Chapter 21 – Billie #3
"I'll remember that." He returns to his seat, still smiling. "Thank you for the lesson."
Drakiss clears his throat. "Yes. Well. That was very educational." He fixes me with a look that could freeze hell. "Perhaps next time, Miss Moreau, you could demonstrate without quite so much enthusiasm."
"I'll try to remember that, Professor."
I return to my seat on shaking legs, very aware of every eye still on me. The whispers start immediately.
"She actually fought back."
"I can't believe he let an omega break his nose."
Tallon catches my eye, and he's grinning like I've just made his entire year. Even Corvinus looks pleased, which is more disturbing than if he'd been angry.
Yeah, this was definitely a test. But if I'd held back completely, he wouldn't have bought it. Not after my refusal at that party.
Besides, it's better to let him think I'm not completely tamed. He clearly has a thing for challenges. Maybe this mission's not totally fucked yet.
The rest of the class passes in a blur of tactical theory and combat applications that I actually understand. Drakiss calls on me twice, testing my knowledge, and I answer correctly both times. The surprise on his face is almost worth the humiliation of being pinned to the floor.
When he finally dismisses us, I gather my things quickly, ready to make a strategic retreat before—
"Miss Moreau." Corvinus's voice stops me. "A word?"
It's never a request with these fuckers.
The other students file out, shooting us looks ranging from curiosity to outright envy.
Tallon pauses at the door, meeting Corvinus's eyes in some silent communication, then leaves.
Even Drakiss disappears, though I catch the way his jaw tightens before he goes.
Clearly, he doesn't approve of his prince's dogged pursuit.
Interesting. That might be a division I can exploit to my advantage.
And then it's just us. Me and the prince I'm supposed to kill, alone in a room full of weapons I'm not allowed to touch.
"That was quite a performance," he says, leaning against the desk. "The frightened omega act followed by sudden violence. Very convincing."
"It wasn't an act." The lie comes easily now. "You pinned me down. I reacted instinctively."
"Did you?" He tilts his head, studying me. "Or did you lure me into a false sense of security before striking?"
"Does it matter? Omegas have to fight dirty in this world. I've been here long enough to know that."
"True enough." He pushes off the desk, moving closer. I force myself to stand my ground. "You're interesting, Billie. Far more interesting than the simpering omegas who throw themselves at my feet."
"Lucky me."
"I meant what I said at the party." He's close enough now that I can smell him, that fucking starlight scent that makes some hidden part of me purr.
"My offer stands. Protection, privilege, anything and everything you could possibly want.
" He pauses to glance around us, gesturing at the weapons arranged like an art gallery.
"Including these. Something tells me you'd prefer steel to roses. "
"In exchange for my freedom."
"In exchange for your company." He reaches out, fingers ghosting along my jaw. "Is that so terrible?"
Yes. Yes, it's fucking terrible. You killed my mother, you arrogant prick. You destroyed my family. You're the reason I'm here, collared and caged and forced to play dress-up in a world I was raised to destroy.
But what comes out is, "I'm not interested in being anyone's pet."
"Then I don't want a pet." His thumb brushes my lower lip, and I hate how my breath catches. "I want you."
The words should terrify me. Should send me running for the nearest exit. Instead, they make something hot and dangerous coil in my belly.
Fucking suppressants. They're definitely messing with my head. Or omega hormones. Hard to tell which.
"You don't even know me," I say, proud of how steady my voice sounds.
"No." His smile turns knowing. "But I'd like to."
I step back, putting distance between us before I do something stupid. Like lean into his touch. Or drive my knee into his balls. Fifty-fifty odds on which I'd choose.
"Is that why you had me transferred to this class?" I challenge, figuring this is my chance to get answers out of him. "You thought it would endear you to me?"
"Did it work?" That wicked grin returns, turning his princely features devilish.
"I should go." My hand fumbles for my bag. "I have another class."
"Of course." He doesn't try to stop me, just watches as I back toward the door. "But Billie? This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
The threat—or promise, hard to tell which—follows me as I flee down the stairs. I can still feel the ghost of his fingers on my skin.
This is bad. This is so fucking bad.
He changed my schedule. Put me in a class where I'd be isolated. Where he could offer me everything I supposedly want while dangling it just out of reach.
And the worst part? Part of me wants to take it. Not because of him, but because of the access it would give me. A private suite means less supervision. Protection means fewer obstacles. Resources mean potential weapons.
But accepting would mean playing a role I'm not sure I can stomach.
Smiling at the man who killed my mother.
Letting him touch me. Pretending I'm grateful for the privilege of being his trophy.
And I'm not sure I'd be able to keep my cover under constant observation.
Not with Professor Drakiss breathing down my neck.
My feet carry me to the registrar's office on autopilot. The same Fae woman from last time sits behind her desk, looking no more pleased to see me than before.
"I need to change my schedule," I say without preamble.
She doesn't even look up. "We've been through this, Miss Moreau. Changes require—"
"I know what they require." I slam my hands on her desk, making her jump. "But someone changed my schedule without my permission. I want it changed back."
I'll take Caelyx over Corvinus. It's a choice between a cobra and a viper, but at least it's a choice.
She finally looks at me, those cold eyes narrowing. "Your schedule was approved by your benefactor. Only they can authorize changes."
"Who's my benefactor?"
"That information is confidential."
"Of course it is." I want to flip her desk. Want to grab her by her perfect bun and demand answers. But that would just get me expelled. Or executed. Hard to tell which would happen first.
Besides, it's pretty fucking obvious said "benefactor" is Corvinus.
"Is there anything else?" She's already returning to her paperwork, dismissing me.
"No." I'm out the door before she can respond, my mind racing. This is worse than I thought. Corvinus isn't just interested in me, he's fucking obsessed. Changing my schedule, cornering me in class, making it clear he's not going to give up just because I told him to go fuck himself.
Which means I need a new plan. Fast.