Page 90 of Promised in Blood

She twirls a dark braid between her fingers. “Sure. They usually have a few regular girls they hook upwith every year.”

My heart almost falls through my chest. “They do?”

She nods. “Yeah. It’s no big deal. You know what they are, right? It’s kind of their nature to need a few people to sustain their needs.”

I try to keep a lid on my growing temper. “And this year?”

Need me to come over there, princess? Axl asks, sensing the change in my emotions.

No.I refrain from snapping at him, even though I want to.I’m fine. I promise.

Sienna licks her lips. “Well, this year they seem to have gone exclusive. Word on campus is they’re off the market for good.” She inches closer. “So actually, I was wrong. I guess you’re just their girl. Period.”

I swallow down the swell of jealousy that rolls up from my chest, which is dampened by her last statement. “I guess I am.”

“That’s a whole swath of broken hearts out there. Because those boys… Well, you know better than anyone, right? They’re not exactly my type, but I can see their appeal.”

My only response is to stand here and blink at her like an idiot.

Her lovely green eyes shine, and she tilts her head, scrutinizing me. “Hey, I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. Sometimes I speak before my brain’s engaged. I’ve always thought vampires got a bad rap. We’re all driven by instincts, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Those boys have it bad for you, O. And I can’t say I blame them.”

I shift from one foot to the other. She’s being nice to me. Paying me a compliment even, so why do I feel so intimidated?

Because you do not believe yourself worthy of her friendship or her adoration, little one. But I assure you that you are.Of that and so much more.His voice, warm and strong and reassuring, fills me up.

I feel a smile spreading across my face.Were you just listening in on my thoughts, Professor? Aren’t you supposed to be teaching?

He growls softly, and the sound has pleasure snaking through my limbs and my toes curling in my boots.You are a constant distraction, Ophelia.

“So, what do you say?” Sienna asks, reminding me we’re also having a conversation.

“Um, to the party?”

She laughs, rolling her eyes. “Yeah, girl.”

Sienna Brackenwolf wants me to go to a party later,I tell Alexandros.

Are you asking for my permission to attend?His tone is light and amused.

No. I just… Can I?

He laughs now, and the sound is so alien yet so sexy. My knees threaten to buckle.So long as you finish your lessons first, and the boys will have to accompany you.

Thank you.

He hums.Stop distracting me. I have a class to teach.

You spoke to me first, I remind him, but he’s already gone. I give Sienna my full attention. “I’d love to come.”

Her smile grows wider, but before she can respond, Cadence joins us. “Hey, guys. What’s up?” There’s been a sadness around her since Meg’s death that wasn’t there before, and I guess it’s totally understandable, given what happened and how I’m one of the few people she can talk to about it.

I link my fingers through hers and squeeze, trying to convey all my understanding and empathy in that one single gesture. She gives me a smile in return.

“I was just inviting O to a party at Amalthea Crescent House tonight. It’s gonna be fun. You should come too.”

Cadence shakes her head. “I don’t think so. I should probably study for my algebra test on Monday.”

I squeeze her hand tighter. “If you change your mind, we could go together. I’ll be bringing the guys too, but they’ll be on their best behavior. Promise.”

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