Of Bone and Ash (Silverwood University Book 1)

34. Serafina

THIRTY-FOUR

“I’m hungry,” Teos mutters, snuggling into my neck as he stays curled around me.

“Me too,” I admit. Now that the high of being together for the first time has worn off, my stomach has rumbled a few times, and I’m starting to feel a little shaky. I haven”t eaten anything today, and I’m starting to regret it. “I think I have some snacks in the kitchen,” I whisper, moving to get out of bed, then laughing when Teos growls and nips at my neck, his arms holding me tight, refusing to let me go. “If you want to eat, you have to let me go.”

“Or,” Teos whispers, placing kisses on the back of my neck. “I could just eat you again.” In an instant, I’m lying on my back, and Teos is between my thighs as he grins down at me, wiggling his eyebrows. I smack his chest and shove him off, making him pout as I sit up and swing my legs off the bed.

“As tempting as that is, I need some food. I haven”t had anything today and I’m starting to feel a little nauseous,” I admit, making Teos” playful smile fall off his face in an instant.

“Shit! Why didn”t you say something before the shower? I could’ve grabbed you a snack or something,” he says, jumping out of bed and then frowning when he realizes he doesn”t have any clothes.

“Getting clean was more important,” I say, moving to where the clothes I had grabbed earlier lay on the floor. “And then, well… you distracted me,” I admit, gesturing at his naked body. Teos smiles, the broad, cocky look of a man well pleased. “Don”t let it go to your head,” I add, making him laugh.

“Right. Well, I think Marjorie’s shop is open until midnight. We can go grab some sandwiches, but I don”t have any clothes here. You don”t, by chance, have anything that will fit me, do you?” he asks, and I snort, looking him up and down as I yank on my bra and panties.

“Doubtful,” I say, grabbing my tank top and leggings and tugging them on as quickly as possible as I try to figure out what he can wear.

“Cool. Streaking through the courtyard it is,” Teos says, popping his knuckles and grinning like a madman at the idea. My good mood instantly evaporates at the thought of any man or woman seeing Teos naked, and narrow my eyes on him.

“Or, you can shift and fly to your room,” I offer, but Teos is already shaking his head.

“Can’t. Not for a while, at least. I mean, I could if it was a life-or-death thing. But it takes a while to build up the magic I need to shift after a rebirth. My Phoenix is out of commission for roughly twenty-four hours.” My lips thin as I place my hands on my hips.

“You’re not running around here naked!” I grind out, my molars hurting from how hard I’m clenching my jaw. Black sparks dance at my fingertips, and the very thought and the need to rip someone”s soul from their body is suddenly all I can think about. Teos steps toward me, hands outstretched, and I glare at him, stepping back. “Nothing you can say or do will make me change my mind. I will kill someone if you do that. So if you want the murder of who knows how many unfortunate souls just because they saw you naked on your shoulders,” I shrug, not feeling remotely bad for my feelings. “Then that”s up to you.”

Teos blinks at me a few times, trying to process my small heated speech before the biggest smile I’ve ever seen graces his face, and considering this is Teos, the man who is always smiling, that’s saying a lot.

“I’m not sure if I’m more turned on that you’re jealous and being possessive over me, or terrified that I find your casual mention of killing our fellow classmates a turn-on,” he says, walking over and taking me in his arms before leaning down and kissing me so hard I forget how to breathe.

I let myself melt into his warmth, sighing in blissed-out contentment when he breaks our kiss only to keep placing small kisses up and down my neck.

“As nice as this is, I’ve not changed my mind,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and clinging to him as I feel his erection grow against my belly.

“Would a blanket be enough protection? You can walk with me as a guard,” he teases and I scoff, then push myself from his arms, an idea forming.

“Wait. I think I have something that will fit you.” Rushing to the bathroom, I grab the blue satin robe I have hanging on the back of my door that my brother gifted to me last year for Christmas and go back into my room, holding the lightweight fabric out to him. “Here.”

“A dress?” he asks in confusion as he reaches out to take it.

“No. My robe. You would tear any dress I gave you. But this should be big enough to wrap around you and hide all your…” I wave my hand in the air, moving from his head to his toes. “Bits.”

“My bits?” he asks, shrugging the blue satin robe on and wrapping it around his thick chest. It barely has enough fabric to overlap at his chest, but thankfully his waist is thinner, and he can tie the robe closed. “I’ve never had my dick called my bits before,” he says with a chuckle as he nods and places his hands on his waist. “This is definitely my color. Does it make my ass look big?” he teases, spinning around and letting me get a good look at his behind which is barely covered.

