Elemental Fae Academy: Book One Page 22

  “I guess it’s not unheard of for a Spirit Fae to take more than one mate,” Vox said. “It’s just never something I’ve considered, and you’re a Royal Fae, too. Like, you’re expected to, well, you know.”

  “Procreate?” I offered, smirking. “Claire can still have children, Vox.” Although, he did bring up a good point. It was one I intended to discuss with her at length, including all the other complexities that accompanied a Royal mating. Fortunately, I had my mother’s experience to lean on when it came to managing multiple mates in a Royal setting. She may have passed years ago, but I remembered the toll it took on her, especially after Cyrus was born.

  “Right. Of course. I know. It’s just—”

  “Becoming my betrothed impacts more than just her,” I finished for him. “Yes, I know. That’s precisely why she and I won’t be moving into the betrothed state anytime soon.” I envied Titus for being so much easier on her senses. She would have nothing to consider where he was concerned, and everything to worry about with me.

  “And Titus?” Vox pressed.

  “Is officially engaged to her fire,” I said, smiling. Around anyone else, I would have kept that detail to myself. But as I suspected Vox to be one of Claire’s future mates, I divulged the detail.

  “Like, as in, right now?”

  I turned the corner of the Air Quad and nodded. “Yes.”

  “You can sense that?”

  “Yes. Her spirit is linked to mine, which means I can see her potential bonds to all fae.” I narrowed my gaze at him. “Such as you, Vox.”

  His light eyes widened. “Oh, no. I’m not. I mean, yeah, her air is similar, but I’m not getting involved in that mess. I’ve never… It’s just not… Look—”

  “What’s more, I feel a duty to vet any potential mates for her other elements. Because only those who are strong enough to protect her should be allowed into the inner circle. I’m sure you understand, right?” I didn’t give him a chance to reply, my mind already made up where Vox was concerned. He could try to fight it all he wanted, but we both knew his power had flirted with hers earlier today. And the Air Fae had liked what he felt. “Now, tell me about this energy signature.”

  We’d been tracking it for almost an hour, but it kept coming and going. Vox had commented on how it didn’t feel right.

  Based on what I sensed earlier, I agreed. Something about the essence seemed manipulated or forged, yet familiar. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

  He cleared his throat and pointed at a nearby dorm. “It honestly reminds me of Aerie’s affinity for air. But not quite. As I said—”

  “It’s been manipulated somehow,” I interjected. “I know.”

  “But that’s not possible, right? Like, I should be able to follow it back to the source.”

  “Could you identify it earlier?”

  He shook his head, his long hair escaping the clasp at the back of his neck. “It was dark and ominous.”

  “And not at all like Claire.”

  “Exactly.”

  “But you couldn’t determine the source?” I pressed.

  “No. Not exactly. But I memorized it.”

  “Because you intended to hunt it later?” I would admire him greatly if that was his plan. It would show promise in his intentions for Claire.

  He pinched his lips to the side. “No, more because I am constantly mapping out signatures.”

  Ah. Well. Still a useful trait. “Which is why it reminds you of Aerie.”

  “Right. She has this spirally air wave around her that I sensed in the vortex, but she’s not strong enough to have created it. Her aura is also not that black.”

  I leaned against the wall of the dorm he’d pointed at moments ago, scratching my jaw. “Maybe she’s working with someone?”

  “It’s possible, but she seemed just as alarmed by that tornado as everyone else.”

  “Could be an act,” I pointed out. “Gave her cause to attack Claire.”

  “True. But…” He shook his head again. “It’s not completely right.”

  I understood what he meant. My instincts said we were missing something important, some key component to the explanation. “We need a trap,” I decided, thinking out loud. “Now that we know we’re dealing with someone manipulating the elements to frame Claire, we need some sort of event to prompt them to act while we observe.”

  “You want to use her as bait.”

  “She’ll have guards.” I looked pointedly at him. “Right?”

  “You’re really not going to take no for an answer, are you?”

