Elemental Fae Academy: Book One Read online

  She took a step backward, tears gathering in her eyes.

  “Don’t even start,” I snapped, tired of women crying today. “Go.” The word echoed across the quad, sending several fae running toward their dorms, including Ignis and her frigid bitch of a friend.

  But Mortus stayed, his beady black eyes blazing with fury. “I told you this would happen. She shouldn’t be here, Exos. This little experiment of yours is doomed to fail.”

  “Thank you for the input.” I infused a hint of dismissal in my words, which, of course, infuriated him more.

  “You’re a pompous little prick, just like your father.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “You may be my senior in age, but make no mistake.” I took a step toward him. “I am your superior in all ways. Now, fuck off before I make you fuck off.” While I gave Ignis a glimpse of my power, I allowed this asshole to see it all. My gaze swirled with it, the aura of energy swimming between us and belittling his to ash.

  He didn’t bow, as one should, but instead stalked off, his shoulders stiff, in the direction of Elana’s home rather than in the direction of the Fire Quad faculty quarters.

  I sighed, glancing at a still-fuming Titus, who stood beside a shaking Claire. She wasn’t crying—thank the gods—but her pale expression and curved shoulders indicated her to be on the verge of it. Or maybe shock.

  “I-I didn’t…” Her blue eyes flickered to mine, feeling my gaze upon her. “Exos, I-I’m sorry. I…”

  I gathered her in my arms before she could finish, my lips in her hair and then pressing to her ear. “It’s going to be okay, Claire.”

  She trembled against me, her head swaying back and forth. “B-but I almost killed you,” she mumbled. “A-and I don’t even r-remember doing it. Then the fire earlier, it was out of my control, and now this. And I can’t do this, Exos. I’m so sorry. I’m making this all worse. Even when I try, I just hurt people. I hurt you.” The last three words were a whisper, her broken voice fracturing my heart.

  Something was happening here, something nefarious, because I would swear on my life that the flood had nothing to do with Claire. The signatures didn’t match. Just like the flames. I felt her power in that bar. It didn’t match what I sensed today.

  Shaking my head, I cupped her cheeks, forcing her to meet my gaze. “We’re going to figure this out, baby. I promise.”

  Her face crumpled. “I heard what they were saying, Exos. They hate me. Because of what my mother did, what I keep doing.” She inhaled slowly, as if striving for control not to cry. “You shouldn’t have to do any of this for me, not after, well, everything.”

  “Oh, Claire. I want to do this for you.” I brushed my lips against hers, knowing like hell that I would regret this later and not giving a damn right now. “You’re mine to protect, sweetheart.”

  “You barely know me,” she replied so softly I almost missed the statement.

  “You’re thinking like a human, not a fae.” I nuzzled her nose, smiling at our ridiculous situation. She had no idea what it meant to initiate the bonds, yet she’d fallen headfirst into our connection. While she might not think she knew me, her spirit did. And that was what I called to me now—her inner strength—the need to embolden her taking hold of my instincts. She needed to know I had her back, that I believed in her, that I knew she could do this.

  Stop fighting it, I told myself. Let her see.

  My mouth sealed over hers, my fingers sliding into her hair to tilt her head to the angle I desired. She grabbed my shirt, her surprise evident in the way she parted her lips. I slid my tongue inside, my grip tightening as I took control and truly kissed her. None of that truth-or-dare shit from the bar. This was a real embrace, the kind of lovers, not acquaintances.

  I wanted her to know me, to have my taste in her mouth for the rest of the week, to truly experience our connection and yearn for more.

  And most importantly, I wanted her to believe in herself the way I believed in her.

  My comments about dropping her in the Spirit Realm were all empty threats, words meant to piss her off and embolden her. But that tactic had not worked as I wanted it to. So this was my new path, my way of showing my support and allowing her to know a piece of me I never revealed to anyone else.

  Her spirit brushed mine, the energy warming between us and flourishing into the night. Yes, I urged. Dance with me.

