Page 23 of Minx

“Maple syrup,” I murmured. “I hear it can get you high.”

“Mmm.” The second time, his kiss was deep, exploring, and my arms went around his neck and hung on for the ride. One I’d buy a ticket for anytime.

A minute or an hour later, we were interrupted by the door opening, and I tried to jump to my feet, fearing we’d be in trouble, but Theron held on. “It’s only the guys,” he soothed.

“And we’re sorry we interrupted you,” Bodhi said, “but it’s time for class, and I don’t think our girl needs to get in any more trouble.”

No, I certainly did not.

Chapter Eighteen

Theron stood, still holding me, and settled me on my feet. “I’m still not sure whether to thank you for coming in, but you’re right. Minx is going through enough right now. She doesn’t need to deal with any kind of academic problems on top of it all.”

“We heard she had an episode in the dining room.”

“You heard?” I cringed a little inside. “Everyone must be talking about me, huh? Do they think I’m a freak?”

“No!” Grim insisted then shrugged. “Maybe a few do. But they all matured into their wolves when they were eleven or twelve, and they probably barely remember.”

“Also,” Bodhi put in, “it’s said that late shifting is much harder on you physically. I’ve never known a latent who actually came into their wolf at your age, but that’s what we were taught in class.”

“Oh, sure, first I set fires, then I’ll probably die halfway into wolf form and leave a bizarre-looking corpse.”

“Oh no. Dead shifters always end up in human form again, I’ve heard,” Grim said.

My jaw dropped. I stared at the man of few words who’d just said something I didn’t want to hear.

“Not helping, Grim,” Theron said. “Now, if you can manage not to upset our mate further, I think you have class with her this morning.”

Grim flushed. “I’m sorry. I was trying to be reassuring. Let’s go, Minx.”

I reached for the tray, but Theron picked it up and waved us off. “Don’t want to be late.”

Bodhi walked with us until we reached his first class then winked at me and disappeared inside. “Have a good day, Minx.”

“You, too.” Was it weird that having him say that made me feel like I would have one? “He’s a nice guy,” I told Grim.

“Yes.” We walked on a bit, then he asked, “How long has the fire thing been going on?”

“I am not sure because I didn’t know it was me until my locker burned and my parents told me it was. But not long.”

“We’ve only heard of the ancients having the power of the elements. And they were blessed by witches.” He apparently was more talkative when it was just us.

“It’s awful, isn’t it? I don’t know what might happen. What if I hurt someone?” I swallowed hard. “What if I hurt one of you?”

“We’ll figure it out.” He patted my arm. “Don’t worry, okay? You’re coming into your own and will have lots to deal with on the way. We’re here to help. And this is the right place to be with resources as well. It will all be fine.” He opened the door to our classroom. “After you.”

I was on time, thank goodness, and went through the day, class after class, with one or the other of the guys and sometimes Stevie in with me. I felt so behind, in all my subjects, even though I was only entering a few weeks into the term, but they all had their whole lives soaking up what it meant to be a wolf shifter.

I was picking up an afternoon coffee at a little kiosk that operated most of the day and evening when my phone rang, and I dragged it out of my pocket and glanced at the screen. “Hi, Mom.”

“Minx, it’s Mom.” Which was why I had said, “Hi, Mom,” but since she always did this, I let it slide. “Is this a good time to talk?”

“Sure. Is everything all right? Is Dad okay?”

“We’re fine, baby. And how is school?” Her words were just generic, but a hint of anxiety in her tone showed her true concern.

“I haven’t burned it down, if that’s what you are asking.”

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