  “I only accept viable responses,” I told him. “No is not reasonable.”

  He pulled out his hair tie and shook out his long mane of dark strands. Then fixed it up again. A nervous tell, one he seemed to be using to buy time while he puzzled over a response. We both knew he’d already made up his mind. Why else would he be curious about the dynamic between me, Claire, and Titus?

  Oh, they might not have an initial bond yet, but their powers had already begun dancing around each other. “You’re interested,” I said, amused. “You just have to embrace it.”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Yes. And fun.” I pushed off the wall and glanced up at the star-dotted sky. “Our elements drive us, Vox. Listen to your air, see how it feels, go from there. But in the interim, I need your help in setting up a trap.”

  “What kind of trap?” he asked warily.

  “One where we entice the guilty party to come out to play, then nail his or her ass to the ground. You game?”

  His pupils dilated. “You’re giving me a choice?”

  “No, I just want to know if I need to make this a command or not.” Because he would help either way. But I’d prefer him willing. If he had a stake in this game, he’d care more, and I needed to surround Claire with those who wanted to protect her.

  Vox considered me for a long moment, his expression radiating a mixture of uncertainty and concern. Then he sighed and resolve settled over his features. “All right, Royal Fae. What do you need me to do?”

  “So you’re in?”

  He gave me a look. “I think it’s pretty obvious I joined whatever the hell this is when I showed up at the Spirit Quad tonight.”

  I smiled. “I knew I liked you.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Tell me what you need.”

  “For you to whistle around a rumor,” I replied simply. Then gave him the words I wanted him to repeat. “Tell everyone. Or better yet, say it in front of Aerie and let her weave the web for you.”

  “That’s one hell of a tale to be telling.”

  “It’s what convinced you to venture over to the Spirit Quad, right? A rumor about Claire’s upcoming expulsion?” I hadn’t actually spread that one, the students doing it for me. But when I heard the rumor flying about, I wondered how Vox would react. And he had sought me out, as I’d hoped he would, proving he cared and wanted to protect Claire.

  “You did that?”

  “No, I was too busy caring for Claire. But I was aware of the comments flying around, and I saw the panic in your expression when you arrived. You thought the Council voted to expel her.” Which wasn’t the case at all. We hadn’t even convened yet. Although, a few of them were definitely sending notes of wrath and consequence through the air.

  “That’s what I heard, yes.”

  “And you rushed over to proclaim her innocence.” Not a question, but a statement. Because that was exactly what he’d done.

  He stared at me for a long moment, then laughed without humor. “You’re good, Exos. I’m not sure if I like that skill or fear it.”

  “Stay on my good side and you’ll have no reason to fear it.” End up on my bad side, well… that’d be another conversation entirely. “So you’ll spread the gossip?”

  His lips twitched. “Yeah, I’ll get it to the right ears and meet you at the gym tomorrow.”

  “Excellent.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “Good to have you along for the ride, Vox. I thi
nk you’ll make a fine air mate for Claire.”

  “That’s not—”

  “Spread the rumors elsewhere, Vox. We both know the future here, and there’s no sense in denying it. But good luck with your inner fight. I give you a week, tops, because you will cave.”

  His spine straightened. “You know nothing about me or my resolve or my desires in life.”

  “I don’t need to, Air Fae.” I leaned in, lowering my voice. “All I need is to know Claire, and trust me, you don’t stand a chance. None of us do.”

  Claire’s bare breasts peeked up at me from the sheets as I entered the room, her eyes closed in blissful unawareness. Titus lay behind her, lazily alert and observing my entry.

  “Find anything?” he asked softly.

  I shrugged out of my shirt and tossed it onto a chair in the corner. “Not really, no. We’ll discuss it more in the morning. Did she eat?”

  He pressed his lips to her neck and nodded. “Yes.”

  “Good.” I unbuttoned my slacks and kicked off my shoes. “Congratulations, by the way.”

  His green eyes met mine. “You feel it?”

