TEDDY #2
“I wouldn't be complaining if it wasn’t,” he snaps back, and I nod, spinning on the spot and taking off without a backward glance.
“If you're gonna lecture me, I'm sure you can do it later too,” I holler, but no reply comes.
Right now, I want eyes on Ivy, just to make sure my mother is nowhere nearby and that Dorian actually did what I needed him to do.
I take off even faster this time, acutely aware of the fact that my mate is waiting for me.
A scream rings out in the distance, and gasps echo through the air, the sounds drawing me closer rather than pushing me farther away. Which can’t be said for those who suddenly run toward me and away from the madness.
They block my path, irritating the hell out of me, but it’s their whispered words that make me falter.
“Who the hell has the power to do that?”
The instant smell of fire envelops me, clogging my throat with uncertainty. As I near the dorms, I startle at the sight of the entryway to the Fire Protectors’ building.
The power is still out around campus, but familiar flames frame the entryway.
A quick glance toward the other protector buildings confirms none of the others have returned to their protective states, reconfirming that magic has not been restored.
Protocols have been completed, ensuring the safety of campus, and a full Rejuvenating Ceremony will likely take place tomorrow, so this is at the hands of an individual, and my gut already knows who.
Skidding to a halt in front of the building, I gape at the flames, unsure of how I can approach, yet desperate to step inside. Distress consumes me with only one thought on my mind: Ivy.
As if summoned by The Fates themselves, I spy a disgruntled Silas storming toward the flames. Staying light on my toes, I beeline for him, planting my hand on his arm as he leaps through the flames, and I dart with him.
My back collides with the wall the second I step foot on the other side as Silas shoves me off him.
“What the fuck?” he snaps, and I shake my head, scrambling to my feet and darting for the stairs before I can get into an altercation with him.
Breathless, I screech to a halt at her door, rapping my knuckles on the wood three times before I throw caution to the wind and I let myself in.
From the doorway, I’m rooted to the spot as I watch Archer drape a sheet over Ivy’s naked frame, tucking her into bed, his jaw tight and eyes wide.
Sax prowls back and forth at the foot of the bed in his tiger form, his white fur on full display, a snarl on his tongue, while Baron stands closest to the door, arms folded over his chest, anger palpable from every inch of him.
I get one single step inside, and before I can even close the door, Baron's fist collides with my face. I take the full weight of his hit, startled as I fall to the floor, staring up at the ceiling in a daze.
“Could everyone stop fucking hitting me?” I snarl, my muscles twisted in knots as I rub at my jaw, forcing myself to stand, despite the pounding in my face.
The second I'm at full height, I’m graced with the presence of our dragon rider in my space.
“This is your fault,” he bites, making my heart twist as I pant with every breath.
“What is?” I ask, acutely aware that Ivy is in whatever state she's in.
“Our mate is a whirlwind, but it’s not quite a common occurrence for her to be in this state. Never mind the…” Archer’s words trail off as Baron scoffs.
“The flames,” he bites, and I exhale.
“At the door?” I clarify, and he nods.
“Ivy did it,” Archer confirms, and despite knowing it in my stomach, my eyes still bug out of my head at the acknowledgment.
Gripping the back of my neck, I gulp. “Is she okay?” I breathe, and Baron throws a sprig of ivy and a piece of paper in my direction.
My gut sinks with fear as they land at my feet.
“Leonardo,” Archer confirms, and I hide my face in my hands as my fingers curl into the roots of my hair.
I cling on for dear life.
“What the fuck happened?” I ask, and Baron scoffs.
“How about you tell us? Where were you? We know Dorian was with her, not you.”
My head dips as I release the ends of my hair, inhaling sharply as my lips part, but before I can speak, a soft voice calls my name.
“Teddy, are you okay?”
My neck snaps as my gaze turns to the bed to find Ivy with her eyelids at half-mast and concern crinkling the corners of her eyes.
“Fuck him, we're here for you,” Baron snaps as Ivy tries to slip from the bed, but Archer crowds her, placing his hands on either side of her body as he tries to pin the sheets around her.
I take the hint and hurry toward her the best I can, and as soon as I'm within arm’s reach, she brushes a hand across my cheek.
“Your face. She hit you again.” Her palm against my skin is hotter than any slap, punch, or shoulder barge at this stage, and I bask in it, even when I know I shouldn’t.
“Don't worry about it, Princess. What happened to you? I'm so sorry.”
Her hand moves to my lips. “This isn't your fault,” she interjects, and I shake my head.
“Yes, it is,” Baron interjects, and Ivy glares over my shoulder at him.
“He made whatever decision was necessary to keep me safe, even if it meant hurting himself in the process,” she snaps, her touch against my cheek growing warmer.
“I’m sorry, Ivy, I—”
“I forgive you. Whatever you think this is, I forgive you. Will that make you extinguish your guilt?” she presses, and I can't help but smile at her as I shake my head in disbelief, still confused over what is actually happening right now. “What did she want?” she asks, and I exhale.
“Can we discuss what you did instead?”
Even in her exhausted state, she cocks her brow at me.
I'm reduced to nothing under her expectant stare.
I sigh. “The same thing she wanted the last time she paid me a visit. I refused then, and I have every intention to do so again.”
“But…” she breathes, and I both love and hate how she can see the truth in me.
My heart races as I lift my gaze from my mate to lock eyes with Archer. We keep talking about how things need to change if we want to convince her that this can work. Maybe this is it. Maybe it could start now.
Clearing my throat, I stuff my hands in my pockets and address him. “She wants me to use my abilities to get you to put them in the same room,” I state, watching him stiffen as his eyes narrow.
“Who?” he grunts, and I shake my head.
“My mother. Your father,” I clarify, and he rears back in surprise.
“Why?”
I shrug, defeated, yet desperate to do whatever it takes to protect my mate. Swallowing my pride, I offer him the truth. “Power, status, wealth; everything my father can no longer give her now that he's dead.”