Page 36 of Spelled By Truth and Tresses

Jayde’s shoes clicked against the floor as I stashed my books into my bag. I sighed, pulled the drawstring closed on my backpack, then flipped the leather covering over.

If looks could kill, I would be lying on the floor, bleeding out from every orifice. I rested my chin in my palm and waited for her to say something. It was unlike her to hold her tongue. It was rather unnerving, actually.

“Jayde,” I said softly.

Her eye twitched. “I know what you did.” She hissed. “No one else might, but I know.” She shoved past me and hurried through the door, then down the stone hall.

She was right, of course, I killed Amara. The difference now was I wasn’t afraid of facing that fact.

I scanned the library for Jax, but grimaced dramatically as my gaze landed on Josh. “What are you doing here, Josh? Didn’t you graduate three years ago?” I groaned, then smirked.

“Ouch,” he gasped, then pressed a palm to his chest. “You wound me greatly, Zellie.” He grinned, the candlelight flickering over his shiny white teeth.

“You didn’t answer my question,” I said, then nudged him playfully with my shoulder.

“To see you. I missed your sunny personality.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. “Oh, he’s got jokes.”

He winked. “Humor triumphs brooding with attractiveness—oh hold on, here comes a perfect example.”

Jax walked up to us, and he looked pissed. “I told you not to come to my academy, cousin.”

“Relax.” Josh patted his shoulder. “I just wanted to tell you I heard there’s a mixer in the dorms tonight,” Josh stated, then waggled his eyebrows at us.

“Yeah, I’m not really into parties, Josh.”

“Oh common, the two of you are always so doom and gloom. You could really use a fun date night.” Josh rubbed his hands together, then spun on his heel. “Meet me at the End Wing at seven. Don’t be late, my baby bats,” he called over his shoulder.

Jax wrapped me in his arms, then sighed as we watched Josh bump into Lalita on her way in to the library. They were too far away to make out what he said, but she giggled as he whispered something into her ear.

“Ugh.” I groaned, then nuzzled my nose into Jax’s chest. “Why does he have to go after my best friend?”

Jax shook his head. “He’s a good guy. Josh would never hurt Lalita, pet.”

“Fine,” I said. “Look, can we please ditch this mixer tonight?”

“No can do, Bathory. Josh is an incessant nag. He won’t stop bothering us until he gets what he wants. We might as well save ourselves the headache,” he stated, then winked.

I raised my eyebrows. “Cheeky prick,” I grumbled, then pecked his cheek. His cousin brought out a side in Jax I’ve never seen before.

Jax embraced me tightly, then leaned down and whispered in my ear as Lalita bounced up to my table. “I’ll see you later, baby girl. Be a good little siren while I’m gone.” Jax kissed my forehead, then stalked deeper into the library.

I pulled Lalita into a tight hug, our bodies jostling together as she bounced on the spot.

“Stop.” I giggled. “You’re bouncing so hard you’re likely to give me a concussion.”

She rolled her honey-brown eyes. “I’m just happy.” She was beaming. “Josh asked me out.”

“I wanted to talk to you about that. The lecturer has become the lectured.” I warned with a half-smile. “Seriously, though, Josh seems like a really nice guy. He’s ridiculous, but sweet.”

She waved her hand. “And that’s a problem because?”

I searched my brain for a reason, but came up empty. I shrugged, “Nothing actually.”

Lalita laughed and playfully swatted my arm. “Just because he isn’t a menacing, tattooed, broody man does not mean he’s bad for me.”

“You’re right. You two might actually make great partners,” I replied.

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