Page 46 of Of Bone and Ash

“The cute new teacher?” I grimace at her description of Atlas being cute.

“Uh, yeah. The new guy,” I agree as I run into the bathroom and throw on some makeup. I do a double take at the collar of bruises around my neck and quickly glamour them, not wanting to draw any attention to myself before I see Atlas. My head spins as I mentally kick myself for not talking to him way before now. I had meant to tell him about the first dream, but it’s been a little crazy since I got here.

“His class ends in fifteen,” Neva hollers. “So if you're quick, you should be able to catch him before he goes to lunch.”

Lunch? Shit, what time is it? How the hell did I sleep this long? My mind still feels foggy, like it’s covered with a heavy blanket, slowing my thoughts. I blink a few times, trying to clear my mind as exhaustion weighs heavily on my shoulders. If Neva is correct and it's lunchtime, then I’ve slept for ten or more hours. But it doesn't feel that way. I feel worse than I did last night, and that’s saying something, considering the magical low I was at.

Frowning, I think back to my class schedule and grimace when I realize I was supposed to be in Atlas’ class that’s about to end. Frowning, I rush back into my room to grab my phone and tap on the screen, lighting it up and then groaning at the three text notifications there.

Atlas-10:40- Where are you? Class started ten minutes ago.

Atlas- 10:56- Fina?

Atlas- 11:28- I swear to God I will call Gabriel if you don’t answer me, Serafina Covington.

Shit, he full-named me and everything. Not a good sign. I quickly type back a reply, letting him know I’m fine and on my way to his classroom before tucking my phone into the small pocket of my pants and rushing back into the bathroom.

“He’s going to be pissed,” I whisper to myself, brushing on some mascara before leaving the bathroom and opening my bedroom door. Neva is leaning against the wall next to one of the windows, looking over the forest, and Adam has a wet wipe in hand, wiping down my already cleaned counters. Neva catches my eye and shakes her head when she sees me arch a brow in question, so I hold my tongue, choosing not to ask why he’s cleaning.

“Come on, Adam,” she says, standing to her full height and walking over to study my neck. “Damn. I can't see a thing. Your spells are perfect. I need you to show me how to do this. My glamour always turns out a little hazy,” she admits, leaning in and making me tense when she moves to touch me. She notices and immediately draws back, giving me an apologetic smile. “Sorry.”

“I need to go,” I say instead, changing the subject as Adam walks over to the small trash can and throws away the wet wipe before walking to the sink and washing his hands thoroughly.

“And what should we do if Hulk is on the other side of that door?” Adam asks, and Neva laughs.

“He is,” she assures us, and my gaze falls to the small golden blade suddenly spinning between her fingertips. My magic immediately springs free, making Neva shiver at the sudden drop in temperature. “Shit. Sorry. Is the jock a trigger for you?” she asks, and I grit my teeth, nodding as I move towards the door.

“I’ll handle Teos. Save me a spot at lunch, all right?” I ask him as he turns to face me, a frown on his face.

“Are you sure? We can come with you if you need us to,” he offers, big blue eyes finding mine as he shakes his head. “I think after the way we found you, you shouldn't be left alone. We should come,” he decides, completely ignoring me. Neva sighs and walks over to Adam who continues to ramble about coming with me, before hooking an arm into his and pulling him to a stop. Adam immediately looks down at her, his words freezing on his tongue as his worried expression softens.

“Too much?” he asks, and she nods.

“Yep. If Serafina wanted us to come, she would have asked. We’re still new friends and we need to…”

Adam huffs an annoyed breath as he looks up at me, lips twisting.

“Respect boundaries,” he grumbles under his breath, making me bite my lip as Neva nods and pats Adam’s hand.

“I really am good, Adam. I’ll see you at lunch,” I confirm, making him smile and nod as they follow me to my door, where I brace myself before throwing it open.

TWENTY-ONE

Serafina

My eyes immediately fall on the grumpy Phoenix Shifter sitting on the floor, slumped against the wall on the other side of my door. He has one knee bent, arm resting on it, as he scowls at me.

“That was mean,” he pouts, his black curls sticking out in all directions as he jumps to his feet, brushes off his dark-washed jeans, and straightens the black leather jacket he has on. I eye the buttery smooth leather, wondering what I would have to do to steal it from him.

“I needed to get dressed, and you were hovering,” I defend with a shrug. I watch as Neva puts herself between Adam and Teos, looking forward, but her hand resting on her hip where I’m assuming her knife is.

I nod in approval, more than happy that she’s protecting Adam. From what I’ve heard from my newly acquired redheaded friend, he and Neva have been friends for years. It makes sense that she’s protective of him. Hell, I feel protective of him, and I’ve only known him for about a week, which is honestly concerning since I haven't bothered worrying about someone other than my family in years.

“That’s because you don't care for anyone but yourself,” my father's voice mocks in my mind, making me grunt at the reminder of how emotionally unattached I am. I wish I could be better at it, but I think something in my brain doesn't work right.

“Where are you going?” Teos snaps, annoying me with his attitude as I rush down several flights of stairs and through the lobby of my apartment building. The lobby is full of students, several sitting on the couch while two guys play basketball in the corner of the room with a small hoop attached to the wall. I ignore Teos and the looks we get as I storm through the lobby and out the door, mentally going through everything that happened with the Reaper in the red cloak and what I need to tell Atlas.

“Bella,” I hear Teos call as he takes longer strides to keep up with my fast pace.

---