Page 104 of The Reign of Blood

Reluctantly, I shut the shower off and step out into the main space, slightly surprised that he’s still not in here. I spy my clothes in the far corner where I placed them earlier before I set off on my run and busy myself getting dressed as I conserve my magic to blow dry my hair.

I secure my hair in a braided crown, keeping it pinned to my head. It’s a long process but it’s worth it. I rake my eyes over myself in the mirror before I step out into the hallway.

“How are you dressed? I was waiting for the towel walk of shame,” Raiden complains with his arms folded over his chest and a pout on his lips.

Rolling my eyes at him, I breeze past him without pausing as I wave him off.

“You can go now.”

“I’d rather not,” he replies, keeping a step behind me as I head for the stairs instead of my room.

“I’m heading to class.”

“What about breakfast?”

“I can’t deal with you right now,” I grumble, shaking my head at him as I reach the bottom of the stairs, but no sooner do my feet hit the hardwood floor am I hauled in the air and tossed over his shoulder.

A few gasps ring in my ears, confirming we’re not alone, but I can’t see from this position, thanks to the asshole vampire lugging me around.

“If I don’t get to eat you out in the shower like I wanted for breakfast, then youhaveto eat breakfast with me.”

My cheeks heat and my thighs clench with desire. “How does that make any sense?” I rasp, and he shrugs, jostling me on his shoulder.

“I never said it did.”

“Can you put me down then?” I snap, willing to relent if he stops making a show out of me. “All of this tossing me over theshoulder and carrying me around like a rag doll is not doing my image any good,” I add, frustration getting the better of me.

“You’re right,” he breathes, immediately lowering me to my feet before delicately kissing my temple. “Let’s go.”

I blink at him, stunned that he’s actually listening. “Just like that?”

He takes my hand, and when I try to snag it back, he tightens his hold. “I’m a vampire, Adrianna; if I understand anything, it’s maintaining an image.”

39

ADRIANNA

One class blurs into another and another, and thankfully, Raiden relents. A little. Much to Kryll’s amusement. As I take my seat between the pair of them, my lunch tray in hand, I barely get my ass in my seat before they’re both touching me.

I should push back, move, and get the space that my mind knows I need, but my body refuses, loving the warmth that surrounds me from both of them. Raiden’s arm is around the back of my chair, laying claim to me for everyone to see, while Kryll’s hand rests on my thigh, his thumb stroking back and forth discreetly.

Brody isn’t missing out from across the table either, with his ankle pressed against mine, while Cassian excels at ignoring me like always. He’s the whole reason I’m sitting here. I’m trapped in this web of desire because of him, forced at this table to suit his needs, yet he continues to ignore me.

Classic.

I should appreciate it. At least I can think in his presence.

“What has you glaring?” the wolf in question asks from across the table, eyes narrowed at me, and I shake my head.

“Nothing,” I answer sharply, letting my cutlery clatter on my now-empty plate. Turning my attention to Flora, I nod to the exit. “Do you want to head to class?”

“Yes,” she answers, rising to her feet with Arlo right at her side, and the second I stand, Raiden and Brody follow suit.

“I’m coming,” the mage declares from across the table, making Raiden grumble.

“I was talking to my friend,” I state slowly, pointing at Flora, and they both scoff.

“I can walk by your side, Adrianna, or do the whole stalker thing that you like so much,” Raiden offers, causing my nostrils to flare with irritation.

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