Shit. I still might have to kill anyone who looks at him.

I can practically count his six-pack through the flimsy fabric of the robe, and the sleeves, which are loose and comfortable on me, are straining against the massive muscles of his shoulders and biceps. And where the robe hits my lower thigh when I wear it, it barely goes past Teos’ ass and groin area.

“Dammit. Why are you so hot? Lose that erection now! I swear I’ll kill anyone who sees it,” I snap, frustration clear in my voice as I turn and head out of my room, looking for some shoes I can slip on. Marjorie’s shop isn’t too far of a walk, but I’d rather not wear six-inch heels right now. Grabbing my favorite four-inch ones, I slip them on as Teos comes shuffling out in my robe and slippers. I glare down at his monster feet, stretching out my brand new pair of Louis Vuitton slippers I just bought, then shoot him a look that promises an early death.

“I need shoes!” he says with a grin, but it quickly fades as he looks down. “Wait, are you wearing heels?” he moans and shakes his head. “Bella, No! It”s freaking eleven at night! Why the hell are you in heels?” I frown, looking down at my shoes and then back at the slippers on Teos’ feet. Two out of five toes are sticking out on the sides, and the black fabric looks like it’s about to give at the seams.

“I’m pretty sure your footwear looks more ridiculous than mine,” I reassure him, moving to open my door and waiting for him to walk out into the hall. I follow, locking my door behind me before stepping to his side. His hand instantly darts out and wraps around my waist, hauling me into his side and making it more difficult to walk. “You”re impossible,” I grumble, my cheeks heating as he leans down and presses a kiss to the top of my head.

“That’s why you love me,” he chirps, and I tense at the mention of that word. Teos feels me freeze up and curses holding me tighter. “No! You can”t go all badass-bitch-Serafina on me! Chill out! It was a joke,” he grumbles. I glare up at him, and he smiles.

“Did you just call me a bitch?” I ask, and he nods, not in the least bit ashamed.

“Yep. You are a badass-bitch. And that’s why I love you,” he says with a smirk as we head downstairs and through the blessedly empty lobby of my apartment building.

“I swear I’ll never talk to you again if you keep saying that word,” I grind out, elbowing him in the side hard enough that he grunts and lets me go as we trail out into the cold night. A thick layer of frost covers the grass of the courtyard, and thankfully Teos sticks to the walkways, leading us to the building where he lives.

“Lies,” he scoffs, rolling his eyes and shoving his giant hands in the tiny pockets of the silk robe he’s wearing. His black curls are messy, and he really does look like he’s been well and truly fucked. For some reason, that makes me immensely happy and I don’t even mind him calling me out on my lie. He knows as much as I do that I can”t stay away from him, despite how much I try.

I startle when something cold falls on my nose and look up, blinking in surprise as I watch snowflakes lazily drift from the sky. The lamps that line the walkways are lit, illuminating the night sky, letting me see the small flakes fall to the ground, and I smile. It’s almost like someone pushes a mute button on the world when it snows. The crazy sounds of everyday life are muffled, and it almost feels like you”re stuck in your own personal little snow globe.

“So what happened to snake-girl and the weirdo?” Teos asks, breaking my trance from the snow as I shoot him another glare. I swear, how does this man make me feel head over heels for him one moment and then make me want to strangle him the next?

“Adam and Neva are fine,” I clip out. “And Adam’s a friend who will be sticking around, so you better get used to him.”

“Are you saying you would choose him over me?” Teos asks, gasping playfully and I arch an unamused brow as we climb the steps to the dorms. This building is easily three times the size of my apartment building and there are two sets of doors you can go through.

“Without a doubt,” I confirm, making Teos’ smile turn into an angry little scowl.

“Rude,” he grumbles under his breath. “After making you come as much as I did—scream my name and everything. You’d still choose him?”

“Don”t make me choose, and you never have to find out,” I tell him, pushing open a set of doors and trying to move forward when I see Teos lunge at me, his hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. Strong arms snap around my waist the moment we step inside, hauling me up and off my feet before spinning me in circles and making me dizzy.

“Teos!” I try to chide, but it comes out as a strangled laugh, my head spinning like a top.

“Maybe I should remind you how you should be picking me every single time, Bella,” he rasps into my ear, his voice deep, promising all sorts of dirty things that I would really like to experience with him.

“Maybe you should,” I whisper back as he slows our spinning and gently places me back on my feet. I turn in his arms, looking up into his brilliant eyes, reaching up to loop my arms around his neck.

