Page 134 of Let Us Prey

It almost feels like she’s on my side. How weird is that?

My phone buzzes, and I realize my ‘escort’ has arrived. I jog down the steps to the front of the Tower, sliding my sunglasses on as I walk up to the impatient looking dragon.

“Here,” Aubrey grunts, as he hands me a travel mug that smells like caffeinated heaven. His eyes slide over my attire and he quirks a brow. “That’s not your uniform.”

I snort, taking the tumbler and sipping it greedily. “I have no fucks left to give. I’m so tired.”

His hands clench at his sides as I groan at the delicious drink. “Rennie’s rebelliousness is rubbing off on you—I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or not.”

“Don’t be a grumpy old man! Being rebellious is fun.” I tilt my head for a moment, studying his expression before I get a brilliant idea. “Give me one of your shirts and I’ll wear it tomorrow. Is that better?”

The dragon shrugs, walking with me across campus toward the training ring. When we pass the library, he finally responds. “Fine. If you really want to.”

Covering my mouth with my free hand, I try to stifle my giggle. “I’ll come up after my sex ed exam. Maybe we can have everyone over and order take out? I have to go to bed early because of my dance midterm tomorrow, but I could hang out upstairs for a while. I… miss you guys—all of you.”

Aubrey pauses, turning to look at me seriously. “It’s very quiet without you. There’s entirely too much brooding going on, and it’s not only from our poetry-loving emo boy.”

I frown, feeling my chest ache a little. I don’t enjoy thinking my guys are having issues when I haven’t been around to help. But then… no one has mentioned a problem until now, so…

Is it about me? Have they changed their mind about sharing and someone’s mad?

“Don’t get upset, bite size. We’re okay, just lonely without you,” he says hurriedly.

He stops walking and pulls me into a tight hug. I let out a sigh of relief. This physical affection is more Rennie’s style, but I’ve been deprived lately, so if my cranky librarian wants to give me a cuddle, I’m here for it.

“Thank you. I really needed that.” I lift my head, looking up at him. “I don’t enjoy hearing you guys are upset, and I hate that I’ve been away so often. I promise I’ll stay close during break.”

Aubrey finally lets go of me, looking a little embarrassed by our public display. “I think everyone would enjoy having you back. Jinx misses you when you’re locked up with the polar bear with the allergy.”

“Rennie sends me pictures. I know that she’s glued to you the most when I’m not available—you can’t fool me.”

He huffs, turning to continue stomping toward the training grounds, and I laugh. For someone with a fetish for cute things, he sure is touchy about it.

“You’re going to be late, snacklet. I doubt the Raj will appreciate that..”

I mean, that’s sort of the point, isn’t it?

“I’ll take my licks if it means I get to spend an extra few minutes with you.” I pause for a moment, realizing something I hadn’t had time to even consider. “Is the brooding why the chat has gone silent? I didn’t think about it before, ‘cause I’ve been buried in work, but everyone talks to me privately.”

“We’re trying to give you space to work, of course. But also, we’ve been assembling our pieces and trying to figure out how they connect while you’re busy.” Stopping again, he rubs the back of his head as he sighs. “Felix is worried more kids will go missing during the break. He and Fitz are trying to identify ones a bad guy would find appealing.”

This time, I shrug and kick a rock across the grass. His statement worries me because I know Rufus and Cori have plans for me to hit the big city with them over the break. The guys are going to fucking lose it if they think I could disappear when I go out. “Truth for a truth? My friends want me to go to some events over break.”

“Fuck,” he mutters. “Felix is going to go ballistic. What kind of ‘events’ are we talking about?”

Sighing, I give him a crooked grin. “A festival concert for a couple of days.”

“Dionysis’ flask, nibblet! Could you have picked a worse idea?” He shakes his head, holding his hand out.“Do you have any idea how hard it will be to manage Fitz at a fucking festival, much less keep you safe?”

Taking it, I ponder for a second. “I figured that would be part of the fun.”

My second exam went late,my phone is dead, and I feel ready to drop. Consistent lack of sleep for the past two weeks is catching up with me, and I still have three more days of this shit. But I promised Aubrey I’d take a study break, and what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn’t stick to my word?

I trudge up the stairs of the Tower, furrowing my brow when I find no one home. Grabbing a soda from the fridge, I go down a couple of levels to Rennie’s room.

At least I know where to find Jinx.

When I open the door, the kitten comes bounding out, and I smile and nuzzle her soft fur. Her little mews make my heart feel squishy, but I’m too damn exhausted to give her a proper petting. I look at her with an apologetic smile.

---