tone and choosing the pace.

Fucker.

“I don’t recall asking for anyone but Mr. Bishop,” Zellus finally advises, quirking an eyebrow at the five of us as I frown. The woman definitely called my name too.

“Tough shit,” Adonis grumbles, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. Which subsequently has Xander taking a side step closer too, showing how much of a tight knit unit we are. “Last time we let you have a meeting alone with Xander you fucked with everything, and we’re not willing to let that happen again,” he adds, and it almost feels like he’s channeling his father right now.

There’s an air of challenge and determination around him, an aura of ‘fuck with me please, give me an excuse, I dare you’, and it definitely reminds me of Hades. Not that I’d tell Adonis that though.

Zellus taps his foot, a telltale sign that he’s not happy, but is trying to roll with it. When he can’t seem to come up with a response strong enough to wave off the rest of the Elites so he can get Xander alone, he turns and gestures for us to follow him.

I barely take two steps when I hear my name being called. “Oh, Miss Rhea, there you are. Your meeting is this way.” I turn my head to see Noreen standing by another door to the left.

That makes sense why my name was called, but why is it for something different?

Noreen must sense the confusion on my face as she offers me a soft smile, her brown eyes meeting mine as she points over her shoulder. “There’s a visitor waiting for you.”

I move to see who’s on the other side of the door, but am quickly pulled back against Adonis’ chest. Tilting my head back, I look up at him in surprise, but he simply shakes his head like I’m crazy for even considering stepping into the room alone.

“I’ll check,” Khaos mutters, cutting the distance between him and Noreen in seconds as he glances around the door, appearing a moment later with a frown on his face.

“I haven’t got all day,” Zellus announces, frustration clear in his voice as the five of us continue to ignore him. Even Noreen doesn’t speak a word, and that little fact catches me by surprise.

“It’s—”

“Me.”

The female voice that fills my ears makes my eyes widen as I come face to face with Aphrodite. With her hair slicked back and her flowy floor length dress in place, she screams Goddess. Not caring to wear more casual clothing on a random visit to the Academy. I shouldn’t expect anything less from the child of Zeus though, right? Higher than thou, greater than everyone.

But what is she doing here to see me?

“Do you want me to come with you?” Adonis asks quietly beside me, but I shake my head.

“Stay with Xander, we know Zellus is far too unpredictable. I’ll be with you guys in a minute,” I reply, feeling him about to respond and push back, but I shake my head. “I need this conversation too,” I try to explain, squeezing his arm before I walk through the little crowd we’ve created and into the office with Aphrodite.

I don’t recall ever being in Noreen’s office before. It feels bare, with a simple desk in the center of the room and a storage cabinet to my left. There’s only a picture of Noreen with a man on the desk that signifies this is her space.

Hearing Aphrodite shut the door, I lean back against the desk, crossing my ankles as I fold my arms over my chest. It takes far more restraint than I care to admit to not rub my lips together, but I refuse to do anything that may make me seem weak or nervous.

I meet her gaze, watching as she takes me in from head to toe. She doesn’t seem nearly as disgusted as she did at the Solstice ball, but it still doesn’t change my perception of her. I really don’t have any reason to speak with this woman, it’s just hard to deny the intrigue she holds.

She takes a step toward me, her lips pursed slightly as she settles her eyes on mine. “So, we’re sisters.” She says it so simply, like there’s not a whole heap of drama and conflict in the middle of it all, and I shake my head, holding back the scoff desperate to pass my lips.

“Not really,” I say with a shrug, tapping my finger on my arm as I confidently hold her gaze.

“Wow, dramatic,” she replies with a forced chuckle, running a hand through her hair as I continue to watch her. “You really will fit right in,” she adds, instantly making me tense as my emotions betray me and I begin to glare at her. Wrong fucking assumption to make on her part.

“I’d rather not,” I state, and she offers me an almost sad smile as she takes another step toward me.

“Nothing is ever what it seems, you know,” she states, fidgeting with her hands like she wants to reach out for me but doesn’t all at once, and it confuses me.

“It’s a bit late to tell me that. I already know this world is a pile of shit,” I retort, tightening my arms over my body as she runs her eyes over the length of me once more.

Silence descends over us for what feels like an eternity, each of us eyeing the other, until she speaks again. “If he had known you were alive, that you existed, he would never have left you to grow up in Phoenix Valley.”

I scoff this time, unable to hold it in as I frown at her. “No, he would have had me killed instead.”

Uncrossing my arms, I swipe the wispy hair back off my face, glancing around the room instead of at Aphrodite, but I can still sense her disappointment at my words. I can’t decide if it’s because I said them or because she knows them to be true.

“You’re not the first product of an affair you know.” Her words make me pause, my eyes falling back to hers immediately. “It’s not even that. An affair I mean,” she continues with a grumble. “My mother and father are part of the first unit. Father just…” her words trail off and I use the moment to wave a hand dismissively at her.

“I don’t need to know about his sex life. Thanks.” I cringe, not needing the imagery, when I remember what he said when he left me in the cage in Zellus’ office.

“You know he insinuated he raped my mother as she died,” I bite, my anger quickly rising as I repeat. “Raped. Her. While. She. Died.” I emphasize every word as she tilts her head at me.

Her face doesn’t react, doesn’t say she’s disgusted with the actions of the man we share blood with. “But you do know that you’re named after Father’s mother, right?”

Deflection at its best. But it doesn’t stop my reaction.

I balk at her statement, my head rearing back in surprise as I gape at her.

No.

No. No. No. No. No.

What in the actual fuck? She can’t be serious. But the certainty on her face is unmistakable.

“I can see I’ve overwhelmed you, but if you ever need me, then I’ve had Noreen program my contact details into your accounts. So everything will be on your Academy phone,” she explains, turning to leave, and with every step she takes, I feel a mixture of relief and confusion tighten every muscle in my body.

Do I want to reach out to her? Do I want to trust what she’s saying?

Fuck no.

But does she have a way of enticing me?

Yes.

Her hand wraps around the door handle, swinging the door open wide to reveal an empty corridor as she glances back at me. “Father told me to remind you that there’s something you’re supposed to be looking for,” she says, a mixture of a question and a statement, an instant reminder of the motherfucker whose blood runs through my veins.

Pushing up off the desk, hands clenched at my sides, I march across the floor until I’m standing before her. I can sense my eyes are blazing, but she doesn’t falter, just watches me intently.

“Yeah, the bones of my dead mother,” I spit out, not revealing the whole truth. Anger gets the better of me as I storm out of the room, leaving her in my wake as I charge towards Zellus’ office.

I hate my erratic temper, but fuck, this place and all the drama that comes with it, completely fucks with my head. I need my unit, my Elites, and I need them now.

Storming towards Zellus’ door, I don’t pause as my palms press against the wood, forcing the door open wide as I interrupt an argument clearly taking place.

Xander is standing with his palms braced on Zellus’ desk, anger coursing through every part of his body, he’s practically vibrating as Zellus seems to hold the same position. Adonis is sitting back on a chair with his leg crossed over his knee, while Khaos stands close to Xander, and Zen watches it all unravel from by the window.

“It is against the rules, Mr. Bishop. No shifting and walking the halls of the Academy. You can’t break these rules without consequences,” Zellus hisses, which only makes Xander growl.

“Those are rules you give to third years. Rules you never fucking gave to me when you learned I gained my magic early. Rules I didn’t know I needed to abide by. And in all seriousness, rules I couldn’t give a fuck about,” Xander yells, pushing back just as hard, none of them actually noticing my arrival.

The sound of anger in Xander’s voice, mixed with the rage coiling inside of me, causes me to snap. My body tingles, frustration getting the better of me as my magic rises to the surface, my darker voice reverberating off the walls of the office as I speak. “It’s a fucking supernatural school, Zellus, get the hell over it.” I instantly gain everyone’s attention, Adonis, Zen, Khaos, and Xander all immediately moving toward me. “Let’s go,” I add, my voice much softer as I speak to my guys, all of which nod in agreement.

I turn on the spot, hearing Zellus splutter behind me, attempting to scramble some words together to make us halt, but fuck that, and fuck him.

“This isn’t over,” he finally hollers like a teenage girl, but I don’t bother to respond, and neither does Xander as he laces his fingers with mine.

How is it even possible to keep coming up against more hurdles?

But the joke is on them, because we won’t fall.

Not once.

Not at all.

18

RHEA

A fter storming from Zellus’ office, and bursting into our class like we were on a mission, I sat and simmered for the rest of the day. Unable to shut my anger off, the rage coiling inside of me, yet refusing to back out of the lesson and let them see that they’ve gotten to me. Even if I didn’t hear a word that was said, too locked in my thoughts to offer my full attention.

I could feel Selene’s eyes on me the entire time, unable to stop myself from glancing out of the corner of my eyes at her. I’m not sure if it’s more to do with the fact that she’s plotting her revenge, or because she’s cautious of my next move. Either way I don’t give a flying fuck.

Now, with one hand in Zen’s, and Adonis’ arm slung over my shoulders, Xander and Khaos leading the way, we make our way out to the lake once more. With Pandora’s gifts in hand, and determination in every step we take, I see the clearing coming into view quickly as we cut through the woods.

“So she actually said that you’re named after Zeus’ mother?” Zen confirms, and I nod, relaying everything Aphrodite said to me, without missing a single word in case any one of my guys can read between the lines better than I can. Everything with these people is a fucking riddle. A guessing game between what they’re saying and what they mean.

Assholes.

“Who would choose to do that?” Khaos asks, his frown visible, even behind his dark hair falling over his face, and I shrug, struggling with words because not even I can understand the logic.

“That’s some fucked up bullshit if you ask me,” Adonis says, shaking his head before turning his eyes to me. “You don’t think they were in lo—”

“No. Definitely not. That’s not the vibe I got,” I interrupt, cringing at the mention of them together.

“Rhea, they also showed up when you were caged in Zellus’ office and left you where you were,” Xander points out, and I roll my eyes.

“Yes, because I asked them to,” I repeat, going over the same statement just like I did when I first explained the shattered seeker, but it’s still not enough to settle him.

“If you say so,” he grumbles in response, and I take a deep breath, exhaling slowly as we step out into the clearing, and our focus immediately shifts from the tense conversation we’re having, to the gifts in our hands, and the powers we’re so desperate to learn.

We silently move a little further out than usual, closer to the lake's edge, and I stand tall, like the water can see that I’m unaffected by its presence. Or my shitty attempt at it at least.

“Do you want me to throw a glamor up again?” Adonis asks, dropping his arm from my shoulders as he calls upon his trident, and I gape in surprise as it appears in his hand moments later. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.

“I think we should try without. I’m not sure whether that could have been confusing the gifts since we blocked out all the elements and created a safe zone for us all,” Zen replies, making a lot of sense, and I hum in agreement.

“Besides, if people see us. Let them look. I’m done hiding and feeling like the prey,” I murmur, watching the grin on Khaos’ face spread wide, like he’s pleased the facade of a weak bitch is finally loosening from my shoulders.

“We can take them down one swing at a time, Venom,” he states, wetting his bottom lip as he stares at me, and I nod. I can agree to that.

“Before we get into training with our items, we should probably go through our abilities, learn and understand each other while we have some spare time to do so,” Zen advises, and we all seem to shift so we’re standing in a small circle. Zen and Adonis are still on either side of me while Khaos and Xander complete the space facing me.

“Shall I just take notes?” Khaos says with a chuckle and grin on his lips, a hint of guilt bubbling inside of me as I remember he doesn’t have his magic yet. But the way he seems so calm and relaxed about the situation makes me grin along with him, and before I even realize it, I’m cutting the space between us, rising up on my tiptoes to place my lips against his in the briefest of kisses.

My chest feels light, my body zinging with electricity as I keep my eyes fixed on him, taking a step back into my spot, watching his eyes darken with every step I take.

Holy fuck, do I want to remove the distance between us once more and feel my lips against his again.

“Chemistry,” Adonis sings, wagging his finger as he inhales deeply, a sign he’s feeding off of the sexual tension rippling between us, and I smirk.

Khaos moves his hand, adjusting his cock through his shorts, and I groan.

“Stop trying to woo her with your dick, Khaos. We’re supposed to be learning and practicing, fucking can come later,” Zen grumbles, his own eyes just as dark and heated as Khaos’, and I have to bite my bottom lip to stop another groan from slipping out. A move I know would only encourage them right now, and Zen’s right, we have to stay on track.

Suddenly, the earth rumbles beneath me, and my gaze widens at Zen, watching as the cords in his neck tense, the magic coming from him as the ground shakes beneath my feet.

“Could you kick that up a notch if you wanted?” Xander asks, stance wide as he focuses on battling the shift in the ground, and Zen nods.

“I’m keeping it mild since I don’t want to injure any of us, but if I focus on it, this feels like an eighth of what I could actually achieve,” Zen replies, my eyes widening in surprise with the way he can assess himself and the fact that he could do more if he wanted to.

A hint of darkness catches my attention, and when I glance up, I notice the charcoal gray clouds beginning to form above.

“Is that you too?” I ask, pointing up at the sky as I stare in awe.

“This is the first time I’ve actually done it outside,” Zen replies, intensifying the rumbling of the ground as the clouds form thicker and faster, a clear answer to my question.

It’s him. My angel.

All at once it stops, the ground stilling, the sky clearing, and I turn to face Zen as he looks down at his hands in a mixture of surprise and appreciation.

“I don’t want to try more, not until I can figure out how to isolate my target and not worry about causing any pain to the five of us,” he explains, and Adonis scoffs.

“It’s like you’re forgetting your other ability is to heal us,” he says, a dramatic roll of his eyes as Zen grins.

“I haven’t forgotten,” is all he says in response, his gaze casting to me, like he’s remembering healing me after what happened with the Blair brothers.

“So Zen can control elements of the weather and heal. A process we have to remember also causes him pain and he feels what the wounded feels too,” I state, giving Adonis a pointed stare, and he winces slightly, clearly forgetting that part.

“Adonis can create glamors,” Xander states, moving the conversation along, and the incubus immediately grins from ear to ear.

“I can also encourage sexual desire and ease tension of the same nature. And I think I have figured out something else, but I want to keep practicing before I bring it to the table,” he adds, almost bouncing on the balls of his feet. I quirk my eyebrow at him, intrigued with what he’s practicing in private, but allowing him the time to figure it out.

“Which leaves Rhea, who is having a lot of fun with her erratic magic,” Khaos mutters, folding his arms over his chest as he stares me down. “But it seems quite certain that she can project her thoughts and read others. As well as shatter the occasional lightbulb when her emotions are heightened.”

Thanks, Captain Obvious.

I fake glare at him, hating how I sound with my moody magic, but it’s a realistic assessment.

“Once my magic is whole, everything will be different. I hope,” I reply, offering him a smirk as my eyes flit down to his shorts again, the outline of his cock still evident.

“Then we have our resident wolf,” Adonis announces, pointing in Xander’s direction. “He can shift, growl, has speed, agility, excellent hearing, and impeccably soft fur. Do I have any offers?” he hollers, like it’s a game show, making Xander flip him the bird as I bite back a chuckle.

“Actually, there is something else that my mother showed me at the full moon ritual,” Xander says, gaining everyone’s attention as intrigue swarms in my stomach.

“What do you mean? Wolves and vampires don’t get individual gifts,” Adonis questions, his brows knit together in confusion as Xander casually shrugs in response.

“It’s not an individual gift, it’s a shifter secret,” he replies, running his fingers through his hair. He rubs his lips together, trying to find the right words to explain, but when that doesn’t seem to work, he takes a step back, turning to the side so we can see whatever it is he’s doing.

Xander releases a breath, closing his eyes as his hands clench at his sides, when a portal appears before him.

What the hell?

“Holy fuck,” Zen murmurs beside me, surprise in his tone as we all take a step closer, but Xander quickly releases his hold on the portal, and it disappears into nothing.

“Yeah,” Xander responds, no other words to describe the situation as silence descends over us for a moment.

“That’s cool as fuck. How were you able to get inside Agion?” Zen finally asks, hands on his hips, and Xander almost looks a little sheepish.

“I can only seem to access somewhere on campus if I’m within the grounds and the bubble, otherwise it’s impossible. And I’m not specifically sure on how I can get past the portal at Agion, I just… do,” he explains.

“So you learned this at the full moon ritual and have been leaving us to walk around the Academy all this time when we could have just been using portals?” Adonis says with a gasp.

“It’s a secret ability, Adonis, that means you don’t just do it because you’re a lazy asshole,” Xander retorts quickly, rolling his eyes at Adonis as he pouts in response.

“He’s right, Adonis,” Khaos states, siding with Xander as Zen waves his hands dismissively.

“Adonis, shut your mouth before you even continue to try and defend your case, you’re not right,” he adds, before reaching for his shield, effectively drawing the conversation to a close. “Let’s work on trying to figure out what the dagger, trident, and shield can do,” he adds, turning away from Adonis who continues to explain why using portals everywhere would be a good idea, but everyone ignores him.

Digging in my satchel, I pull out my dagger, immediately sinking into my own little world as I try to figure out what the fuck this thing does. I take a couple of steps away from the group, feeling Khaos watching me at all times, while Xander moves off from the group entirely, continuing to practice his bow, and the almost sonic fucking boom it gives off when slammed hard into the ground. When the rest of us end up rolling in the grass, glaring in Xander’s direction, he offers a sheepish grin and lifts his bow off the ground.

Focusing back on my own gift, I examine the handle of my dagger, watching as the gems shimmer and my name etched in gold sparkles in the sunlight. It’s so baffling and overwhelming trying to piece together what else this weapon can do. I’ve tried the obvious, slamming it into the ground, cutting it through the air in every direction, fuck, I’m close to considering piercing my skin with it to see what happens.

When nothing new happens, I opt to practice wielding it as the dagger it is, slicing through the air as I picture everyone that has ever pissed me off in front of me, slaying them one by one as I go. The list is long but I’ve got plenty of energy.

Sweat trickles down my spine and beads at my temple, exertion evident as I stab it into the ground, bracing my hands on my knees as I take a deep breath, followed by another, and another. I hate this feeling. Not being able to figure something out, something that’s going to be important to us, and I simply come up with nothing again and again. It’s frustrating as fuck.

“Stop beating yourself up.”

At the sound of Khaos’ voice, I tilt my head to the left, peeking up at him as he watches me intently. I push up off my knees, rising to my full height as my hands itch to reach out and swipe his hair out of his eyes, but I refrain. Why, I don’t know, it seems I’m a sucker for prolonging what I want most.

“It’s frustrating,” I finally say, biting out in anger, irritated that I don’t have the answer yet, just like most things in this fucking Academy.

“I understand that, but you can’t wear yourself out because of it. Ultimately, you will kick ass without the gift, don’t let it be a crutch you don’t require,” he states, my eyebrows rising at his words, my heartbeat increasing as I nod, appreciating the truth behind his words.

Looking out at the lake, I freeze in surprise when he moves around to place his front to my back, wrapping his arms around my waist as he holds me, almost tentatively, placing his chin on my shoulders as he watches the way the water ripples.

Every single part of my body reacts to his touch, the way he envelops me in his arms and breathes against my ear only intensifies what is finally growing between us.

“Does the water always do that?” I ask, pointing to the edge of the lake where it crashes into the side ever so slightly, but enough for water to spill onto the grass before us.

“I’ve never noticed it before,” Khaos breathes in response, my shoulders stiffening as I continue to watch it.

I move to take a step closer, but Khaos keeps me pinned to his chest. “You’re going nowhere near it until I’m confident you can swim,” he states, a shiver running down my spine as his breath blows against my ear.

“And I’m guessing you’re going to teach me too, huh?” I ask, feeling him nod in response, and a grin spreads across my lips. “I’d like that,” I admit, my voice almost timid as I continue to watch the water, my heart swelling with the fact that he wants to teach me something instead of protecting me against it forever.

It never feels like they want to clip my wings, always happy to watch me fly. Which is bizarre beyond words to me when I’ve spent so long living in a cage where I could only be what society made me.

Glancing toward the others, I see Xander in the far distance, slinging his bow over his shoulder as he makes his way back toward us, picking up his arrows on the way. He must have been doing some practice shots, wanting to wield the weapon for what it is too, just like me.

A smile spreads across my cheeks as I turn to watch Zen staring down at his shield like it will suddenly start talking and tell him all it’s secrets in order to make it work, while Adonis swipes his trident through the air, frustration coloring his face as it seems to get the better of him.

Left, right, swirling, groan. Repeat.

Left, right, swirling, groan. Repeat.

Wait… wait a minute…

I glance back to the water, watching as it laps up onto the grass bank still, and I pay close attention to the movement of the water.

Left, right, swirl. Repeat.

Left, right, swirl. Repeat.

“Adonis!” I yell, his name falling from my lips before I even realize it, and I feel Khaos tense behind me not understanding the excitement in my tone. “Adonis, come here!” I yell, not moving my gaze from the water as I sense him approach, Zen and Xander hot on his heels as concern likely runs through them with my sudden outburst.

“What’s wrong?” Adonis asks at the same time as Khaos does, and I finally pull my attention from the now still water.

I squeeze Khaos’ arm around my waist, and he gets the message, releasing his hold on me as I grab Adonis’ arm and take a few steps closer to the water. Once I have him where I want him, I spin him to face the others behind me and nod. “Stay there,” I say, backtracking to the others before I continue. “Now do what you were doing over there again,” I state, mimicking the way he swept his arms, and although he frowns, he nods in agreement. “Everybody else, watch the water,” I order, placing my hands on my hips as I hope and pray I’m right.

Left, right, swirl. Repeat.

Left, right, swirl. Repeat.

“Holy fuck,” Zen says with a gasp, voicing exactly what is running through everyone’s mind right now as Adonis repeats the movement and the water copies behind him.

How had we not considered that before? We were so busy expecting our gifts to do the exact opposite of what they’re meant to do, that we never considered the obvious. We wouldn’t have noticed it last time either, since we were in the glamor.

“Can somebody explain to me what… holy shit!” Adonis yells, turning to face the water to see what has all our jaws on the floor. His swings of the trident become more forceful, the water lapping heavier at the shore as it continues to follow his movements, and a bubble of laughter falls from my lips.

We’ve figured another one out. Not mine or Zen’s, which is annoying as fuck, but holy shit, we’re one step closer.

Adonis spins around, eyes wide with excitement as they find mine. He tosses the trident to the side, charging toward me with purpose, and I brace myself for impact as he crashes into me, sweeping me up off my feet and spinning me in the air.

“You fucking Goddess,” he cheers, holding me so tight I can barely breathe as I laugh with him.

It feels carefree, freeing, and exhilarating to be in his arms like this, happy, proud, and accomplished. Feelings which are hard to come by at the moment. So I’m going to soak it all in.

“Be careful with her. She’s not a damn ragdoll,” Xander grunts from somewhere around us, but Adonis is spinning me so fast I can’t seem to tell.

Thankfully he slows, beaming up at me with one of the purest smiles I think I’ve ever seen before his lips smash into mine. My arms tighten around his neck, holding him closer as our lips meld together while his fingers grope my ass.

Holy fucking shit.

All this excitement has my body clinging to his, desperate to feel all of the praise from what I figured out, his touch setting me alight with a mixture of desire and need.

Sex was always that; sex, but with them, with my Elites, it’s somehow more. Even the simplest of kisses can bring me to my knees in a heap of satisfaction. I don’t know how I ever survived without it.

I squeal as Adonis suddenly drops to his knees, holding me tight to his chest before he lays me flat on my back. I frown up at him in confusion, looking into his lilac eyes as they swirl in front of me.

“What are you doing?” I hear Zen ask, but my eyes are glued to Adonis’.

“Celebrating,” he responds, like it’s obvious.

“And how exactly are you celebrating?” Xander pushes as Adonis reaches for the waistband of my shorts, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he winks at me.

“With the taste of my woman on my tongue.”

19

ADONIS

I  stare down at the beauty before me. Her bright blue eyes swirling with desire, reflecting my lilac orbs as my magic comes alive, fueled by the tension tightening around us.

We’ve been out here for hours. Again. I felt frustrated, annoyed, and disappointed. It was all clawing at my chest, defeat getting the better of me. It’s a feeling I’ve constantly felt.

Until her.

Until my woman.

Until our Goddess.

I was so close to giving up on the trident, tossing it into the fucking lake for being a useless piece of shit, only for her to notice something so small and connect the dots.

My trident can control water, a gift that warms my soul and fills me with excitement. When I turned to see the water lapping at the grassy bank in time with my moves, I felt myself connect with the magic, and now all I can think about is connecting with her.

“And how exactly are you celebrating?”

“With the taste of my woman on my tongue.” My response slips past my lips before I even realize it, my need to please Rhea overwhelming every single one of my senses.

My fingers tease under the waistband of her shorts, not wanting to proceed any further until she gives me the go ahead. A signal I may not get, and if that’s the case, I’ll carry her back to Agion and try again. But I want to watch her fall apart in the open. No glamor, nothing at all.

I sense my brothers behind me, the three of them silenced at my response as they intently watch Rhea and I. Their breaths getting heavier with each inhale as they wait to see how this unfolds. But if they think they’re getting involved, they have another thing coming. This is my time to shine with her, my thank you. They can fuck off or watch, I don’t give a shit.

“Do you trust me?” I murmur, fixing my gaze on hers as she nibbles at her bottom lip, casting a glance to the side, out to the forest, before looking back at me.

“Always,” she replies, making my heart swell, even as she acknowledges the element of being caught by anyone walking by, she still wants to dive in head first with me.

This is why I fucking love this woman.

I didn’t know the meaning of the word before her, and now it’s all I feel.

She puts her trust in me, in us, when I know that hasn’t been an easy thing for her to do before, and I’ll never give her a reason to regret it.

Leaning down, I bring my mouth to hers once more, dragging my tongue along her lips as I tease a groan from her. She squirms beneath me, ready for me to do as I wish, and I don’t waste the opportunity.

I remove my hands from her waistband, which elicits a huff of disappointment from her and I can’t help but grin. Stroking my hand down her thighs, I kick one of her sneakers off at a time, all while my lips remain on hers, before I finally return to the material separating me from my prize.

Inching her t-shirt up until I see the lace of her black bra, I then drag my lips to her stomach, teasing, licking, and kissing as I feel her muscles tense beneath me. Finally reaching under her waistband once more, I inch the material down over her thighs, kneeling back to discard them completely, before tearing at the matching black lace that covers her pussy.

Her sharp inhale is like music to my ears as I stare down at her exposed center, her pretty pink folds beckoning me closer as I see her clit pulse from here.

“If you think you’re going to tease me out here in the open, you’re fucking wrong, Adonis,” she breathes, her cheeks flushed pink as she drills her eyes into mine.

I chuckle, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand as I quirk an eyebrow at her.

“If he teases you, Firecracker, I’ll take over,” Zen grinds out, a hum of agreement sounding behind me from both Xander and Khaos. Which only makes Rhea’s eyes plead more.

Never.

“You think so little of me,” I murmur, my cock throbbing in my shorts as I spread her thighs wide, exposing her more to me, before I lean forward, dragging my tongue through her sweetness and circling her clit.

“Oh, fuck,” she says with a gasp, a sound that echoes behind me while the guys watch her and what I’m doing to our girl.

Out here, in the open, with the water lapping in the distance and the soft grass beneath us, it feels raw, powerful, and intoxicating all at once. I want to make her scream so loud they hear her at the Academy.

