Chapter Twenty-five
Audrey
I practically race from my seat as soon as the clock hits five o’clock, ignoring the glare Professor Gregory shoots my way. She’s one of the professors that’s ridden me harder since finding out that I’m mated to both Donovan and Wraith. I don’t think she’s doing it to be spiteful like Professor Freeman, my new professor for Becoming a Reaper, who tries to make every single day hell for me. I honestly think that Professor Gregory is trying to push me harder to prove that I have every right to be here. She hasn’t come out and said it to me, but she’s never cruel. For a woman who seemed to despise my very presence following my welcoming, I’ll take it. She’s also the only professor I still have from my first two months.
I’m deep into my third month at the academy, and I’m not going to lie, it’s been hard as shit. I still haven’t been able to access my magic, no matter how much I’ve been working with Professor Novak. He thinks it has to do with whatever my blood is mixed with. It’s frustrating as hell seeing as I’m the only one who hasn’t been able to access their magic. I’m surprised he hasn’t pawned me off to my Relearning Your Magic and Abilities as a Reaper professor.
He doesn’t seem to like me much since our first session. He’s always professional, but he’s also been quite cold. I don’t know what caused the change, as it happened before he found out Wraith was my mate, but I don’t care much for it. But I have better things to stress out about right now than my prickly professor.
Me
Everyone still here?
Celeste
Yes ma’am. Heading to dinner. You want to join us?
Diana
She can’t tonight. Remember?
Celeste
Oh shit. Right. Yeah.
I’m sure everything will be just fine.
After all, Death is your mate.
Diana
You’re just digging yourself deeper, Celeste.
Maybe just stop talking?
Celeste
Rude. But you’re probably right.
Love you Audrey!
Diana
Let us know if you need us.
Me
Thank you. Wraith and Donovan are planning to keep me company while we wait. But if I need anything, I’ll let you know.
Love you!
Diana
Love you too!
The day after I bonded with Wraith and Donovan, I’d moved into their house. We had Brenden over that night for dinner, and he went straight home to pack his stuff. We’re still learning how to live together, but I think we’re moving in the right direction. I mean, no one is any deader than they were when they moved in, so I count it as a win.
Today is Brenden’s final—his first soul to reap. For all I know, he’s already been sent to reap it. I should probably check with him. It could be done and over with, and I could be worrying for no reason.
Me
???
Brenden
Still haven’t gotten the assignment.
Wraith
I tried to pull some strings to get him sent while you were in classes, but Professor Freeman was having none of it.
Me
Aren’t you her boss? Doesn’t she need to do what you say?
Donovan
Not when he’s asking her to change how she does things.
Me
Of course not.
And she hates me. So there’s that.
Brenden
I’m sure she doesn’t hate you.
Donovan
She definitely hates our mate.
She’s been trying to get in mine and Wraith’s bed for a long time.
She’s not happy that Audrey is our mate.
Brenden
That’s bullshit.
Me
Why didn’t anyone tell me that’s why she hates me?
Wraith
I thought it would be best for everyone if you never found that out.
You’re begging for a spanking Donovan.
Me
Not until I get home! I’ll be there soon!
Brenden
See you soon firecracker.
Donovan
Love you pretty girl!
Wraith
Try to hurry trouble. I don’t know how long I can keep myself from spanking Donovan’s ass.
Me
Trouble?
Wraith
Yes darling. You’re the definition of trouble. Just the way I like it.
Now hurry.
I laugh as I walk a little faster. If it wasn’t for the stupidly short uniform skirt, I’d be running. It’s just too damn short. I’d flash everyone, and that wouldn’t make my mates very happy.
By the time I race up the stairs, I’ve worked myself into a tizzy. I’m so sure Brenden won’t be inside when I open the door. That I won’t get to see him before he goes and wish him luck. I don’t know why it’s so important to me to see him before he goes, but I can’t shake it.
Throwing the door open, I yell out, “Brenden?”
“In here, firecracker,” he returns from the other end of the house.
I let out a sigh of relief and hurry down the hallway. I find all three of my mates in the kitchen, preparing dinner. A smile lights up my face as I watch them. There have been some bumps and bruises as we’ve all learned to live together, but when the three of them come together to cook, it’s magic. They’re all great cooks—thank the gods because I am not—but when they work together? It’s like the food is next level. I’m a very spoiled little witch... or whatever I am.
Shaking my head, I push those thoughts away. No one has been able to figure out what other magic runs through my veins yet, but it’s not for a lack of trying.
“Whatcha cooking? It smells amazing.”
All three of their heads lift, each smiling. It’s Brenden who answers me. “Lasagna, garlic bread, and a salad.”
“Yum.” I hurry over to them, tossing my backpack haphazardly onto the couch as I pass it. Wraith steps out of the kitchen, lifting me into his arms as he kisses me. I hum into the kiss that’s entirely too short.
As soon as my feet hit the floor, Brenden is pulling me into his arms before passing me to Donovan’s.
I’m not going to lie, they leave me feeling very needy and a little bit dizzy.
“Go sit down on the couch while we finish up dinner,” Donovan says with a smack to my ass.
I walk toward the couch, albeit a little off balance. Crashing onto the couch, I listen to the three of them in the kitchen with a smile. Knowing better than to butt into whatever argument they’re having, I close my eyes.
