My Phoenix squawked in outrage, and I had to ball my hands into fists to prevent the heat that suddenly scattered around my fingertips from flying forward. Damien and Hiro chuckled this time, as Ryder watched me warily. “You know better than to rile a new shifter.” Killian's voice was scolding as he joined us in the doorway. “You’re lucky she’s got amazing control, or she could have scorched you where you stood.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Killian’s hair was nearly black from where he had wet it down and slicked it back onto his head. I hadn’t said anything, but I was thrilled he had kept the scruff that had grown in while I slept. It was incredibly sexy. I wondered if it would feel the same kissing him, or if the sensation would be more unique? He grinned and shot me a wink as Ryder began to snicker again. “Damien!” The word was nearly a howl as I whirled on him. Sometimes I hated when he projected my thoughts!
He snickered too as he studied me. “Sorry, Nix. This one’s all on you. Make sure that what you’re thinking doesn’t come out of your mouth. You can’t always blame me, you know.” He pretended to take on an offended air as he strutted to the stove. I wanted to stare at his hips as he moved, but instead, I threw my napkin at him.
“Come on; we need to leave in ten.” I tossed my dishes in the sink and looked around for my gear.
“Closet by the entrance. I made sure your bag was packed.” Theo’s voice was quiet from where he leaned against the door jam. I hadn’t even heard him come in. His accent was a little heavier, so I assumed he was tired. I had noticed that it had a habit of thickening if he was tired or stressed, just as Killian’s did.
“Thanks, Theo.” I knew he would have made sure I had the right books and notebooks for whatever class I had today. I headed for the hall to begin to don my warmer gear, and he followed quietly behind me.
“Are you okay, Theo?” I couldn’t get my damn boot on!
Suddenly, large, tanned hands grabbed my waist, steadying me while I tugged at the boot. I froze for a moment, looking into sapphire eyes as his lips ever so softly brushed mine—more of a whisper than a kiss.
“Be safe for me, Nix.” The request was a low plea, and he placed my bag on the small end table next to me.
I stood in shock as he retreated up the stairs, his hands digging into his hair as he walked. What the hell had that been? I reached up to touch my lips where they tingled. It had been the briefest of kisses, barely a kiss at all. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I’d spend more time analyzing everything later, but in the meantime, I couldn’t resist flicking my tongue out to see if I could taste him on my lips.
Ten
Nix
I was happy to be back in school, but I couldn’t believe I had to sit through this stupid class for an entire semester. I wanted to roll my eyes but thought better of it. I didn’t want to anger the professor. I thought college was supposed to be about expanding our horizons and challenging ourselves. The most challenging thing about my intro class was not falling asleep during it. I doodled on the edge of my binder while my teacher droned on about the proper way to use the old card catalog at the library—seriously, which of us would ever be using that? A loud knock sounded, startling several of the others around me awake. At least I wasn’t the only one who found this class boring.
“Annika Coxx?” A strange female voice requested from the doorway.
I turned to study the speaker. She wasn’t someone I knew on sight, but that really wasn’t a surprise in a school this size, especially with all of the time I had missed. Her face was soft; her lips were set in a firm line. Her hair was pulled back tightly from her head and coiled into a severe bun of bright blonde hair. The suit she wore was plain brown wool and looked far too stiff for someone of her age. An assessing glance seemed to indicate that she dressed to try and hide both her body and her looks. It didn’t do her any good, however. Anyone who paid attention would see a pretty woman in her early forties.
I stood, one hand remaining on my bag. “Yes, ma’am?” I didn’t want to get mouthy with her until I knew who she was.
Her smile was sweet as she studied me, but for some reason, it instantly set me on edge. My Phoenix flapped in agitation. She didn’t smell of magic, so if she was a shifter, I doubted she was a strong one.
My professor jumped in, her smile warm and welcoming as she took in the newcomer. “Ms. Stone. It’s been awhile. Did you need one of my students? I don’t see a guidance session on our schedule for today.” I rolled my eyes. That old bat didn’t pay any attention to anything but her own words, or she would have already realized that she was here for me. Guidance, she’d said. I knew part of our orientation class was meeting and speaking with an academic advisor. For those of us who hadn’t chosen our majors, it was a time to reflect. For those who had, it was to confirm our choice and a time to create a plan of action to achieve our goals—or at least that was what the syllabus said.
Ms. Stone smiled at my professor, waving a hand to where I stood. “I just need to borrow Ms. Coxx for a few minutes, if that’s alright?”
“Of course, of course. Annika, I know it’s earlier than the syllabus stated, but Ms. Stone is an excellent advisor. You’re lucky to be assigned to her.”
“Yes, ma’am.” If it got me out of this mind-numbingly boring class, I wasn’t going to put up a fight.
“If you want to bring your things with you, Ms. Coxx? I’ll try not to hold you through your next course, but I prefer you have your bags just in case.”
I nodded in agreement, scooping up my stuff and wishing I had the nerve to text one of the guys and tell them where I was going. I knew they would freak out if they came to walk me to my next course and I had disappeared on them. I gave myself a mental shake. This was ridiculous. It was a professor at the college and part of my life here. I said I wanted to get back to a normal routine and that’s exactly what I would do.
Ms. Stone led me across the campus to a small office building, smiling and waving at almost everyone we passed. Apparently, she was well known—and well liked—here. The office she led me into was small but comfortable. It was done up in warm earth tones and filled nearly to the brim with books and pillows. She indicated a plush armchair across from her desk as she sat. “Please, Annika, have a seat.”
“It’s Nix, actually.”
She smiled, though it didn’t seem to reach her eyes. “I appreciate you coming out of class to speak with me, Nix. I know you aren’t on the schedule for a few more weeks. However, some of your teachers have reached out to me with concerns in regards to your attendance.”
Well, crap. I hadn’t even considered that any of my professors might have reached out to the administration department. “I’m sorry, ma’am, I don’t understand. I corresponded with all of my professors. They were aware of my health issues.”
Ms. Stone frowned, leaning back in her chair as she interlaced her fingers on the desk. “I’m aware that you notified your teachers of an illness. I am also aware, however, that you have not been staying in your dorm room as is required of freshman. From our investigations, we have noted that you have been staying off campus with a group of older boys.” She sighed, leaning forward as if to confide in me and reached across her desk, her hand making contact with my arm. I tensed up and pulled away when she invaded my personal space. Recomposing herself, she seemed to latch onto my awkwardness as she continued, “I know it can be difficult to discuss, but if you’re in a…” she paused, seeming to try and find the correct words, “sensitive situation, your teachers and our staff are here to help you. We are very concerned that as a freshman who, seemingly on paper, had been enthusiastic about her schooling, has so rapidly removed themselves from student life, not made an attempt to socialize, and has failed to meet the academic requirements.”