Dragging my hands up her thighs, I tease at her entrance with two fingers when I finally meet her apex, my tongue unrelenting as I lick and taste every inch of her core.

“Shit,” someone bites out behind me, but no one tries to interject, and I know I’m going to pay for this little display later, but for now, I enjoy my gift, my prize, my woman.

I love the feeling of her writhing beneath me, her back arching as she grinds her pussy against my face. My pace is almost leisurely, devouring at my own speed, until her hands find their way into my hair, now all bets are off.

Nipping at her clit, Rhea’s moans get louder, just as her fingers tighten on my locks. I can no longer control my movements, my mouth, tongue, and fingers are simply a tool used by her and the magic within me to bring her to climax.

I fuck her with my fingers, stretching her with a third as she grinds down, pushing me in deeper as my teeth graze over her clit again and again. It’s addictive watching her fall apart with a mixture of pain and pleasure at my touch.

“Fuck, Adonis. Fuck,” she cries out, her grip on my hair almost unbearable as she tenses, her pussy clamping down on my hand with raw force as Rhea’s orgasm crashes over her. I taste her sweetness, lapping at every drop as I hear the guys grumble in the background, but none of it truly registers as Rhea holds my attention.

When her movements slow and her grip eases, I trail gentle kisses over her core and remove my fingers, my hand coated in her pleasure as I lean back onto my knees. Unable to stop myself, completely consumed by her, I drop my shorts just enough to reveal my cock, and wrap my fingers dripping in her climax around my shaft.

“Shit,” I bite, my cock practically fucking humming in relief at the touch, desperate to explode. And like a true teenage boy with the desire to fuck his hand twenty times a day, I come with just a handful of pumps, my cock unable to take anymore with the feel of her slickness coating my hand.

I shoot into the grass, not wanting to cover Rhea in my climax when we have to walk back to Agion, and as the last drop falls from my tip, I remember Xander could have made a portal for us. Fuck. I could have painted her with my come. There will be plenty of time for me to act on that visual.

Rhea still pants for breath, watching me intently as she props herself up on her elbows. Her hair sticks to her face with sweat, her chest rises and falls in long deep breaths. She’s a fucking vision.

Slipping my cock back into my shorts, I blindly reach for Rhea, only for Khaos to beat me to it, stepping forward with the material in his hand.

Jealous prick.

I turn to glance at the other two as Khaos silently helps Rhea, only to see them adjusting their now limp dicks in their pants. A grin spreads across my face. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who needed a release after that.

Gearing these guys up for a group night is going to be far too much fun. I’ll never need to be fueled by anyone else. The sexual tension that constantly hovers around us is more than enough. The thought makes me turn back to Rhea, only to find her fully dressed with her sneakers back on as Khaos lifts her back onto her feet. The pent up sexual tension between those two is off the charts.

It’s coming, I can sense it, and I have a feeling we’ll all notice the shift between the two of them, and the five of us as a whole once it happens. At least I hope so.

“Let’s head back,” Xander says quietly, cutting the distance to Rhea as he places a kiss at her temple, before searching out his bow and arrows.

I move to grab my trident and Rhea’s dagger, but when I reach for the handle a forcefield springs up around it, preventing me from grabbing it. Frowning in confusion, I glance back to where Rhea and Zen stand, his hand under her chin as he tilts her head back, and she swoons at whatever sweet talk is coming from his lips.

“Sorry to ruin the moment guys, but uh, has anyone else ever held your dagger, baby?” I ask, pointing down at it. Her frown matches my own as she shakes her head, moving toward me with Zen at her side, Khaos and Xander moving closer too.

“No, why?” she asks, unsure where I’m going with this, and if I’m honest, so am I.

I struggle to find the words to explain what I’m thinking so I go to pick it up again, reaching down for the handle, only to be stopped a few inches away. “Just for clarification, I’m trying to pick this up for you,” I state, moving my hand along the length of the dagger, only to get the same result.

Xander barges in, shouldering me out of the way so he can try, only to be met with the same thing. Is this the case with all gifts?

“Khaos, catch,” I holler, before throwing my trident toward him, and he catches it with ease. Zen circles behind me to Xander, wrapping his hand around one of his arrows, while Rhea picks up Zen’s shield with no issue.

“So we can all touch each others gifts, except Rhea’s,” Zen states, clarifying the obvious. “Could that link back to what the other ability of your dagger is?” he adds, thinking out loud as Rhea shrugs her shoulders, just as doubtful of the answer as the rest of us.

“I’m not sure, but it’s definitely something to consider,” Rhea says, handing Zen his shield before reaching down for her dagger and grabbing the handle with ease.

Odd.

But nothing surprises me these days.

Slinging my arm over her shoulder, I do what I do best, and distract. There’s nothing else for us to dig into here for the evening. “Let’s head back, drop our gifts off, get changed and get some food. It seems eating my favorite meal only made me more hungry,” I say with a grin, pulling Rhea in close as she smirks up at me while shoving a swift elbow into my ribs.

“You’re something else entirely, Adonis,” she murmurs, accepting my brief kiss as I lean down, and I manage all of two steps before Zen is at her other side, lacing his fingers with hers. I should have known I wouldn’t get her to myself forever, but it was a fun moment while it lasted.

The five of us walk in comfortable silence back to the main Academy, the general hustle and bustle of the halls are a stark contrast to the privacy we had by the lake. It bewilders me how we never really see anyone else out there. They’re all too wrapped up in the drama of the Academy, while we want to be as far away from it as possible. But as Rhea has said countless times, it always seems to find us.

We step through the portal back to Agion without issue, each of us ready to split from the unit, heading off to our own rooms to change, when we see Xander’s, Zen’s, and Khaos’ doors each has a notice pinned to it.

Khaos rips his off his door first, scanning his eyes over the words, before his gaze immediately falls to Rhea’s.

“On Friday the celebrations begin, and the magic will be given at the end of the evening,” he explains, uncertainty flashing in his eyes for a moment, before he seems to stand taller, steeling his spine and broadening his shoulders. “This is to confirm my parents will be in attendance,” he adds, and his reaction instantly makes sense.

The entire reason for his struggles with Rhea, the ones to put a barrier between them because of their own agenda, are coming.

“Okay,” Rhea replies, a hint of confusion in her voice as her brows knit together slightly. I can sense that she wonders what this will mean for them, with the way she almost takes a step back, putting distance between them before he can hurt her with his words.

Khaos must see it too, because he immediately cuts the distance between them, tipping her chin up so her eyes meet his. His jaw tightens, his eyes hard as they stare into hers, until he releases a breath, and his facial features seem to soften.

“Are you ready to meet my fucked up family?”

20

RHEA

I  adjust the spaghetti straps of the dress Harmonia made me buy on our shopping spree last night after classes, looking at my reflection as I take it all in. She somehow convinced me that a beautiful occasion, a once in a lifetime experience, calls for a beautiful dress, and I couldn't say no to her. At this point, it would be futile.

It’s stunning though. There are some shops on campus run by proper tailors who actually hand make most of their items, and I fell in love with this dress instantly. It’s a delicate pale pink, with flowers hand stitched into the material and falls to my mid-thigh. With a sweetheart neckline and a boned bodice that fits me like a second skin, it flares out from my hips, almost like a ballgown, but the material is much more flowy. Not really my style, but this isn’t really my kind of event either.

Harm even convinced me that buying a small silver purse and matching four inch heels would finish off the look, and she wasn’t wrong. I’ve been practicing walking in the damn things since I bought them.

My closest friend left my dorm a few moments ago, after making my face glow with natural makeup, and a soft pink lip. While my hair is pulled back in a bun at the back of my neck, a few tendrils falling loose to compliment the ensemble.

At least classes were canceled for today, which made me even more excited for the weekend, when I would have full control of my magic. No blockers, no erratic blasts of magic, just me, learning myself from the inside out.

I just have to survive lunch today first, down in the hall where they decorated for the Solstice ball, surrounded by everyone’s families.

Fun.

But none of that matters because I’m closing in on my transition from some nobody earthling, to a fully fledged supernatural. It’s been nothing shy of the longest road to who I’m supposed to be, with the people I’m supposed to be with. Only now there will be magic running through my veins too.

“Ready? Holy shit you look beautiful.”

I turn to my right to find Xander gaping at me from the doorway, his eyes getting darker with each pass over my skin, and I shiver at the way he observes me, claiming me with his eyes.

While he takes his time looking me over, I do the same to him. In a short-sleeve pale-blue shirt that molds to his body, clinging to every muscle on his arms and chest, with jeans that fit him like a second skin, he looks divine. His hair is swept to the side, and his brown eyes are enticing me closer as he swipes his tongue along his bottom lip.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I finally murmur in response as I grab my purse off the vanity and move toward him. His hands immediately fall to my waist when I stand directly in front of him, eyes searching mine as he places a kiss to the corner of my mouth to not smudge my lipstick. Although it might be worth it.

“Do we have to go? Can't we just stay here and fuck until the actual ritual?” he asks, his eyes dropping to the swell of my breasts before reluctantly meeting my gaze once more.

“That sounds far too tempting,” I breathe in response, my body pressing against his just as Zen calls out, interrupting our wistful moment.

“Don’t even think about it. Families are here, and this is a big day for Khaos, Rhea too. Xander is just being selfish because he already has his powers,” he states, his voice traveling from Adonis’ room as I pout.

If we just stayed here, and Khaos and I had some alone time, then that wouldn’t be an issue anymore. I don’t think. Shit. I’m getting carried away.

“Fine, let’s go then,” I grumble, kissing Xander’s cheek with a promise of soon, before he turns and heads back into Adonis’ room with me hot on his tail.

Xander steps to the side as we enter Adonis’ room, moving around Zen who stands by the door, and I come to a stop in front of him, taking him in just like I did Xander. His blond hair is curled behind his ears, and his smile is fixed in place. I can sense his eyes raking over me in a slow perusal, but I’m too focused on the stone colored chino pants and fitted white shirt he’s wearing. It screams him. He looks hot as hell, a pure angel with a hint of the devil thrumming through his veins, attracting me closer and making me lose my senses.

“You look stunning, Firecracker,” he murmurs, and my teeth sink into my bottom lip, trying not to pass out from the compliments coming my way. Anything else I’m fine with, I have little to no chance of blushing, but this is some next level shit.

“Stunning doesn’t even seem like a good enough word,” Adonis mutters as he suddenly appears at my side, his fingers stroking down my spine as I shiver at his touch.

My eyes drift to his, before looking down the length of him in a pair of black tailored pants and a forest green silk shirt. Hot. As. Fuck. The top two buttons are left open, every inch of him declaring that he’s an incubus.

Fuck. He’s hot and he knows it. And there’s nothing worse than Adonis when he knows it. The smirk on his lips is a clear sign that he can sense the arousal burning within me as I take my time, leisurely eye fucking them, but any words that were about to fall from his lips are interrupted when Khaos shoves him to the side.

Adonis grumbles under his breath, not retaliating, which we all know he could, but instead he seems quite happy to be fueled by me devouring Khaos with my eyes.

In fitted black jeans, with silver chains hanging from his pockets, and a matching black shirt tucked in, he looks every inch the bad boy he is. The kind your parents warn you about in the movies or the books. The kind to lure you to the dark side with a single look, and I’m willing to fall, even if the certainty of whether he’ll catch me or not is left to be seen.

Today is going to be a huge day for us, in his mother’s presence, and what may come of that, but he hasn’t put any distance between us all week, and I have to take that at face value and hope it means we’re progressing past her manipulation.

“Let’s go before this turns into a fuckfest,” Zen says, although it sounds like he’s up for it, and the rest of us grumble our agreement much to our dismay.

“Don’t worry, baby, the fuckfest will come soon. That I can promise you,” Adonis says against my ear, before kissing my cheek, and I can’t contain the grin that spreads across my face at the thought of it.

It’s coming, I can sense it. The number of nights we’ve fallen asleep in Xander’s bed all together feels like a step closer each time. There’s only one barrier in our way, and I know exactly what it is, but hopefully after today that will change too.

Khaos.

His hand links with mine like he knows he’s on my mind, pulling me toward the door as Xander keeps to my left. Adonis closes his bedroom door shut behind us, and the five of us make our way down the stairs of Agion toward the portal.

It doesn’t escape my attention that the two men who seem to have complicated situations around their parents and me are the two glued to my side, while Adonis and Zen lead the way, not having the same battles to face.

Somehow it calms my soul, and with every step I take toward the lunch celebrations, I feel myself continue to relax. I know for a fact even just a few months ago, this exact situation would have left me a ball of tension and full of dread the closer we got.

Once through the portal, we move along the halls, following the general crowd of people heading in the same direction. There aren’t many people around, most will likely be there already, enjoying the presence of their parents. I know Harmonia and the twins headed down almost an hour ago in comparison to us.

Soft music meets my ears as the double doors ahead stand wide open. Laughter, chatter, and excitement fills the air, with the understanding of what’s to come for both the first and second years this evening. For the first time since I came here, it feels like a positive environment, instead of the usual doom and gloom, but I’m not in there yet, and knowing my luck, my night won’t end the way it starts. Disaster always comes knocking, no matter how hard I try to avoid it.

Approaching the double doors, the decorative room coming into view, I pause at the entryway, eyes scanning over the hall as I take it all in. White flowers bloom throughout the room, decorating the tables and hanging from the ceilings and walls. Lilies, roses, and a wide array of flowers, all in the same pure color cover every surface, and it smells amazing.

The light wooden furnishing completes the room, making the space feel almost whimsical and delicate, disguising the rotten core that lurks within Saints Academy. There must be forty to fifty tables in here, more than I thought would even fit, but something tells me magic is playing a hand in making it work.

Khaos’ hand around mine pulls me in closer, pinning me to his side in a silent show of commitment to being who he says he’s going to be. I squeeze his hand in response, a smile playing at the corner of my mouth as I spy the table designated for us.

The Blacks.

The Bishops.

The Elias’.

Hades and Persephone.

And… no one for me.

My shoulders sag in relief. I’d been silently worrying that Zeus was going to appear like some knight in shining armor, and I couldn’t think of anything worse. The thought of him reminds me of the task he laid out, the one he made my sister remind me of, and I shake my head to rid him from my thoughts.

Fuck him for wanting everyone else to do his dirty work.

I have no interest in him being an active role in my life, especially when it seems to come with conditions. The comment Aphrodite made about him not leaving me in Phoenix Valley is laughable, because it’s the complete opposite of how he’s treated me since he discovered I exist.

“Let's let the fun begin, shall we?” Adonis says, glancing toward me with a wide smile before leading the way through the tables. Khaos and Xander maintain their positions by my side, and as difficult as it is to take each step, I like their closeness, their need to make it known that we’re here together, regardless of the input from their parents. We are a unit and it’s about damn time they accept it.

“Have fun up there, K,” Thalia says, drawing my attention to the table on our left as she speaks to Khaos with a wink. Cassandra sits right beside her, the pair of them in pale blue dresses and matching curls. A woman sits beside them, no doubt their mother, since she looks just like them. She shakes her head, an encouraging smile on her face as she looks at Khaos.

“Thalia, don’t be annoying to your cousin,” she berates lightly. “He has enough on his plate with his… mother,” she grumbles, muttering the last word like a she’s the fucking devil. She looks around, afraid someone may have heard before she plasters a smile on her face. Her eyes briefly flick to mine with a small smile touching the corner of her mouth, but she doesn’t utter a word as Khaos leans toward her, placing a kiss to her cheek while still lacing our fingers together.

“This is why you’re my favorite, Auntie Pearl,” he says with a genuine smile, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “Don’t make me tell your mom what else you’ve been doing,” he adds with a quirk of his brow, staring Thalia down, who simply glares at him in response.

With that he continues walking, pulling me along with him as I frown. Have I been too caught up in my own shit to not know that something is going on with Thalia? I glance at Khaos as Xander’s hand lightly grazes my waist. Khaos must see the confusion in my eyes because he leans in to whisper in my ear.

“She hasn’t been doing anything wrong, but her mom doesn’t know that,” he says with a wicked grin, and I shake my head in disbelief at him. The three of them act more like siblings than cousins, and it’s hilarious to watch. I know, without a doubt, Thalia will get him back for that, and honestly, I can’t wait to watch it happen.

Nearing our table, I spot a flash of stunning white hair and bright pink eyes as Harmonia waves at me from the table ahead. A natural smile takes over my face as my friend comes into view, but my mouth quickly drops open in shock when I notice the woman sitting beside her.

I still can’t manage to pick it up off the floor before I reach her side, my eyes fixed on the lady who turns to look at me, her eyes widening too.

“Why are you staring at my mom like that?” Harmonia asks with a light nervous chuckle, uncertainty clear in her tone as her mother rises from her seat, stepping around the back of Harmonia’s chair and coming to a stop in front of me. She swipes her hand, dismissing Khaos and Xander, neither of whom move, but that doesn’t stop her from leaning in and wrapping her arms around me. “Seriously, what’s going on?” Harmonia pushes, also standing from her seat, but she doesn’t look too panicked when she sees the soft smile on my lips.

It was the kind of reaction I was expecting, but I barely know the woman at all. Except for the fact that she’s the reason I’m here. The woman from the testing center at the Town Hall, the woman who got in my head.

Leaning back, Harmonia’s mom squeezes my shoulders before releasing me and stepping back, moving beside Harmonia as she smiles at me. “I was present the day Rhea touched Pandora’s Box, Harmonia.”

Harmonia’s eyes widen in surprise, flashing between her mother and me. “Oh my Gods, no way!” she says with a gasp, shaking her mother’s shoulder with excitement. “I can’t believe I didn’t know this. How did I not know this?” she continues, and her mom smirks at her.

“Please tell me she’s like this with everyone and not just me. One minute she’s grumbling under her breath about some girl she hit, and the next she’s like a toddler high on candy,” she says with a chuckle, and I nod knowingly.

“She is exactly like that, one hundred percent of the time,” I state. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Officially,” I add, remembering how she calmed me down when all I could hear were dark screams of pain running through my mind.

“The pleasure is mine. I should have pieced together that the Rhea Harmonia keeps talking about was you,” she says, squeezing Harmonia’s arm, and it’s stunning to see the love that they clearly have for each other. “We must do something together soon.”

I nod my agreement as Harmonia wraps her arms around me, rocking from side to side with how giddy she is, before I finally link my fingers with Khaos’ once more, and we follow Adonis and Zen toward our table.

Xander keeps himself pressed to my back, and as all eyes turn to us, a mixture of happiness, doubt, and curiosity flash in the eyes of the Elites’ parents as we take our seats. Someone clearly thought it would be a good idea to sit each student between both parents, leaving me alone, but both Khaos and Xander opt to take the two seats beside me, meant for my parents, instead of sitting with their families.

Adonis kisses his mother on the cheek, who sits at the other side of Xander, her smile glowing at the presence of her son, even while he grumbles about being so far away from me. Mrs. Black sits beside Hades on Adonis’ other side, a hint of disapproval flashing in her eyes at the empty seat beside her.

I can only assume it’s Khaos’ father in the next seat, his black hair swept back off his face, his eyes a silvery shade that’s almost mesmerizing as he nods at his son. Zen sits across from me, nestled between Beni and Ana, and I smile at the two of them, pleased to see their kind and reassuring faces.

The Bishops sit to our right, their gazes fixed on Xander at my side, but the animosity isn’t as clear as it was a few weeks ago. I can only hope the full moon helped mend their bond. If not, it’s their loss, but I don’t want any unnecessary pain for Xander especially because of me, not even from them.

I have no idea what food will be served, but when a waiter appears to serve us water, I smile my thanks, taking a large sip as Khaos grabs my free hand, lacing our fingers together once more, and placing them on the table for everyone to see.

I can’t help but glance toward Khaos’ mother, noting that she sees the action immediately, and she sits back in her seat, an inquisitive glint in her eyes. “Son, you didn’t tell me you sealed your soul to Miss Harrington,” she says with a quirk of her brow, and I instantly want to reach across the table and slap her for being so rude.

One. I’m not a status orientated bitch, but she is well aware that both of my parents were original Gods. Which means I shouldn’t have a surname, like Adonis, but she continues to use it like it places me lower than her. Or maybe it’s because she refuses to perceive me higher than her since she is of course known very well as Mrs. Black.

Two. How can she be such a presumptuous bitch to think it was just that easy to seal our souls? It’s not exactly a common occurrence anymore, and it never was to begin with, the rarity of it has been mentioned endlessly. She has no idea, and the way she says it so casually strips the sacred act of any meaning.

“That’s because I wasn’t aware I had,” Khaos grunts back, eyes fixed on his drink as he takes a slow inhale. I wait, prepared for his mother’s response, but to my surprise, Khaos places his glass down, turning his gaze directly to her as he somehow grips my hand tighter. “I am hers, and she is mine, the rest of it is irrelevant, Mother.”

My heart pounds in my chest, my thighs clamp together, and my soul fucking screams for him.

To hear him claim me so openly, so publicly, with or without the sealing of our souls is exactly what my heart needed. I tilt my head toward his, a soft smile on my lips as he looks down at me through his hair covering his eyes, the piercing green pools enticing me as always.

It feels like time freezes as we look at each other, content and calm together, my body thrums with every beat of my heart. For him. For them. For us.

This feels right, everything about the Elites and me feels like perfection.

“Don’t be so ridiculous, Khaos,” his mother blurts, drawing the attention from everyone at the table, including Hades beside her who watches her with pure amusement. Guess the asshole still gets off on the drama. “This life, and the stature our name carries is about power. Being the only man not to seal souls with someone in a unit is a disgrace. If we can’t use this unique situation to our advantage, then I won’t stand for it at all.”

The table descends into silence, as do the ones surrounding us since she’s not even attempting to lower her voice. Zen’s parents gasp in surprise at her, but Zen encourages them to remain quiet, while Hades chuckles under his breath.

“Just to offer context to everyone else at the table, my mother wanted me to force Rhea into sealing her soul with mine, all so she could try to manipulate our unit as a whole. To control the child of Zeus and Nyx would be quite the boon. The phenomenon that has captured everyone’s attention,” he states, the facts rolling from his tongue and sending poor Ana’s face green with disgust.

Mr. Black glances at his wife in surprise, confirming this is all news to him, all while Khaos grips my hand so tight that his knuckles are turning white.

“Don’t twist my words, Son. I demand the best for this family, and you will do well to fall in line,” she bites back, barely even attempting to defend herself or her actions.

I genuinely thought we would get a good twenty minutes before everything went to shit, but here we are, barely five in.

“Do you truly believe Khaos is the kind of man to simply fall in line? Without a backbone, without beliefs, and integrity?” I blurt, my jaw tensing as I relax my hold on Khaos’ hand, encouraging him to release me, and after a moment he reluctantly does.

Xander tries to clamp his hand down on my thigh, but I gently remove it, needing to face this woman and her bullshit head on. It’s long overdue.

“You know nothing about my son, Miss Harrington. Nothing,” she says with a scoff.

Before I even realize what I’m doing, my palms hit the table before me, the glasses trembling by the force as I rise to my feet, leaning over the table as a sneer plays on my lips.

“Nobody knows a man better than the woman with him. That’s me, Mrs. Black. And I do mean nobody,” I snap, eyes drilling into hers. “Not you, not his father, not his siblings or relatives. Me and my unit. What you see is exactly what he wants you to see, a facade. But me? I see the raw, unfiltered version of him. Broken but healing. Loving but sometimes hateful. Unstable but functioning. Crazy but caring. Controlling but protective. Every pained battle he has faced stems from you, every inch of his healing begins with me.”

My chest heaves with every breath as I sense every single person in the vicinity staring at me, but fuck them, and fuck her for underestimating the man Khaos is.

Mrs. Black glares at me with black eyes, Hades beside her covering his mouth with his hand as he stares at me with a raised brow, clearly impressed with my boldness. All while Ana beams with pride, her hands clasped together in front of her like she’s trying so hard not to clap right now.

I can’t stand the toxicity that is this woman a second longer.

We’re here for us, not her. This whole lunch is a pile of horse shit. An event for our families to celebrate, something I initiated, but I have no one to show up for me. No one that I didn’t wake up with this morning anyway.

The Elites.

Clearing my throat, I push back off the table, nudging my chair back as I move away. My hand instinctively finds Khaos’ shoulder, attempting to offer him reassurance, but it’s clear I can’t control my fucking mouth right now.

“Please, enjoy the rest of your afternoon everyone,” I say, casting my gaze between the Bishops and the Elias’, before glancing to each of my men. “My presence here is not required since this lunch is an activity for the students' families,” I continue, voicing my thoughts out loud to the table as I make way to leave. “My unit doesn’t require this from me since they’re a part of the celebrations as well,” I add, placing my other hand on Xander’s shoulder, solidifying exactly what I mean as Zen face lights up with a huge smile.

Without another word, I turn on my heels, gripping the chain strap of my purse that I didn’t even get a chance to place down properly as I make my way toward the exit.

My heart thrums against my ribcage, desperate to break free, and of course my day isn't going to get better as I find Selene sitting right behind me. I can tell by the tilt of her lips that she heard every word, and I know before she even opens her mouth that whatever she’s about to say is going to piss me off.

She tilts her head away from mine, speaking to the woman beside her, loud enough for everybody in fucking Phoenix Valley to hear her. “What a rude and disgusting way to speak to a member of the Hex. If I was Mrs. Black I’d toss her out of the Academy as quickly as possible. She’s no good for the Elites, not one bit. Not like I could be.”

The smug look on her face lasts all of five seconds when my anger finally gets the better of me and I come to a stop beside her, gripping her hair and yanking her head back. Hard. I grin at the shriek that falls from her lips, but I don’t get time to bask in it, not when there are so many people around who will be able to step in and stop me from doing what I want to do.

So instead of dragging out her pain and torture for making another comment about the Elites being better suited to her, I reach for the glass of water in front of her, slamming it against the side of the table so it shatters, leaving me with the jagged edged rim. I bring it to her exposed throat as I peer down at her, sure my eyes are burning red just like the rage fueling me.

“Make one more comment about what doesn’t belong to you, and I’m going to enjoy dismantling you. I’ve already warned you once, the target is already on your head. When I pull the trigger is up to you. But make no mistake about it, if you run, I will find you. And that’s a promise.”

Releasing the hold on her hair and dropping the glass at her feet simultaneously, I continue my pursuit for the exit. The sound of gossiping and chatter behind me only gets louder with each step I take, but I don’t turn back, far too aware that my magic is burning like crazy inside of me right now.

With my head held high and my shoulders back, I focus on the doorway, sensing the eyes of the Elites on me as footsteps follow. Only one set, but my soul knows it's the one set I need, now more than ever.

I refuse to look back though, I refuse to look like I need the balance or support, but when I make it out into the corridor, my steps slow slightly, even though I continue ahead. I see the academic offices ahead, Zellus’ included, but step to take the turn to my left toward the portal. Agion is the only place I can find peace in this shithole of a school so it’s the direction I’m heading.

Only a hand on my arm stops me in my tracks when it wraps tightly around me, pulling me without a word in the other direction. I don’t utter a sound or turn around to meet their gaze, I let this play out how they want it to.

My eyes widen in surprise when they slam Zellus’ office door open, ushering me inside with a firm but gentle grip. I’m relieved to see it empty. I hadn’t seen the asshole in the hall, but I’m sure he’s out there rubbing shoulders with everyone willing to entertain him. And probably trying to figure out ways to cage me again for my behavior.

