Page 50 of Kingmakers, Year Three

“Yeah,” Kade says, coloring a little. “Probably just ‘cause of my brother. He won three times, so maybe the Freshmen hope it’s genetic.”

“Sorry,” Valon says, stuffing a dumpling in his mouth, “ya got no chance, kid. We’re sweeping all four years. Gonna beat your brother’s record.”

“Yeah, I know you’re a bunch of all-stars. I’ve heard about Leo Gallo.” Kade grins, brash and unconcerned. “I’ve got nothing to lose. If he beats me, that’s what everyone expects. But if I win . . .”

“Then you’ll wake up in the morning and realize it was all a dream,” I say, laughing.

Kade laughs along with me, not offended. “Maybe so,” he agrees. “Can’t fault a guy for trying.”

I like Kade’s easy confidence. A year ago it would have irritated me—it would have reminded me of Leo. But somehow it doesn’t bother me on the younger boy. Maybe because I wish I had been more like him my first year at school. Less angry—looking for friends instead of foes.

Foes come all on their own.

Bodashka stops at our table, staring angrily at the seat he usually takes, currently filled by Kade Petrov. Without a word, he stomps off to join Vanya and Silas instead.

“Is this his spot?” Kade says guiltily.

“Don’t worry about it,” I tell him. “It doesn’t have his name on it.”

Bram raises an eyebrow but doesn’t argue. Bodashka is pompous and not that bright. Kade is better company and a lot funnier.

“How about you?” Bram says to Tristan. “How come you’re not sitting with the Frenchies?”

“I like the Paris Bratva,” Tristan says, in the surprisingly soft voice that does not at all accord with his large frame. “But Jules is kind of a dick.”

Bram laughs. “Yeah he is. His room’s right next to ours. He’s moodier than a girl.”

Tristan chuckles. “The only person who can keep him in line is my sister. And she’s in the library right now.”

“Your sister’s Claire Turgenev?”

“That’s right.” Tristan nods.

“Fucking hell, she’s gorgeous,” Bram groans in a tone of deepest longing. “No offense.”

“I’m not offended,” Tristan says, shrugging. “She is beautiful.”

Claire Turgenev has long been the standard of beauty and class at Kingmakers, one of the few female Heirs beloved by almost everyone. When she graduates at the end of this year, a hundred male hearts will break, and probably some female hearts, too.

Not mine.

I’m not as captivated by stunning blondes as I once was.

In fact, what I’d like to see right now is a shock of black curls, thicker than fox fur and darker than a moonless night . . .

As if I summoned her with my thoughts, Cat Romero walks into the dining hall with my collar around her neck.

She locks eyes with me, standing still for a long moment.

She looks like she might join me voluntarily, until she sees the lack of empty chairs at my table.

I curse the impulse that led me to invite Kade Petrov over.

Cat sits with Anna, Leo, and Hedeon instead.

Hedeon pulls her chair back for her because her hands are occupied by her tray.

That simple chivalrous act sends a bolt of fury down my spine. I’ve never thought about Hedeon Gray for two seconds, but all of a sudden I think he might be my mortal enemy.

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