Page 141 of The Bond That Burns

I hesitated. I could see the worry etched on Theo’s face and for a moment I considered telling him the truth.

“It’s not a big deal,” I said finally. “I’ve been...sick.”

“And one of the symptoms is growing scales?” Theo said in disbelief. “Maybe you should see a healer.”

“I’ve seen a healer,” I lied. “They said it’s nothing to worry about.”

Theo shook his head stubbornly. “Lying again.”

I sighed and stole a peek at one of my arms. The scales had vanished. “Look,” I said, holding out my hand. “See? Nothing to worry about. I told you.”

“What if they come back?” Theo insisted. “What if they get worse? What if someone else sees? Wouldn’t you rather talk to me about it?”

“No,” I said, setting my jaw tightly. Theo had enough on his plate. He’d finally recovered from his ordeal with Aenia. Though he needed to regain some of the weight he’d lost. He was still looking too peakish for my liking. “And you can’t tell anyone about this. Not Vaughn, not Visha, not anyone. Do you understand?”

Theo hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But I’m here, Blake. If you want to talk, you can trust me. You know that.”

He looked so hurt that I felt like a total bastard. I clapped him on the shoulder. “I know, cuz.”

“You’ve been there for me,” he said quietly. “Every step of the way.”

I cringed. “You mean when I almost let Aenia kill you? I wouldn’t be so quick to give me any credit.”

“You didn’tlether do anything,” he insisted. “You couldn’t stop her. Neither could I. She’s incredibly strong for a child when she gets like that.”

“I should never have left you alone,” I said morosely.

“I’m fine now,” Theo assured me. He smirked slightly. “Maybe better than ever.”

I looked at him, then felt a smile tug at my lips. “You mean...?”

“Vaughn might be in House Orphos, but it’s my bed he sneaks into most nights,” Theo said with a wink. “He knows my House Leader won’t kick him out if he sees him.”

I felt a twinge of guilt. “I certainly won’t, but...” I hesitated. “Maybe you’d better use his room sometimes. Most of the time, Theo.”

He looked so crestfallen, I quickly added, “We have spies.”

“Spies?”

I nodded. “Viktor is watching us. This year more than ever. Please, Theo. You and Vaughn have to be careful.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Theo said, sitting up straighter and scowling. “But if that fucking monster dares to hurt Vaughn again...”

“He’ll have both of us to deal with. We’re stronger together,” I said firmly. “And that’s what I wanted to talk to you about, actually. You and Visha.”

“Visha? What did you want to talk to Visha about?” Visha sauntered up to us looking far too perky for a blood magic class. “Miss me, boys?”

I looked her up and down. “Someone looks pleased with herself.”

She sank onto the bench beside us. “You have no idea how pleased I am,” she practically purred. “Did you know dwarven women have incredible stamina?”

“No,” I said, eying her with amusement. “But I have no doubt you’re about to tell us as you regale us with your most recent exploits.”

“You couldn’t stop me if you tried,” she said, batting her long lashes. “Lace Ironstride. Scout. Third Year. Fucking goddess in the sack.” She paused. “You know, I may just have to go exclusive.”

Theo leaned forward. “I beg your pardon. Did she just say what I think she said?”

“Good luck telling that to Lucian and Evander,” I said wryly. “Don’t they, um, appreciate a third from time to time?”

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