The door is kicked shut behind me, my back pressed against the wood a moment later when hands brace on either side of my head. Holding me captive, and pinning me in place.

I take my time dragging my gaze up the length of the man before me, only stopping when my raging red eyes meet his piercing green orbs.

“What the fuck am I going to do with you?” he asks, his words barely more than a whisper as his chest heaves in time with mine.

I only have one answer for that, and I see the same reflected in his eyes too.

The challenge is whether one of us will say it first, or if our bodies will take control.

21

KHAOS

M y chest heaves with every inhale, my body pressed up against hers as I stare deep into her eyes. The blue and red warring in her iris’ as her magic fights for control. She’s perfect just as she is. A blend of all sides that make her Rhea.

The woman before me is fiercer than I thought possible, consuming and freeing all at once. And she chose to stand at my side, commit herself to me, and raise hell with my mother to defend me regardless of the consequences.

Me.

After all the dickish shit I’ve said to her and the constant asshole attitude, she refused to accept a negative word against me, not even from my mother. Her words bounce around in my mind, causing my body to go haywire as I attempt to process how it makes me feel, how she makes me feel.

“What you see is exactly what he wants you to see, a front. But me? I see the raw, unfiltered version of him. Broken but healing. Loving but sometimes hateful. Unstable but functioning. Crazy but caring. Controlling but protective. Every pained battle he has stems from you, every inch of his healing will begin with me.”

My heart rate increases just thinking about her words, my body trembling from head to toe for me to reach out and claim her, yet I remain frozen in place. Our noses so close, our breaths mingling between us as I keep my palms plastered to the wall beside her head.

Words continue to fail me as she rakes her teeth over her bottom lip and stares up at me. “You know we both want the same thing,” she murmurs, breaking the silence as she tiptoes around the specific words she means. Making me read between the lines to ensure that we’re both on the same page, and she knows damn well I’m right there with her. Otherwise I wouldn’t have followed her out of the hall to begin with. After what feels like an eternity passes, she pushes me once more. “Well?”

That little word, that small prompt is all I need to rip me from my thoughts, and with my next breath, I cut the tiny distance and smash my lips to hers. Soft, plump, and demanding. Her mouth captures mine, seeking dominance just as I do, the battle and challenge going straight to my cock as I slink my hands into her hair, holding her closer.

The fact that we’re in Zellus’ office right now is ironic as fuck, but I couldn’t give a shit where we are, as long as I’m with her, and we’re connected, the rest disappears into the background.

Rhea groans against my lips, another jolt zapping to my cock as I drop one hand to her thigh, slowly skimming my hand over her soft skin, hitching her leg up as I go. I press my body into her more, the smallest inch of distance that remains between us completely disappears.

I can’t get enough of her or her sweet, intoxicating scent. My senses are in a frenzy with her so close, so needy, so… mine. Tearing my lips from hers, I drag my nose to her throat, running the tip over her pulse as the sound of it thumping beneath her skin rings in my ears like a siren.

Fuck.

Goosebumps trail in my wake, her back arching up off the door as she groans in my ear. “Don’t make me beg, Khaos,” she pleads, making my fingers dig into her thigh as I grind my cock against her stomach.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to fuck you all gentle and sweet in your bed first?” I ask, the grin playing on my lips as I imagine the eye roll she’s giving me, but I don’t look down, not yet. Instead, I continue to tease us both as I run my tongue over her throat.

“I have a feeling that being gentle and sweet isn’t something you know, and it’s not something I want. And I couldn’t think of a better place than here,” she replies, confidence oozing from her every word as another moan slips from her lips.

She’s so reactive, so sensual, so fucking addicting.

Leaning back so I can meet her gaze, I startle slightly when I see her eyes are engulfed in red, desire swirling in her deep pools, luring me closer. Without another word, I lift her into the air in one swift motion, turning on the spot before I march toward Zellus’ desk.

I bask in the feel of her legs wrapped tightly around me, but before I place her down on the wooden top, I take great pleasure in swiping all of the items off. Trinkets, papers, and other pieces of utter bullshit clatter to the floor. The sound makes a smirk spread across my face, and when I look up at the woman before me, I see the same expression on her face too.

Match made in heaven. Or hell. Wherever we were forged.

As I lay her down, the sunlight peers through the window, illuminating her beauty like a delicate rose frozen in time. My rose. My thorn. My venom.

The hem of her floaty dress gathers around her hips, exposing the flesh of her inner thighs, leading right to her core and stopping me dead in my tracks.

“Venom, have you been teasing me with no panties this entire time?” I ask, the words slipping past my lips without care as she grins up at me. The sparkle in her eyes tells me my answer before she even opens her mouth.

“I didn’t realize I was supposed to wear them.”

Holy fuck.

Gods help me.

She’s knows exactly what she’s doing to me, and she’s loving every fucking moment of it.

My fingers inch closer to her core, my thumb stroking over her sensitive folds as she shivers beneath me. She’s wet already, from our exchange or the chaos she caused back there I don’t know, but I love it either way.

“You can tease me later, Khaos, but right now I need you to take me.” Her words are a plea, an order, a demand, and I accept it in every form. Inching my thumb into her center, my body tenses when her warmth wraps around my hand. Her pretty pink pussy glistening before me as I burn to claim it, claim her. Goddess and Venom.

She’s right. I haven’t got the strength to tease her at the moment, not when every fiber of my being is screaming for her.

Pulling my eyes from her core, I meet her gaze to find them burning redder, darker, like flames are flickering uncontrollably beneath her lashes, and my cock pulses in my pants, desperate to feel her against me.

“Your eyes are stunning in blue, but life-altering in red, Venom, and I fucking love them,” I admit, a truth tumbling from my mouth without care as she drags her tongue over her bottom lip, staring up at me with desire flashing between us.

It feels electric, the pulse swirling between us uncontrollable and magnetic all at once.

Dropping my hands from her soft skin, I reach for the button on my waistband, the tightness surrounding my cock immediately easing as I unzip my jeans and lower them to my mid thighs.

“What was that about underwear?” Rhea asks breathlessly, eyes fixed on my dick as she notes the fact that I don’t have any boxer shorts on.

“I didn’t realize I was supposed to wear them,” I retort, throwing her own words back at her, and she grins.

Stroking my hand over my cock, I squeeze hard, loving the bite of pain and friction as I thrust once, twice, three times, before a groan falls from Rhea’s lips as I freeze. “No. Teasing. Khaos,” she bites, reaching forward to try and grab me closer, and when her fingers get a grip on my waistband, I let her nudge me nearer.

My cock brushes against her core, a hiss of surprise falling from my lips as Rhea’s breathing becomes more frantic. Her feet at my back are edging me closer, no protection between us as my eyes search hers, the question seemingly clear in my eyes as she shakes her head at me.

“Please don’t. Nothing between us, Khaos, please. I want, no I need this to happen.”

I freeze, my breath lodged in my throat as my chest tightens, the fear of her being entirely wrong running through my mind. The uncertainty halts me longer than I wish it would, because the reality of the situation is that I don’t give a fuck. Sealed souls or not, she is mine and I am hers.

“Whatever the outcome, it doesn’t matter. I am yours and you are mine,” I breathe, my shoulders relaxing with my next inhale deep and reviving as she nods eagerly at me. Aligning the tip of my cock with her hot core once more, our eyes locked, and bodies poised, I don’t waste another breath.

I thrust; hard, fast, and uncontrollably. Rhea’s back arches up off the desk as I slam into her, the desk beneath her rocking with the motion.

“Fuck, Khaos. Yes!” she cries, but it’s barely audible over the ringing of my heartbeat in my ears, my body overwhelmed with every inch of her that touches every inch of me.

Heat burns through my body as I slam into my Venom again and again, watching her writhe beneath me, heels digging into my ass, and chest bouncing with every thrust. I feel everything yet nothing all at once. The need burning inside me for so long, finally being stoked, exceeding everything I’ve ever felt before, is overwhelming.

Carnal venom.

Leaning forward, palms flat on the desk on either side of her head as I peer into her red eyes, I let the words from my mind and heart flow from my lips without caution.

Slam.

“You’re mine.”

Slam.

“In sickness and in health.

Slam.

“Rich or poor.”

Slam.

“Till death do us part.”

Slam.

“I’m yours, Rhea.”

Slam.

“My air. My blood. My everything.”

Slam.

My words almost slur as I keep my gaze fixed on hers, watching them widen with each and every declaration, only for her to nod frantically in agreement.

“Always, Khaos. Always,” she pants in response, sealing the words between us as a sharp pain shoots through my body. Beginning in my toes, heating at my cock where I’m connected with Rhea, before my face almost burns.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to shake off the sudden ache in my jaw, all while my hips thrust into my Venom again and again. “Fuck,” I grunt, prying my eyes open to see the woman before me, desperate to want to watch her fall apart beneath me.

“Khaos, oh my fucking gods, Khaos!” Rhea screams, her voice raspy as her nails dig into my arms, likely breaking skin as she stares up at me in shock. “Black, Khaos, they’re black,” she cries, making my brows crinkle in confusion as I take her in.

I blink once, twice, three times, before I run my tongue over my teeth, trying to piece together what she means, and that’s when I feel it.

The shift.

The change.

The magic.

The sealing of our fucking souls.

My eyes. She means my eyes. She must, because I know without a shadow of a doubt that those are fangs I can feel in my mouth.

The burning sensation between us seems to intensify as Rhea’s back arches and her body clings to mine, pulling me closer. My nose falls to her neck, the scent of her sweet, sweet blood filling my senses as my natural need takes over, and my teeth sink into her flesh.

A cry fills my ears, a mixture of pain and pleasure swirling between us, until it heightens our ecstasy on every level. The taste of Rhea’s blood on my tongue is like paradise, oxygen in my lungs, and silk against my skin. It’s life.

Running my tongue over the small wound, Rhea bursts beneath me, a low sensual groan falling from her lips as her pussy clamps down around my cock, riding wave after wave of pleasure as she continues to bite her nails into my skin.

I tumble over the edge with her, my eyes searching her soul through her red eyes as my climax burns up my spine and takes over me.

Sweat drips from my forehead, landing in Rhea’s hair as we lay frozen in place, a panting heap of limbs as we attempt to catch our breaths. I’m still buried deep inside her when she lifts her hand to my face, running her thumb over my bottom lip, catching the edge of my fang with a small hiss, before pressing it against my tongue. I taste her blood immediately, groaning as my eyes slam shut, my cock pulsing once more at the delicacy reserved just for me.

“Fuck, Khaos,” she rasps, forcing my eyes open as I lean up slightly to give her some space.

Her eyes are bright, almost an orangey red in comparison to usual as a soft smile plays on her lips. She looks sleepy, dazed as I ride the high of the taste of her venom on my tongue.

Looking around the room with fresh eyes, I can’t stop the smirk from transforming my face as I remember exactly where we are. My senses are honed even more with my magic rushing through me. I can see clearer, hear better, and feel Rhea’s touch against mine even more.

Zellus’ office has never looked and smelt as good as it does right now. My woman splayed out with her legs spread for me, and the scent of her arousal and blood filling the space.

“I fucking told you so,” Rhea says with a chuckle, and I roll my eyes, shaking my head at her as I slip from her core, tucking myself into my pants as I reach a hand out to her.

Her fingers lace through mine as she sits on the edge of the desk, sweeping her hair back off her face with a soft sigh.

“You’re a know it all,” I respond, cocking a brow at her as she beams up at me, and after a brief moment, the jokes fall to the wayside, and we stare at each other intently. Cupping her cheek, I tilt her face back slightly to see into her red eyes better. “I meant every word, right or not, I only feel complete when I’m with you.”

“We’re one. Me and you. The five of us are meant to be, Khaos. We were meant to be,” she replies, leaning into my touch as my tongue catches on my extended fangs, the feeling foreign yet right all at once.

“Do you want to head back out there together, united, or would you rather sneak back to Agion until this evening?” I ask, happy to do whichever suits her.

I stormed in that hall with my fingers laced with hers for a reason. Then she defended me to my own parents, uncaring of the consequences as she laid claim. Which resulted in me chasing after her and our souls colliding, just like she said they would.

Now, I would follow her to the ends of the earth, and that’s not my soul speaking, that’s all me.

“Agion,” she replies without pause. “I want to bask in you a little longer before tonight, and if I’m honest, I want to keep your black eyes all to myself too.”

My eyes flare as my heart pounds at her words, and I nod, unable to form a response to match how much I agree with her statement.

“Lead the way, Venom.”

22

RHEA

W ith my head in Khaos’ lap, the pair of us are sprawled out on his bed, and I can’t help but smile up at him as he rakes his fingers through my hair in a comforting manner. He hasn’t said very much since we fucked in Zellus’ office, sealing our souls and staking claim on his desk all at once, but I can sense the difference in Khaos. He’s not suddenly going to become a talker overnight, not like Adonis did, but his need to reach out and touch me sets my soul on fire because we instinctively rely on that physical connection.

Lazing together in bed, with some random television show playing in the background, is surprisingly one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever done. I don’t care that I went batshit crazy at his mother, I don’t care that I went even crazier on Selene. I feel nothing but calm and relaxed at this moment, and I’m clinging to it for as long as possible before we have to go back out there for the ceremony.

Zen messaged earlier to make sure we were both okay, and once we confirmed we were, he sent me a heart emoji before leaving us to it. I’m glad he stayed and had a moment with his parents. Beni and Ana are phenomenal, and I wouldn’t want them to miss out on time with their son because I turned into a raging bitch defending one of my other sealed souls.

The thought of those two words warms my chest and sends a shiver down my spine all at once.

My unit is complete. In more ways than one.

Exploring earlier led us to find the exact same symbol that marks Xander, Adonis, and Zen on Khaos’ wrist, right over his pulse, and I’ve noticed him smiling at it a time or two. The connection with Khaos, the sealing of our souls, did in fact complete the symbol on my back. Only mine is on a magnified scale. The only way I can explain it is a large Z that goes from one shoulder blade to the other, a large O at the bottom, with a line connecting both of them straight down the middle. The entire thing taking up my whole back.

It’s different. It’s unique. And it’s mine.

I feel in sync with every single one of them. Xander. Adonis. Zen. Khaos.

My soul has sealed with all four of them, and the feeling is euphoric.

A knock sounds from Khaos’ bedroom door, jolting me from my thoughts and making Khaos’ hand pause in my hair. “Oh, fuck birds, I mean love birds, are you in there?”

Our gazes shift to one another at the sound of Adonis’ voice, and before I can do anything about it, Khaos jumps from the bed lightning fast to open the door. He moves so quickly, that my head hasn’t even landed on the bed beneath me before he returns, his hand catching the back of my head and placing me perfectly back in his lap.

Holy fuck that’s hot.

His piercing green eyes flash with a hint of black before it quickly dissolves once more. A moment passes between us as Adonis opens the door the rest of the way.

I don’t need to turn to know Xander and Zen are with him, the three likely working as a team to hunt us down.

“How the fuck did you open the door?” Xander grunts, a smile spreading across my face as I look up at Khaos. The smirk on his lips is sinful as hell as I offer him a pout.

“I could have done that,” I say to him, ignoring Xander’s question as I flick my hand. A moment later the sound of the bedroom door slamming shut behind our new guests rings out in my ears, and my grin somehow manages to spread wider.

“What the fuck?” Zen murmurs, awe and shock evident in his tone as I stare Khaos down for a moment longer. Some unspoken words of appreciation and pride flowing between us before I turn my head in the direction of the rest of my unit.

Brown, hazel, and blue eyes all widen as they rake their gazes over me from head to toe. Adonis glances back at the door a few times before settling his eyes on mine, understanding dawning on him as Zen takes a step forward.

“How did that feel, Firecracker?” he asks, his face stretched with the widest smile as he takes a seat beside Khaos and looks down at me.

“Fucking amazing,” I gush after a moment’s pause. I almost said like magic, but fuck, that’s stating the obvious.

Lifting myself up into a sitting position, Khaos places his hand on my bare knee, still needing the physical contact, and I don’t complain, not one bit.

Xander and Adonis edge closer too, looks of relief, excitement, and happiness glistening in their eyes as they look from Khaos to me and back again.

“I’m glad for you, I really am. It’s well overdue, but fuck, guys, you’re forgetting my parents aren’t as awesome as Zen’s, and you left me there with them instead of letting me recharge,” Adonis says with a wink as he flops down on the bed dramatically.

His attempt at appearing jealous is too light hearted for him to truly mean it, but the reminder that they were left at the table we vacated has me curious.

“What happened after we left?” Khaos asks, beating me to the question, and I narrow my gaze at him as I try to figure out if I may have projected my thoughts to him.

Fuck.

I think the first thing I need to learn now is how to operate with restraint, and find a shut off button inside my mind because it can be draining listening to other people's thoughts.

“I can’t believe this has finally happened.”

“We’re complete.”

“She was right. Of course she was right.”

“Why the fuck am I sharing my Venom with them right now?”

All of their thoughts mingle into my mind, overwhelming my senses and almost bringing me to my knees as I try to block them out. Rubbing my temples helps a little, easing the tension inside of me, but it’s a lot.

“Well, your mother left swiftly after you did, while your father proceeded to finish his drink, not saying anything, before excusing himself,” Zen explains, and when I glance at Khaos he gives nothing away on his face, not a single thought entering his mind. “Hades and Persephone were gossiping, giggling teenagers who had to excuse themselves a while later because they were taking handsy to a whole other level at the table,” he continues, just as Adonis makes a gagging sound.

“You guys, that's nothing. Fucking embarrassing assholes,” he grumbles under his breath, but in his eyes I can see the admiration for their love, their unfiltered attraction to each other, and the way that hasn’t changed after so many years and so many children.

Xander and Zen chuckle under their breaths before Zen continues to get us up to date with what we left behind. “Xander’s parents remained quiet and observant the entire time, but didn’t speak to anyone but themselves.” Fuckers. I can’t get them to open their eyes and it’s driving me insane. “My parents were, well, my parents,” he adds with a shrug, and a smile spreads across my face.

“Selene’s mother, however, was causing a scene and demanding your head,” Xander says, like a threat from her isn’t worth the air used to speak it. “Until Ana told her to pipe down and enjoy the free food before someone got revenge for threatening her daughter-in-law.”

A blush taints my cheeks at his words, and Zen avoids my gaze for a moment, worried about my reaction to his mother’s words. But it’s not embarrassment and discomfort I feel. No, it’s hope, comfort, and the feeling of family that surrounds me. And now that I have all of this, I won’t take a single day with them for granted.

“We both know I love your mother beyond words, Zen. Thank you for gifting her to me.”

Zen’s eyes widen as he realizes I’m in his mind. His brows crinkle a moment later, attempting to understand, but a simple nod quickly follows as a smile spreads across his face.

“So, now we have some new gifts to fully learn and understand between you both,” Zen says, moving the conversation along, and I nod in agreement, sensing Khaos doing the same.

“We do,” Khaos mutters. “One of which I need your help healing please,” he says even quieter, a hint of guilt in his tone as he tilts my neck to reveal the puncture marks on my throat.

“But I like them,” I interrupt, almost sounding whiny, rubbing the area with my fingers as a smile plays on Khaos’ lips.

“Then I will have fun repeatedly putting them there.” Khaos thinks, loving being able to speak to just me, and I grin.

“Fine,” I say with a roll of my eyes before turning to Zen. “I hope you’re ready to be healing it again and again because it feels too good to never experience that euphoria.” The confidence in my words makes Zen shake his head at me as Adonis chuckles.

“She’s not lying either. Her temperature just went up and her desire sent a shiver down my spine too,” he states, leaning forward to place a kiss on my cheek before looking at his watch. “We need to get ready for the ceremony,” he says with a reluctant sigh as Zen reaches out and places his hand on my neck. A moment later a warm sensation tingles over my skin, healing my wound before he retreats again, his hand immediately going to his neck as he feels the pain, and guilt runs through my veins.

“I’m sor—”

“Firecracker, don’t apologize. This I can handle, I’ve healed you of far worse,” Zen murmurs, and I nod in response, nibbling on my bottom lip as uncertainty creeps through me.

“Do we really have to go to the ceremony now?” Khaos asks with a groan, swiping a hand down his face as I nod.

“Yes. I have a feeling everything won’t be smooth sailing with these assholes. And I really don’t want them to know that we’ve activated our powers if we can help it. Not until the evening pans out at least,” I say, my concerns flowing from my lips with ease as the others nod.

“That makes sense,” Xander says as he offers me his hand, and I take it, letting him pull me to my feet, before a whoosh of air ripples beside me, and in the next breath Khaos is also standing beside me with a pair of pale blue boxer shorts in his hand.

“You’re not going back out there commando, Venom. Not if things may go to shit like you’re worried about,” he says, dangling them between us.

I take them without a word, quickly stepping into them without taking my shoes off before retaking Xander’s hand.

“Let’s do this.”

You can feel the electric buzz in the air as we make our way outside, following the crowd of people taking the steps two at a time in excitement.

I run my hands over the skirt of my new dress that completely covers the full marking on my back, nerves admittedly running through my veins as I walk side by side with my unit. Xander and Zen to my left. Adonis and Khaos to my right.

Thankfully, Khaos’ eyes are their usual green, and mine are back to blue, not wanting to reveal our magic to the masses without purpose seems like the best option.

We walk along with the crowd as they follow the floating candles in the sky toward the left of the main Academy building. The little hint of magic catches me by surprise since it’s never usually portrayed in such a way.

It feels whimsical, enchanting, and magical as we follow the dim lighting. A gentle breeze blows through the air, another sense that makes me feel hyper aware because of my nervousness, as a large clearing comes into view. In the center of the open field is a stage, with a podium set up, and a table behind it, but I can’t see fully as four or five members of staff fill the space.

It’s exciting, and I hate it. I hate that our powers have been suppressed to begin with, resulting in us having to go through this process, and I hate how fucking pretty they've made it all look, like the celebration had been planned for months.

Saints Academy, The Hex, and the entire supernatural world seem far too good at covering up the dark and twisted depths that linger beneath the surface. Always able to put on a bright, cheery appearance, like everything really is whimsical and enchanting. Those of us who see past the facade know the truth, and I’ve come to the realization that in this world, it’s all about moves and countermoves.

Fuckers.

The lights are brighter now, more dotting the space in a circle above our heads. A tutor shuffles all second year students to the left side in preparation, while first years are ushered to the right. That leaves the middle section open for family members ready to celebrate, and it makes the whole environment even more electric.

We follow the lead of a few other first years giggling as they move to the right, and I spy Harmonia further up the line with the twins nearby. A smile spreads across my face, a sense of joy and happiness rushes over me at the thought of my friends finally being able to feel what runs through their veins. A hand waves in front of me, halting me in place, and I glance up to see Noreen shaking her head.

“Just Khaos and Rhea, please. You three all have your powers already so you may join the celebrating families in the middle,” she explains, a polite smile on her lips as she nods once, before turning to speak with someone else.

My heart clenches at being separated from them immediately, and the four of them instantly form a circle around me. It feels protective and caring all at once, but I shake it off. I can stand and wait in a queue with Khaos, pretending to be gifted my magic once I reach the stage.

“We’ll stand front and center, Firecracker,” Zen murmurs, leaning forward to brush his lips against my temple, before he takes a step back, and I nod.

“Any issues and you know how to alert us,” Adonis says, squeezing my hips as he brings me flush against his chest, capturing my lips with his for a brief moment before moving back with Zen.

Motherfucker knows exactly how to drive me crazy and he fucking loves it.

The reminder seems to somehow turn up the dim murmurs in my mind, the overwhelming sensation of everyone around me thinking excited thoughts to themselves almost knocks the air from my lungs.

The muted murmurs blur into one another as I nod, swallowing back the discomfort as my magic seems to turn the volume down on everyone around me, making me sag a little in relief. Thank the Gods my magic seems to understand my limits and protect me from a near meltdown.

“It’ll be over in no time, Goddess,” Xander adds, lacing his fingers with mine before brushing his lips against my knuckles, and I practically swoon into a pool at their feet.

“Yeah, yeah. Fuck off, assholes. She’s mine for a while now,” Khaos interrupts, draping his arm over my shoulders, offering me a seductive yet possessive look as he tugs me against his side.

Adonis rolls his eyes as the three of them step through the other students lined up behind us, and I take the moment to appreciate Khaos’ embrace. PDA isn’t usually my thing, nor would I have assumed it would be his thing, but the way his fingers are splayed across my waist, even with the fabric of my dress between us, makes me putty in his hands.

“Good evening, everyone,” Zellus announces, his voice catching me by surprise as I turn to glance toward the stage. The sound always seems to send a shudder down my spine, but the memory of Khaos fucking me across his desk makes a grin spread across my lips instead this time. “I’m so pleased we are finally here this evening, a celebratory moment for us all,” he continues, arms wide as he smiles at the crowd.

“More like a moment he can take credit for,” Khaos murmurs against my ear, and I nod in agreement. It confuses me how more people haven’t figured him out yet. Unfortunately for them it'll be too little too late when they do.

Khaos shuffles me around so I’m standing in front of him, his arms wrapped around my waist as he rests his chin on my head. Rubbing my lips together, I scan the crowd, ignoring the man on stage in his slick black suit and perfectly styled hair. My eyes instantly meet Harmonia’s as she gapes at me in surprise. She taps Thalia and Cassandra on the shoulder, pointing in my direction as they stare too with wide-eye expressions.

I know they’re looking at Khaos, noting such differences in the person before them, and I grin, shaking my head at them as I flip them the middle finger.

“Let the ceremony commence with our second years, then we will complete the magical awakening with our first years for the first time in Saints Academy history.” Applause sounds out around me, which only makes Zellus smile wider, pleased with the attention he’s getting as the second years begin to approach the stage in order of being called.

I’m happy to people watch, unable to properly see what’s happening on the stage from this angle, and I don’t really care about the second years approaching the podium to have their magic released.

It’s notable, again, that the third years are nowhere to be seen, and it makes my chest tighten. Where the hell are they? I can’t put my finger on it, but something really doesn’t seem right. You would imagine that those with their powers would be in attendance the most, learning about their heritage, their skills and abilities, yet catching sight of them seems rarer than anything else at the moment.

Time passes in a blur, the electricity around us seemingly speeding time up until the first years are announced. My gaze shifts to the crowd in the center, many still present even though the second years have been through the process, and my eyes land on my men, instantly warming my once black heart.

I notice Zen’s parents are still around, but I can’t see anyone else I recognize among the crowd. My attention drifts back to the stage once more, our time now here, and I edge forward with everyone else as Noreen begins calling out names.

Harmonia is one of the first called, and I can feel her excitement from here as she makes her way up the steps, waving at her mom as she goes. The students in front of her go through the process, stepping down from the stage on the other side moments later, but I pay much more attention when it’s Harmonia.

With her back to everyone and two members of staff on each side of her, I can’t see what’s actually happening, but a moment later, Harmonia’s pure white hair rises in the air. It’s like static electricity the way it floats around her head for the briefest second, before it falls perfectly around her shoulders again.

She turns to face the crowd, eyes searching for her mother’s as she wipes a tear from her face, and a moment later our eyes meet.

Fuchsia.

Her perfectly pale pink eyes have shifted to a deep fuchsia with the magic coursing through her veins, and she looks fucking stunning.

I clap, unable to stop myself, and she rolls her eyes as Khaos chuckles behind me.

