Page 51 of The Reign of Blood

Men. Boys. Assholes.

How can I even be a leader with this mindset? I’ll never earn my crown with self-doubt.

Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose and try to recenter my focus and attention. My head throbs from the punch the wolf landed, and I recall Cassian’s words the last time I endured a duel: only the wolf you are fighting over can heal you. Like hell am I asking him to help me with this. The last time we spoke, we fucked, and then he stormed out. Did we really do much talking?Either way, I’d rather manage the pain than inflict further torment on myself.

“Good morning. If you can pair up with the partner I called out for you last week, we’re going to get straight into the swing of things,” the professor announces as he waltzes into the room. His black cloak flurries behind him, he’s moving that fast, paying no one any mind, and a split second later, my view is blocked by the familiar blond hair and purple cloak that is Brody.

My partner.

Great.

It could be worse, but he’s a handful, and we haven’t really spoken since our chat in the forest. All of these men, with all of these unfinished or stilted conversations, are worsening my headache and driving it straight into a migraine.

“Did I mention how hot it was watching you take that girl down?” he states, rocking back on his heels as he runs his tongue over his bottom lip.

“You didn’t, actually.”

“Well, I am now. H.O.T. Hot. Hot, little Dagger. Hot. Hot. Hot.”

My cheeks heat as I wave him off. “You can stop now.”

“I’d rather I didn’t,” he retorts with a wink, and I shake my head.

“I’m sure.”

“Has anyone here danced the waltz before?”

My eyes widen, recalling the last time we were in this class and Brody mentioned that he knew it a little. Before I can make sure he keeps his damn mouth shut, he waves to the professor. “I have.”

“Excellent. Can you please show everyone how the male position should embrace the female position,” he orders while I glare at the mage before me, who doesn’t seem to notice.

I’m going to kill him.

He steps in closer, so close our shoes almost touch. His hand splays across the bottom of my back, making my spine stiffen and my nerve endings stand at attention. He doesn’t miss a beat, lacing his fingers with mine as our breaths mingle together.

Definitely going to kill him.

“Would you like to lead her around the room for everyone to see?” the professor asks.

“No,” I blurt at the same time he hollers “Yes!” in agreement.

“It’s okay, Dagger. I’ve got you,” he promises before his feet begin to move.

With one hand on his chest and the other engulfed in his, I cling on for dear life as he takes the lead, literally waltzing me around the room effortlessly. I stumble over his feet a few times, but he doesn’t falter, and when we’re back in our original spot, he catches me off guard, grabbing my waist and dipping me low.

The professor claps as I quickly rush to stand back on two feet, my cheeks heating even more as I pat at his chest. He thankfully takes a step back, but the embers of desire are undeniable in his eyes as he peers at me.

“It’s cute when you get flustered,” he states, making me frown as I fold my arms over my chest.

“I’m not flustered,” I grumble, acutely aware that there’s still an audience watching us.

“Of course you’re not.” He winks again.Fucking winks.

“That’s marvelous, Brody. What a performance, may I ask you to come and aid me around the room so we can help everyone get into the swing of things? Addi, you, however, require some more practice. Please consider watching the videos online as I recommended in the last lesson.”

A few snickers ring out as I avert my gaze. I haven’t watched a single one, and that’s probably not helping, but in my defense, there’s been a lot going on since our last class.

“I don’t want to be apart from you,” Brody says, stroking a finger down my cheek as I roll my eyes and push him back a step. He knows exactly how to get under my skin.

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