23. Evelyn
23
Evelyn
T he first day of school dawned crisp and early. I met Chad at 6 AM, our usual spot by the training grounds. He greeted me with a lopsided smile.
Sweet baby shifter. That grin.
It hit me like a sucker punch right to the lady bits.
“Ready to get your ass kicked, little witch?” he asked, his smile widening as the cold morning breeze tousled his hair.
“Bring it on, Puppy,” I shot back, feeling a surge of excitement.
It was just the two of us again and I loved having him all to myself.
I had missed this.
We started with a warm-up jog around the track, and I could feel the difference immediately.
There was no resistance in my magic anymore. Sure, I still couldn’t use my core magic without risking death, but with my newfound abilities, I could tap into the powers of my lineage. This compensated quite well—in fact, it surpassed my powers in ways I could have never imagined.
Just like my senses felt sharper, there was a subtle increase in my physical strength too—everything just worked a bit better.
But let’s be real—this slight boost didn’t make up for all the cookies Lucien kept baking and I kept devouring during the holiday. Nor did it compensate for the fact that I hadn’t trained with Chad since last semester.
I was about to get my ass seriously kicked, and not in the fun way I might have daydreamed about.
Chad set a fast pace, pushing me harder than before. We moved through drills and sparring exercises that left us both breathless but exhilarated.
By the end of it, sweat poured down my face, but the fatigue was a welcome reminder of how far I’d come.
Chad collapsed beside me on the grass, panting just as hard.
“Damn, that was fun. You’re getting stronger,” he said between breaths. “Now I’ll be able to turn it up a notch.”
“What?” I said breathlessly. “That wasn’t turned up? I’m about to die of a heart attack here.”
“I’m a shifter hellhound. I could go on for hours and hours.”
“What, like some of those supernatural endurance champions?” I teased.
“Champion?” he asked, his eyes glinting mischievously. “I’m way beyond any of them,” he said with a cocky grin. “Want me to prove it? We could put my stamina to the test?”
“Maybe some other time. I’m dead.” I laughed. “Besides, I don’t think I could handle any more of your ‘endurance’ right now.”
“Fair enough.” Chad chuckled. “But the offer stands. Anytime you want to…train, just let me know.”
Back in my room, I took a quick shower, changed into my uniform, and made my way to the cafeteria, where our usual table awaited.
The moment I stepped inside, conversations quieted, eyes turning to me. It was clear that my newfound powers were felt by everyone.
Adrien and the twins were already seated, but Felix and Maggie were absent.
“Goddess!” Adrien blurted out as I sat down. “What happened to your magic? It feels ten times stronger.”
I didn’t want to lie to them, but revealing too much would make them targets.
“Let’s just say some bindings were lifted,” I shared with a wink. “I’m finally living how I should have been all along.”
Their reactions were immediate and varied.
Aurora’s eyes widened, and she leaned forward. “Seriously? What kind of bindings?”
I shrugged, keeping my tone light. “Complicated ones. But trust me, it’s a good thing.”
“Wow,” Adrien said, shaking his head in amazement. “That’s intense.”
“And what about the vampire? What’s really going on with you two?” Raven asked.
Part of the truth would have to suffice here. Fated mates were not a common occurrence, and I didn’t want Morgana to find out yet.
“Alister and I are…connected,” I said slowly. “It’s complicated and…unexpected, but I’m happy.”
Their expressions ranged from shock to curiosity as they digested my words.
Raven nodded. “Just be careful, okay?”
“Well,” Adrien said with a grin, “as long as he doesn’t treat you like a blood bag.”
I appreciated them looking out for me. But I couldn’t help the small smirk that tugged at my lips.
“Oh, trust me, Alister is definitely not treating me like a blood bag.” I grinned, trying to lighten the mood.
Adrien snorted. “Good. Because if he did, I’d have to kick his aristocratic ass.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I don’t think that would end well for you, Adrien. But I appreciate the sentiment.”
With that settled for now, we gathered our things and headed to our first class together.
* * *
That entire morning, I felt eyes on me.
Not just the usual whispers and glances from students sensing my increased magic—this was different. It was there when I was alone with Chad at 6 AM, persistent in the cafeteria, and constant between classes as I walked through the hallways.
Someone was watching me.
I told the others I’d meet them at lunch but wandered the corridors instead.
Students were rushing to lunch, leaving the hallways nearly deserted. If someone was stalking me, I didn’t want my friends involved.