Selene and Hector, along with their posse of dickheads take their turn, but as I watch intently, nothing gives away anything they can do, and from this angle, I can’t see the color shift in their eyes either. I’m sure I’ll learn of their power boost when they fucking aim it at me.

My attention pulls to center stage once more when I hear Thalia and Cassandra’s names being called. Inching closer to the front of the line, with not many first years remaining, I watch the twins' excitement as they get called up together, their internal thoughts bubbling toward me, but I force myself to block them out. Overwhelmed slightly that it seems to be with everyone and not just a skill with my unit.

I don’t want to slip so easily into intruding on people’s thoughts. Unless it’s necessary or if I want to be a nosey bitch of course. Just, not to my friends when it’s not called for.

The angle from here is even worse, I'm unable to see around Zellus as he chats with another member of staff, blocking my view of the sisters who appear at the bottom of the steps a moment later.

I frown in confusion when I watch Cassandra drop to the floor in a heap, head hidden in her hands, her body shaking as Thalia hovers over her, rubbing her shoulder to console her, but it doesn’t seem to do very much.

It’s instinctive for me to take a step forward, but Khaos’ arms wrap around me to hold me in place.

“Fuck,” he grunts under his breath, the despair palpable from him as I glance back to see his face, his brows knitted together as his jaw tightens.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask, my pulse ringing in my ears as concern for my friend gets the better of me.

“I have a feeling her eyes are red.” I frown at him, confused.

“My eyes are red,” I state, almost defensively, and he shakes his head at me, ruffling his hair as he sighs.

“And they fucking suit you, Venom. But for a vampire, red eyes are not what you want,” he explains, but my brows only seem to knit further together.

“But, all the vampires I saw in Phoenix Valley had red eyes. Actually, come to think of it, you are the only vampire I have ever seen with black eyes,” I murmur, trying to wrap my head around what he’s trying to say.

He pulls me close, brushing his lips against my temple as he brings his lips to my ear, keeping his voice low. “Red eyes on a vampire represent frenzy. It classifies them as unstable in most people’s eyes. It’s possible for them to transition to black, or even white, but it’s not easy and very rare.”

“Why? What does the frenzy mean?” I ask, projecting into his mind since I can’t seem to find the words for myself.

His gaze flicks to where the twins remain, their mother now with them as distress radiates off their bodies at an impossible rate.

“It means they can’t control their lust for blood. They become consumed with their need and desire for the taste, the scent, the touch.”

His words ring in my mind as I stare at the twins, pain ricocheting through me as sadness takes over. “Fuck. Can Zen heal that side of her? Regardless, we have to help her, Khaos. However, whatever, she needs from us. Now more than ever,” I state, determination in my voice as he nods in agreement, squeezing me tighter to him.

I immediately begin to search out the rest of my unit, but the sound of my name being called pulls my attention to Noreen, and it’s only then that I realize Khaos and I are the only two first years remaining.

I want to bolt. To tell them to fuck off, that I don’t need them to gift me my powers because I’ve unlocked them with my sealed souls, but the need to withhold information from them outweighs everything else.

Cutting the distance between Noreen and myself with slow, measured steps, Khaos releases his hold on me as he places himself at my side, lacing his fingers with mine instead.

She always looks so sweet and innocent, I half wonder if she’s an excellent example of masking who you are beneath the surface, a true worshiper of Zellus, or if she has no idea what she’s actually surrounded by.

“Take the steps and good luck,” she says with a polite smile as always, and we do as she advises, one calculated step at a time.

Reaching the top of the stage, I notice an object on the table toward the back, two members of the staff standing to either side of it as Zellus turns to face us. The perfect smile on his face slips for a moment, the disgust at my appearance clear across his features as he rakes his eyes over me.

“I hear you caused quite the disturbance in the hall earlier with another student,” he says, crossing his hands in front of him as he looks down his nose at me.

He must mean the supreme bitch but even if it’s about my confrontation with Mrs. Black, I still wouldn’t give a shit.

“I didn’t instigate that situation,” I reply with a shrug, which only seems to piss him off more.

“But you made sure to finish it.”

“Well, duh, Zellus. I always do. Remember that,” I say with a smile as Khaos snickers beside me.

He’s an excellent partner in crime today, and I’m here for it.

“I’m glad you think so,” he responds, turning to the table as he waves his hand dismissively at the other staff members, and they step away. “You’ll be more than pleased to know that on this occasion, I feel it’s only suitable for me to have the last say. Don’t you think so?”

My back stiffens on instinct as I meet his glare with one of my own.

What game is he playing?

I fucking knew this dickhead would pull the rug from under us at the last minute. How hilarious. And predictable.

“And what is it you have to say, Zellus?” Khaos asks in a bored tone, and I rub my lips together, biting back the grin that threatens to take over my face.

Zellus turns to face us head on, blocking the item on the table from our view as he folds his arms over his chest, creating an invisible and defensive barrier between us. “I say that we don’t help unlock the remainder of your unit's magic just in case. You’re never going to seal your souls to all four of them, which will then leave your magic erratic and uncontrollable. I think it will… spice the test up a little, don’t you?”

My chest heaves with every breath as I stare him down. I beg and plead with myself to remain calm. It’s one thing to think he’s going to pull this shit, but it’s something else entirely when the words actually slip past his lips.

“For clarification, tell me exactly what you’re saying instead of making me read between the lines.” My tone is calm, almost passive as I stare him dead in the eyes. I go against my own words and attempt to listen to his thoughts, feeling it's worthwhile in this case, but it seems like he has a blocker or something in place because I can’t read a damn thing.

“It means, Miss Harrington, that I’m going to leave you and Mr. Black here to fend for yourselves in the test. Mrs. Black has already confirmed that your souls aren’t sealed, and the likelihood of it actually happening is slim to none,” he says with a sure smile spreading across his lips.

I want to show him that he’s wrong.

I want to make him swallow every word he just said.

I want to bring this fucker to his knees.

But the squeeze of Khaos’ fingers with mine halts me. “Don’t give him the satisfaction, Venom.”

I repeat his words in my mind, once, twice, three times, before I release a sigh, curling my lips in disgust at the man before me.

“You’re going to regret this,” I bite, watching as he grins like a fucking idiot at me, believing exactly what I want him to believe as I point my finger at him.

For once, we will be one step ahead.

“There are always consequences for your actions, Rhea,” he snaps.

“As there will be for yours,” I hiss, taking a step toward him, even with my hand secured in Khaos’.

Zellus tsks me like a toddler, disobeying his perfectly thought out rules. “That’s enough, Miss Harrington.” The bite in his tone is clear as a burst of laughter escapes my lips.

I can sense the rest of my unit moving closer, but I don’t turn to look as I focus all my energy on the toxic asshole before me. “I think you’ll find, Zellus, that it’ll be me who tells you when it’s enough.”

23

RHEA

M y hands are pressed palms together, pulled in against my chest as I place the sole of my foot against my inner thigh, while I balance on one foot. I close my eyes and take a deep, calming breath. I can sense Zen at my side, going through the same motions as me as the tranquil music plays from his phone.

When he suggested coming out here, I was completely unsure. Yesterday was a mess, and after the usual Zellus theatrics, I couldn’t seem to settle down. Restlessness and agitation getting the better of me. So I came reluctantly, but now, having been out here for over an hour, moving from one pose to another, I can sense the shift in myself. The calmness and lightness returning with each purposeful inhale and exhale.

I can sense the magic flowing through my body, feel it coiling through my veins. It’s waiting, not always patiently, for me to call upon it, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It was so erratic and unpredictable, yet now it feels like a true part of me. Calmer, more settled.

“Let’s shake it off for a minute, shall we?” Zen asks as I release another calming breath, and drop my foot to the ground. I roll my neck from side to side, feeling the stretch and flexibility in my body before I turn to face him.

He looks delicious as hell today. In a pair of stone colored linen pants and nothing else, I can’t stop myself from watching every muscle in his upper body.

“Do I tell you my eyes are up here or let you watch me? Decisions. Decisions.”

A grin instantly spreads across my face as I look up into his hazel eyes. Zen is easily the smoothest at projecting his thoughts so I can hear him clearly, letting me know he wants me to hear what he’s thinking.

I also love that I have the ability to have this connection with them. Hearing everyone else’s thoughts doesn’t feel the same. Not like this.

I really need to figure out what else my magic can do, what other abilities run through my veins, but there hasn’t been a whole lot of time to explore safely and comfortably. Which is why the rest of the guys will be heading down here soon so we can have some fun with it. All of us as a unit in one of Adonis’ glamors again.

Cutting the distance between Zen and I as he turns off the music, the ripples of the lake replace the background noise when I wrap my arms around his neck. His hands instantly come to my waist and I smile as I peer up at him, rising on my tiptoes to bring my lips to his.

It’s soft, sweet, and enticing. The polar opposite of the man if we were to dive between the sheets right now, and I love it.

“Thank you for this,” I murmur, leaning back to meet his heated gaze, my fingers trailing over his bare skin as he attempts to show some restraint. But it’s barely hanging on by a thread if his clenched jaw is anything to go by.

“It’s my job to understand what you need, Firecracker,” he responds like it really is just that simple, and it makes my insides go all warm and fuzzy.

He definitely did that on purpose.

I don’t mind that my unit is turning me into a soft pile of mush on occasion, but only for them, everyone else doesn’t get to see that side of me. Fuck, I’m only just coming to terms with it as it is.

My response is interrupted by the sound of a pop coming from behind me, and I whip my head around so fast I almost pull a muscle. The reason for the pop stands before me, making my eyes widen in surprise as I gape at them.

Fuck.

Just when I thought I was having a good day.

I feel Zen tense as his grip tightens at my waist, and I make sure to remain close to him so it eases him as well as me.

“Al,” I finally say, wetting my suddenly parched lips as the man smiles wide at me in response. He looks no different to how he was when we were at his home, even though it feels like an eternity ago. “What are you doing here?” I ask, but he shakes his head before pointing at the man beside me.

Shit.

With a heavy sigh I turn to look at Zen who continues to glare at the man standing a few feet away from us, before finally dragging his gaze to me.

“Can you give us a minute, Zen, please?” I ask, my voice low but calm as I plead with him to not put up a fight.

“No,” Zen grunts in response, my plea going unnoticed or ignored as he looks back at Al, his eyes beginning to shimmer a bright blue, a sign his magic is flowing freely and waiting to be wielded.

“Please, it will just be a minute, and I’m not asking you to go far,” I push. We’re out by the lake, he doesn’t have to go past the tree line surrounding us. But Al is here for a reason, and if we want to know the answers, we have to play by his rules apparently.

“Zen, any concerns and I will project to you immediately, I swear.” I add, using my new skill, and he instantly deflates a little at my side.

“I’ll be by the stump over there,” Zen states, pointing to one exact spot as I nod. “You’ve got two fucking minutes. That’s it,” he bites, placing a chaste kiss to my temple as he squeezes my waist once more, before walking toward the tree line.

I watch him go, slightly distracted by the way the muscles on his back flex with every step, until Al eventually clears his throat and pulls my attention away from my angel.

Staring at the man before me, I glare at him with my arms folded tightly over my chest. “Did you really have to show up looking like Al?” I ask, trying to lower my heart rate a little from the surprise appearance.

His frail appearance, wrinkled skin and balding head is all an illusion I still can’t wrap my mind around.

“Well, I’m not going to show up as myself, now am I?” he retorts with an uncharacteristic eye roll, and I squint at him, trying to see the true person beneath the facade, the glamor, but it’s useless. It’s just… Al, only I know different now.

After being locked in the cage in Zellus’ office.

“What is it you want?” I need him to get straight to the point because I can already sense Zen getting antsy and the others will be here soon too.

“I heard what Zellus did last night, to you and Khaos,” he states, pulling a walking stick out of thin air and using it to lean on as I frown at him.

“And?”

“And I wanted to make sure you didn’t need me. I gave you a new seeker for a reason, and you haven’t used it—”

“Because I haven’t needed to,” I interrupt, a shrug taking over my shoulders without thought as I instantly get defensive.

Silence descends between us for a moment, it would likely only be a handful of seconds, but it feels like an eternity that we stare at each other.

“I also heard that Selene Hart was causing some issues too. I can take care of her mother you know, her too if you wish,” Al offers with a small smile, and I shake my head immediately.

“Selene is mine to deal with, and her family aren’t any of my concern,” I state, a sigh tumbling from my lips. “Is there anything else? Because coming here really doesn’t seem like the best idea. Coming here shouldn’t have been a thing at all unless I broke the seeker,” I add, making sure he understands exactly what I’m saying.

After a moment's pause, he takes a step toward me, his hand rising like he may reach out and touch me, but he quickly drops it to his side again. “How does it feel?”

“How does what feel?” I ask, my brows knitting together in confusion as my arms tighten around my chest.

“To have your magic? Your sealed souls?” he asks, and my heart almost stops dead in my chest. Does he know about Khaos and me? How?

Staring into his eyes, I have my answer. It seems nothing can actually get past him at all. I consider my answer, whether I should lie or not, but really, what does it fucking matter? They’re my thoughts and feelings, and nobody can change those by knowing. My loyalty to my unit hasn’t wavered, even if things have been messy on the inside, we’ve never portrayed that to anyone else.

Not a soul.

“It feels like everything,” I answer, rubbing my lips together at the uncertainty of leaving myself vulnerable with the knowledge, but it’s the truth. Even if I’m unsure of how the person beneath the facade of Al will use it against me, the words slip freely from my lips.

My unit are my everything, which is so fucking bizarre, so unreal in the world I once knew, but now, now I can’t see anything but them and what the future may hold for us once we’re done with Saints Academy.

The smile that spreads over his face is almost infectious until his forehead crinkles with a frown. “Good, I’m glad for you, but I think it might be a good idea for me to go now since the vampire, the wolf, and the demon charging this way don’t look too happy to see me,” he says with a smirk, downplaying the pain I can sense in his eyes.

I glance toward the tree line where Zen is, and just like he said, Xander, Adonis, and Khaos are not happy from the looks of things.

“I think you’re right,” I murmur, unsure how I feel after this impromptu visit.

“Remember,” he says, pulling my gaze back to his as I nod.

“I know.”

Without another word he disappears into thin air with a pop, just like he arrived, at the exact same time Khaos and Xander appear at my side.

My eyes widen with how fast they got here, and it takes me a moment to remember the powers they hold. Turning to face them, I find Adonis jogging toward us with Zen right beside him.

“Speed is not funny,” Adonis grumbles, a little out of breath from trying to keep up with two supernaturals that have abilities he doesn’t.

I shake my head at him as Xander places his hand under my chin and forces me to look at him. “What did he want?” he asks, his jaw tight as he assesses me.

Lifting my hand to his arm, I squeeze him in comfort, looking around at each of my men as I respond. “He heard about last night and was worried because I didn’t use the seeker. So he wanted to see with his own eyes I'm okay I guess,” I answer as best as I can, because even now I’m a little unsure on what it is he actually wanted.

Showing up here unannounced is dangerous, and being able to get through the bubble only shows the power really behind him.

“We don’t need him, the five of us can face anything,” Khaos states, certainty in every word, and it makes me smile as they circle around me.

Standing dead center with my four men around me, a zing shoots down my spine when they all place their hand on me, a feeling they must get too because the four of them gasp in a mixture of surprise and pleasure.

“What the fuck was that?” Adonis asks, looking down at his hand that was on my arm a moment ago, and I shrug, unsure.

“I have no idea,” I murmur, shaking my back a little as the zing continues to run up and down my spine. “But my gut tells me it’s our souls or something… powerful, maybe,” I add honestly, and Zen nods in agreement.

With Al gone and confusion lingering in the air, I turn my attention to Khaos, wanting to change the conversation. “How has your need for blood been?” I ask, reaching up to stroke my thumb over his cheek.

His piercing green eyes shine as they fixate on me, his tongue running over his bottom lip for a moment before he finally responds. “Manageable.”

“A man of many words. How will I ever shut you up?”

He smirks at my projected thoughts, and I hear a chuckle from behind me, telling me the rest of the Elites heard it too. “It feels entirely different than what I expected, and honestly, I don’t know whether it’s because of the sealed souls or not,” he adds, expanding on just manageable, while leaving me a little confused.

“How come?” I ask, unable to stop myself as he brings his finger to my throat, running it over my pulse as I shiver at the contact.

“All I crave is you.”

Well fuck.

Why the hell does that turn me on so much?

“She’s not your pin cushion,” Xander grunts, swiping a hand down his face in frustration as I shake my head vigorously.

“It’s not like that and you know it,” I reply quickly. “This is just like your wolf, Xander. Just like Adonis is needy and Zen is dominating. I’m whatever you guys need me to be because my soul destined it to be, and vice versa. I wouldn’t be the center of our unit if I couldn’t give you these things, if I couldn’t handle it. Just like you have to handle a difficult, independent, slightly crazy, once an earthling woman. We’re made for each other. Through and through.”

My chest heaves as I realize just how worked up I’ve gotten myself, and the silence that follows only sets me on edge more.

“You’re fucking everything, you know that, Firecracker,” Zen says, the first to break the building tension as he captures my lips. My heart soars with every stroke of his tongue against mine, before he pulls back all too quickly.

“There really aren’t words to describe how right this all is. How much it’s all meant to be, and I didn’t think that was possible,” Adonis adds, a smile on his face as I turn to him.

“I might not like sharing, or my wolf doesn’t at least, but you’re right. I’m sorry,” Xander murmurs, apology reflected in his eyes as he gently brushes his knuckles over my face, and I bite back a groan at the contact from them all.

“We all know I’m a raging asshole, yet you somehow like me enough to put up with it,” Khaos adds, a chuckle falling from my lips as I smile up at him, and a rare peek of a grin plays on his lips too. It’s breathtaking.

“Let’s head back, shall we? Al seems to have unsettled the day, and I don’t think trying to go through all our abilities right now is the best idea. Not when he reminded us so easily of how people can appear and watch without a glamor up,” Zen explains, and I can’t help but agree, nodding in advance as Khaos takes my hand in his and Adonis tosses his arm over my shoulder.

As a group, no longer the Elites and the earthling, but the true vibe of a unit washing over us, we head back to Agion. With every step we take, I become more and more aware of their proximity to me, and I can’t stop my mind from considering the possibilities that could be hiding on the other side of Xander’s bedroom door if we wanted to explore.

But everything is blown to pieces when we step through the portal into Agion, only to find Harmonia and the twins sitting on the floor with their backs pressed against the wall.

The instant they see us they quickly rise to their feet, and my heart immediately lurches at the reminder of Cassandra’s eyes last night. We were unable to reach out to them last night, so seeing them before me is a relief.

“Hey, we were waiting for you,” Harmonia says, flicking her white hair over her shoulder with a smile. “Sorry boys, but she’s ours, we need her,” she says, giving every single one of the Elites a pointed look. Something seems to pass between her and Khaos which has me thinking it’s about Cassandra, before he releases my hand. I don’t want to intrude and read their thoughts, that feels sleazy unless necessary, so I’m taking their lead.

“You girls need some down time or magic time, whatever works for you,” he says, barely above a grunt as Harmonia claps and bounces on the balls of her feet.

Yeah, definitely a toddler high on candy.

“I’m so glad you said that,” Thalia adds, linking her arm through Cassandra’s as they take a step closer. “We need some of that right now.” The desperation in her eyes for her sister, who stands before me with a stricken look of despair on her face, is real.

Without missing a beat, I take a step forward, feeling Adonis’ arm drop from my shoulders as I place the biggest smile on my face.

“Count me in.”

24

RHEA

“A re you sure the library will be quiet?” I ask, keeping in step with Harmonia as she links my arm and power walks with purpose in that direction.

The twins are right beside us, clearly holding back their vampire speed to walk with us mere angel and god, but there’s no cheeriness, no joy or excitement. Just a black cloud swooping over the pair of them at the despair of Cassandra’s red eyes.

My gut clenches as I scramble to think of anything to help fix this for her, but realistically, my understanding of the supernatural world is limited. I don’t know enough about it in general to have answers to difficult situations.

“Are you joking? It’s never busy. That’s why there’s never a faculty member in there anymore, and why it’s been empty every time we’ve visited,” Harmonia explains, and my eyes widen slightly when it makes sense to me. I just never noticed.

Approaching the steps that lead up to the library, the twins take the lead, while Harmonia remains hot on their tail taking two steps at a time and pulling me along with her in excitement.

I’m lagging a little after my run in with Al, but we had called it quits before I could have some fun with the magic that now runs through every cell of my body. So I pick up my pace and step through the double doors into the library at Harmonia’s side.

My brows crinkle when I note the bookcases lining the floor, narrowing the walkway to the table that sits in the center of the room. Just the sight of it reminds me we really need to continue digging through these books. I know we haven’t found anything useful so far, but there are still plenty of resources in here to go through.

As if reading my thoughts, and I know I definitely didn’t just project them, Harmonia releases her hold on my arm to take a step forward. She flicks both of her hands out, and in the same breath, the shelves all move to the edge of the room, scraping across the floor with a gross sound until a much larger open space appears before us.

“Well, it seems someone is adjusting well,” I say with a grin, turning to face my friend whose eyes are now a deeper pink than earlier with her magic activated. She offers me a smirk and a wink but doesn’t say anything in response.

Thalia and Cassandra walk around the space, absorbing everything as we all consider how we’re going to explore our newfound magic here. First things first, we need to address the elephant in the room. The subject on the tip of everyone’s tongue that can’t seem to pass our lips.

Moving to the center of the room, where the table usually stands, I turn to face Cassandra. Her face is downcast, her shoulders slumped, and I feel for her.

“Cass,” I murmur, keeping my voice low as I hang my arms at my side, trying to keep my body as open and relaxed as possible so I don’t spook her. Her eyes immediately flit up to mine as Thalia comes to stand by her sister, pain flashing in both of their eyes as I offer a soft smile.

“How are you doing?” I ask, knowing immediately that it’s a shit question, but how do you even approach this subject without some dumbass questions?

“Not great,” she murmurs in response, tucking her hair behind her ear nervously as Thalia places her hand on her sister's shoulder in both comfort and support. I get the feeling Cassandra is nervous to be around us, but I need her to know that we’re here for her no matter what.

“Is there anything we can do?” I ask, desperate to reach forward and give her a hug, something completely out of character for me, but I don’t want to throw her off when she’s tiptoeing the line of turning defensive with how vulnerable she is right now.

“You’re probably best staying as far away as possible from me,” she admits, shrugging her shoulders like the words don’t cut her like they cut me, but I know better.

“That’s never going to happen,” Harmonia chimes in, crossing the floor to Cassandra, but before she can reach her side, arms out wide ready to embrace her, Thalia steps in her way, halting her movement. It’s a defensive move to protect her sister, and I can’t help but understand the new boundaries that are being created.

“You’re right, it’s never going to happen, but while she’s like this, you also need to keep out of her immediate space. We don’t want your scent to encourage the frenzy,” Thalia says, her brows crinkling with a mixture of pain and confusion as she glances at her sister.

Harmonia takes a step back, not with concern or worry, just simply meeting their needs, while I brush my hair back off my face with a heartfelt sigh. “Is there anything else we can do to stop or curb the frenzy?” I ask, wanting to help my friend in whatever way possible, but she shakes her head. Although she does finally lift her chin to meet my gaze. She looks like she hasn’t slept a wink, exhaustion getting the better of her, but at least her eyes aren’t red right now.

“Not that I’m aware of, but my mom is pulling all the strings she can to get me as much help as possible.” A genuine smile takes over my face, pleased she’s being so well supported and not branded a supernatural failure and cast aside. Which is exactly how I would expect Khaos’ mother to react if it was him in this situation right now.

“Well, we’re here too. You say the word and we’ll do whatever you need. No matter what, okay?” Harmonia replies, playing with her hands to stop herself from reaching out once more.

“Thank you,” Cassandra murmurs, her eyes filling with unshed tears as she shakes her head and rolls her shoulders to relax. “Now, can we have some fun with our new magic? If anything is going to distract me, it’s got to be that,” she adds, the smile on her face not quite meeting her eyes, but I accept it all the same.

“Definitely,” I murmur, turning to the doors leading into the library, and with a swipe of my hand, they shut with a bang. “I maybe need to try and do that a little calmer next time,” I grumble, but the grin on my lips says otherwise as Thalia chuckles.

“You, calmer? Please.”

The rest of us chuckle with her, unable to argue against the truth, and it relaxes the tension in the room immensely.

“So, the two of you have the ability to just want to do things and your magic takes over?” Cassandra asks, nodding between Harmonia and I.

“Mostly, if it’s simple tasks it’s definitely possible. Like shutting doors, choosing clothes, tidying up or moving furniture,” Harmonia explains, pointing to the rearranged library we’re currently standing in. “Then after that point, everyone’s magic differs and gives different abilities that others may not have. A complete surprise for everyone. The magic chooses you, not the other way around.”

This is why Harm is here, she can explain this shit way better than I can, and I’ve been fighting with my magic longer than she has.

“I love it. Since we’re surrounded by vampires so much, we’re taught everything about our way of life, our skills and abilities, but it’s beyond fascinating learning about others too,” Thalia says as a wide smile spreads across her face.

“So tell me what you’re most happy about with your newly unleashed magic?” I ask, looking between the twins, and Cassandra quickly raises her eyebrow at me, her usual sarcastic glint flickering in her eyes once more.

“Wait. You’re telling me Khaos hasn’t explained all these things already?”

I freeze for a moment, unsure how to respond, until I consider the bigger picture. I’m standing here, witnessing Cassandra’s biggest pain and flaw. She’s letting me see every inch of her, broken or not, and that fills me with the confirmation that I do have these three girls to lean on, and can trust them with my secrets.

“Actually, when we got up on the stage last night, Zellus refused to do the awakening to complete the transition for the two of us.” I force myself to remain in place, although my body wants to shuffle from foot to foot, nervously awaiting their response, when all three of them blast at once.

“What the actual fuck?”

They’re all so in tune that a scoff of laughter bursts from my lips. “He said something along the lines of ‘there being no chance in hell Khaos and I would be sealed souls too,’ so we could enter the test at a disadvantage… for entertainment purposes,” I continue, tucking my hair behind my ear as I watch all of their jaws drop further. It’s funny how surprised they are, considering it’s Zellus and his public hatred for me does not go unnoticed.

“No, but for real, what the fuck?” Harmonia repeats, her eyes bugging out of her head as she waves her hands around manically.

“Hold up a second, Rhea,” Thalia interjects, moving closer to me as she stares straight into my eyes. “Why the hell don’t you seem as mad about this as we do?”

A beat of silence passes over us, followed by a second, and a third, before Cassandra claps her hands and laughs. It’s a full blown belly laugh as she tilts her head back freely, taking her a moment to calm down and get us all up to speed on what’s so damn funny.

“She’s not mad because it’s not an issue, right, Rhea?” A smile spreads across my face immediately, while Harmonia and Thalia continue to wonder what the fuck is going on. I don’t need to clarify though, Cassandra does it for me. “Zellus was wrong, you fucking sealed your soul with Khaos too, didn’t you?”

I shrug, the smirk on my face is answer enough as the other girls beam with astonishment. Thalia moves to cover her ears, cringing at the thought of Khaos and I, while Cassandra chuckles.

“Hell yeah you did,” Harmonia says with glee, cutting the distance between us as she wraps me in her arms. I don’t stop her, giving her the moment she’s needed since she was turned away politely from Cassandra.