  “Yes.”

  No hint of guilt or regret entered his features, only pure male pride. “She’s amazing, Exos.”

  “I know.” I pulled off my socks and finished removing my pants just as her eyes opened. “Hello, princess.”

  Her nostrils flared as she took in my black boxer briefs, her lips parting in appreciation. “Exos.”

  I smiled as I slid into the bed beside her, cupping her cheek. “There are burn marks in the kitchen.” I’d noticed them immediately. “But well done on not destroying the dorm.”

  Claire’s skin darkened to a delectable shade of pink. “Thanks, I, uh, think.”

  Pressing my mouth to hers, I indulged her in a deep kiss meant to arouse. She responded with her tongue and wrapped her palm around the back of my neck to hold me to her.

  Titus chuckled, his palm sweeping up her side and back down. “I told you—amazing.”

  “Mmm,” I agreed against her lips. And kissed her again, this time with more fervor than before, allowing her to feel my approval at bonding with Titus and also to provide her with a glimpse into how much I craved her. She needed to know that this arrangement worked for me, that I accepted her as my Claire regardless of the others.

  Her spirit was mine.

  And only mine.

  Just as my spirit was hers.

  “How did it go?” The words were a breath into my mouth.

  I slid my fingers into her hair, holding her to me. “Vox will make a fine mate when you’re ready for him,” I admitted. “But I didn’t come to bed to talk. We’ll do that in the morning.” I met Titus’s gaze over her shoulder. “You’re welcome to stay, but I’m going to kiss her until she falls asleep.”

  He drew a line of fire down her bare arm, sending a flicker across her skin. “That’s fine. I don’t mind finding other ways to relax her while you do that.”

  “Careful, Titus, or I’ll start to think we make a good team.”

  He chuckled and pressed another kiss to her neck. “Where Claire is concerned, I believe we do.”

  I smiled, pleased by his reply. It proved my suspicions from earlier accurate. All he needed was a little alone time with our Claire to work himself out. Now that he’d regained his focus and staked his true claim, he would be a formidable ally in protecting our heart. I approved.

  “I like it when you two get along,” Claire said, a grin in her voice.

  “Yeah?” I kissed her again—long and deep. “Shall we show you just how well we can get along where you’re concerned?”

  She shivered, her blue irises glazed with lust and adoration. “Only if you let me play in return.”

  “Maybe,” I whispered, knowing full well it wasn’t our time yet. Not until she fully understood what it meant to mate with a royal. “But I should warn you, Claire. My goal is to make you come so hard you can’t do anything other than sleep afterward. As Titus has you all warmed up, it shouldn’t be too difficult.”

  His flames intensified, sliding downward to the apex between her thighs. “I approve, Your Highness.”

  I nibbled her lip, then started licking a path downward toward her breasts. “Teamwork, Titus. Now let’s make our princess scream.”

  Claire

  “You want me to go to gym class?” I asked, incredulous.

  Titus and Exos were sitting at the breakfast table wearing severe expressions. So very different from the ways they looked at me in the bedroom.

  My seducers were gone, and in their place were two sexy-as-fuck warrior fae males.

  Both taunted my hormones, driving me wild beyond my craziest desires. Just thinking of all the orgasms these two had given me had my face going up in literal flames.

  Titus arched a brow. “Does the idea of finding your captor turn you on? Or is it thoughts of last night?”

  “Could be this morning,” Exos pointed out.

  And now my entire body was on fire. “Stop.”

  “But we like you wet, Claire,” Titus replied.

  “It’s true. We also enjoy your screams.”

  I gripped the counter and glowered at them. “You were talking about gym class,” I reminded them through gritted teeth.

  “Your mind went to the bedroom,” Titus replied, smirking. “Can’t fault us for following.”

  “Oh my God, you two are impossible.” I pinched the bridge of my nose while they both chuckled. Only seconds ago I’d been thinking about how stern they appeared and almost longing for my playful fae mates. Now I wanted to go back to the serious topic. “Tell me again why this is a good idea.”