It’s been months since I remembered my death, and my other memories have slowly been returning. At this point, I think I remember everything. Well, everything except why I don’t like crowds. At this point, I’m not sure I want to know. I’m also not sure how I’d know if I wasn’t remembering anything else.
I’m still determined to have my vengeance on Michael, but I haven’t told Wraith or Donovan about it. No matter how many times Brenden has insisted that I do just that. I think Donovan will understand, but I’m not sure about Wraith. Obviously, I know him better now than I did two months ago, and I know he’d do anything for his mates... But something keeps holding me back from telling him. I think it’s just not knowing how he’ll react.
I hate keeping this from them. I told them about remembering my death, and they agreed that it was not the best way to die. Wraith promised he would talk to Lucifer about sending him straight to Tartarus, but he said he couldn’t make any promises. As nice as the thought is of him burning in hellfire and being tortured for the rest of his eternal life, it’s not enough for me.
What he did to me was personal, as is my need for vengeance.
I don’t think it would be quite as bad if I knew Wren was okay, but no matter how much I’ve begged, Wraith has refused to bring me Earthside. He said I could check on her once I became a reaper. He said something about my soul not being able to survive up there, but it didn’t really make sense. Does that just magically change when we become a reaper?
Speaking of which. My eyes find Brenden as I chew on my lip. What happens if he doesn’t pass his final? What will that mean for him and for me? Unable to keep it in any longer, I ask just that.
“Is that what you’re over there worrying about?” Wraith sighs, drying off his hands before joining me on the couch. He pulls me into his lap, and I cuddle up to his chest. “You’re worried about how things are going to change after Brenden is a reaper? Because none of us think for a second that you’re worried about Brenden failing.”
I shrug. He’s right. I know there’s no way that Brenden will fail.
“Even if he did fail, which rarely happens, I’d let him try again.”
“That’s cheating,” Brenden huffs.
Wraith chuckles, glancing over his shoulder. “And? You’re my mate’s mate. That means you’re important to me. We all know you’re not going to fail, so the point is moot. Now, trouble, let me put your mind at ease. I’ve already spoken to Brenden about this. He’s going to work as a teacher’s assistant until you graduate. We’ll make more permanent decisions once you’re done.”
“Really?” I pull back so I can meet his eyes.
“Really, trouble. I’m a little hurt that you thought I wouldn’t have a plan in place.”
I press my lips to his. “Thank you, and I’m sorry. It’s not like I know much about what happens after a reaper graduates. I haven’t learned that yet.”
“Neither have I, firecracker,” Brenden says with a laugh. “It’s not something they tell us until we graduate. Per Wraith’s orders.”
Pouting, I focus back on Wraith. “You should share more information with the students. They’ll work harder if they know what they have coming to them.”
He chuckles. “I want them to work hard because they want to be a reaper, not because of the benefits of being a reaper. Honestly, not having all their memories taken away and getting to live as they were should be all the reward they need.”
“Yes, Daddy,” I mutter, rolling my eyes.
Donovan sputters. “Did you just call Wraith—“
“Daddy?” Wraith finishes for him. “Yes, she did. And you wonder why I call you trouble.”’
I can feel him hardening beneath my ass, and I grin. “Oh, do you like being called Daddy? Because I’m totally down with that.”
Brenden clears his throat. “How about we have this conversation another time? Not when I can be called away at any moment? Plus, dinner is ready.”
“Spoilsport,” I call over my shoulder, and he just laughs.
Wraith yanks me to him and kisses me hard. “We will certainly be returning to this conversation, trouble.”
Grinning, I push out of his lap. “I look forward to it. And you know what? I think I like that you call me trouble. Took you long enough to come up with a nickname for me.”
“You don’t have nicknames for us,” Brenden says as he sets the lasagna on the table. Donovan is right behind him with the garlic bread and salad.
“That you know of,” I toss back, skipping to my seat. Wraith has lifted my spirits more than he knows. I wonder if I can get Brenden to tell me what happens after he passes his final. I guess I’ll just have to ask when he gets back.
Just as the four of us sit, Brenden’s phone goes off. “Of fucking course.” He rolls his eyes as he pulls it out, reading over the message.
“Time for your final?” I ask.
“Unfortunately, yes.” He pushes to his feet, coming around the table to kiss the top of my head. “Don’t wait for me. I don’t know how long I’ll be. Enjoy your dinner. I need to go meet Professor Novak so he can send me off to my assignment. I love you, Audrey.”
“I love you too, Brenden. You’re going to kill it!”
“Actually, it’ll already be dead when he gets there,” Donovan offers.
I reach over and grab a piece of garlic bread and launch it at his head. He catches it in his mouth as Wraith and Brenden laugh.
“Seriously, good luck,” I tell Brenden, pulling him down for a real kiss, and then he’s out the door. Turning back to my two remaining mates, I frown. “Nothing bad can happen to him, right?”
“Of course not, trouble. All he has to do is collect his soul and return to the underworld and he’ll pass. He won’t be visible to anyone while he’s there.”
I nod. “Right. That makes sense.”
“Why don’t you eat, pretty girl? Then we’ll turn on a movie and wait for him to return.” Donovan smiles as he grabs my plate and fills it up.
Shrugging, I decide why not. Digging in, I moan the moment the lasagna fills my mouth. So fucking good.