“So your unit is complete, and you’re all sealed to one another, that’s amazing. We need to find something on sealed souls to see if there is anything you can learn about your connection,” Thalia says, squeezing my shoulder as Harmonia releases her hold on me.

“Agreed, but that’s for another day. Today, we’re just having fun and playing around with our new abilities. Please tell me you girls have raced already?” I look between the twins, an eyebrow raised, hinting at their vampire speed and turning the conversation away from me.

With the amount of deflection Adonis does for me, apparently I’m getting good at it too.

“We actually haven’t,” Cassandra admits, twisting her hands together in front of her nervously, and I give her a pointed look.

“Then, girls, you better get to it,” I say with a clap, all giddy like their level of excitement has started to rub off on me.

One glance between the two of them and they're off, dashing around the room so fast, almost like they’re a blur. I give up trying to follow them before I go dizzy and pass out. A smile passes between Harmonia and I as we give them a moment to feel the rush of their power and strength.

“Have you figured out your extra abilities yet?” she asks, and I smile, excited to have her to talk to about this instead of just the guys. Not that it’s an issue, but it’s different chatting with your best friend than the guys you have deep feelings for.

“One.” I say, projecting the word into her mind, and her mouth instantly drops open.

“Oh my Gods, my mom said that could be a possibility for you,” she says giddily, squeezing my arms with excitement.

“She did?” My brows crinkle in a mixture of surprise and confusion.

“Yes, she said when she first met you and had to speak into your mind, you accepted it so easily and calmly that she didn’t know whether it would be an ability you would gain,” she explains further, making my eyes widen in shock.

“Well she was definitely right, although, everything else I have figured out is more erratic blasts of magic I’ve had before my soul was sealed with all four of the Elites. Now I’m trying to figure it out slowly, and more controlled.” Harmonia nods, smiling as she understands my situation. “What about you?” I ask, completely intrigued by what she has the potential to do.

Her smile grows uncontrollably as she rubs her lips together, nodding even harder than a moment ago. “After the event last night, I couldn’t sleep with all the excitement coursing through me, the possibilities. My mom taught me how to calm myself and center my magic to figure out how to decipher what I can do.”

It’s my turn to gasp in shock this time, and I’m more than eager to learn whatever little technique it is so I can find my own center and understand better.

“Girl, don’t keep me hanging,” I say with a raised eyebrow, and she chuckles once more as the twins finally come to a stop. Neither of them are panting, they're not even slighty out of breath as they laugh, wrapping each other in a hug that melts my fucking heart.

“What she said, we want to know too,” Cassandra finally says as she releases her hold on Thalia, and I remember that they have impeccable hearing like wolves. I’m so fucking screwed being surrounded by all these people with excellent hearing ability. Let’s hope Khaos’ nose and tracking skills aren't like Xander’s too, otherwise I’ll have two of them to deal with.

“So I have two. Do you want a demonstration or for me to just tell you?” she asks, and I shrug my shoulders.

“Whichever is safer,” I say with a grin, and she rolls her eyes.

“Maybe saying them for now because I can freeze someone in place,” she begins explaining, her face lighting up with happiness. I remain frozen in place, not by her actual magic, but by the level of impressed I am.

“That’s cool as shit,” I murmur as Cassandra quirks a brow at her.

“How the hell did you figure that out on your own in your room?”

Harmonia chuckles in response. “By throwing an apple in the air and holding it there with my magic, and I can also control fire. Initiating the flame, controlling it, everything. I may just need a new rug in my room after that experiment though,” she says with a shake of her head, and the three of us burst into laughter.

“Harm, that’s fucking amazing,” I say, taking a step toward her and wrapping my arms around her. It’s probably the first time I’ve instigated the move between us, but I really am proud of her for exploring on her own.

“Thank you,” she murmurs against my ear, and I squeeze her tighter before I take a step back.

“I may need help with this little skill your mom taught you to help me get control and understand my other ability fighting away inside of me,” I murmur, and she nods immediately.

“One hundred percent, it’s just like meditating, only instead of focusing on the calmness of your entire mind and body, you channel your magic toward your center,” she explains, and it makes a bit of sense but I may need more help than that.

“Uh… guys,” Thalia hollers, pulling both of our eyes toward her and Cassandra, and the second we lock eyes on them, we understand the issue immediately.

Fuck.

Cassandra’s eyes are burning red and her body is stiff as Thalia wraps her arms around her shoulders, pinning her twin to her chest as she panics with how to handle the situation.

She’s feeling the frenzy. Struggling desperately in her sister's arms to be released.

Without question, I point at Cassandra while speaking to Harmonia, keeping my eyes fixed on Thalia as a plan forms in my mind. “Harm, I need you to freeze her in place, then Thalia can hold and support her until we all get somewhere safe.” I order, before turning my attention directly to Cassandra. “Everything's going to be okay, Cass, we’re going to help you.”

“It’ll only help if you fucking let me go,” she bites, her voice nothing like her usual tone, all dark and sinister as Thalia lets out a little sob behind her. I can’t imagine how helpless she must be feeling at seeing her twin in this condition.

“Harm,” I call out again, more urgently, and she takes the hint this time, extending her hand in front of her, and a moment later Cassandra’s body goes rigid in Thalia’s hold. Fingers frozen in place, frown imprinted on her forehead as Thalia releases a breath, sagging slightly for a moment, before she lifts her head up high. I can sense the words about to leave her mouth before she even gets the chance to open it, and I raise my hand to stop her immediately. “Don’t, Thalia. There’s nothing to apologize for. Not now, and not when she get’s through this,” I state, and after a moment's pause Thalia nods, her bottom lip wobbling with emotion.

“Are you okay to carry her?” Harmonia asks, sadness dripping from her every word. I can’t imagine this is how she wanted to use her magic; on her friend, but we’re only doing this to protect Cassandra.

“Thank the Gods for vampire strength, huh?” Thalia says with a bleak smile, and I offer her a soft one in response.

“Let’s go,” I murmur, using my magic to fling the door open as I keep beside Thalia and Harmonia while Cassandra remains frozen in her sister's arms, cradled at the waist. I almost suggest that Thalia speeds off, but I’m not sure if Harmonia’s magic will continue to hold with the distance, so instead, I focus on approaching Cassandra’s mind with care.

Taking a deep breath, I walk through the halls of the academy with my attention solely on my friend. Every time I attempt to speak to her or hear what she’s thinking, all I’m met with is darkness, just… complete emptiness.

It’s horrible and pained, and I quickly focus back on the present, not wanting to bring it to anyone else’s attention just how checked out she is right now. The supposed monster suppressing Cassandra and I begin to wonder if she can ever fight it back.

“Are we going to the medical center or back to your dorm?” Harmonia asks, and the troubled expression on Thalia’s face is awful to see, but this is something we’re going to need to handle going forward. I don’t even know the simple facts of what will pull her from the frenzy.

“The center,” she finally whispers as we reach the main staircase in the entryway to the main academy building.

I nod in understanding, letting them lead the way when a hand lands on my shoulder, halting me in place. Whipping around, I almost pull my neck when I come face to face with Dante.

This motherfucker.

Again.

What in the hell does he want? I really don’t need this.

“Go away, Dante, we’re handling an emergency,” I bite, but he simply shrugs, tightening his grip on my shoulder as I hear Harmonia call out my name. I want to use my magic to rip this motherfucker from me, but he’s like a fucking leech who never leaves.

“You guys go, we have to be quick if we want to give her the best care possible,” I holler, even if we don’t actually know what that is right this second.

Glancing over at them, Harmonia worries her bottom lip, but nods all the same, taking off with Thalia at her side and Cassandra still frozen in her arms.

Once they’re out of sight, I thrust my elbow back into his stomach, making him grunt as he releases his hold on me. Spinning around to face him head on, anger gets the better of me as I address him. “What the fuck do you want?” The venom is clear in my words as I glare at him.

“I heard about what Zellus did last night,” he states, and my face scrunches in disbelief.

“So? That has nothing to do with you, Dante. I have bigger shit to deal with,” I snap, my magic rising to the surface, but I can’t do anything about it. I don’t want him to see that I have control, that my soul is sealed and it didn’t matter anyway.

None of the Hex can know.

Not one of them.

“You’re in a lot of danger, Rhea. I can help get you out of here,” he murmurs, keeping his voice low as I squint at him in disbelief that he’s trying to play this card thinking I’d be fearful and will follow.

“That never has been, and never will be an option,” I retort without hesitation, not even considering it, all while his eyes plead with mine to reconsider. “Goodbye, Dante,” I grind out, turning my back on him, when his hand lands on my shoulder once more.

Before I can spin around and lay into him, his grip has been ripped away, and I turn to find Dante flat on the floor with Khaos hovering over him.

His body vibrates with anger, his eyes barely remaining green as I panic his magic will make its way to the surface. “Give me one more fucking reason to kill you, please. I’ve been itching for your blood on my hands for far too long,” he spits out, leaning over Dante’s shocked body on the floor.

“Khaos,” I call out, a mixture of warning and worry. Not for Dante, but for the bigger picture we’re trying to remember here.

He lifts his gaze to mine, green eyes swirling with a hint of black raking over me from head to toe to make sure I’m okay, before he stands back to his full height, looking down at the member of the Hex like he’s shit on his shoe.

“Next time, I won’t stop. Fuck the consequences,” he bites. “Stay the fuck away from her.” I almost think he’s going to say more, he's seething, but to my surprise he darts toward me as fast as possible while containing his magic the best he can. He throws his arm around my shoulder, guiding me down the corridor that the twins and Harmonia took, all while I gape at him in a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

“Everything okay?” I ask, like it wasn’t me handling a shit situation and him coming to rescue me, not that it was needed but I appreciate the gesture anyway.

Offering me a tight smile in response, he places a soft kiss on my temple. “Harmonia got a message to me. Let’s go and help with Cass, yeah?”

Relief washes over me, thankful that he knows I want to be with her and not be forced back to Agion unable to help.

“Yeah,” I murmur in response, wrapping my arm around his back as we walk together down the hall.

I just pray she is going to be alright.

25

RHEA

W ith an uncertain sigh, I drop down into the chair before me, glancing around the library with a mixture of hope and weariness. It’s been a few days since I was here with Harmonia and the twins, and now everything is back in its rightful place. The bookcases line the room once more, and the table and chairs sit in the center again.

The worry and pain for Cassandra still feels prominent in the air, a reminder that what she is dealing with is very real. I’m just thankful she is doing okay. They’ve kept her in the medical wing under observation, and her mother has been to visit a few times as well.

I hate that it’s the best option for her right now, but when she came out of the frenzy and we confirmed everyone was okay and unharmed, she refused to be released. She doesn’t want to be seen as a villain for something out of her control, and I get it, especially when the fear of accidentally hurting someone is so real to her.

That’s exactly why she’s one of the reasons we’re back here today.

I wish another was to figure out how to rid Dante from my life after his impromptu appearance the other day as well, but thankfully, Khaos’ threat seems to have done the trick. For now at least. I don’t know how else he is going to get the message, but this is really getting out of control.

Telling me I’m not safe isn’t telling me something new. I haven’t been safe since I touched the damn fucking box and wound up here.

Dragging my hand down my face, I release a heavy sigh as I try to rid the weight of unnecessary drama from my shoulders.

“Are you okay, Goddess?” Xander asks from across the table, knocking his foot against mine as I meet his gaze with a tight smile. He looks handsome as hell in his uniform with his tie tucked into his pocket, and the first two buttons of his shirt undone.

“I’m fine, just… dealing,” I murmur, the same explanation I’ve used far too many times this week, but I don’t really know how else to explain it. My emotions are haywire, and breaking them down doesn’t feel like a fun job right now.

A hand clamps down on my right thigh, a squeeze of support from Zen as he leans in and brushes his lips against my temple. “We’ve got this, Firecracker. You need to stop taking the weight of the entire world on your shoulders. We’re all here to help you,” he states, and my shoulders sag a little as I turn to look at him.

It’s still easier said than done to lean on others, although it is becoming easier each day. Because of them. Hopefully one day it will be completely natural for me to reach out knowing they’ll be there without my own insecurities and issues to battle through first. My childhood traumas tainting me more than I care to admit.

Zen shifts to remove his blazer, placing it over the back of the empty seat beside him, before rolling his shirt sleeves up to the elbow to reveal the cords in his forearms. These fucking men. Why do they look so good with such little effort?

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip and turn away, hoping the way I was eye fucking Zen goes unnoticed, nodding in agreement with his words.

My eyes immediately drift to Adonis who sits beside Xander, a knowing smirk on his face, and I instantly squint at him. Daring him to say something about my unruly pheromones right now, but to my surprise he doesn’t.

Instead, he fixes his round glasses in place, the ones he doesn’t need, which means this asshole is wearing them to get under my skin, knowing just how good he looks in them. He blows me a kiss and a wink, and I shake my head at his antics.

I have to admit, he’s calming down at the minute, a task I never thought we would achieve. He can be alpha-ish and more needy than the others, but he’s also enjoying sitting back and watching me with his brothers. Feeding on our lust… and there is plenty available.

Turning to my left, I come face to face with the piercing green eyes I could feel staring at me, and the huffy vampire they belong to offers me a smile as he reaches for my hand. He laces our fingers together like we’ve been doing it for years, yet the sensation travels through me like a heady shot of adrenalin.

“We’re all here to help figure out the things going around in that crazy head of yours,” he says with a lopsided grin. “What are we looking for again?” he adds, quirking his brow at me as I roll my eyes at him.

He might be an asshole, but he’s surprisingly good at relaxing and distracting me. And not with his anger and frustration anymore. No. There’s far more beneath the surface drawing me near.

“I think the question should be, what aren’t we looking for,” Adonis snarks with a chuckle, and I roll my eyes again. They’re going to fall out of their socket at the rate he’s going tonight.

Releasing a heavy breath, I sit back, straightening my shoulders as I hold a finger up. “Anything and everything on sealed souls, anything that will help Cassandra with her frenzies. Why the war was even a thing, and what Zeus’ reasonings were since he also ended up producing me at the end of it all. Whatever information we can find on Nyx, and if by some miracle we get all that, any hint or information on where the fuck the third years are.” I hold up another finger with each detail I reel off, glancing around the table at all four of my men.

“So, just a small challenge then,” Xander says with a smirk, and I give him a pointed look.

Fucker.

Each one is just as bad as the next.

“It really doesn’t help that I keep starting to look into things, only to end up distracted with some other bullshit that usually involves Zellus, which only adds to my list of subjects to dig into,” I grumble, feeling a need to explain myself and my lack of research even though it’s not necessary.

“I think the challenge we’re going to come across is the fact that all the details we want, even though they affect the bigger picture, are guarded secrets so we’re going to struggle to find them in books,” Zen says as he strokes his hand over my bare thigh, teasing under the hem of my skirt.

I hum in response, easily distracted by his touch for a moment, before I remember myself and respond. “Agreed, but we have to start somewhere, right?”

“You’re right, Venom. Let’s get to it,” Khaos says, rising to his feet, and I instinctively go to move, but before my chair even scrapes back, Khaos has disappeared and reappeared beside me with a book in his hand.

Gaping at his speed, I shake my head in surprise as I read the cover of the book he turns to me. The Dangers of Vampirism. Huh. I almost ask him why he chose this one first, but realize the why isn’t relevant. The black and gold etched leather is thick, the calligraphy across the front cursive and almost poetic.

“Of course you found the vampire book first,” I say as I push my chair back to go and search through the shelves myself, but his hand on my hip pauses me.

“It’s for you. I’ll do some searching into books on the war,” he mutters, extending the book to me with his other hand. I smile up at him as I accept the hardback from him, hearing someone mumbling kiss ass from across the table.

With the fire that seems to be fueling the mischief in both Adonis and Xander today, I can’t quite be sure which one it is, but it’s amusing for sure.

I don’t pay them any mind as I mumble my thanks, rising up on my tiptoes to press my lips against Khaos’ for the briefest of moments, before dropping back down into my seat.

As Zen, Xander, and Adonis rise from the table to look through the books, I flip mine open, skimming over the pages straight away as I sink back in my chair.

Words mingle together as I scan my eyes left to right again and again, concentrating on any words that may stand out, while not wanting to miss a page that could hold some vital information. Focusing more on the chapter headers that seem relevant to our situation, while also not wanting to leave a page unturned.

The guys all return to their seats, diving into books of their own, but I don’t lift my eyes from the pages before me, too invested in finding something today. Lessons today were fucking haywire, everyone attempting to handle skills and abilities we didn’t have days ago, and everything just seems like a total shit storm.

There were a few burn patches left in the grass, cries of frustration, and a sense of static energy surrounding everyone. All while each student tried to keep their new-found gifts under wraps from everyone else, holding out for the test on the horizon.

Hopefully it will calm down once we all get a better grip on the magic coursing through our veins, but as easy and natural as some tasks are, others are proving more difficult. Like getting a handle on the other unique abilities I have rather than diving into people’s minds.

I have no idea how much time passes as one page shifts into another, the natural sunlight filtering into the library slowly dimming as we sit here. Turning the page with a sigh, my fingers scan over a word, making me pause, and I quickly lean forward in my seat, planting the book on the table as I re-read from the top of the page.

Years ago, every vampire was gifted to the world in a frenzy. Red eyes and a desperate need for blood was the norm among the community, making them profusely feared and a danger to society. Created to defend Chaos, Goddess of carnage, known for her short temper, moodiness, and bloodlust, they served their purpose. Until they got out of hand, and uncontrollable, even for her.

A solution was required, and one was offered in the form of the furies.

Known for their need for vengeance, the three brothers lived in the underworld, torturing sinners. Alecto, Tisiphone, and Megaera.

Unceasing.

Avenging murder.

Grudging.

Having tortured many vampires for their frenzied sins, they chose to heal them of such a curse, which subsequently tortured Chaos for her grueling sins.

With their touch, vampires continued to hold their stealth, speed, and agility, along with a thirst for blood, but the frenzy was no more, allowing them to live much more civilized lives. No longer controlled by their need, feeding much more sporadically, without leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.

Some vampires were hidden by Chaos, the frenzy continuing and slowly making its way through the bloodlines.

“Holy shit,” I murmur, stunned with the knowledge before me, and I immediately turn to Khaos, only to find him staring at me already. Unable to form words, I tilt the book toward him and point at the page, watching as his eyes scan over it rapidly.

“Holy shit,” he finally says, repeating my own words back at me as he looks up from the book.

“What have you found?” Zen asks, and I simply move the book from Khaos to him.

Silently the book gets passed around the table, each one of the Elites declaring a holy shit when they finish, until we’ve all read it.

“So we can help her, with the help of furies?” Xander says, the first to piece together the information out loud for us, and I nod eagerly.

“Yeah, but I just don’t know how we even go about that,” I admit, swiping my hair back off my face as I look around at the four of them, and they nod in agreement.

“True, but we could ask people, mention it to the twin’s mom, and set the ball in motion,” Zen says with a soft smile playing on his lips.

“I also read something too, one sec,” Xander mutters, distracted by flicking through the book in front of him. He stops a few moments later, gesturing at the page before him as he swipes it across the table toward me.

My finger drops to the word he’s pointing at. “The furies lived in the underworld, choosing to stick to the darker pits of hell with Nyx as opposed to the bright blue flames with Hades. Their fear for the blue flame, which if touched by anyone but a demon, will burn them for all of eternity.”

My chest heaves as I process the facts.

Of course this links back to Al.

How are we supposed to make this work without drawing any attention to the fact that we know him as a furie and not human like I originally thought? It’s never as easy as it seems. The mere knowledge sits unsettled in my stomach, swirling with uncertainty.

Relaxing back in my seat, I gape at my unit who all seem as surprised as me, silence comfortably descending over us as we digest all of the information. My stomach grumbles, hunger making itself known as I swipe a hand down my face.

“How about we stop for the day? We’ve got some information we can work on for now,” Zen says, rubbing a hand at the top of my back, and I reluctantly nod in agreement.

We didn’t find everything we needed, but it would have been unrealistic to expect such triumph. At least now we have a sliver of hope for Cassandra, and that means more to me than my own problems at the moment.

26

RHEA

I  push my empty plate away, aligning the knife and fork in the center as a smile of satisfaction takes over my face. I was definitely hungry, and when I caught sight of spaghetti carbonara on the menu, I jumped at it.

Back in Phoenix Valley I would make a cheap version of it whenever I could afford it, switching the pancetta for fatty bacon, and grabbing the cheapest pasta I could get my hands on. All while trying to make my own cream sauce, and it’s safe to say it tasted nothing like this.

“Thank the Gods she’s finished eating, I couldn’t stand another moan falling from her lips, I was seconds away from laying her out on the table and feasting on her,” Adonis says, adjusting his pants as he looks to the ceiling in relief.

Khaos hums, agreeing with him as Xander chuckles beside me and Zen squeezes my left thigh. I simply shrug, a smirk playing on my lips, pleased that I have such an impact on them as they do me. Although it is funny that the sounds I make while eating food can bring them to their knees.

“I can order again if you like? Maybe some dessert? Something with whipped cream?” My innocent tone has Adonis tensing across the table from me as he tilts his head down to meet my gaze.

“And then it won’t be a threat of laying you flat on this table to fuck the same sounds out of you, it’ll be a goddamn promise,” he challenges without missing a beat. His eyes flashing lilac with heat as he swipes his tongue over his bottom lip.

“Please can we get the fuck out of here and head back to my room before I explode in my fucking pants?” Xander grunts beside me, a hint of teasing in his voice, but a sense of truth mingled there too.

Fuck.

I turn to him, nodding, unable to find any words as sexual tension continues to rise around us. I have no idea how Adonis functions on a daily basis if this is all he feels when we’re together.

How is it this magical, this electricity between us?

One word about laying me out and fucking me in the dining hall has us all turning into horny fucking teenagers. And I can’t deny that I like it.

The desire.

The magnetism.

The craving.

No one utters a word in response as we all rise from the table in sync. I feel slightly bad that we didn’t have dinner with Harmonia and Thalia, but it’s moments like this, where we can leave without having to make excuses, that makes it easier. I’m sure they would appreciate the sexual innuendos and teasing jokes, but that would just lead to Harmonia asking for all of the details about my sex life.

I make a mental note to text them later as I lace my fingers with Xander’s and Zen throws his arm around my shoulders. Adonis and Khaos take the lead, and I can’t help but sense eyes on us.

My gaze flicks to the table where Selene sits with a few of her friends and Hector at her side. She’s been quiet since I caused a scene in front of her mother, so quiet that she hasn’t even bragged about what magic abilities she now has. It’s not because she’s being modest or private. Fuck no. That girl doesn’t even know the meaning of either of those words.

It’s not a good sign. My gut tells me she’s planning something sinister, but only time will tell if she will have the guts to go through with it. I just have to stay alert.

The feel of Zen’s lips brushing against my temple brings me back to the present as I relish in his touch. A soft, genuine smile creeping over my face as I bask in the presence of my unit.

We make our way through the Academy halls toward the portal, the information we learned about the vampires and furies settling in our mind as we consider our options and what to do. Khaos sent the information to his Aunt Pearl, Thalia and Cassandra’s mother, but left out the part that we know a furie. That information is definitely a secret and needs to remain one. But we agreed over food that we would see what happens and circle back to it if needed, and then decide what it is we want to do.

We.

Not me or I, but we.

It’s moments like this, where we discuss problems and how to approach them that I really believe we can be an effective unit. Everyone has their opinion heard, no one overpowering anyone else. No one getting upset and cutting themselves off from the group. Just all of us together, deciding how to proceed makes the process easier, lifting some of the pressure.

Taking the final turn, the portal stands tall before us, the black smoke billowing ominously, Gods, I hate it, I mean they could surely make it a more inviting color. My heart freezes in my chest like normal as we step through, until both my feet are on the other side and Agion comes into view.

I exhale heavily, but if any of the guys notice it, no one says a word. They’re likely used to it with me by now.

Xander keeps one hand tightly wrapped around mine as he places the other against his dorm room door, and it swings open a moment later. Everyone steps inside, Adonis immediately flopping down on the bed as Khaos slips through the bathroom into his own room for a moment.

Zen drops his arm from my shoulders, stretching his arms over his head, while Xander kisses my knuckles before releasing my hand and taking a seat at the bottom of the bed.

Glancing down the length of myself, my uniform still covering my body, my brow pinches and the thought of finding something comfier to wear is enticing.

“I just need to go and grab something else to wear. I won’t be a minute,” I murmur, pointing at the length of myself in explanation as I step toward the door.

Before my hand can even reach for the handle, Xander calls out my name, and I turn to glance over my shoulder at him, just in time to watch him peel off his shirt, revealing his chiseled abs and worship-worthy body, before he throws the material toward me.

My eyebrow rises as I catch the shirt, but I don’t shift my gaze from his body. The V dipping down into his uniform pants luring me in as an unstoppable grin spreads across my lips.

His shirt is much bigger than mine, to cover his broad shoulders and muscled body, so it would be the perfect item to lounge in. Tearing my gaze from his abs to his face, I’m not surprised to see a smirk. He’s enjoying watching me watching him.

“I leave the room for two fucking minutes and Xander somehow ends up shirtless,” Khaos states as he emerges from the bathroom, coming to a stop at my right as his gaze flicks between the two of us.

Adonis chuckles as I fix my eyes on Khaos for the briefest of moments before looking back at Xander. “I have no issues with that at all.” Raking my teeth over my bottom lip, I drag my eyes up and down his body once more.

“Oh I know,” Adonis interjects. “You’re feeding me like a woman possessed right now. I’m enjoying it, who doesn’t love a snack? But everyone wants a main course and dessert.” Part of me wants to turn and glare at him, but he’s not fucking wrong.

That only seems to make him laugh harder and the sound of shuffling is followed moments later by Adonis coming to a stop beside Xander. With bated breath I watch as he reaches for the buttons on his shirt, taking his sweet ass time to undo them, before it falls open at his sides and he shakes it off his shoulders.

Shit.

“How’s her heart rate sounding right now, Khaos?” Zen asks from his spot beside the bed, or at least that’s where it sounds like it's coming from, my gaze can’t move from the two half naked men before me.

My men.

“Like a fucking siren pounding on the door,” Khaos replies as I feel every beat reverberating in my chest.

Adonis’ grin spreads across his face, his eyes heating as he unbuttons his pants and drags them down his thighs. A full show in motion as he kicks his shoes off and stands tall with only his boxers remaining. The outline of his cock unmissable as he squeezes his hard length.

“And what about now?” he asks, making me bite down on my bottom lip so hard I’m sure blood is going to appear.

“Fuck,” Khaos hisses as Xander nods his head.

“Fucking deafening,” Xander adds, the cords in his forearms flexing as he too reaches to undo his pants.

Holy fuck.

Are we actually going to do this?

Finally?

The five of us.

I might self combust just thinking about it.

“Fuckkkk, it’s making me dizzy with how fast you’re feeding me right now, baby,” Adonis groans, head lolling forward slightly as he looks up at me through his lashes.

That one look is like dynamite, exploding throughout every inch of my body and kicking me into motion.

Dropping Xander’s shirt to the floor, I shake my already unbuttoned blazer off my shoulders, before reaching for my own shirt. I undo the first four buttons, before pulling it from the waistband of my skirt and lifting it over my head, revealing the lacy white bra underneath.

The sexual tension continues to rise, thickening around us as excitement pools between my legs.

I’m going to be fucking ruined, and it’s going to be so fucking worth it.