  “Fucking you? Or the trap?” Titus teased.

  Exos took pity on me and replied, “Because now we know what we’re looking for. By luring the culprit into an arena where you can be framed, we can in turn catch the guilty party in the act.”

  “What if all hell breaks loose and it comes back on me again?” I pressed.

  “That’s where this comes in.” Titus lifted a bracelet. “You’ll wear this the entire time. No one will be able to accuse you as a result.”

  “And what is that?” I asked, eyeing the silvery metal.

  “It’s what all Powerless Champion fighters wear in the ring.” He slid it across the breakfast bar. “The metal works similarly to cuffs in fae prisons—it dilutes your power.”

  “Meaning you can’t create a tornado or firestorm,” Exos translated. “So if one occurs at the gym, which I highly anticipate will happen, no one can blame you.”

  “Okay, but doesn’t that also mean I can’t stop it,” I pointed out.

  “Yes. That’s why you’ll have a team of fae with you during class. Some will be more obvious than others.” He smiled. “River and Vox will be incognito but helping.”

  “And if we have to, we can remove the bracelet,” Titus added. “Trust us, nothing is going to happen to you.”

  Exos folded his arms, eyes narrowed. “However, the same cannot be said about the person framing you.”

  Titus snorted. “No shit.”

  “So you want me to attend a gym class and—”

  “It’s technically an intramural sports activity,” Titus corrected. “It’s one of the few classes where all fae mingle.”

  “Right. So gym class,” I said again. “And I’m just supposed to roll with it? Go along with whatever we’re doing?”

  “Yes, but I also want you aware of your surroundings. It’ll be a good lesson in defensive magic.” Exos pushed away from the breakfast bar and rolled his shoulders. “Ready?”

  My eyebrows flew upward. “We’re going now?” We’d just finished eating some sort of fried pancake thing. I thought we had at least a few hours to work out the full plan, not minutes.

  “We overslept,” Titus murmured.

  “Is that still the right term when we weren’t sleeping?” Exos asked.

  “Fair. We overfucked?” he offered.

&nb
sp; “Oh my God…” My face was on fire again. “Can we stop?”

  “Is that what you want? To sleep alone tonight?” Exos asked, sounding far too serious.

  “Ugh!” I threw my hands up in the air. “You know what? You’re right. Let’s go to gym class.”

  “See, now I knew she’d be eager for this,” Exos said conversationally.

  Titus started nodding enthusiastically. “You did. You really did.”

  “She’ll be great.”

  “Because she’s amazing,” Titus added.

  “Very, yes.”

  “Are you two done acting like I’m not standing in the same room with you?” I demanded, hands on my hips. “Or are you trying to give me a reason to sleep alone tonight?”

  Exos gave me an indulgent look that made me want to punch him. “Oh, baby, you know that’ll never happen. If this morning’s performance is anything to go by, you’ll be begging us to come by midnight.”

  “I’m leaving now.” I started marching toward the front door of the building, their laughter trailing along behind me in a taunting wave of heat and sound.

  These men—fae.

  My mates.

  Why had I agreed to this madness, again?

  Oh, right. The pleasure. Their sexy energy. The way they knew how to touch me perfectly. Their hypnotic eyes. Gorgeous smiles. Teaching skills. Irresistible bodies. And well-endowed—

  I shook my head, needing to clear it before I marched back into the Spirit Dorm and guided them both to our bedroom.

  Finding the asshole trying to get me expelled was far more important.

  Right. Yes. Focus.

  Time to make a fae pay.

  Fae kickball, I thought with a snort. That was essentially what they wanted us to play in gym class today. Except no one wanted me on their team.

  It reminded me of a first-grade popularity contest.

  With a glare at Exos and Titus—who stood off to the side, watching with those damn serious expressions again—I joined the blue team with Vox and River. Neither of them acknowledged me, which, I suspected, was all part of the plan.