  Power erupted around us, our souls mingling on a wave of existence only Spirit Fae could access. Wonder traveled through the bond, her surprise palpable and sweet and causing me to smile against her mouth.

  “There’s your spirit, baby,” I whispered. Then I deepened our kiss before she could reply and showered her in adoration and encouragement in the only way I knew how—by allowing her access into my heart. It was where our bond originated and anchored, where the elements lived inside a fae. A private resource only mates could access and I granted her entrance into mine, providing her with the most intimate experience known to our kind.

  But she needed this to ground her. She needed to feel my courage to bolster her own, to borrow some of my faith in her, to see how deep this connection could go if we allowed it.

  You’re going to be all right.

  You can do this.

  I’m here to help you.

  Trust me.

  Let me cherish you.

  She couldn’t hear my thoughts so much as sense them, the emotion behind them causing her to relax in my arms and return my embrace. So sweet and tentative, but addictive. If we weren’t standing outside, drenched from head to toe, I’d take this a step further. But I could already feel the tug from Elana requesting my presence. Just a subtle nudge, one she could do as a Spirit Fae.

  There would be another meeting.

  And I needed to be there to protect Claire.

  I pressed my forehead to hers, breathing deeply, my tongue already missing hers. We would pick this up later, after I assured her safety. “You’re going to be all right,” I vowed. “But I need to go handle Mortus.”

  “Why do I know that name?” she asked, her brow crumpling.

  I cleared my throat. Titus must have provided her with the history. “Mortus is the fae your mother fought.”

  Her blue eyes flashed, her body going rigid all over again. “That’s who…?” Her mouth dropped. “Oh God…”

  I cupped her cheek again, pressing my lips to hers and then to her forehead. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll handle him.”

  “But he must hate me.” Her gaze snagged mine. “I’m the product of her infidelity.”

  “Which isn’t your fault,” I said, wrapping my palm around the back of her neck. “You will not feel bad about actions and decisions that were out of your control. Do you understand?”

  She swallowed, but nodded, her pupils dilating.

  “Good.” I kissed her temple before glancing at Titus. Fire blazed in his eyes, having witnessed the entire exchange between us.

  Now you know how it feels, I told him with a look, understanding exactly how this appeared to him. Because I’d experienced the same pang of jealousy and annoyance when I found them naked in bed together. But unlike him, I already understood that Claire may need more than one mate to balance her power. That had happened to my mother, after all—hence Cyrus and I having different fathers.

  Of course, that didn’t mean I had to accept the same fate for myself.

  Regardless, we didn’t have time to waste on fighting over her. She needed our protection first and foremost, and right now, he was the only one I trusted who could help keep her safe.

  “Can she stay with you for the rest of the night?” I asked.

  He didn’t hesitate, his response immediate. “Yes.”

  “This may take a while, which means you’ll likely miss your classes today. Claire isn’t ready to attend until we lay some ground rules for student interaction.” Not to protect her classmates, but to protect her. The vicious things that were said to her over the last twenty-four hours were unacceptable and n
eeded to be addressed.

  Gods, I did not miss my time here. At all.

  “Okay,” Titus replied, his gaze falling to a frozen Claire. “I won’t let anything happen to her.”

  “I know.” And I did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be handing her over to him. But Claire seemed to need more convincing.

  Oh, how the tides had turned.

  I shook my head, amused.

  And decided to throw Titus a bone.

  “Ignis is a bitch, Claire.” I tilted her chin upward, forcing her to focus on me. “She used an illegal potion to seduce him. I could smell it the second I found him yesterday. So try to take it easy on him. He’s not a complete jackass.” I winked to soften the insult.

  She blinked. “A potion?”

  “I’ll let him explain.” I pressed my mouth to hers once more—because I could, and wanted to—then finally released her. “Stay with Titus until I return, okay?”

  She licked her lips, her gaze bright. “Uh, yeah. Okay.”

