I heard her whisper, “They’re letting Coms on the grounds today? Unbelievable.”
Delicately, the valet took the keys from my motionless outstretched hand, mumbling hastily, “Keep the money. You earned it.” He quickly hightailed it away from me.
I was left standing there blinking, wondering how that had gone so wrong, when Aros and Felix stepped on either side of me. As of this morning, they were officially part of my detail, with school now out. Aros patted my shoulder, offering, “Your hair’s back in a ponytail, hidden under a ball cap. They probably couldn’t see you properly.” Also, I was masking my power, which I did normally now.
Felix snorted, but stated factually, “You’re late. Remember?”
“Shit,” I breathed, and turned, trucking it inside. I really needed to hurry and, besides, I would get the chance to meet them again in, like, ten minutes, or something like that. Pretty much however long it took me to finish getting ready in the locker room.
Hiking up the red graduation robe I wore, which was identical to the black ceremonial robe, thrilled I was able to wear clothing under this one, I raced to the administration building, heading for Mrs. Jonas’s office where the familial meet-and-greet was located. I had taken a little longer than I had wanted to in getting ready — fifteen minutes more — so I really was officially late, not just going to be late, like I had been before.
My guards chased after me across the lawn. The mad dash probably appeared like a twisted version of a children’s tale, since they wore black fatigues while I resembled a frantic madwoman, red robe fluttering about in the breeze. At least in this situation I was the wolf.
While they stopped, waiting outside, I slammed through the administration building’s front doors. A quick wave to the receptionist, then I was stopping to take in a few calming breaths before I hit Mrs. Jonas’s office. Running a hand through my hair, I rolled my shoulders, and dug into my pocket before entering. The office was packed.
By some means, I still managed to see King Kincaid sniff the air, then glance in my direction with a demeanor of exasperation. Smiling sheepishly, I maneuvered my way along the edges of the room to stand next to him. He bent to my level, whispering, “Did anyone see you run across the lawn?”
Probably the entire mass of people behind the main building seated for graduation.
“I’m sure they were looking the other way.” At least, the ones with the cameras had been, since they were aimed at the stage. In my opinion, those were the most important.
King Kincaid sighed heavily, then glanced behind me over my head, staring, only to sigh deeply all over again before straightening to his full height and running his hands down his suit jacket, smoothing it down when it was already so.
At my back a few beats later, King Venclaire murmured, “Lily, how nice of you to finally join us.” A pause, and I could have sworn he chuckled. “I’d like you to meet Ezra’s parents.” He said, probably to them, “As you know, Lily Ruckler is King Kincaid’s Prodigy.”
As they murmured something or another to King Venclaire, I saw Ezra advancing from the side. It looked like he was coming from where a table full of breakfast foods had been set up in the corner because he had two croissants in hand. I really wanted one, but I refrained from going there now to turn and meet his parents. Again.
Both physically jerked when I faced them.
They stared.
His mom’s jaw flat out dropped while his dad’s jaw clenched.
“Mom. Dad.” Ezra stopped beside me. “This is Lily. I’ve mentioned her to you guys before.” He held a croissant out to me, biting into his own and grinning evilly at them. “It’s rude to stare. At least, that’s what you’ve always told me.”
Accepting the proffered croissant with one hand, I offered his dad what I had dug out of my pocket before coming in here with the other. “Here’s your ten-spot back.” I bit into my gifted croissant, and smiled sweetly as I chewed.
His dad sucked in a breath, making his enormous chest even more impressive, and gently took the money, his eyes hard on me.
Ezra groaned, “Do I want to know why they gave you money?”
“We thought she was the valet!” his mom confessed, appearing mortified.
I pointed around my croissant. “And a Com.”
Eyes closing, her face flushed prettily.
Ezra protested gently, “You two have seen her on television.”
Her hand fluttered about her head. “She had on a hat.”
I chuckled, extending my hand again. “Let’s do this right. I’m Lily Ruckler, soon-to-be badass Queen Shifter.” I cocked my head. “I’ve seen the picture of you guys, but I don’t know your names.” Hint, hint. I’m trying here. Take my damn hand.