Page 23 of Wicked Court

I cling onto her every word. I knew there was more to them than their money, looks, and power on campus.

But why do they want me?

“Thanks, Darcy,” I smile at her, trying to keep my voice light and dismissive.

But she’s not done.

Darcy looks around before whispering again. “It’s said that they’re pretty ruthless in their dealings. This college stuff they do, that’s like counting to five on one hand. They have connections everywhere—in the university, D.C., even further than that. It’s like they’re part of this old, powerful network. Some say their influence can make or break careers, reputations ... lives.”

I frown, skepticism mixed with concern. “That sounds a bit excessive.”

Darcy leans back, a knowing look in her eyes. “Maybe, but if the rumor mill is right, people who’ve gotten on their bad side suddenly face ‘unfortunate’ incidents. Accidents, scandals, academic downfalls. The Court never gets their hands dirty, but somehow, things just happen.”

Just as Professor Salazar begins his lesson, Darcy eyes me with a mixture of pity and intrigue. “And now they’re interested in you. I’d be careful if I were you. The Court isn’t just dangerous because they’re powerful; they’re dangerous because they’re smart, covert, and always a few steps ahead. These boys may look house-trained, but they’ll always be feral. They’re actually very charming when they show no mercy.”

Darcy’s words should instill fear, but they miss their mark. I’m too wrapped up in this Court’s interest in me and how easily I submitted to Wilder yesterday.

And how I want more of him.

I clear my throat and ask, “Wait, if they're super secretive and only talked about in rumors, how do you have all this info?”

Darcy gives a casual shrug. “Because if I had a dick, I’d be in it.”

I can’t argue with her on that.

“Thank you,” I say again, a small smile on my lips despite my racing heart. “Really.”

Darcy waves it off, eyes back on her phone as the professor scribbles on the board. I shift away and immerse myself in the lesson, but I can’t shake the Court from my thoughts.

Now I know more, but how do I use this information?

Darcy has no reason to lie to me. I've entered a realm where secrets, shady dealings, and power conflicts prevail. Never mind that I’m just looking for a little stability and security for what remains of my family.

My pulse gallops as the class drags on. I want to know why they want me. And what they’ll do to anyone who gets in their way.

A small part of me is afraid that finding out will be dangerous, even deadly. But the rest?

I’m finding it hard to resist.

Chapter 10

Elara

After my last class, I plan to pick up groceries for Mom, who only trusts me to not poison her food. I’ll spend the evening with her, making sure she takes her medicine and comforting her until she falls asleep, promising that no one will hurt her.

It breaks my heart every time. I hate how quickly my world changes as soon as I leave campus.

Old, wrought iron street lanterns light the pathway to the student parking lot and I pass the time by allowing my mind to drift to the night before, how Wilder’s touch unsettled my fears even as he provoked them. Axe’s rough hands on my shoulders while he held me in place in front of the cauldron, Cav’s subtle control of the situation, and Kaspian’s persistent, hollow stare.

A shadow casts into one of the lantern’s arcs of light. My steps slow. The air turns from the smell of fresh spring leaves to a hit of cologne and an earthy smell of moss. When someone clears their throat, my mouth goes dry, the taste of the coffee I had earlier turning bitter on my tastebuds.

I raise my head, finding Cav standing under the streetlight with a smirk on his face.

Oh, fuck him, he scares me with that smile alone.

“Can I help you?” I ask.

He takes his time answering, his eyes, blue as a ghoul’s, roving over my face and body before settling on mine. His gaze burns through my skull and tries to melt my brain.

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