I pretended to need fresh air and walked toward the exit. A few paces beyond it, I turned a corner and waited.
When I pounced, he was caught off guard.
It was Kit, the shifter who’d helped me get into Miss Clarissa’s office.
He blinked in surprise.
“Kit!” I glared at him. “Why are you following me?”
He hesitated, then shrugged nonchalantly. “Ryker’s orders. He assigned a few of us to keep an eye on you since the incident at the amphitheater.”
“Excuse me?” My anger flared.
Kit looked genuinely impressed. “How did you notice me? I’m supposed to be the stealthiest of us all.”
That did little to soothe my irritation. “Where’s Ryker?”
“Most likely at the Shifter house,” Kit replied.
I didn’t waste another second.
Storming off in that direction, I nearly collided with Maggie on her way to the cafeteria.
She recoiled, her eyes widening as she took a step back.
“Evelyn…your power…”
“Yeah, I got an upgrade during the holidays,” I said with a frown. “Why are you backing away? It’s me. You know I won’t hurt you.”
She continued to retreat, her movements hesitant and her voice trembling. “Sorry. My animal—it’s not very powerful—it can sense your strength,” she stammered. “It feels like you’re an alpha now…She’s scared.”
I softened slightly. “It’s just a little more magic, Maggie. Nothing scary.”
She nodded slowly, still looking uneasy as she continued toward the cafeteria with hurried steps.
Great. Now my friends are scared of me.
I marched with determination toward the Shifter house, passing a few shifters along the way.
“Where’s Ryker?” I demanded, my tone harsher than I intended.
They jumped at my words, quickly pointing to the towering figure near the side of the wooden cottage.
Ryker turned towards me, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern as he most likely perceived the anger in my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his gravelly voice laced with worry.
“You had me followed?” I accused, jabbing my finger into his chest and nearly breaking it in the process. “Without even telling me?”
Seriously, what’s this guy made of?
Everyone had scurried off, leaving us alone, but Ryker’s expression remained stoic.
“I was just trying to keep you safe,” he said evenly. “After what happened…”
“I don’t need a babysitter,” I snapped, cutting him off. “You do realize, I’m the most powerful witch in existence. I can handle myself and don’t need a male to protect me. I am not weak.”
A muscle ticked in Ryker’s jaw. “I’m not protecting you because you’re weak or female. I’m protecting you because you are mine.”
I stepped back at his words, my heart skipping a beat. “W-what?” I stammered, my mind reeling.
Had I heard him correctly?
Ryker’s intense gaze bore into me, his eyes dark with emotion. He took a step forward, closing the distance between us.
I gulped, frozen in place by the intensity of his gaze.
Before I could formulate a response, Ryker’s large hands gently cupped my face. Time seemed to slow as he pulled me towards him, his intentions clear. My breath caught in my throat as his lips met mine in a possessive kiss.
It wasn’t delicate or sweet; it was a forceful claiming, an assertion of ownership that sent shockwaves through my body. My heart beat wildly in my chest, a mix of surprise and excitement coursing through me.
His grip was delicate on my face and so opposite to the claim that was happening with his lips and tongue.
I found myself responding, my body relaxing into his embrace. He softened the kiss, and I gave in, allowing his tongue to tangle with mine, savoring the taste and feel of him. My hands found their way to his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt.
Ryker pulled back slightly. “You are mine, Evelyn,” he declared, his voice a raw whisper against my lips. “Just as I am yours.”
I nodded, unable to form words. My mind was spinning, trying to process what had just happened and how I was feeling.
Then, like a bucket of cold water, a thought crashed through my Ryker-induced haze: Alister!
My eyes widened in panic.
What had I done?
How could I have forgotten about Alister, again?
Suddenly, my wings sprang free of their own accord, tearing my school uniform.
“Wait, what are you doing?” I yelped at my wings, but they paid me no mind. Before I could process what was happening, I found myself bolting through the woods.
“A little higher would be nice!” I yelled at them as tree branches whipped my face. I shot upwards. “Not too high!” I screamed as my fear of heights kicked in.
Note to self: Ask Rafe for flying lessons ASAP. Clearly, these wings have a mind of their own, and right now, I felt like a drunken bumblebee zigzagging through the air.
I crash-landed onto Alister’s doorstep with all the grace of a sack of potatoes, panting and disheveled.
