Page 14 of The Vampire Oracle

But Kier’s eyes were locked on my body.

I scoffed. “As if. Though I appreciate the free stay—”

“Who said it was free?” Kier crossed his arms over his bare chest.

“Me. Now, I can buy a better arm and train with you guys to stay in the academy.”

Osiris scowled. “Stay in the academy?”

“Per Father Frazier,” I said with a fake smile as I sat down at the island. “I have seven days to prove I belong here and to prove I am Spectre.”

“What do you even need training on?” Briar asked. “You used Alchemy and Weapon summoning. What else do you need?”

“I know how to use magic. I just don’t like to. I need to touch up on fighting skills and classes, that’s all.”

“Well…” Kier stood up straight after grabbing a new beer from the fridge. “I guess we should make sure you don’t fail and get kicked out and killed.”

I rolled my eyes. “What’s your motive since we are having an honesty hour?”

He shrugged. “I like good pussy too, Sally Girl.”

“Fuck off, Kier.” I gagged at the nickname.

Beck stood, running a hand over his hair. “I am going to finally shower. Paperwork is finally done.” He grabbed a drink before going upstairs. He didn’t even look at once, though I watched him climb the steps, wanting to chase after him.

“Forgive him,” Briar muttered, passing me. “Too many girls lied to him.”

I looked down at my mechanical arm. I never thought about this day because I was hoping that I would be able to hide it longer. But I couldn’t.

Not anymore.

Now I was here, unable to know what to do or what to say.

I had a few hours before getting Cozen and moved back upstairs. Cain and Jinn left for their house down the street while Kier cooked some food in the kitchen for us. I didn’t know how well he could cook, but I didn’t care to check on him.

I found Beck’s room and invited myself in. His clothes were scattered on the floor, telling me I had picked the right room. The shower was going, and I decided to give him alone time. I sat on his bed, looking around the room. Almost like his frat room, it was decorated like this was actually his room. A few movie posters and a few small trinkets were around the room.

A picture of Abel and the twins was on the dresser. They were happy, surrounded by an emesis amount of snow. They looked like they were snowboarding with gear on for the weather.

“I think you have the wrong twin,” Briar said, stepping from the bathroom. I twisted around, looking at the twin with a towel wrapped around his waist. His chestnut hair was clinging against his forehead as drops of water traveled down his body.

Briar was another one I didn’t think looked strong, but seeing him half naked, I could see why he was the defense teacher.

“Mhm, I thought with the clothes everywhere this would be his room… Sorry.”

He shrugged, moving to me. I didn’t move, a bit nervous.

Why was I nervous around him?

My eyes dropped to the various scars covering his chest, including the burned scar. Then I looked back up at him.

“You’re in front of my clothes, Sal.”

I looked back at the dresser before stepping to the side. “I am sorry… I lied to you, Briar.”

“I know you think you owe me anything, but you don’t. I’m not your boyfriend,” he snapped.

I nodded. “Yeah… There’s no way a man like you would ever want me.”

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