Kicking my Academy issued shoes off without looking, I slip my hands into the waistband of my skirt and shimmy it down my legs, exposing my matching panties.

“Now we can all feed you,” I murmur, my body tense with arousal as a body suddenly presses into me from behind.

Khaos.

His hands lightly skim over my skin, starting at my thighs, and trailing all the way up to my breasts, leaving goosebumps in his wake. My back arches as a shiver shoots down my spine. Such a soft, simple touch, and I’m already hungry with desire coursing through my veins.

Khaos drags his nose down the side of my throat, my head instantly moving to the side to give him better access as he inhales my scent and a groan falls from my lips.

“Shit,” Adonis grunts as my half mast eyes settle on Zen walking toward me.

He stops right in front of me, his eyes scanning mine as he places two fingers under my chin and tilts my head back. Khaos doesn’t stop touching me as Zen assesses me, all while Xander and Adonis watch.

I’m dead and this is heaven.

“Is this what you want?” Zen asks, his eyes searching mine as he looks for the truth in my eyes.

I answer without pause. “I can’t think of anything I want more.” Admitting the truth from my lips doesn’t calm or relax my body. Instead it makes me tense with anticipation of what’s to come, of what they’re going to give me and I them.

At my response, Xander and Adonis inch forward, Xander coming to a stop at my left while Adonis’ near naked presence appears at my right.

Standing between the four of them, I feel like prey, swarmed and circled by predators. My head is swirling and my emotions are heightened, leaving me to feel petite and vulnerable, yet somehow strong, sexy and desired. All with a heap of need flooding my senses. I’m not their prey to hurt and abuse, but rather their prize to elicit pleasure and bring us all to the brink of ecstasy.

And I want it.

I’m desperate for it.

Swallowing harshly as my chest heaves with every breath, I try to calm the building tension rising inside of me, but it’s futile. Nothing will ease inside me until this escalates.

As if sensing my inner need and turmoil, Zen suddenly releases my chin, bending slightly to grab the back of my thighs before hoisting me in the air. I wrap my arms and legs around him as a squeal falls from my lips in surprise. No sooner am I up in the air, does he spin on his heel, taking a few steps to get to the huge bed in Xander’s room, before he releases his hold on me and tosses me down on it.

I release my hold, gasping as I drop through the air, only to have the soft mattress and sheets catch my fall, making me bounce once, twice, three times, before I come to stop, looking up at the four men staring at me like I hung the fucking moon.

Xander’s shoulders seem tense, the need to pounce riding him hard as Khaos’ jaw ticks with a similar need coursing through his veins, natural predators at their core. Adonis smirks at me with his eyes wide, feeding off of all the lust that fills the air, while Zen stands with his hands on his hips eyeing me like he can’t decide where to start.

“Tell me where you want us, Firecracker, or I’ll take all the decision making into my hands,” Zen murmurs, his voice huskier than usual as I nibble on my bottom lip, his breaths coming a little more rapidly while I consider his offer.

“You do it,” I breathe, more than happy to hand over the reins right now. I want to feel, not think, and that’s exactly what he’s offering me.

A smirk spreads across his lips, the devilish side of him coming to the surface as he leans forward, grabbing my ankle and slowly dragging me to the bottom of the bed. As soon as I’m fully within reach, he leans further forward, grabbing the lace at my waist and tearing my panties in two.

My body clenches, the tiniest burn at my hips as the material pulls tight against my skin before releasing, and I love it. “You remember what’s mine, right?” Zen looks at me expectantly, a quirk to his eyebrow as he waits for me to respond. I can imagine the others being confused, wondering what the hell he’s talking about, but I can’t pull my gaze from him to confirm it. I nod in response, but he immediately shakes his head. “With words, Rhea, let them hear it. Let them hear what you promised me.”

Every word that falls from his mouth continues to twist and tighten the tension building inside of me, even as I sigh, it does nothing to unwind my body. “I remember what’s yours,” I murmur, watching the wicked smile on his face grow.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Khaos asks, the first to crawl up the bed, and when I turn to glance at him I pause, lost in the fact that he’s completely naked before me.

For the first time.

We sealed our souls and declared some crazy feelings for each other, but the circumstances and location meant I didn’t get to truly appreciate his body beneath the clothes.

I wonder if having a sexy V leading to your cock is one of the requirements to become an Elite. As well as being an alpha asshole, having chiseled muscles, and a well defined body.

Uncaring that he’s naked before his friends, which is going to make this a hell of a lot easier, he leans forward, lips hovering above mine enticingly, but his movements freeze when Zen explains.

“It means her ass is mine tonight.”

A hushed round of fucks are muttered, coming from all of them as Khaos’ green eyes flash to mine, heat burning beneath his iris’, before he cuts the remaining distance between us and presses his lips to mine.

Holy fuck.

Feeling the eyes of the others watching us as I rake my fingers through his hair, holding him close to me as he remains on his hands and knees at my side, my pussy bare and my breasts still covered, is hot as hell.

In the next breath, hands touch me, and I know they’re not Khaos’ because they’re pinned on either side of my head. Someone strokes their hand up my thigh, another teasing the swell of my breast as they outline my bra, while a different hand cuts straight to my center and strokes a finger through my folds.

Is it too soon to come?

It seems like it, fuck it does, but my body feels ready to detonate.

“Let’s make her come before we fill her in every way possible,” Xander says huskily, the others humming in agreement as my lips continue to trail Khaos’.

At the mention of making me come, his kiss intensifies, like he wants to swallow all of my cries of pleasure. Every. Last. Ounce.

I don’t have the strength to pull my mouth from his to tell them it won’t take much. Instead, I focus on their touch, the way their calloused fingers drag against my soft skin, rippling pleasure through every part of me.

The cups of my bra are pulled down, the cooler air hitting my nipples makes them even sharper, before someone wraps their lips around a taut peak, forcing a groan to vibrate against Khaos’ lips.

“I want to taste her while you fuck her with your fingers, Zen,” Adonis says, making my body clench with need at the mention of it.

It also means it’s Xander teasing my breast like his life depends on it.

I strain to hear Zen’s response, but there isn’t one as the flat span of Adonis’ tongue drags over my clit, at the same time two fingers thrust into my wet core.

My back arches up off the bed, my lips crushing harder into Khaos’ as they vibrate with a moan. I absorb each of their touches, every last one, leaving me lost for words in a heap of desire.

Any plea I may have uttered is impossible as Khaos grips my chin with one hand, keeping himself propped up with the other, holding me in place as he dominates my mouth. His tongue glides across mine, consuming me in a magical rhythm that matches the swirls of Xander’s tongue at my breast.

Combined with the fact Adonis and Zen are in total sync between my thighs, playing my pussy perfectly, I’m a hot mess in the best way possible.

I can’t stop my hips bucking up off the bed, meeting Zen and Adonis thrust for thrust as Xander and Khaos’ tongues make me dizzy. Planting my feet down on the bed, my knees in the air, I feel the pleasure teasing at the edge of my body, starting in my fingers and toes, before colliding together at my core. I cry out with pleasure as my orgasm rushes through me with purpose, tingles racing down my spine, while Khaos swallows my moans.

When the waves of pleasure slowly begin to subside, Khaos leans up, releasing my mouth as his breath fans over my face. I peel my eyes open, the feel of Xander still flicking his tongue over my nipples making me shiver as a gasp slips from my lips.

“You’re so fucking pretty when you get all flushed,” Khaos murmurs, swiping the loose strands of damp hair back off my face. I can’t even bring myself to be embarrassed by his words as I smile up at him in a daze.

“She’s sweet like honey,” Adonis murmurs, pulling his lips from my core as he too rises to his knees on the bed, looking down at me with an unwavering level of heat in his eyes.

Xander rakes his teeth over my nipple, making me shiver before he moves from my body too. “And she’s all fucking ours,” he grunts, pride and desire flirting in his eyes.

“We can confirm that when my cock is inside her,” Zen adds, his fingers still teasing my core slowly, dipping his fingers in my arousal as he smirks up at me. “Are you ready for that?” he asks, the gentler side of him making a quick appearance so he can confirm I’m okay before he continues.

I nod vigorously, worried a simple salute of agreement won’t be enough, and he chuckles, before trailing his finger from my pussy to my ass.

“Oh Gods,” I mumble under my breath, sweat trickling down my neck as Khaos slips his hands between me and the sheets and unclips my bra.

All eyes are fixed on mine, watching and waiting to see my reaction to Zen’s movements. And when they don’t see me pull away or shuffle uncomfortably, it seems to kick them into action.

“Xander, lay down on the bed beside Rhea,” Zen murmurs, and without a moment's pause he does just that, removing his pants and boxers quickly as he moves. I tilt my head to the side, looking at my handsome wolf as he laces our fingers together between us, and my heart soars with all the emotion I feel for him. For them. “Firecracker, I want you on top of him,” Zen continues to order, getting us all into position.

Khaos offers me his hand as Zen retreats from his teasing for a moment, and I lift my leg over Xander so his cock is flush with my pussy, and we groan at the contact. A hint of surprise at the fact that everyone is okay taking orders from Zen washes over me, but I don’t utter a word, not wanting to burst the bubble and have egos get in the way.

“Do you want him in your tight pussy, baby?” Adonis asks from my right, sitting on the side of the bed as he thrusts his cock into his hand, working himself over as I grind down against Xander desperately.

“Yes,” I moan, grinding once more, before Xander grips my hips, tilting me just right so the tip of his cock is poised perfectly at my entrance. Not a single word is needed between us as he slams up into me, unable to contain the growing need between us.

He thrusts so hard and so fast that my pussy weeps with joy. The burning sensation is mild since I’ve climaxed already, and I cling to it, loving every moment of the mixed pain and pleasure.

“Adonis, you’re going to sit back and feed on us for a minute. Khaos don’t fucking choke her with that dick of yours,” Zen orders, just as Xander thrusts up into me again, my mouth forming the perfect O as a silent cry passes my lips.

I feel the bed move as people shuffle around, but I’m too distracted by Xander’s ability to fuck me so good. And on the third thrust, Zen slips his finger into my ass in time with Xander’s movements.

“Oh fuck,” I sob, the feeling foreign but the pleasure on another level.

Words betray me, leaving me speechless as I gasp for air, letting the two of them thrust into me again and again. Xander with his cock and Zen with his fingers, playing me so perfectly, my sob could become a true cry of ecstasy at any moment.

My eyes are at half mast, the feelings running through my body making it hard to keep them open, when I see Khaos before me, cock in hand as he strokes it leisurely. His piercing green eyes meet mine behind his hair, his tongue sweeping over his bottom lip as he watches me with raw intensity.

He runs the tip of his cock across my lips as Zen adds another finger to my ass, all in time with Xander’s slower, but no less brutal thrusts into my core. Sweeping my tongue over the crown of his dick, he hisses at the contact, his eyes squeezing shut for the briefest of moments before they lock on mine once more.

“I’ve dreamt of your lips around my cock so many fucking times,” Khaos grinds out, desire rippling through my body as I take the tip of his dick into my mouth. Wanting to give him a hint of what he’s been desiring, I don’t hold back as I suction my mouth, sucking all the way down to the base. “Fuck. It’s even better than I imagined.”

If my mouth wasn’t so full right now I’d be grinning like a crazy woman, but instead, my mouth is full, my pussy is brutally full, and my ass is being teased and prepped to be filled just the same.

“You really are a fucking goddess, baby,” Adonis grunts, his raspy voice washing over me as the praise seems to set my soul on fire.

Zen retreats for a moment, but I can’t see where he’s gone as Khaos wraps his fingers in my hair, fucking my mouth with determination, and Xander increases his thrusting in my pussy. Unshed tears fill my eyes, the blood pumping through my veins heating at the combination of them consumes me.

The feel of the bed shifting behind me makes both of them slow back down, and a moment later a cool, lubed finger is pressed against my ass. I pause, letting him stretch me a little further, before he returns again, only this time, it’s his cock begging for entry.

Xander’s grip on my waist tightens, his fingers definitely leaving bruises as he pauses, his cock buried deep inside me as I brace one of my hands on Khaos’ thigh, slowly sucking and teasing his cock as Zen stretches me even wider than before.

The feeling of both of them inside me at once almost brings me to the edge, the feeling of being full never being truly understood until this moment. Neither of them move, each giving me a moment to adjust to the new sensation that washes over me.

“Please,” I garble around Khaos' cock when I desperately need one of them to move.

It’s Zen that moves and sets the pace, slowly retreating until only the tip remains, before slamming back inside of me with purpose. The feel of his cock rubbing against Xander’s inside of me, with only a thin layer between them, makes it all even hotter.

Zen’s movement pushes everyone else into action as Xander rocks at opposite times to him, creating the perfect level of friction running through me.

I can feel my body ready to detonate once more, and Xander must sense it with the way my pussy is clamping down on his dick because he hollers Adonis over urgently.

“Adonis, get the fuck over here and fuck her mouth with Khaos before you miss out on everything,” he grunts, his voice filled with arousal. Without missing a single beat, the bed shuffles a moment later, and Adonis is holding the same position as Khaos, only on the opposite side of me and Xander.

Khaos pulls his dick from my mouth, letting me get a taste of Adonis, all while Xander and Zen don’t relent on the rest of me.

“Shit,” Adonis groans as I swallow him all the way down, breathing through the gag reflex desperate to make itself known. “Khaos, get the fuck in here too,” he grinds out, his voice gruff and out of character as he looks down at me with need.

Khaos takes the order, the pair of them lining their cocks up at my mouth, like I have any idea how to take both of them at once. My mouth is stretched as wide as it will go, both of their dicks somehow making it happen. I’m unable to suck and play with either of them, so I use my hand to wrap around them both for a moment before Adonis leans back.

“Take turns thrusting,” he states, like it’s a game to play, but I’m more than happy to give them what they want right now, so I don’t utter a word.

Khaos slips all the way to the back of my throat, rolling his hips before pulling out, and then Adonis does the same. The feel of them all on me is too much. I can’t hold back anymore.

A cry of pleasure starts in the pit of my stomach, burning my lungs as it rips from my mouth and my body becomes lost to the euphoria and ecstasy lighting up my veins.

It’s like my climax is what they were all waiting for, because both Zen and Xander instantly slam into me with much more jagged thrusts, again and again, while cum shoots over my face and on my tongue from Khaos and Adonis before me.

I feel Xander’s cock pulse in my core, his seed coating my walls as Zen stutters in the same way, a groan falling from his lips as he leans forward and nips at my shoulder.

Sweat drips from every inch of me, my body going limp in Zen and Xander’s arms as they slip from my body and slowly lower me to the bed. An overwhelming sense of loss consumes me as my body continues to feel the subsiding ripples twitch through me.

“Holy fuck,” I breathe, unable to open my eyes, but I feel someone wipe a warm cloth across my face, ridding the streaks of cum from my skin.

I hear them mumble words of praise, admiration, and awe, but I’m not sure who says what as I melt into the sheets beneath me, and sleep takes over.

27

RHEA

T he Professor calls time on what is supposed to be our skills class, and I immediately rise to my feet, grabbing my satchel as I move. Fingers immediately lace with mine on my left, Xander’s woodsy scent swirling around me, and a moment later a hand splays out across my back, and Adonis whispers in my ear.

“Are you still sore? I swear Zen will take another look at you if needed.”

I roll my eyes as a soft smile spreads across my face. After what was hands down the most amazing sex of my life, surrounded by the four of them as I rode wave after wave of ecstasy, they’ve been nothing but attentive, wanting to make sure my body is recovering.

Yes they pushed me to the limits.

Yes they left me with aches, pains, and bruises.

But fuck, it was all totally worth it.

“I’m fine, honestly,” I reply, following the crowd of students leaving the room. “I’m more annoyed that we just sat here for two hours doing… nothing,” I grumble, tucking the loose tendrils of hair behind my ear.

It’s been like this since the ceremony. Everyone has been gifted with their powers, and on the first day back at classes, when everyone seemed to be coming to grips with the new version of themselves, everything went to shit. No one wanted to be seen as vulnerable as we all transitioned, and now classes involve none of us actually learning anything new.

I get it, and I’m totally aware that ultimately this is all my fault. It’s happening because I spilled a truth I learned while being hung in the air, my heritage being revealed to me and the fact that our powers were being suppressed came to light. Then I took the whole fucking one and two years down with me because I refused to be singled out and tested alone.

It’s not my fault my parents are who they are, I wasn’t aware of their identity until I got here. But like hell am I enduring the aftermath of their bullshit alone.

With the test in two days, we need to learn now more than ever, but even though it looms over our heads, no one wants to reveal their skills and abilities. It’s different for Khaos and me, we’re pretending we don’t fucking have any, but everyone else is keeping their powers a huge secret too.

“Agreed, we need time to assess and to think before it all begins, but it’s looking less and less likely with time,” Xander says from my left as Khaos and Zen step around us to lead the way.

My heart lurches for my vampire, even as he glances over his shoulder and offers me a knowing and understanding smile.

We may have been at the ceremony together, but that’s where it has stopped publicly between us. Putting space between us, like before when Khaos was a total asshole, seemed like one of the best options to keep Zellus and the Hex unaware. I hope it’s fucking working because I feel like I’m suffering because of it, but I keep my mouth shut, hoping it’s for the greater good.

I nod in agreement with Xander as we step out and head for the dining hall as my stomach grumbles. I only had a protein bar this morning, which pissed Adonis off, but I prefer to have brunch, which leaves me starving by lunch time. I just couldn’t face food first thing this morning, my body wasn’t awake enough for it.

“Exactly, no one has taught us anything new. No one has even remotely stepped up among the faculty to offer any advice. Which tells me it’s an order from the top or something,” Adonis states, his brows pinching together as he considers the situation, and I can’t help but agree.

“You might be right, it definitely sounds like something Zellus would get behind. Leaving us all unprepared intentionally,” I murmur in response, a tight smile gracing my lips as I look up at my demon. “Really, tomorrow's lessons should be canceled so we can have a minute to work on ourselves in a way that suits us individually if they’re not willing to help us,” I add, uncertainty swarming in my chest at the fact I still have yet to fully understand my abilities. All while Zellus is living his best life thinking he’s screwed me over again. Asshole.

The crowd thins out as we continue down the hallway, students splitting off in different directions as the thought of food lures me closer to the dining hall. Zen glances back over his shoulder to check on me, his handsome smile on full display as I release a sigh, offering one in return.

My vision is suddenly blocked as a blonde haired girl cuts in front of me, putting her palm on Adonis’ chest as she stops his movements. I frown in confusion as I stop beside him, Adonis’ hand still remaining on my back as Xander stays at my other side too.

“Hey, Adonis, we’re handing out these flyers for the party tonight,” she murmurs, her cheeks reddening with a nervous blush, looking up at him like the adonis he is. “You should come, it’s going to be fun,” she adds, her nerves dipping enough for her to offer him a flirty wink, and I gape in shock at her audacity. Who the fuck even is this girl?

Is she for real right now or is someone fucking with me?

Someone has to be fucking with me because no one could be this stupid.

I glance around, hoping to see a camera or something, but I only find a group of three girls watching intently, and I can only assume that they’re her friends. Watching and encouraging her to come over to the hot guy who has sealed his fucking soul to someone is shady as shit.

Anger immediately begins to course through my veins, getting the better of me as my jaw tightens and my hands clench at my sides. But before I unleash fucking hell on her, I think of a better idea. A moment in my life where I can slay someone without fury and raw jealousy.

Dropping my satchel off my shoulder, I hold it out blindly in Xander’s direction, and he takes it without question, knowing this girl has pissed me off. He’s willing to back me without even knowing what my next move is, and it makes me crave and appreciate my wolf even more.

I release Xander’s hand as I turn to face Adonis, knocking her hand away as I place my palm flat on his chest above where his heart beats.

For me.

Propping my chin just above my hand, I look up at him with a wide smile and lust-filled eyes. “Baby, we should go,” I murmur, using his nickname for me right back at him, which dissolves the stoic look on his face and makes a grin spread across his lips instead. “It’ll be fun to dance, drink, and have a good time,” I continue huskily, trailing my finger up his chest. “You know I love to start the foreplay well in advance,” I add, practically purring as his hand on my back pulls me in tighter so I’m flush against him.

“I’ll do whatever’s necessary to make you wet, Rhea,” he murmurs back in a raspy tone, and a moment later I hear the girl huff heavily, before spinning on her heels and storming off.

Seriously. What a fucking desperate bitch. I mean the chick must have a set of brass balls to approach Adonis fully knowing he’s mine.

A grin spreads across my lips, a genuine one this time as a small chuckle falls from my lips. “Bitch,” I mutter under my breath, before rising up on my tiptoes and placing my lips against his. Adonis doesn’t hesitate to kiss me back, claiming what’s his in the middle of the hallway, before he reluctantly pulls back.

“A jealous Rhea is a very very hot Rhea,” he states, kissing my jaw before meeting my gaze. “We’re definitely going to the party, but for now, I need to eat food since I can’t have a taste of what I truly want,” he states, almost talking in riddles until he slips his hand between our bodies and discreetly cups my pussy.

“Fuck.”

“You said you love to start foreplay well in advance, Baby, what better time than now?” The grin on his face is wicked as I stare up at him with wide eyes.

Double fuck.

The grass beneath my sandals tickles my toes as we make our way through the woods that surround the lake. A few other people are following the same path as I keep in step with my men, Harmonia, and Thalia.

As soon as we got to lunch, we updated them on the party going down and insisted they come too. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves, so blending in is the key. Thalia seemed reluctant, which is totally understandable with the condition her sister is in right now, but I’m hoping this will be good for her.

Harmonia jumped at the chance to dress me up like a doll again, curling my hair and doing my make-up almost natural apart from the bright red lips she insisted on. The black dress she threw at me has spaghetti straps and clings to me perfectly, with a ruche gathering down the right side of my body. Admittedly I love it, but I don’t tell her that. She loves the challenge too much for me to give in easily so I’ll continue to let Harmonia have her fun.

She had fun with Thalia too, piling her hair up into a messy bun on top of her head and giving her a smokey-eyed look, which matches the tailored black shorts and white tee tucked in. I almost complained when Thalia said no to a dress and got her way, yet when it’s me that says the same, I just get an eye roll followed by an even shorter dress.

Harmonia herself is wearing a similar dress to mine, but instead of black, it’s white and covered in little flowers. Which tells me the one I’m wearing was never hers to begin with, just a purchase she made on my behalf with her money. Something I will be rectifying when tonight is over.

“We’re definitely starting with shots,” Adonis announces from my left, walking beside me with the rest of my unit while the girls are to my right. I can’t help but agree with him, but my words betray me as I enjoy myself taking him in instead.

Every single one of them is wearing a pair of black tight-fitted jeans. Even Zen and Xander, and it’s hot as fuck. Then they’re all wearing a muscle-fit t-shirt in a different color.

Zen, white.

Khaos, black.

Xander, navy.

Adonis, khaki green.

It’s like a secret uniform, identifying them as a unit. Linking them all together, and to me.

I refuse to ask, surprised by the matchy-matchy for the first time ever, instead appreciating the view for what it is.

Mine.

“The lemon one is my favorite,” I murmur in response, and he grins down at me, linking his fingers with mine as he brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles.

“Then it’s the lemon ones I’ll get,” he says with a wink, and I hear Khaos mumble kiss ass from behind him which makes me chuckle. “Khaos, don’t act so high and mighty. If you were in my exact position right now, looking down at this queen, then you’d do anything for her too,” Adonis adds with a smirk playing on his lips as I fight back a blush.

Such an asshole.

“I already fucking would from all the way over here,” Khaos grumbles back, making Thalia chuckle at her cousin as we edge closer to the party.

Music plays, the beat vibrating the ground beneath our feet as the campfire burns bright in the center. But my eyes travel to Khaos instead.

“I mean every word,” he thinks in his mind for only me to hear, his intense green eyes illuminated even more by the flicker of the flames as we step further into the party, a smile taking over my face.

“That’s because I’m yours and you are mine,” I reply simply, watching the corner of his mouth tip up too as he nods in response.

“Drinks table it is,” Harmonia hollers, waving her hands in the air and breaking the silence as Khaos and I communicate discreetly, and I shake my head, focusing on the grip of my hand as she drags me and Thalia in that exact direction.

I don’t need to turn to see if the Elites are following, it’s a given, and I love it. Their eyes tracking my every movement is the comfort I seem to need in knowing they’re there. Both emotionally and physically.

Approaching the drinks table with Harmonia, she waves the guy down who seems to be manning it. “Can we have a tray please?” she asks loudly so he can hear her above the music, and he nods, dipping under the table before reappearing with a round wooden tray.

Why the hell hadn’t we asked for one of those before?

I don’t question it as she takes it from him and I load it up with plenty of lemon shots so there’s enough for two each. For now at least.

“It’s a little quieter over here, Venom. Follow me.” Khaos’ voice in my head has me turning to seek him out, finding him standing slightly off to the side with Xander.

It’s not lost on me that he seems to be the one to communicate through our minds with me the most. He was the one to experience it first I guess, and now, when we have to fake distance between us in public, it keeps us close.

I offer a small nod as Adonis takes the tray from Harmonia’s hand, adding a few extra sealed shot cups before ushering us toward where Khaos, Zen, and Xander are waiting.

Everyone seems to be minding their own business, likely too caught up in what may actually happen in two days' time, when we’re issued the test, to be worrying about other people. Or that’s what I hope at least.

Khaos leads us toward the edge of the woods that stops near the lake, a couple of boulders and large rocks creating a relaxed area to be able to sit if you wanted. It is quieter over here, I can hear myself think, but the sound of the music is still a perfect background noise.

“Everyone grab a shot,” Adonis calls out, holding the tray away from his body so everyone can reach for one, while he uses his free hand to grab one for me first, then himself, before placing the tray down on a flat spot on one of the boulders.

Without a word, the seven of us peel back the lids and form a circle, each of us holding out our small drink to clink together, before Harmonia counts us down. “Three… Two… One.”

Lifting the cup to my lips, the sweetness trails down my throat, sending a shiver down my spine with it. The zingy lemon flavor is enough to make me wince a little, while licking my lips at the same time, wanting more.

“That’s fucking disgusting,” Xander grumbles, his face scrunched in dismay as he looks at me like I have three heads.

Khaos grunts his agreement with him, his body shuddering from the aftertaste, making me chuckle at the pair of them as I consider how soon I can have another.

“How’s Cassandra doing?” Harmonia asks. The question had been playing on my mind when we were getting ready, but I didn’t want to spoil the moment. It seems Harmonia may have felt the same, but a simple shot of liquid courage has her blurting it out anyway.

Thalia offers a tight smile, worrying her lip for a moment as she looks around the circle at us all. “She’s doing okay, she’s had one frenzy since then, but they managed to sedate her until it subsided.” Worry fills my veins for both of them. They can’t just keep knocking her out every time it flares up. They definitely can’t do that forever, but they can’t kill her. No fucking way. “Admittedly, she is doing much better than the three other vampires who also turned with the frenzy,” she adds, making my eyes widen in surprise. I hadn’t even realized someone else had too, or if that was even the norm. The book made the odds of getting the frenzy seem less than what we’re seeing.

“Has your mom been able to do anything with the information we gave her?” Khaos asks, eyes trained on his cousin as she shakes her head.

“No, not really. Trying to get in contact with a furie is not easy, but she won’t give up hope or trying,” she replies with a determined smile, all while guilt fills my veins. “Another shot?” she adds, wanting the distraction just as much as me, and I nod eagerly in response, rushing to the tray to grab everyone another drink.

