12. Ivy #2
“So much for terrible mates,” she says with a snicker, and I glare at her, but the emotion behind it doesn't stick.
“They're my hated mates, actually,” I mumble, and before she can press me any further, Dorian clears his throat from across the table.
“How was your lunch break?” he asks, and I feel my cheeks heat for an entirely different reason this time.
“He told us what happened,” Meadow blurts, and my eyes widen as I glance back to the Fire Protector, who discreetly shakes his head, confirming he didn’t tell them all of it. Or hopefully not the part where I was sprawled naked on the ground, dressed only in flames.
“They shouldn't have kept you in the class like that,” Toby states, and I shrug.
“It was worthwhile in the end,” I admit, and Dorian snickers. “Anyway, enough about that. I'm on the verge of starvation, and if I don't eat soon, my stomach is going to implode,” I admit.
Wordlessly, everybody moves to order, and I quickly opt for carb loading with mac and cheese, topped with some pulled pork and barbecue sauce, and a fresh lemonade on the side.
Relaxing back in my seat, acutely aware of the stares aimed my way, most coming from my hated mates, I focus my attention on my friends.
“So, tell me all about what you've had going on, because I'm pretty sure we all know what I've been dealing with,” I grumble, desperate to hear about someone else’s life for a minute, and Meadow smiles.
“Nothing much. It's just been classes as usual since the Rejuvenating Ceremony.”
I frown for a brief moment until I quickly recall the night my father took me from Teddy's room. The power was out.
A hint of sadness bleeds through me as I realize I didn't get to be a part of it this time, but the last Rejuvenating Ceremony still lives rent-free in my mind.
What I felt, how I touched myself, the way Archer took care of me.
My thighs clench.
Before I lose myself down memory lane, I shake my head and return my attention to my friend.
“Hopefully, next time there's a power outage, I can join the party that happens,” I say with a sigh, and she grins.
“Well, we’re having a party this weekend. It's Toby's birthday.”
“It is?” I clarify, and he nods, placing his arm around Meadow’s shoulders.
“We're gonna go down to the beach if you want to join us,” he offers, and I smile.
At least somebody's fated mate around here isn't a total ass.
As if thinking them into existence, I glance over my shoulder to see them staring at me.
Are they asses? They have to be. Sometimes their actions might make me question it, but that doesn’t change who they are at their core.
Thankfully, I'm pulled from my wandering thoughts again, only this time, it’s with the food that appears before me, and I don't waste a second before I shovel it into my mouth. Apparently, finding your magic and using it to create flames for the first time burns all your energy.
By the time I'm done, my stomach is so full, and my eyelids are so heavy, I'm ready to pass out at the table.
“Are you really doing okay, Ivy?” Meadow asks, and I gulp.
“I think so. Honestly, my mind is just jumbled, and I'm trying to remember everything before this week.
I don't want to wish this past week away like it didn't exist, because it does come with the bonus of finding my magic, but in the same breath, I feel hazy.” My chest feels lighter as the truth parts my lips, but my gut still twists from the essence of vulnerability in the air.
Meadow’s hand falls to my knee. “Well, don't forget that you're a badass queen.
Everything you've been through to bring you back here, it's all happening for a reason, and you get to choose where that goes.
I'm just here to support you however that looks,” she insists, and I place my hand on top of hers, squeezing in response to her kind words.
I came to Neverbound Academy like everybody else, but I wanted to be free of the weight of my father's chains. This past week has proven that it’s not as easy as I thought it would be.
Even though he's not here, his actions loom over me, threatening to destroy any chance of my happiness, and I refuse to let that happen.
Especially after today, when I've been able to see what I can do without him.
It's clear whatever my father has in mind for me is for somebody else's gain, but that doesn't mean he gets to continue choosing the path I walk.
“Thanks, Meadow,” I murmur as movement out of the corner of my eye catches my attention.
Teddy stands behind Dorian, planting a hand on his shoulder as he nods at me. “Let's go, Princess.”
I’m considering arguing, but goddammit, I don’t want to be part of another show in front of all these people today.
Besides, I'm exhausted. A nap might do me well.
Despite the fire that burns inside of me, I make quick work of saying my goodbyes before I fall into step beside him. It's not until we're walking among the wild flowers, with the rays of sunshine casting over me, that I realize we're alone.
“Where are the others?” I ask, my eyes darting around in search of an angry Fire Protector, a dragon, or a white tiger, but my view comes up short.
“They're heading to the meeting. I pulled the magic straw to be the one who gets to walk you back to your room.”
“My room?” I repeat. He nods, draping his arm around my shoulders, and I don’t stop him.
I should stop him.
“Just while we're not there, Princess. We won’t force you to come to a meeting you’re not ready to attend, which is fine, but we need you to be safe right now.”
My muscles tense at the idea of being alone, silently remembering the fact that Leonardo managed to plant a letter in my room.
As if sensing my thoughts, Teddy runs his hand down my back. “Ember and Coal have been monitoring the room. You're good,” he insists, and for some insane reason, I trust his words.
We spend the rest of the walk in silence, basking in each other's presence as his hand remains at the small of my back. I hate that my body leans into his touch. I hate that I'm forgetting what it's like to hate him.
The entrance to the Fire Protector dorm comes into view as he clears his throat. “I was wondering if you were open to looking at Fencing classes again?”
There’s a hint of nervousness to his tone, and as much as I should say no, I find myself nodding.
“I would like that.”
A smile spreads across his face, unabashed and almost giddy. “Perfect. Do you want me to come and check your room?” he asks as we come to a stop outside the fiery entrance, and I shake my head.
"I'll be good from here.” I’m telling myself as much as I am him.
His lips part, ready to insist, but I give him a pointed look.
“I’m right here. If you're saying they've been watching the room, then that's absolutely fine.” He still looks unsure.
I tilt my head. “I can take care of myself, you know,” I grumble, and he rolls his eyes.
“Fine, but that's going to cost you too,” he says with a smirk, and butterflies swarm in my stomach.
I’m enjoying watching this game play out far too much.
Desire curls through my veins as I press my palm against his chest. “Maybe the fact that I let you walk me home comes at a price too, Teddy,” I murmur, and his eyes darken.
I don’t have time to blink before his lips press against mine in an instant, my back hitting the wall beside me as I'm left intoxicated by his touch, his lips, and his tongue as it dances with mine.
Every brush of my lips against his takes another piece of my soul.
I curl my hands into his shirt, tugging him closer as his fingertips find the edge of my skirt, skimming over my thigh.
I'm about to ride this man in public, and I've only ever had sex once.
I don't even care.
It seems the same can't be said for him as he lurches back a moment later, leaving me slumped against the wall as I try to catch my breath.
“You're playing dangerous games, Princess.” His thumb does that sweet thing, dragging across his lips in a way that makes my knees weak.
“What if I want to play?” I breathe, unsure where the sultry hint to my voice is coming from, and he grins.