“Really?” he asks, lowering his head, eyes locked on my lips as I nod. Magic swirls around us, and I’m not sure if it”s mine or his. Maybe a combination of the two? The air thickens and suddenly, I’m only hungry for one thing.

“Teos!” a screeching voice sounds through the room, breaking the tension forming between Teos and me and reminding me that we’re in public, again! Dammit. This boy is dangerous. We’re going to end up in so much trouble if I don’t find some sense of control around him. Teos pulls back from me enough to look over my head and grins at whoever he sees.

“Oh. Hey guys,” he says casually, his hands tightening on my waist as he gives several head nods at whoever is behind me. Frowning, I turn and find a group of people staring at Teos and me with open mouths and shocked expressions. Most of them are guys, all of them wearing Silverwood Rugby shirts and gym shorts, but there are a few girls sprinkled in the mix. However, it’s the small blonde staring at me like I just killed a puppy who gains my attention as she shakes her head.

There is a long, super awkward pause as I clear my throat and step out of Teos’ arms, trying to be nice. He releases me with a sigh but reaches out to snag my hand, not letting me step too far from him. I link my fingers with his as I study the group of people in front of us. There have to be a dozen or more there. These must be Teos’ friends, and I would rather not scare them.

“Are you wearing a dress?” one of them asks.

“Bruh—is that?” a guy with short brown hair whispers, elbowing a guy with black hair and glasses next to him as he nods at me. The guy with the glasses nods.

“Yep.”

“Holy shit, dude!” a guy with long blond hair says, tossing a ball up in the air and catching it as he grins like an idiot at Teos. “You’re with the Reaper! That’s fucking awesome!”

“And terrifying,” a tall pretty girl admits, but she shoots me a timid smile, so I don’t take her comment to heart. She’s not wrong after all.

“Not for him, dude. He’ll just pop back into existence, and they can keep fucking like bunnies.” This comment comes from someone toward the back of the group I can’t see very well, saving him from my glare.

“What the fuck, Gorden!” Teos grinds out, stepping forward, his face a mask of anger as he tries to move through his friend group, dragging me after him since he’s refusing to let me go.

“Teos, Baby. What are you doing!? Where have you been? I’ve been calling you all day, and you haven”t answered. You said we were going to study tonight, and I planned on making us dinner,” the small blonde finally says, stepping in front of Teos and stopping him from beating Gorden, which is a shame. I would have loved to watch that.

I’m not so happy about the baby name this girl just called Teos, but I practically lose my mind when she raises a small hand up and presses it against the satin on Teos’ chest, looking up at him with tears in her pretty blue eyes.

“Tessa, don’t. Stop touching me,” he states, side-eyeing me like he knows I’m a loose cannon and he’s not wrong. I totally am. Teos steps back, but with the crush of bodies right next to us, there is nowhere for him to go. When she only steps closer, ignoring his request to stop touching him, I try to reason with my magic, telling it he’s saying no, but when I see this Tessa girl wiggle her finger under the parting of the robe to touch Teos’ chest, I know we are at Defcon One, and I need to handle the situation before my magic does it for us.

“Don’t touch him,” I snap, reaching forward and grabbing hold of her wrist, yanking it off Teos, all while giving her a glare I hope she reads as touch him again, and you die. Tessa obviously doesn”t get the memo, or she doesn”t have a lick of survival instincts because she gasps, then turns her beautiful—and I mean beautiful eyes on me. Damn, this girl is stunning. Long blonde hair and creamy skin that looks perfectly sunkissed. Her clothes fit her perfectly, showing off her curves, yet not too much to make it appear like she”s trying too hard.

Fuck. She is everything I’m not.

I purse my lips and shrug. Eh, what’s the point in life if not having a good variety? I can”t be mad at this girl for being stunning. Hell, I use every advantage I have to scare people and feed my magic. Her beauty isn”t a flaw. Her touching what is mine, however is.

“How dare you touch me! Teos, are you really going to let her do that?” she screeches, making my ears hurt as the group of people all take a step back.

“Tess, don’t. I asked you to stop touching me and you didn”t listen. Serafina simply took your hand off me. You’re fine,” Teos sighs, looking down at the girl with a frown.

Don’t be jealous, don’t be jealous. I have friends. Hell, I just told Teos I would pick Adam over him. I look at Tessa, who is now staring up at him with trembling lips, and immediately regret doing so. If he said that to me about Tessa, I would lose my shit.

Fuck I really am a bitch.

“Serafina!?” she hisses between her teeth, her baby blues bouncing from Teos to me, then back to him. “This is Serafina! Are you kidding me!?” She stomps like an angry toddler, and a few of the rugby players behind her chuckle in amusement while the girls close in, probably trying to comfort their friend. “You’re really going to dump me for the girl who broke your heart?”