Handing Khaos and Xander an apple one that Adonis grabbed in addition to the lemon, they still take it reluctantly as Harmonia counts us down once more.

The lemony liquor tastes even sweeter the second time around, and a moan slips from my lips as the drink offers me a slight distraction for all of two seconds, before remorse riddles my body once more.

The guilt I feel revolves around Al. Knowing him, having a way of reaching him, and not doing anything about it. But it’s not a simple situation. It’s not… fuck. It’s too difficult to approach him with this, when there’s such a messy web of secrets and lies surrounding him.

I feel like I have met him, maybe… but who fucking knows anymore? He may have showed up here recently, but I know it wasn’t truly him underneath it all. Was that always the case?

Glamors are a scary thing, and I know that now. The seeker that is always in whatever bag I’m carrying offers a stark reminder.

The alcohol flooding my veins leaves me nervous that it might loosen my lips, and as much as helping Cassandra is a high priority for me, right now that isn’t the best way forward.

Two fingers press under my chin, tilting my face up, catching me off guard and bringing me back to the present.

Zen.

His eyes search mine, clearly sensing that I’m a little lost in my mind. “Let’s dance.”

It’s not a question or even a statement, it’s a demand, and I'll take it.

His hand drops from my chin, lacing his fingers with mine as he pulls me back into the center of the party, the music rolling through my body as he situates us in the middle of everyone else dancing. He turns me so my back is pressed against his front, his cock nestled against my ass as he wraps an arm around my waist and takes the lead.

I let my body move with his, the rest of our group coming to dance around us as I get lost in the feel of Zen pressed against me. Grinding together, one song leads into another, and another, and another. Sweat trickles down my spine as Zen hands me off to Adonis, who reluctantly lets me dance with Xander too at some point.

When another track plays and Khaos sandwiches me between him and Xander, I sag with relief, the need to feel all of my sealed souls paramount to fucking breathing.

It feels carefree, fun, and relaxing to let my hair down, have a good time, and just be… me. But the uncertainty of the test leaves me nervous, the unknown causing discomfort inside my mind, which, along with the guilt for Cassandra, leaves my chest tight and my body numb.

As much as I try to enjoy this moment, the looming test doesn’t feel like that; a test.

No.

It feels like a war is coming.

28

XANDER

I  turn in my sleep, moving to lie on my left side, when the sunlight glares through the gap in the curtains, blasting the back of my eyelids with far too much light, and disturbing my peaceful slumber.

Blinking my eyes open, my brows pinch together, a little disorientated even though I’m in my own bed with my unit filling up the mattress beside me. I don’t think I can ever look at this bed again without seeing my sweet Goddess sprawled out for the four of us, writhing under our gazes as we reached another level of ecstasy with her.

There’s no one to my left, giving me an unobstructed view of the sun peeking in, but when I shuffle over to my other side, I find Khaos beside me, snuggled into Rhea like she’s his favorite childhood teddy bear. And to think this asshole took his time to be honest and true to himself about her. Now look at him, he’s just like the rest of us, completely smitten by her.

A smirk plays on my lips at the thought of it, despite knowing that his concerns and reservations stemmed from his mother. A woman I’m sure will stick her nose into our business again at some stage, but together, as a unit, we can face her and anyone else that wants to make a stand against us or try to control us in any way.

Focusing on Rhea, her brown hair cascading around her head like a halo, fanned out over the pillow beneath her, she looks stunning. Serene, soft, calm, and at peace, even if just for a moment.

I recall the dream, or more frankly, the nightmare that consumed her a few weeks ago, the breathlessness, the fear in her eyes, and the tenseness of every muscle in her body. So seeing her like this is a huge shift in the right direction. I also recall the conversation that came after, regarding her ability to have children. I’ve found a solution to the matter, but it’s a choice she has to make for herself. I haven’t told her yet, I don’t feel like now is the right time, and I also don’t want it to feel like I’m forcing her.

When we’re not facing off against the hierarchy of the supernatural world, then there may be a better time for that conversation, but for now, we have more pressing issues to deal with.

Zen is curled in on her other side, leg thrown over her thigh, hand gripping her waist, and his nose brushing against her cheek. How she sleeps with us all mauling her is beyond me. Even Adonis has his hand on her waist as he sleeps on the other side of Zen.

We’re a mess for her.

A perfect, crazy, jumbled mess.

To think how we even functioned before without her is bizarre and surreal, and now everything feels right. The drama that surrounds us just needs to simmer down so we can actually enjoy being together without the rest of the bullshit. That day will come, I just need to be patient.

Twisting my head around, I search for my phone on the side table, wondering the time, when all at once, five alarms start ringing.

Well then.

Nothing tells me it’s six in the morning quite like this stupid fucking tune.

The groans and grunts of disapproval sound out from beside me as I turn mine off, feeling the bed shift as they too each scramble to silence their alarms. Turning around to find Rhea, she shuffles down the bed, in one of Khaos’ t-shirts and nothing else, trying to find her phone to shut the noise up. When she finds it charging by the television, she does just that, leaving it plugged in as she makes her way back to the bed, flopping dramatically down across the bottom of the sheets.

Her bleary eyes meet mine, a pout on her lips and a frown marring her forehead as I crawl down the bed to her. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” I murmur, placing a kiss on her head as I hover over her.

“Is it really good though? I’m so tired. Can we call it a bad morning today instead?” she rambles, still half asleep, and I grin down at her.

“Whatever you want, Goddess.” Placing another kiss to her head, my wolf takes a deep inhale of her scent, and it settles the swirling in my gut. A swirling I don’t recognize until she calms it. Like I lived so long with it I hardly feel its presence, but it’s damn noticeable when she makes it disappear.

“I was thinking about it last night,” Zen says, propping himself up with his back against the headboard, a yawn tearing past his lips as he ruffles his hair and glances at the four of us.

“Thinking about what?” Adonis asks, swiping a hand down his face before he shuffles around on the bed so his head rests on Rhea’s stomach, and her hands immediately drag through his hair in a soothing gesture.

“About how we should cut classes today, maybe go down by the lake and hone the skills we have. We can help Rhea have some privacy to work out what else she can do, have Xander and Khaos push their agility, strength, speed, and everything else while we’re there. And Adonis and I can play with the second skills we’ve been working on.” There’s determination and certainty in his tone that this is the right thing to do, and I find myself nodding along with him before he’s even finished.

“I’m definitely in agreement,” I state, looking down at Rhea who nods along too, a soft smile on her lips as she glances up at me.

“Does that mean we can get an extra hour in bed or something?” she adds with a yawn, her eyes begging to drift closed again, and I grin.

“I think—”

My words are interrupted by the sound of a phone pinging, followed by another, and another, and another.

I frown in confusion, moving to sit on the end of the bed as I reach for my phone, only to find an email flashing on my screen.

“Possible rain check,” I mutter, scanning the details on my screen as Khaos groans, clearly seeing what I’m seeing on his phone too.

“What is it?” Rhea asks, and when I turn to glance at her I find her in the exact same spot with Adonis’ head still in her lap. She really doesn’t want to get up but unfortunately I’m about to burst her bubble.

“They’ve called an assembly,” I explain, turning my phone to show her the screen.

ASSEMBLY CONFIRMED

7:00 A.M.

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE REQUIRED FOR ALL FIRST YEAR STUDENTS.

“Fuck. Another assembly,” Rhea groans under her breath, pinching the bridge of her nose a moment as she takes a deep breath. “Of course they don’t want to give us time to wake up properly,” she adds, clearly as unimpressed as me.

“Agreed, but if it links back to the test, then it will definitely be worth showing up for,” Zen states, rising from the bed and stretching his arms up above his head.

“But I don’t wanna,” Rhea groans, her tone full of a whine you’d hear from a toddler, her tiredness getting the better of her as she swings her arm over her face in a fake tantrum.

“Same, but we all know this shit is shady enough as it is and if we don’t go, Zellus will know,” Khaos adds, and Rhea moves her arm to stare at him. The look on her face is either hatred for him agreeing they should go or the fact that his words are so true. Either way, he quirks his eyebrow back at her and she flops her arms down on the bed beside her dramatically.

Wow. Clearly someone has found some of Zellus’ dramatics lying around this morning. The thought makes me grin, but I don’t say it out loud, wanting to keep my life and not piss her off with such a comparison.

“Fine,” she says with a huff, before lifting Adonis’ head from her lap, making him silently gape at her in dismay, like he can’t actually believe she’s getting up, but she rolls off the bed, dragging her fingers through her hair as she looks around for her clothes.

“Do you think they will actually explain what is going to take place during the test?” I ask, although I’m thinking out loud and not really asking them, because I know they’re all in the same boat as me, unsure of the agenda for the assembly.

“We can only hope,” Zen replies, trying to remain optimistic as he slips his arm into his white uniform shirt, and I nod.

“Then let’s get this show on the road,” Adonis announces with a clap, and we all kick into motion. They haven’t given us long to get there, and part of me thinks that’s part of their plan, to catch us off guard and unprepared.

Zellus loves nothing more than being in control, manipulating people and withholding information, all while attempting to be feared. I’m beyond ready for his reign over us to come to an end.

The sooner, the better.

The assembly doorway is packed with the hustle and bustle of all the first years trying to push through the doors at the same time and rush to their seats. It’s surprising how busy it is, but we follow the flow of the crowd to the front row of pews, noting how tired everyone else looks too.

My fingers are laced with Rhea’s as I keep her close to my side, Adonis on her other side with his arm draped over her shoulders. Khaos holds back, making sure to put some distance between them, a distance I know they both hate but hopefully they won’t have to pretend much longer. Zen takes the lead, maneuvering around the other students filling up the aisle as they wait to join their pew.

As we near the front of the room, Zen stepping down the Agion pew first, Harmonia already waiting as Adonis drops his arm from Rhea to follow after him, I notice that there’s no one up on the podium yet. My gut tells me it will just be Zellus up there. No pretentious bullshit with our parents or The Hex, just the man who loves a theatrical entrance, with everyone’s eyes on him.

I keep my hand tightly wrapped around Rhea’s as I follow her to our seat. The moment we sit, I release her hand to place my palm on her thigh, feeling a crazy urge to have her close to me at all times today, the touch between us settling my soul even more.

Khaos drops down beside me, a sigh falling from his lips as he leans in close to talk quietly in my ear. “Selene and Hector are staring us down. They look way too fucking smug. So they either know something we don’t or they're up to something we’re not going to like.”

My jaw tightens at his words. When will those fuckers back off and get over themselves? How does a fucking twenty-two year old woman think that this kind of behavior is going to get her what she wants? Us. It seems like if she can’t have us, she’s going to make life hell for whoever can, and that’s Rhea.

I hate that the drama Rhea has to contend with stems from her connection with us, even when we’ve done nothing to provoke it.

Any response to Khaos is forgotten as Zellus enters the room from the left side, a perfectly placed smile on his face as Noreen and another member of the faculty step in beside him. In a black and gray pinstriped suit, a silver tie, and polished black shoes, he looks exactly like the jumped up prick we know him to be.

This facade is wearing thin, getting far too old too damn quick, and I have to fight the eye roll begging to take over my face. I’m beginning to think Rhea’s eyerolls are rubbing off on me.

He clears his throat into the microphone that has been set up on the podium, an unnecessary item for anyone but this asshole. Because the noise from him sends the room into silence, everyone suddenly waiting on bated breath to hear what will come out of his mouth.

“Good morning, students. First let me start off by thanking you for arriving so promptly, I know the assembly was called at short notice,” he begins, a hand pressed to his chest as he smiles at the crowd. Fucker. “However it is with great delight that I can finally give you a rundown of what can be expected to take place over the next forty-eight hours. The timing could be less of course, but that all depends on you.”

“My fucking Gods. Why can’t this man just get to the point? He just drones on and on, loving the sound of his own voice. Just send a fucking email and put us all out of our misery,” Khaos mutters under his breath, swiping a hand over his mouth to hide his lips moving.

It’s so fucking true it’s beyond boring now, and we're only first years. I couldn’t imagine having to listen to him for another two additional years. My head hurts just thinking about it.

“The test will begin tomorrow morning at nine a.m. but you will be required to be at the starting location by eight thirty. Exact details will be sent in an email after our assembly today, but for now, let me get down to what’s involved.” He rubs his hands together, excitement thrumming around him as Noreen steps forward and hands him a tablet, presumably with the information on it. “Each first year will use their powers, skills, and abilities to complete the entire test. It will be as a collective, not individual shows of strength. The Combat hall will be transformed into a realm, where you will need to consider every move you make, make split second decisions, and face your darkest fears. All while putting on a show for those invested in the outcome.” His smile spreads wide as he lifts his head from the tablet, eyes fixing on Rhea’s as a glint of smugness flashes across his face.

Motherfucker thinks he’s really pulled the wool over her eyes, leaving her defenseless and vulnerable. It’s laughable, but I keep my facial expression neutral, refusing to let this man see anything from me at all.

“The phenomenal powers you were all gifted last weekend will need to be used to their full advantage if you expect to survive, and I must warn you, it won’t be pretty, it won’t be kind, and it won’t be without heartache,” he announces, enunciating every statement by slamming his fist into his open palm, driving the words home. “To be completely open and honest with you, we haven’t had a test like this in a very long time. In fact, the last time a test like this was run was when we were preparing to bring Nyx to her knees and right all of the wrongs in the world.” His gaze remains fixed on Rhea’s, desperate to draw some kind of emotion out of her, but I don’t need to turn to see she’s giving him nothing but a bored expression. It doesn’t stop my hand squeezing her thigh tighter in silent support though. “That means not everyone will survive. It will be bloody, it will be shocking, and it may well be gruesome.”

If I have to hear another, it will, again my ears might bleed.

The silence that follows as everyone in the hall takes in his words is palpable. The sound of a pin dropping right now would boom like the detonation of a bomb it’s that tense.

“I wish you all the best of luck, and I will see you all bright and early tomorrow,” he finishes, like he hasn’t brought the room to a halt with his announcement. Details of which I’m not entirely shocked by. However, I knew he was holding out on us until the last minute so he could catch everyone off guard. Or more specifically, us. “Oh, and before I forget, I recommend bringing your gifts from Pandora’s Box if you have any idea what it is you’re doing with them.”

With that he hands the tablet back to Noreen, before exiting the room through the door to the right. Silence continues to wash over the room as the sound of his shoes moving further down the corridor reverberates around us.

“Let’s leave,” Khaos grunts, rising from his seat first, and my hand immediately links with Rhea’s once more as I stand, pulling her to her feet with me.

None of us utter a word, knowing better than to show our hand so publicly, but I’m unable to relax my jaw, tense as I go over the facts he just gave us.

Blood. Carnage. Gore. Death.

That’s what it’s going to be, and the fact that he purposely thinks he left Khaos and Rhea powerless causes rage to build inside of me. My wolf rises to the surface in anger at the vulnerable position Zellus tried to put our mate and brother in.

Cutting down the aisle, the people still sitting in the pews are not registering in my brain or vision as I eye the exit and keep putting one foot in front of the other, pulling Rhea along with me. As we near the doors I slow my speed, falling into step better with Rhea as Khaos pauses slightly ahead of us, just outside of the doorway.

My brows knit together in confusion until I come to a stop beside him and see exactly who is holding his attention.

My parents.

I sense Zen and Adonis coming to a stop around us too, but I don’t pull my gaze from the two people that have dragged me through an emotional rollercoaster and prevented me from helping my mate when she needed me the most. Their once unconditional love suddenly became conditional when I didn’t do and act exactly as they wanted.

What do they want now?

“I think asking them may give you the answers, Xander. I’m right here with you.”

Rhea.

My eyes close momentarily, her voice in my mind tamping down the anger and rage that was building from Zellus moments ago.

I run my free hand down my face, before blinking my eyes open and fixing my gaze on my parents once more.

“Can we talk?” my mother asks, the tone of her voice soft, and I notice the tired expression around her eyes, the dark bags framing her gaze like she hasn’t slept in weeks. While my father’s shoulders seem to sag, defeat teasing at his frame as he offers me a pleading look.

I clear my throat, and steel my spine as I reply. “I’m a little busy with my family right now,” I state, the words true, no matter how harsh they may seem to them, but to my surprise, they don’t bristle at my statement at all.

My father nods, short and sharp. “They can come too.”

29

RHEA

W hat the fuck does someone wear to their impending doom? In the form of a test that offers a glimpse of uncertainty, a dance with our powers, and a flirt with blood and sacrifice.

Hand on heart, when Zellus declared he was going to test me, I thought it would mean standing on a patch of grass in the Combat building and making me show what my magic could do. This feels so far beyond that, that I’m unsure whether or not I feel guilty for dragging all the first years into the situation with me.

I’d voiced my concern late yesterday evening after leaving Xander’s parents. I nibbled my bottom lip as remorse threatened to take over, but it was Adonis who reminded me that it wasn’t me who set up the test, it was Zellus. And we all know how batshit crazy that motherfucker can be.

He could have stopped when I offered the ultimatum of revealing the fact everyone’s powers had been blocked, but he chose to continue.

He could have made the test a simple display like I thought it would be, but it was he who chose this route.

I may have dragged everyone down with me, but I wasn’t the one to choose the terms and conditions.

The memory of the words flash in my mind, settling the hint of nerves threatening to wash over me.

Yesterday turned into the most bizarre of days.

When Mr. and Mrs. Bishop called us aside I thought something was wrong, but the moment we stepped into Noreen’s office and the door closed behind us, they both wrapped Xander tightly in their arms. The embrace felt like an eternity, and even though he was caught off guard, after a few short breaths, Xander relaxed into their hold, tightening his arms around them too. Relief flooded me at their interaction more than I expected, but I’m thankful he has been able to reunite with his parents, despite Zellus’ efforts.

The apologies that followed didn’t stop, his mother and father started to see the shift in Zellus, showing the man in a whole new light. Zen and Adonis relaxed into conversation with them eventually, while Khaos and I remained toward the back of the group, leaving our defensive walls in place as we watched the scene unfold.

My eyes catch sight of the shimmering gold at my waist, bringing me back to the present as I look down at what it is I am actually wearing for my impending doom.

Once Mrs. Bishop had apologized for the five hundredth time, she explained that when she attended Saints Academy, a similar test was held, a test that involved Mr. Riva and a few others including herself. One of the most important things we needed was to have the correct attire for the situation at hand, and in her words, that only called for one woman; Peggy Grundy.

Waltzing us out of the Academy grounds without waiting for confirmation, a portal was created by my wolf, all while his mother and father watched with pride. I couldn’t help but sense their gazes slipping to mine, watching me watch him, but I didn’t offer them a look back, focusing only on him. I want them to see that he’s my priority no matter what.

Moments later, we appeared before a large shack in the middle of nowhere. Sitting on top of a cliff with the water crashing below, we were ushered inside.

I had no idea what to expect, but now here I am, prepared for battle.

Thick combat boots protect my feet, the laces wrapping up to my ankle with my pants tucked inside. They looked like a soft, black leather, but feel like silk against my skin, the special armor and magic coursing through the material completely unnoticeable. My long-sleeved black t-shirt fits against my body, holding the same protective abilities as the rest of my clothing, while feeling completely weightless.

A belt sits around my waist, a holster designed perfectly to hold my dagger, and I feel like a badass bitch. My face is bare of make-up, my hair pulled back tight into a slick ponytail, and with my men flanking both of my sides, I feel as prepared as I’m ever going to be.

Stepping through the final portal, the entryway to the Combat building comes into view, but it looks nothing like it usually would.

The double doors that lead out onto the grass, with the water to the left, and the other elements taking up the back of the space have all completely disappeared. All that can be seen is what can only be described as… magical.

Trees and shrubbery block the view of anything else, a small stream running to the right, making it almost whimsical, but I know better. We all should know fucking better. They haven’t brought us out here for a good time after all.

“Everybody okay?” Zen asks, always the caregiver, but even he’s staring with wide eyes at the scene before us. It looks nothing like what I expected, but I don’t really know what I expected.

“Uh-huh,” I mumble, casting my gaze around the exterior patch of grass where most of the other first years stand. My eyes fall closed as I take a deep breath, relaxing myself as I inhale and exhale to the count of five, regulating my breathing in an attempt to have a clear mind.

I can smell the scent of freshly cut grass, a light floral touch tickling my nose as the nature before me becomes more and more real. I thought it might be a glamor, and it still could be, but it’s crazy ridiculous how real it all feels.

To go with the visual and smell, I would expect to hear the sound of birds chirping, and woodland animals in the distance. But instead, the sound of claps and cheers overwhelm my mind, forcing me to tilt my head back and glance up at the sky.

My mouth drops open when I catch sight of our audience. It looks like hundreds of people sitting in a stadium that fully surrounds what can only be described as the arena, only this time, we’re the entertainment.

I swallow past the lump in my throat, absorbing the world around me. Only Zellus would turn us into such a spectacle. Why the hell did I think a man like Zellus wouldn’t put on a show, especially after he mentioned having those who are invested in the outcome attend? We should have seen this coming, and fuck if I’m not pissed at myself for not thinking this all the way through.

“Can you see anyone?” Xander asks, brushing up behind me as he presses his chest against my back, the touch grounding me without him even noticing.

“I think my parents are over there,” Zen mentions, pointing up toward the far left, where five people wave frantically, and I know it’s definitely his parents and siblings. Their support makes me grin, and I almost forget what it is we are actually up against here as the chants and cheers of the entire crowd wash over me.

“You ready for this, baby?” Adonis asks, whispering in my ear with his lips dragging along my skin, and I nod. I’m not sure if I really am, but I would never let anyone see that in public. I’d rather die fighting my way through this fucked up test before I let anyone see me in a vulnerable state.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I mutter in response, turning to look at him.

He stands up tall, offering me one of his usual smirks and I grin back at him. The four of them are dressed exactly the same, very similar to me in their black combat pants, short sleeved black t-shirts, and combat boots.

Khaos’ chalice is secured inside a pouch at his waist, while Adonis, Zen, and Xander all have their gifts from Pandora’s Box secured at their back. The shield glistens and shines against Zen, his longer blond hair dusting the top of it. And Xander’s bow sits perfectly off one shoulder with his arrows prepared at his waist.

We really are ready for battle. A truth I didn’t think was coming, but looking around at the other students, the right decision was made. I wasn’t meant to face this alone.

“There you are,” Harmonia hollers. I twist my neck so I can see her fighting her way through the crowd with the twins right behind her, and I smile.

“Hey,” I murmur in response, bracing for impact as she charges toward me and wraps me in her arms. I can immediately feel the tension dripping off her in waves, while fear shines in Thalia’s eyes and Cassandra appears to be too scared to look anywhere but at the ground.

I offer a broad smile, determined to try and inject them with positivity and motivation to get this over and done with. Harmonia takes a step back and I glance to Khaos instinctively.

“We have to protect them.”

The words filter into his mind and before I’ve even finished speaking, he’s nodding in agreement.

I look to my left, smiling at Zen and Xander as I repeat the same process, hoping one day I will be able to project to the four of them at once. But that’s a goal for another day, not right now. Right now, I have the forest before me to contend with, and whatever fun challenges Zellus has hidden inside for everyone.

Each of them nod and murmur their agreement as I turn to Adonis too, and the girls edge closer, coming to a stop before me. I squeeze Cassandra’s shoulder in a silent boost of support, and her hand comes down on top of mine, thanking me without words.

Just as I’m about to lean forward and whisper in her ear, Zellus appears. Not before us, not in the stands. No, that would be far too casual for a man of his ‘stature’ apparently, which is why he’s floating above the forest with his arms out at his sides and a wide smile on his face. How it’s visible from down here is beyond me, but it’s never a surprise when this man is involved.

In a navy suit, with a pale shirt and blood red tie, he screams of the cunning man he is. “Good morning, students, guests, faculty,” he begins, his smile somehow spreading further across his face as he addresses everyone seated above us around the perimeter of the forest before me. “I’m so glad you’re all here to view this unprecedented event for our first years. I feel this test is the most fitting way for us to assess if gifting the powers to our children earlier is the correct way to proceed with future first years,” he continues, making me roll my eyes at his bullshit.

“One day he’s going to choke on all that horse shit falling from his mouth,” Adonis grumbles, glaring up at Zellus as I chuckle at the words sprouting from his lips.

“Agreed,” Khaos grunts from my right, his voice short and sharp as he folds his arms over his chest, watching Zellus’ every move.

“The aim of the test is to get through the grounds, exiting on the other side where Pandora’s Box awaits. Touching the Box will solidify you passed the test,” he confirms, pointing behind him in the distance. His gaze finally tilts down to us on the ground, his facial features somehow darkening as he laces his fingers together. “It’s all about strategy. Whether you work alone or as a team is up to you, you must consider every step, calculate every breath, and make it to the other side. Whatever it takes to survive.”

Pulling my gaze from him, I look around at the other students. A few are huddled in groups, while others stand solo, arms braced at their sides as they take deep breaths, preparing for whatever is about to come. A mixture of fear, stress, anxiousness, and excitement buzzes through the crowd as I glance over them.

“We’ve got this, guys,” Harmonia announces, her white hair flicking around her shoulders as she tilts her face to look at me and I nod. I don’t know whether she needed confirmation that we’re going to do this all together, but that’s what I gave her anyway.

“Good luck!” Zellus yells at the top of his voice as he claps his hands and the sound of a horn blares through the air.

Without missing a beat, everyone around us starts racing toward the wooded area. Even Hector and Selene, who I spy off to the left, shoving past others as they hurry into the madness.

I hold my position for a moment, my unit and my friends surprisingly doing the same as I take a deep breath.

Once upon a time down in Phoenix Valley, this would have been something I would have faced alone. But now, I stand side by side with my men, and my closest friends.

My life isn’t the same as it was when I first arrived. It’s different now.

I have purpose.

I have drive.

I have determination.

Releasing a heavy sigh, I face forward once more, watching as the other students lead the way through the overgrown forest, the trees blocking out almost all of the sunlight as I nod, remembering the words Zen murmured once, under much calmer circumstances.

“We enter together and we leave together, always.”

30

ADONIS

“W e enter together and we leave together, always.”

I’d follow this fucking woman to the ends of the earth, to every corner of darkness, and everything in between. This ridiculous test before me, is nothing in comparison to what I’d do for her.

Rhea takes off after the rest of the first year students, walking with determination as Harmonia, Thalia, and Cassandra quicken their pace to keep up with her.

My concern for her friends plays on my mind. I’m not aware of Harmonia’s abilities, and none of them have shared their gifts from Pandora’s Box, so I don’t really know what they can bring to the table. But on the other hand, they’re blindly walking into this at our sides, trusting in us, so we should return that trust too.

Their importance to Rhea, and the twins to Khaos, mean we won’t leave them to fend for themselves. Ever.

I keep myself close to Rhea’s back, happy to have her guide me into the woods as Khaos hangs back beside me, with Zen and Xander flanking either side of the girls.

Stepping into the woods, it feels eerily quiet in comparison to outside, the temperature dropping slightly as the rumble of the spectators and their cheers slowly dissipate. In its place is complete and utter silence, except for the snapping of twigs beneath our feet as the other first years run straight into their destiny.

I look up into the high trees shielding us from the sun and the outside world, but nothing catches my attention. It’s movement on the ground that makes my head whip to the left as I notice how large the tree roots are. Protruding out of the ground, and moving slowly like a snake through the grass, my eyes almost bug out of my head in surprise. This is some next level shit.

