Page 18 of Promised in Blood

While I know it’s probably not what Alexandros has in mind, thoughts of all of the fun and filthy ways I may get to train my girl start to race through my head. This is going to be so much fucking fun.

Chapter

Seven

OPHELIA

Alexandros stares out the kitchen window, his white shirt straining against the muscles in his broad shoulders and his battered briefcase sitting on the counter beside him.

I chew on my bottom lip, wanting to speak to him, but I’m not sure where we stand. Last night, he was so open with me. So tender and sweet. He appears much more like his usual self this morning though.

“What is it, Ophelia?”

I roll my eyes. Of course he knows I’m standing here. I pluck at a stray thread on the hem of my tank top. “I-I have Greek history today.”

He doesn’t turn around. “I am well aware.”

I don’t know what I expected him to say, but I want him to say more than that. “So I guess I’ll see you there?”

“If you are continuing with your studies, then yes, you will.”

I hoist my backpack onto my shoulder.

“Your lessons will begin immediately after your last class of the day is over.”

“With you?” I blink away a tear. How can he treat me so coldly when only a few hours ago I was sleeping in his bed? In his arms!

“We shall see.” He drains the remains of his coffee. “You are going to be late for class.”

I should ask him what’s crawled up his ass this morning, but he’s right—I will be late if I don’t get moving. And despite everything I’ve learned in the last twenty-four hours, I wasn’t kidding about wanting to finish my degree. We can figure it out. I’ve hidden my powers, albeit unconsciously, for the last nineteen years. What’s another four?

So I leave him to his sour mood and walk out of the kitchen, shouting a goodbye to the boys as I reach the door. The three of them come running down the stairs and shower me with hugs and kisses and offer to walk me to class.

I’m unable to hold back my laugh, and I forget all about Alexandros’s coldness as I squirm in Malachi’s embrace and tell them I’ll be fine walking alone.

I arch an eyebrow when they protest. “I’m the most powerful being on campus, remember?”

“You brought all of us to our knees, sweet girl.” Malachi winks and gives me a kiss on the lips.

Xavier and Axl do the same, and then Xavier swats my ass. “Get to class, Cupcake.”

“Hey,Ophelia. You want to grab some lunch?” I sling my backpack over my shoulder and search my memory for her name but come up empty. We’ve been in the same class all semester, but this is the first time she’s spoken to me. “We’re going to Henley’s.”

I blink at her. She’s surrounded by a small group, three girls and a guy, and they all wait expectantly for my reply. Henley’s is the most popular hangout for students in Havenwood, and I’ve never been invited there by anyone other than the guys. “Me?”

She laughs. “Yeah. We’re headed there now if you want to join?”

She’s being serious, and I’m not sure how I know that, but I do. They’re all giving off the same friendly, nonthreatening vibe. I’m tempted to say yes, but I need to find Cadence. I haven’t spoken to her since Alexandros dragged me out of the library last night, and I’ve been kicking myself for not getting her number any of the times we’ve hung out. “Thanks, but I have to find my friend. Maybe next time?”

“Sure. We go most afternoons. It would be cool if you could hang some time.”

I nod, shrugging on my backpack. “Yeah.”

The door to the classroom bursts open, and I look up to see Cadence running through it. She stops when she sees me and closes her eyes, appearing to sigh with relief. I say goodbye to the group and head over to her. “I’m so happy to see you,” I say, grabbing her hand.

“Girl. What the hell happened last night? I wanted to come over and check on you, but Enora forbade me. Are you okay?”

Her worry is palpable, and I offer her a reassuring smile. “I’m okay. No, I’m good. Really good.” Apart from being vampire catnip, anyway. But I don’t add that last part.

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