Whoa, hold up now. Dump her?

“What? Tess, we broke up months ago. What do you mean? I told you I was in love with her.” Teos says, slightly soothing my frazzled nerves, all while giving me a heart attack with that damn word again. On one hand, thank god I wasn”t a participant in helping Teos cheat. I would really have to kill him if that were the case. On the other hand, these two dated?! An angry, burning sense of jealousy simmers in my belly, and I have to yank my hand out of Teos’ and step back so my magic doesn”t lash out at her.

It’s not his fault I pushed him away. But hell, I hate that I did it more than ever now.

“We were just… on a break. I knew you were coming back. You are always so protective and sweet. Teos! I love you!” Tessa whimpers, reaching for him again. Teos steps back and shakes his head.

“No, Tess. We’re friends. Please don”t ruin that,” he practically begs, and I can see how much this is tearing him up. Whoever this girl is to Teos, he does care about her. Not in the way she wants him to, but I can see he doesn”t want to hurt her. “Tess. You already know I have history with Serafina. I told you why we couldn”t be together,” he keeps saying, keeping his distance while putting his hands out, almost like he wants to soothe her but knows his touch will only make it worse.

Shit. I shouldn’t be here for this. I trust Teos despite my own personal issues. My being here is only rubbing salt in Tessa”s wounds. The guys who have stepped back while the drama unfolds must have a similar idea because most of them are heading toward the other side of the room where a bunch of couches and TVs are.

“I’m just going to—” I thumb over my shoulder at the door as Teos spins, looking at me with panicked eyes.

“Bella,” he whispers, and I nod and smile, letting him know I’m okay. My magic, on the other hand, is a fickle bitch, and I don”t want to risk murdering Tessa if she tries to touch Teos again.

“I’ll be outside on the steps waiting,” I reassure him as a girl with shorter blonde hair comes up and wraps an arm around Tessa’s now heaving shoulders. But just as I open the door, letting in a frozen gust of air, bells sound in the distance, making me pause.

What the hell?

Who is ringing… Adam’s words from the day he was showing me around campus come flooding back to me as I throw open the door. I look to the castle, find the bell tower, and watch as the silver bells slowly move back and forth, their chime ringing a warning through the air as the golden lights on the lamps lining the walkways turn orange, then darken to red.

“Demons,” I breathe out just as a roar from a Dragon pierces the night air, the sound coming from the south side of the campus.

“Oh my God! We have to go!” a girl shouts from behind me, a chorus of panic following her declaration as students rush to their rooms.

“Bella! We have to get inside. Come on,” Teos shouts, rushing to me, but I shake my head and step outside, my mind on one thing. Or rather person. “Bella?” Teos whispers when I look over my shoulder at him.

“I have to make sure he’s alright,” I admit, making Teos’ face morph into one of fury when he realizes who I’m talking about. Which I totally understand, but even though I’m mad at Ryland, even if I mentally can”t handle being around him, it doesn”t mean I want him dead. That thought alone is like a shot straight to my heart.

“This is his job! You need to get your ass in my room! No more Demon fights. Do you have any idea how fucking terrified I was when I couldn”t find you in that damn forest!? No! You’re coming with me to my room,” Teos demands, his face flushing red with his anger.

“I can’t,” I whisper back just as a golden glow fills the sky to the south. I watch in horrified awe as the light illuminates the silhouette of the Dragons flying through the sky, fire spewing from their mouths. There is a loud explosion, then more flames just as a brilliant bright blue shield appears accompanied by a sound like thunder, making the ground shake as it forms, arcing up and over the school grounds. The bright source of the light is from the south side, where the Dragons and Demons are.

“Atlas!” I whisper, my panic tripling.

“Dammit! Shit! Fuck!” Teos curses as he tosses his hands in the air. “Fine. But you will wait right there! I’m coming with you. Just let me get some damn pants on!” He takes off toward the stairs, the blue satin of my robe trailing behind him as he mutters about not being able to fight with his dick out. The moment he’s out of view, I slide the heels from my feet, bring my hands up, and cast a shield Atlas taught me, ensuring no one comes out and no one goes in for the next hour. And then I run.

Teos said himself he couldn”t handle the fear of not finding me. Plus, he’s still recovering from dying earlier today and will only slow me down. He’ll be safer here, and I can fight better knowing he’s safe. Probably not the brightest idea running headlong into a Demon battle by myself, but hell, I haven’t died yet, so let”s see if my luck holds out.