  I smirked, enjoying that dazed look on her face far more than I should. “Try to behave, princess. I’ll be back soon.”

  Hopefully.

  It all depended on the Council and how much begging I had to do. No one would believe me if I said it didn’t feel like Claire. Which meant I needed a different approach.

  Fortunately, I had one.

  I just needed them all to accept it.

  Claire

  My lips tingled as I followed a silent Titus to his dorm.

  Exos kissed me.

  Like, well and truly kissed me.

  And holy wow, was it good.

  He’d awoken something inside me, something lively and buoyant—my spirit. I could feel it thriving through every step, the energy warm and familiar and strengthening my every breath. So much power. So much life.

  It had shocked me at first, then floored me. He’d allowed me inside him in a way I didn’t really comprehend, but I saw him. It felt as if I’d known him my entire life, my heart automatically trusting his to guide me.

  For once in my life, I didn’t overanalyze why. I just allowed it. Embraced it. Enjoyed it. Perhaps not the right place or time, but what did it matter? It’d happened. It was done. And I didn’t regret a second of it.

  Except for a little bit now as I stared at Titus’s broad back. Mostly because just seeing all that expanse of tanned skin reminded me that I’d spent the previous night in bed with him. Then kissed Exos tonight as if he were my only lover.

  Yet, I’d been upset over Titus having fucked Ignis the night before we met?

  Yeah, that makes me a hypocrite.

  Shit. I needed to say that I was sorry. However, I couldn’t find the words. Because I didn’t feel bad about kissing Exos. It felt too right for me to belittle it with an apology.

  This was all so damn confusing. Especially considering my still-brewing attraction to Titus, something that remained evident as I moved past him in the entryway while he held open the door. The bare skin of his abdomen practically burned my arm, the intense heat causing me to trip over my own feet.

  He caught my elbow, steadying me, his touch a brand against my arm.

  I just kissed Exos. Passionately. I should not want to lean back into Titus now.

  Swallowing, I pulled away and waited for him to lead, unable to meet his gaze. Not because I was upset with him, but because I couldn’t trust myself not to react.

  He made an irritated noise and pushed past me. My elbow felt cold without him, yet my mouth continued to hum with electricity.

  I can’t have them both.

  But I sort of want to have them both.

  This is so damn confusing.

  Just follow Titus!

  I shook off the war waging in my head and trailed after him, my hands clasped tightly before me. We walked up two flights of stairs to the top floor and stopped at the second door.

  He didn’t say anything as he waved me inside.

  Then I couldn’t utter a word, too captivated by the view.

  His room boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a new part of campus, one I hadn’t seen yet, all lit up by the moon and stars above. A majestic garden of sorts filled with glowing plants and flowers.

  I padded over to the glass, staring down at the enchanted vines curling and growing at impossible speeds and then trimming to allow more flowers to bloom. Every second was a new evolution, the garden shifting and changing at impossible swiftness.

  “This building backs up to the Earth Quad,” he said, moving to my side. “The vast garden separates us, but there are pathways between. Of course, they’re constantly moving to adapt to the greenery, so it’s easy to get lost.”

  “Wow.” I stroked the glass as if to touch one of the glowing flowers, entranced by the magic sprinkled throughout the immense field. I couldn’t even see the dorms beyond. “This is…” Amazing? Nothing like home? I had no adequate words.

  “Yeah, it’s something,” he replied, running his fingers through his hair and taking a step back. “Do you, uh, need something to wear?”

  I glanced down at my soaked clothing, my cheeks pinkening at the realization of how revealing this dress had become. “Er, yes. Please.”

  He nodded and disappeared into a bedroom off the living area. The rest of his space reminded me of the dorm room Exos had taken me to—all modern appliances done in black, stone floors, charred walls, and fireproof furniture.

  Titus returned carrying a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. “Here. Bathroom is through there.” He pointed to his bedroom.

  “No roommate?” I asked, noticing it was the only door.

  “No. I don’t play well with others.” His flat tone had me biting my lip and nodding.