“What the fuck?” Khaos grunts, pointing in the exact same direction as I’m looking, and I nod like it makes a difference.

“Watch the floor, the roots are moving,” I holler, making Rhea glance back over her shoulder at me while Zen and Xander freeze in place to see what we’re seeing.

“That is some crazy ass shit,” Harmonia says in surprise, hands on her hips as she assesses the situation.

“What do you think those glistening particles in the air are?” Thalia asks, pointing straight ahead as she frowns, and everyone follows her line of sight. I notice a large satchel strapped to her back, concealing whatever item she has brought with her, and it piques my interest. That’s the beauty of Pandora’s gift, they’re designed for the individual and their needs so we never know who is given what until we use it.

“Do you want to take a closer look?” Cassandra asks as Khaos and I come to a stop next to the rest of the group.

Standing in place, I spin on the spot, taking everything into account as the trees move behind us, shutting us in and covering the entryway. Well, there’s only one way for us to go.

“It looks like that could be the direction we need to head toward anyway,” Rhea says, indicating exactly where everyone is running as she puts one foot in front of the other and gets everyone moving again.

Keeping in step with the group, I observe a few students racing toward the orange and yellow tiny particles floating in the air. “Why the fuck is everyone running? It’s not a damn race, and they’re just going to get caught off guard and injured,” I grumble, raking my fingers through my hair.

“Just because Zellus didn’t say it was a race, doesn’t mean it isn’t one. We know what he’s like. They threw all of this at us far too casually for it to not put everyone on edge,” Harmonia replies, making me quirk my eyebrows. That makes a lot of sense. Not the kind of information I want to admit, but the truth nonetheless.

“Everything is a production with that asshole, he even admitted it yesterday when he gave us the briefing during the assembly. This won’t be any different. I’d bet money on it, and I’m really not into wasting money like that,” Rhea states, tightening her ponytail, before dropping her hand back to her dagger.

Silence descends over us as we come closer to the shimmering in the air, the eight of us tilting our heads right back as we walk under the array of colors. None of us touch it, and nothing comes from it unsuspectingly, which leaves me wondering what the hell they’re for. Because we all know everything in here will have a purpose.

“Do you think they’re direction hints?” Rhea suddenly asks, pointing straight ahead through the trees to where a hint of light seems to filter in brighter. It makes another grouping of the particles floating in the air shimmer, luring us deeper into the craziness, and we all hum our agreement.

“Let’s go, Firecracker,” Zen states, slipping between Rhea and Harmonia to toss his arm around our girl's shoulder and plant a kiss at her temple. She relaxes into his hold for just a moment, before her spine stiffens once more and her shoulders tense.

She’s been like this all morning, since the very moment she put on her battle gear. It’s like she slipped it on and went into offense mode, alert, aware, and on the balls of her feet with every breath she takes. Her self-preservation instincts have kicked in and we’re now getting to see a glimpse of who Rhea must have been in Phoenix Valley.

Zen seems to respect her boundaries, offering a little comfort before he drops his arm, letting her focus once more. Her focus seems to be the control she needs, watching and observing making her feel stronger and less vulnerable.

A scream cuts through the air, making us all pause for a split second as our heads turn to the left, following the noise with wide eyes.

The gut-wrenching cry burns from someone’s lungs again, and before I can even try and distract everyone away from the drama to follow the path again, Rhea is taking off without a backward glance.

Toward. The. Fucking. Noise.

Goddamn this woman. She will be the death of me.

“What the hell is she doing?” Khaos says in just as much bewilderment as I’m feeling right now, but I don’t bother to respond, taking off after her as quickly as possible.

My little incubus ego is immediately bruised when Xander and Khaos race off at the speed of fucking light to catch up with her, leaving me to push through at my mundane fucking pace with Zen right beside me.

The twins laugh as they join their cousin, while Harmonia brings up the rear, thankfully making me look marginally better.

I see the reason why the noise was so hoarse and pained as I spy Rhea coming to a stop with the rest of the group beside her.

“Holy fuck,” Harmonia gasps, echoing the words in my head as I see the student pinned to the tree, trapped beneath one of the vines that was moving on the ground earlier.

The vines coil around her body, slowly making its way up from her feet to her throat, and I watch as the girl thrashes from side to side, begging words falling from her lips on a cry as they strangle her.

“Please, please, please! Somebody help me.”

My eyes flash from her to my woman, and I immediately tense, wanting to pull her away from the agony slowly unfolding before us. Cutting between the twins, I step up to Rhea and place a hand on her shoulder.

“Rhea, baby, let’s go before more come out of the fucking woodwork and take a liking to one of us,” I murmur, hoping to nudge her along, but she glances back at me like I just grew a second head.

“We can’t just leave her there,” she says, brows pinching as she turns back to the girl. This close I notice blood smeared on her face and painting her usually light colored hair.

“She’s not our problem, Rhea,” Khaos states, seeming to agree with me as she shakes her head in disbelief.

“You guys are un-fucking-believable,” she grumbles under her breath, before taking the dozen steps toward the hysterical girl, pulling her dagger from her waist and slicing through the vines.

I expect her to be met with resistance, the thick vines far too much of a match for any blade, but to my complete shock, the gold edge cuts through it without a hint of straining.

Rhea grunts, hacking at the final coil at the girl's feet, who falls to the ground a moment later, landing in a heap of limbs as her sobs quieten.

“How the fuck is her blade so good?” Cassandra asks out loud, saying exactly what is on my mind too as no one responds, unable to fathom an answer as Rhea crouches down and offers her hand to the girl on the floor.

This is what makes her different to me, to us. Her human side shining through for all to see, proving just how fucking special she truly is.

The rest of us, supernaturals as a whole and those currently standing before her, we’re all too fucking selfish to offer a helping hand to one another. We should be embarrassed. But just as she is irrevocably her, I am always me.

Selfish in every situation unless they involve her.

She is the only reason my heart beats, and the only person to cut through my own magic to get to my core. Her. No one else, not my brothers or my family. Just her.

“Oh my Gods, oh my Gods, oh my Gods,” the girl repeatedly sobs, taking Rhea’s hand and rising to her feet, before wrapping her arms tightly around Rhea’s neck. I watch as the other half of my soul stills, not appreciating the contact as she turns to meet my eyes with her own pleading back at me.

Cutting the distance between us as the rest of the group watch in a mixture of amusement and horror, I grab the girl's arm and slowly but surely remove her from Rhea. Once she’s finally let go, I take a step back, my girl back at my side as she speaks directly into my mind.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime, baby. Maybe next time though, don’t run off toward the danger, yeah?”

She doesn’t reply but I don’t miss the smirk that graces her lips.

This fucking woman.

Turning my attention to the girl, hands swiping down her t-shirt as she takes a few deep breaths, I watch as she looks at Rhea, relief and joy in her eyes as she tries to find more words of gratitude.

All of which are cut short by the sound of a neck snapping, the girl's head lolling to the side as she slowly drops to the floor at our feet.

What. The. Fuck.

The silence that descends over us is deafening, leaving me speechless for a moment, before my defenses rise and I take a step forward, placing myself in front of Rhea as I search for the threat.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to call out to whoever the attacker was, but the laughter that reaches my ears answers my question.

“Don’t try and stop the inevitable, whore.”

Selene.

Fucking Selene.

Anger and horror swarms around me from the people at my side, glancing between the dead girl on the floor and the evil bitch that has been nothing but a pain in my ass since we arrived at Saints Academy. Fuck, long before when she thought she could sink her claws into me by encouraging our families to connect. If she knew me at all, she would know that would have the opposite effect.

Stupid bitch.

“You’re going to fucking pay for that,” Rhea bites, unafraid as Harmonia comes to stand at her side, arm stretched out in front of her, ready to attack, or defend with whatever it is she can do, but just as quick as Selene appeared, she fucking disappears.

Fuck. My. Life.

Swinging my arms out to the side, before flinging them back and pinning Rhea to me, I spin on the spot, ready for Selene to pop up somewhere else. But after circling around three times, I come up empty.

“I think she’s gone,” Rhea says, frustration thick in her tone as she steps out of my hold and looks down at the girl before us.

I glance at my brothers, all of which are staring back at me in just as much shock as I feel. Selene has been a bitch for as long as I’ve known her, but to heartlessly kill someone like that?

Fuck.

Swiping my hair back off my face, I glance over my shoulder at the twins when I hear a groan. Cassandra almost looks green in the face, her brows knitting together as her hands clench at her side.

“Fuck, Cass, are you okay?” Thalia asks, gripping her sister by the shoulder who nods gruffly in response.

“I’m sorry, I just, I’m struggling with…” she waves at the dead girl on the floor, her words trailing off as her eyes burn red around the edges.

“Let’s go,” Khaos orders, wrapping his arm around Rhea as Thalia does the same to her sister, and they take off at a crazy speed, heading toward the shimmering particles up ahead.

“We’ll catch up, no stress,” I holler, watching as Xander joins them, leaving Harmonia, Zen, and me to trail behind, even while running as fast as we can.

Making sure to watch the land beneath our feet, dodging and jumping over thick vines, I slow my movement when I notice them all standing in the archway between the trees that lead out of the covered area.

That can’t be it, this can’t be the end, that would be too fucking easy for these fuckers.

Coming to a stop beside them, I notice what has their attention, and I curse under my breath.

Of course I was right. Standing before us is a canyon so big I can barely see the other side. Oranges, reds, and browns cover the dry, dead land, the visual would be breathtaking if it was under any other circumstance, but right now, this is really not what we need.

“Cass, do you want me to freeze you?” Harmonia asks, panting after running as she distracts me from taking in the view, and when I turn to face them, I find Cassandra shaking her head in response.

“No, no. I need to figure it out, Harm,” she murmurs, swiping her nose with the cuff of her sleeve. “It’s manageable for now, but if it worsens, I’ll let you know.”

I can’t help but admire her strength, that’s for sure.

I watch Rhea as she observes her friend, a soft smile on her face as she embraces her friend's willpower.

“Okay, if that’s off the agenda for now, how the fuck do we figure this out?” Xander asks, looking out over the gaping hole in the ground before us.

I glance from left to right, hoping to see some others figuring this out better than us, but I don’t see anyone. They’re either back where we just came from, or further ahead. Either way, that doesn’t help us right now.

“How are we supposed to just know someone who can fly us over there?” Thalia says, more to herself than to anyone specifically, but it kicks Zen into gear.

“It’s a good thing I have wings then, huh?” he says with a smirk, moving to Rhea’s side, and she immediately plants her hands on his chest, looking up at him with trepidation in his eyes.

“Are you sure that’s not too far to go repeatedly back and forth for all of us?” she asks, her lips twisting in thought. “Not to mention the fact that there are spectators somewhere, watching all of this, and they’ll see your gorgeous wings,” she adds, stroking her thumb over his cheek as his brows pinch together.

The mention of his wings puts him in a difficult position. The black feathers aren’t ever taken as a good trait, and if I know Zen like I think I do, he will be more worried about his family's reputation than his own. Like they would care about anything other than loving him just as they do now.

“Or we could use this,” Thalia announces, reaching behind her to take the satchel off her back, eyes scanning over each of us for the briefest of moments. The war inside of her, deciding whether she should share her gift with us or not, lasts all of five seconds as she shakes her head and reaches inside.

Xander takes a step forward, and my mind jolts to life, remembering this motherfucker can summon portals, but I hold my tongue, wanting to see what Khaos’ cousin and Rhea’s friend has to offer.

With a small grunt, she pulls a circular item from her bag. It’s similar in size and shape to Zen’s shield, but instead of just one large sheet of metal it’s three tubed circles. The silver shines under the bright sunlight that sits above us, beating down unrelentingly without care.

Thalia clears her throat, shoving the satchel on her back once more before she rises to her feet and holds the item out between us. “Everybody get at least one hand on it,” she orders, and after a moment's pause, the seven of us looking at it with contemplation, we all hold on. “Okay,” she mutters to herself, swelling past the lump in her throat as she clears her lungs with a heavy sigh. “All or nothing right?”

No one gets a chance to respond, my knuckles wrapped tightly around the object as she looks out across the canyon and closes her eyes. No one else gets a hint to follow suit, when a second later we’re spinning on the spot, the speed increasing so fast I question my strength. But my focus is solely on Rhea as she remains across from me, sandwiched between Xander and Zen.

The spinning slows, and when we come to a stop, I look down at my feet in confusion, not seeing anything different from a few beats earlier. It’s only when I lift my head that I see the forest on the other side of the canyon. Which means…

“Holy shit,” I blurt, releasing the object as I glance around, confirming she indeed got us across the fucking canyon that easily, without revealing the wolf secret of creating portals and Zen’s wings.

“Oh my Gods,” Harmonia squeals, and I hear Rhea laugh which brings a smile to my lips. I could get lost in that sound, especially when the test is getting more fucked up by the second.

“We’re one step closer,” Rhea announces, beaming from ear to ear as Xander plants a kiss on her temple.

“What’s that sound?” Zen asks, scrunching his face in confusion as he glances around, and I turn my attention to the tall palm trees that line the edge of the cliff. I barely hear the sound before Khaos answers him.

“Water.”

That one word has everyone freezing and turning their attention to Rhea. Her eyebrows are up in her hairline, caught off guard, before she quickly relaxes her features, remaining neutral as always, but I can sense the shift in her.

Without a word I cut the distance to her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder as I pin her to my side and head into the palm trees. “Baby, are you forgetting what I can control now?” I ask, keeping my voice light and high as I distract her with a grin. When she looks at me in confusion, I point over my shoulder, tapping the top of my trident, and her gaze softens immediately.

“What would I ever do without you, huh?” she says with a flirty wink, and I grip her side playfully.

“I dread to think,” I mumble in response, hearing the footsteps of everyone keeping up with us. I bask in her embrace for a second, releasing a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding the entire time.

Khaos appears at her other side, highly aware of what happened the last time she was near water, and the undeniable need to protect her takes over us all.

The rows of palm trees thin out as we continue walking, and the sight of a river in the distance captures my attention, but it’s not near, not in the sense we’d hope. No. The path has opened up to the edge of a cliff, and as I near, glancing over the side, I couldn’t even put a number on how high up we are.

Fuck.

I sense Rhea tense beside me, so I place a kiss to her hairline, before nudging her toward Khaos. He takes her hand immediately as I lean as far over as possible, fearless as the height doesn't concern me.

The waterfall is directly beneath us, gushing from the rocks and cascading down into the lake as white foam gathers at the bottom. I can see the solution immediately, glad that I have my trident. Pulling it from the holster at my back, I turn to glance at my girl and see a smile filled with pride on her face. I’m not sure what it is truly for, but since it’s aimed at me, I’ll fucking take it.

Aiming the trident at the waterfall, I tease the edges like I did out by the lake, swirling my gift from side to side, watching as the water follows the motion.

Perfect.

Closing my eyes I release a breath, visualizing what it is I want the water to do. I pry my eyes back open to look down at the water, and the grin that spreads across my face is undeniable. Moments later the water laps at the edge of the cliff that we stand on and I take a step back.

“I don’t think you were supposed to bring the water to her, asshole,” Xander grunts, and I roll my eyes.

“No, I was meant to make a path,” I retort, cocking a brow at him as I keep my trident pointed at the liquid and my arm swings out, indicating for them to follow the direction.

To my surprise, it’s Harmonia who takes the first step, looking down at what I’ve done as she gasps in shock. “Holy fucking shit, Adonis. You’re awesome.”

“I know,” I say with a smirk, shrugging my shoulders like what I did was no big deal. I keep my attention fixed on Rhea, who rolls her eyes at me, but intrigue gets the better of her and moments later she’s standing at Harmonia’s side.

When her jaw drops, everyone else follows, looking at my handiwork, and I preen like a fucking peacock, giving zero shits about it as I bask in the hints of praise that falls from their mouths.

“You can definitely take the first step,” Zen says, a grin on his lips as I turn on the spot to face the staircase leading right down to the river, made entirely of water. There’s even a fucking banister because I’m that awesome and considerate.

Happy to take the lead, I don’t look back as I slowly start to take one step at a time, and in no time at all my feet are touching the wet grass at the bottom of the cliff.

Glancing back up at everyone else, I’m surprised to see them making their way down already. I half expected them to make me a guinea pig the entire way down, but they clearly trusted in me sooner than I thought.

Rhea and Khaos are the last two to reach the bottom, and once they’re firmly on the ground, I use my trident to slowly swirl the water back into the river without making a splash. As tempting as it is, I don’t want to trigger Rhea right now. I’m proud as hell of her for getting down the steps, and I don’t want to spoil that.

“Where to—”

Harmonia’s words are cut short as a gurgling cry rings out around us.

Not again.

I turn an expectant look toward Rhea, pleading with her to stay fucking put, but she’s already taking off toward the trees that line the bottom edge of the river. Red dances in the sky, flickering and burning, and concern immediately ripples within me.

“Rhea,” I yell, quick to chase after her even though I know there are those much faster than me here, but it’s not until we get through the first line of trees that I truly see what is going on and my heart stills. “Rhea, fuck!”

I grab her around the waist, pinning her to my chest as I drop us to the ground with a heavy thump and hide behind a boulder to my right. I move as quickly and as quietly as I can, making a total dick choice and covering her mouth with my hand, but I instantly channel into my thoughts, pleading for her to hear me.

She doesn’t fight or struggle against my hold as our friends all zoom right past us. My heart pounds in my chest, my pulse ringing in my ears as I try to calm the rage coursing through my veins.

I didn’t have time to hold them back as well. I only had time for her, and my gut tells me she’s exactly who and what they want.

“It’s a set up, Rhea. A set up.”

“How the fuck do you know that?”

Her chest rises and falls with every heavy breath, uncertainty flashing in her eyes as I glance down at her, but instead of rushing to join our unit and friends like she expects me to, I drop to my ass, taking her with me as I press my back into the rock.

“Because those flames were blue, baby.”

Her brows pinch together, confusion evident on her face as she waits for me to explain, but there’s no time for that. There’s no time for anything.

“I have an idea, but you have to trust me.”

31

KHAOS

E ven with my speed, I stumble to a stop, unable to figure out where the fuck Rhea and Adonis just disappeared too. A clearing among the trees opens up, the sky above us burning red as the embers of a fire in the ground shine blue.

Not just any blue.

Hell blue.

What the fuck is going on?

Xander slows at my side, the twins halting to my right, their confusion just as evident as mine as Harmonia and Zen slow behind us.

My heart thunders in my chest as I notice who stands on the other side of the fire, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is a set up.

Fuck.

How did we not see this earlier?

And where the fuck are Rhea and Adonis?

“Ah, I’m so glad you could join us, although none of you are who I’m here for,” Zellus says, brushing invisible lint off his sleeves as he rounds the huge hole in the ground, the blue flames flickering with rage.

“She was definitely with them, and she ran to help someone earlier. She’ll be here,” Selene promises, Hector at her side as Selene tilts her head back and lets out a pained scream, begging for help, and my gut twists in knots at the reality of the situation.

Fear attempts to coat every inch of me, but I push it down, focusing on the here and now where I’m needed.

Rhea must be hidden, that much is for sure because they clearly haven’t gotten their hands on her yet. Stay fucking hidden, Venom, and don’t come out.

The three motherfuckers before us come closer, standing between us and the flames of hell, and just when I think things can’t possibly get any worse, the sound of a branch snapping behind me draws everyone’s attention away.

Fucking fuck.

Rhea.

Her hands are fisted at her sides, her moves slow yet determined as she approaches us. I can’t take my eyes off her, pleading for her to look my way, but she keeps her eyes fixed ahead.

“Are you okay?” I ask, the same way I’ve become so used to, but she doesn’t respond, making my heart beat even faster.

I look to Zen and Xander, silently trying to show my concern, and the dark eyes that greet me in response show me they’re feeling the exact same way.

“What is it you’re expecting to achieve here?” Rhea asks as she comes to a stop in front of us. The twins and Harmonia remain tight-lipped, watching the scene unfold, and when I try to take a step forward, wanting and needing to be closer to my Venom, I find my feet rooted to the spot.

Glancing down, anger gets the better of me when I find my feet buried, trapped, in the ground beneath me, the soil rising to my ankles and holding me captive. Just as it has to everyone else standing beside me.

“I’m ready to watch your demise, Miss Harrington,” Zellus declares, arms out wide as he indicates the flames flickering behind him, and I grunt, trying to escape from the mess I’ve found myself in.

That one little noise from me seems to gather Selene’s attention and a laugh bursts from her lips as she edges closer. “Do you like my magic, Khaos?” she asks with a raised brow and a cocky smirk on her lips.

“Do you like mine?” Harmonia growls, throwing her hands out in front of her and freezing Selene on the spot. The panic in her eyes grows as they move from side to side, but she does nothing else since Harmonia’s magic takes its hold.

I glance to my right, slightly impressed with Rhea’s friend as Hector steps forward, shaking Selene desperately, before turning to face us. “What the fuck did you do to her?” he hisses, making me roll my eyes at his dramatics.

Zen steps forward, almost in line with Rhea who looks straight ahead, eyes remaining on Zellus who watches the entire thing unfold. The floor begins to rumble beneath our feet, freeing our limbs and crumbling the soil easily.

“Thanks, brother,” I murmur, ready to reach for my Venom and get her the fuck out of here, but as my hands grab for her waist, she’s moved from my touch, a blur of a vision impossible to see until they come to a stop beside the wild flames.

Mother.

“You should have listened to me, Son. If you had given me control over the sealed souls like I wanted, none of this would have to happen.” Anger courses through my veins as she keeps Rhea pinned to her front, arms tucked in at her sides unable to move in my mother’s hold as she struggles.

Her black eyes burn into mine, her usual suit attire long forgotten as she stands before us in a pair of combat pants and a bright red t-shirt.

Raising my hands in defeat, I take a step toward her slowly. “I think you’re being a bit rash here, Mother. How about you release Rhea and we can have a conversation? You know. Like. Normal. Fucking. People,” I bite, pleading with her against my better judgment, and she fucking cackles like the bitch she is.

With Harmonia holding Selene in place, Hector worrying over her and Zellus watching on in delight as everything plays out like a damn tv show, I feel helpless yet determined at the same time.

Where the fuck is Adonis right now?

I need him here to glamor the fuck out of all of this so we can regain the upper hand.

Fuck.

“I’m done with talking, Khaos. Instead, I’m going to enjoy watching her burn for all of eternity in the flames of hell.”

“No!” I yell, my lungs burning as my emotions get the better of me, but my mother takes great delight in the matter, her face a mixture of glee and manic as she releases her hold on Rhea and shoves her toward the blue flames. My heart lurches, my magic ready to dive in after her.

Horror coats every inch of me as I watch Rhea’s arms flail at her sides, eyes wide with fear, struggling for balance as her body tilts backward, a scream ripping from her lungs before the flames swallow her whole.

My chest heaves with every breath I take, my eyes blinking hard as I try to shake the awful vision from my mind. This can't be happening. Not to me, not to my Venom. But the laughter that bursts from my mother’s lips only solidifies it.

Harmonia releases Selene from her magic as a cry of disbelief bursts from her lips. Xander growls low and raw before he shifts at my side, his wolf coming to the forefront of his mind as the floor begins to rumble even harder with Zen’s anger.

I take a split second to decide who I’m going for, my mother or Zellus, but before I take the first step, the sound of something shattering behind me reaches my ears as black smoke billows out around us, making it impossible to find the source.

Darkness rises from the ground up, the smoke turning into utter nothingness until the entire sky is no longer shining down on us. We’re truly draped in blackness. It feels like complete emptiness. I look around at my brothers who are just as enraptured by the evolving atmosphere as I am, but when I glance at my mother and Zellus, all I see is fear flickering in their eyes, the flames of hell providing the only source of light.

What the fuck is going on?

With only the flames now lighting the area, the sound of thunder crackling has me even more on edge until a figure appears before us, floating down from the sky in a swirl of blacks and purples.

A woman with jet black hair and amethyst colored eyes floats to the ground, a black cape hanging from her shoulders as she grips my mother by her throat at the same time her shoes touch the soil beneath her. I’m stunned by my mother’s inability to fight back, only struggling against the tight grip around her neck for the briefest of moments before the woman raises her in the air and tosses her into the open flame too.

The sounds of my mother’s cries echo in my mind as the woman turns her attention to Zellus.

“What have you done to my daughter?”

AFTERWORD

Honestly, someone give this author a left hook for me because she needs to listen!! These cliffhangers aren’t okay, like at all, what a bitch!

Haha

For real, book ones cliffhanger took a moment, book two’s cliffhanger was reworked four times!!!! This cliffhanger…. Is fifty percent of the reason this series was even written haha

It felt so bizarre writing a third book and it not being the last book in the series, but Rhea and her men have just got too much drama for three books to be enough. Am I right?

Let the countdown to December begin.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Michael. You know you rock so hard it’s not even funny! To encouraging me with every word, to helping me find my happy medium so I don’t write myself into a corner and go crazy. Thank you for loving me for me, nobody else would be able to handle my crazy ass, I love you <3

My babies, yup still babies, I don’t care lol thank you for always telling me you’re proud of me and my work, it means more than words will ever describe.

Thank you to my Queen Bee’s; Tanya, Nicole, and Jen. Imagine our lifes without that group chat? Haha menaces!

A million thank yous to my beta’s; Michelle, Monica, Brianna, Emma, Keira, Lorna, and Kerrie! You know I love all of your words, even if they are claiming the men in the books haha

Kirsty mate, such a star! Thank you for taking all of the strain, and actually sharing this bad boy with people haha

Thank you Laura for making my babies hot as fuck as always! You’re on another level.

Sloane and Sarah always making my words sit straight and the interiors look so fire! I appreciate it so much!

Valerie, the last one, thank you for everything, I wish you all of the luck in the future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KC Kean is the sassy half of a match made in heaven. Mummy to two beautiful children, Pokemon Master and Apex Legend world saving gamer.

Starting her adventure in the RH romance world after falling in love with it as a reader, who knows where this crazy train is heading. As long as there is plenty of steam she’ll be there.

Come and join me over at my Facebook group, follow my author Facebook page, and enjoy Instagram with me.

You can also subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

ALSO BY KC KEAN

Featherstone Academy

(Reverse Harem Contemporary Romance)

My Bloodline

Your Bloodline

Our Bloodline

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**

The Allstars Series

(Reverse Harem Contemporary Romance)

Toxic Creek

Tainted Creek

Twisted Creek

Standalone MF

Burn To Ash

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The Emerson U Series

(Reverse Harem Contemporary Romance)

Watch Me Fall

Watch Me Rise

Watch Me Reign

Saints Academy

(Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance)

Reckless Souls

Damaged Souls

Vicious Souls

Fearless Souls coming December 9th

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

Dedication

Epigraph

Summary

1. Khaos

2. Zen

3. Rhea

4. Rhea

5. Rhea

6. Rhea

7. Rhea

8. Zen

9. Rhea

10. Rhea

11. Rhea

12. Khaos

13. Rhea

14. Xander

15. Xander

16. Rhea

17. Rhea

18. Rhea

19. Adonis

20. Rhea

21. Khaos

22. Rhea

23. Rhea

24. Rhea

25. Rhea

26. Rhea

27. Rhea

28. Xander

29. Rhea

30. Adonis

31. Khaos

Afterword

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by KC Kean