The door opened, and Alister’s eyes went wide. “Evelyn,” he said, helping me up. “What happened?”
I stumbled into his entry hall, dead leaves in my hair and twigs poking out of places twigs should never be.
I turned to him with a cringe. “I kissed Ryker,” I blurted out in one breath.
“What?” Alister asked, looking bewildered.
“Well, he kissed me, but I didn’t stop him. Goddess, I’m the worst fated mate there is. I’m so sorry, Alister. I don’t know what happened. It’s like my brain short-circuited and then my wings decided to stage a coup.”
The door opened again, and in came Ryker, naked as the day he was born.
Goddess, he was huge.
Muscles upon muscles with all those tattoos, and yep, that dick was way too big. I felt my face heat up and quickly averted my eyes, though not before getting an eyeful.
The two males stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Meanwhile, I stood there, disheveled and mortified, my traitorous wings finally deciding to behave and fold neatly behind my back.
I felt my heart pounding in my chest, the words seeming stuck in my throat, but I had to say them.
“Ryker,” I started, my voice trembling. “Alister is my fated mate. I don’t know what came over me…or my wings,” I added under my breath.
Ryker’s eyes darkened, shifting to something more intense. He looked over at Alister, and there was a silent exchange between them, a communication I wasn’t privy to. The staring contest continued, each of them assessing the other.
Finally, Alister sighed. “Evelyn,” he said gently, “I believe you may have more than one fated mate.”
“Two fated mates?” I squeaked in surprise, my voice reaching a pitch that probably only dogs could hear.
Poly relationships were common among supernaturals. I guess it could be possible to have more than one fated mate. Could I even handle having more than one?
Ryker stepped forward and grabbed my hand. “You are indeed my mate,” he confirmed, his voice firm and unyielding.
My mind spun with the revelation.
Ryker is my fated mate, too?
I inhaled sharply, recalling the intensity of the death glare he had given me the first time we met. He had become my silent, slightly scary stalker, his eyes always on me whenever he was around. At first, it was unsettling, but then it grew into something I yearned for.
And let’s not forget the cuddles.
Ryker loved having me in his arms, and I cherished those moments. I felt safe and…cared for.
My happiness was short-lived as I thought of Chad.
He will be heartbroken when he finds out.
“Can we keep this to ourselves for now?” I pleaded.
The two males shared another wordless conversation before nodding in agreement.
“I need to take things slow,” I said, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. “Until everything is dealt with.”
Ryker’s grip on my hand tightened as possessiveness gleamed in his eyes.
“We’ll take it slow.” He nodded in agreement.
Then, looking over at his impressive naked form, I added, “You are no longer allowed to shift in front of other females. You’re mine now, and nobody else gets to see your dick. It’s mine.”
Alister choked on a laugh.
“I rarely shift. This is the first time I’ve done it on academy ground and I made sure nobody was around.”
“Okay. Well, I don’t know what to do with it, but it’s still mine,” I said, feeling my cheeks flush.
Alister chuckled softly. “Don’t worry little phoenix, we’ll show you where to put it.”
“Well, I know where it goes. It’s just too freaking large. That thing is not going anywhere near my vagina,” I said, eyeing the monster dick that was now mine.
Ryker scratched the back of his head.
“Ah! It’s getting bigger,” I exclaimed, still staring at it.
“Eyes up here, little mate,” he rumbled, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Or it will definitely get bigger.”
I gulped, feeling my cheeks flushing hot.
Alister looked at me seriously. “You’re the most powerful witch, surely you can take a monster cock.”
I pushed him playfully. “Did you not see that thing?”
“I’d rather not.” He grimaced.
I giggled despite it all.
Alister then turned to Ryker. “There are clothes in your room,” he offered.
Both Ryker and I looked at Alister in surprise.
“I had rooms made for all of you,” Alister explained calmly. “Yours is beside Chad’s.”
Turning back to me, Alister offered, “I’ll have the cook prepare some food.”
“Tactical defense class will start soon,” Ryker noted. “Lunch break must be almost over.”
“Okay. I will change into some gym clothes. Can Mrs. Cook prepare some sandwiches to go?” I asked Alister, and he nodded, walking towards the kitchen.
I numbly made my way to my room, still trying to process everything that had just happened.
Two fated mates. One puppy. One guardian angel. One grumpy professor. And one crazy Matriarch.
I can do this!