  “Right. I’ll just go change.” I walked quickly through his room, not wanting to invade his private space any more than I already had.

  And found him waiting for me on his bed when I exited. His gaze ran over my shirt and shorts, his lips curling at the edges. “You look good in my clothes, Claire.”

  Oh. My face heated from the dark gleam in his green eyes. “I, uh, thank you?” The last word came out as a squeak, sending another wave of warmth over my skin.

  I’m in so much trouble, I realized, my breath catching in my throat. I really do want them both. It was so wrong. I couldn’t do this, couldn’t be torn between them. But they each called to a different part of me. Parts I didn’t understand. My elements.

  Titus exhaled slowly, running his fingers through his thick, auburn hair. “Look, I know I fucked up. Well, sort of.” He shook his head. “Look, Ignis is a bitch. She tried to force a bond on me with this seduction potion. And because her power is a reasonable match for mine, she managed to get me into bed. But I can’t stand her. I’d never want to be with her, Claire.”

  I clasped my hands before me, unsure of what to say. It wouldn’t be fair of me to judge him, not after my own behavior. Yet hearing his explanation put me slightly at ease. Until I remembered the rest of it. “What about the bet?”

  His gaze narrowed. “You honestly think I’d be doing all this just to win some fucking bet?”

  Did I? My lips twisted to the side as I considered, which had his face reddening.

  “I realize you don’t know me very well, but you should at least be able to discern my intentions. I mean, for fuck’s sake, Claire. I willingly bonded with you. I’m a competitive man, but not that competitive.” He pushed away from the bed to walk over to the windows, his shoulders tense as he shook his head. “I might kill Ignis.”

  For some reason, that last sentence made me smile. I rather liked the idea of throttling her myself. “She’s a bitch,” I agreed, joining him by the glass.

  A horde of violet flowers had formed, each of them releasing crystals into the air that danced around the ever-evolving vines.

  We stood in silence for a while, something I hadn’t realized I needed until right then. But it gave me a moment to ponder everything and sort through my thoughts. About Exos. About
Titus. About this place. About me.

  I called a flicker of fire to play over my fingertips, smiling at how different I felt—powerful and real.

  Ever since I’d arrived, I’d been battling this new reality, fighting Exos, and wanting nothing more than to hide. I lost myself last night to misery. And woke to even more pain. But Exos had done something to me, had awoken some aspect of my being that I hadn’t known.

  And now everything felt right.

  I watched the flame dance across my skin. This truly was a beautiful, unique world. I could be someone brand new here. Someone important. I had the opportunity to prove everyone wrong. The ultimate challenge. I just had to be strong enough to accept it. Fierce enough to master these elements. Wise enough to trust the right mentors.

  Such as the male beside me. “I don’t believe there even is a bet,” I told him, speaking my thoughts out loud. “I think Ignis made it up.”

  He snorted. “I know she did. I tracked down over a dozen fae who are idiotic enough to consider such a ploy, and none of them had heard a word about it. She’s full of shit.”

  “I’m not sure whether I should be offended by her tactics or flattered. She seems to be going out of her way to ruin me without knowing me.”

  “She’s had it in her head for months that we’re going to be a thing. Me and her, I mean. And it’s never going to happen.” He shivered, clearly repulsed by the idea. “I’m not a saint, Claire. I’ve dated a lot. But I’m not a cheater.” He met my gaze. “I’m devoted to our courtship. Until you tell me otherwise, I mean.”

  My heart skipped a beat. Oh God. “But I kissed Exos.” I winced, not meaning to just sputter the words out like that. “I mean, it’s… Well, I…” I shook my head, irritated with my inability to form a sentence.

  Titus chuckled. “He kissed you, sweetheart.” He took a step closer, the heat from his body warming mine as he crowded me against the window. “I accepted that he initiated a connection with you already, Claire.” His palm went to the glass beside my head, his opposite hand grabbing my hip. “Just as he’s accepted my courtship.”