“It means, I’d mark you,” his voice is a low purr that sends warmth through my belly, “if you’d be willing, but I know better. It means, I’ll allow you to stay in Minor Hall, even though you’d be safer in Elite Hall with me. It means, I’ll let you fight against your unknown villain, even though it’s dangerous. I’ll let you put yourself at risk when you must. Because your will matters to me.”
I blink. Only one response comes to mind.
“Why?” I breathe.
He lifts his hand toward my face and gently shifts my hair behind my ear. “Because I’m not the monster you think I am.”
28
Old Habbits
I walkinto the room with Jarron’s arm slung over my shoulder, the weight more comfort than hindrance. It’s funny how easy it is to fall back into old habits.
Jarron feels natural. He knows me well. I know him.
Still, my heart races and cheeks warm when all attention shifts to us.
Trevor’s room is a near replica of Jarron’s. The bed has red sheets instead of black, with chains and handcuffs twisted around the metal bed frame—I refuse to dwell long on that—but the layout and shiny black décor is all the same.
There are maybe a dozen people in the room, with several more on the balcony.
Bea’s shrill laughter rings out over the music. “You made it! Pay up, Kyler!”
Some random vampire groans and hands a stone to Bea. Making bets on our arrival.Good times.
“It’s about time you made it!” Stassi leaps forward, tongue practically hanging out of his mouth. “Is it possible? Stirring cauldrons all day has actually made you more attractive?” He smiles big and wide at me.
I snort a laugh. He’s a bit odd, but people like him make me feel more comfortable in situations like this, so I appreciate his exuberance. Even if I don’t know what to say to all the compliments.
“By the way, I call making a speech at your wedding, okay?”
I give him an incredulous look, but he’s already hopping away into the crowd. “Is he serious?”
Jarron chuckles. “Yes.”
We’re greeted by several wolves, one witch, and a few fae. I’ve done a fair bit of research but it’s still hard to keep track of everyone. Besides, I’ve now limited most of my research to particular castes of supernaturals.
I’ve decided that uncovering the identity of my sister’s lover is the key to her death.
So, my focus is mostly on demons. If I happen upon a sphinx or a nightshade, I’ll add them on. But as of now, my list of suspects consists of eight.
Jarron.
Laithe, his second.
Trevor.
Mr. Vandozer, the principal.
Jose, Emanuel, and Mohammed, three demons who keep mostly to themselves. I haven’t learned much about them yet.
And Mr. Lee, a high-level magic teacher I’ve never seen.
There’s been a shift in the way I’m regarded in Elite Hall since the day Jarron nearly killed Auren. I’m more accepted. Or maybe more feared, now that they’ve seen I have some sway over Jarron’s actions.
It’s one thing to be an object he protects, it’s another to be a voice of influence.
Even with that shift, there’s still a gap between us. Maybe one of my own making.
