Page 48 of Let Us Prey

Cori bursts into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand. When she finally gets herself under control, she gives me a serious look. “We are avault,Dolly. Your secrets stay with us and vice versa. If you’re too nervous to talk about whatever…sandwichesyou’re dining on, we understand. But damn, girl. Your face is a dead giveaway.”

My eyes widen. It is? Oh, shit. What if someone ever tries to interrogate me?

I cover my face with my hands, trying not to disturb them as they continue circling me with dye bowls and foil. “Guys, I have no experience with lying. I mean, I got away with little white lies occasionally, but Lucille can damned near smell deception, so I didn’t try it often. What if I need to lie to protect Fitz or one of the guys? You’re going to have to teach me.”

“Did I hear sweet little Dolly ask us to corrupt her?” Rufus crows. “I have been waiting for this! Coco, we’re going to need a soundtrack for this. Please?”

Cori skips to the counter and pairs her phone with my Bluetooth speaker before clapping her hands. “Okay, Ru-Ru. Let the corruption begin.”

I blink as Taylor Swift blares out of the speaker, and Rufus waves his dye brush at me playfully.

Sweet Hermes, what in the hell did I just agree to?

Look What You Made Me Do

Delores

Strollingup to the lake in a school issued one piece and shorts, I smile to myself when I feel the heat of Felix’s gaze on me. My recently colored hair is in a perky ponytail to keep it out of my face and I have on my new tennis shoes. Despite his irritating demeanor, the ability to get out of my uniform on some days is making this and dancing my favorite sections.

I like that he’s staring, but I’d cut my tongue out before I admit it out loud.

Unlike last time, the other students are filtering into the makeshift classroom dressed appropriately. The email said we’d likely get wet and might shift, so we should wear appropriate gear from our academy kit. I’m not excited about getting my fresh dye wet, but as usual, this asshole waited until the last minute to send the message. I think he gets off on inconveniencing students as much as possible—especially me.

“Oh, look. We have Rainbow Magic Barbie now; how cute,” Felix says as he saunters past. His smirk makes me want to snarl, and I realize Fitz probably tattled on me.

Having a stalker does fuck with your privacy somewhat.

I turn my nose up at him and walk over to the chairs someone placed in rows next to the lake. If he thinks he can intimidate me, he’s dead wrong. I don’t care how sexy and muscled he is in that tank top and low-slung board shorts. Though…

Fuck me if he isn’t goddamn mouth watering.

“Put your worthless asses in these seats and listen up!” Felix stands in front of the chairs, glaring at everyone again. “Last week, we watched Barbie and her counterfeit copy go at it like it was their time of the month. Fairy Magic back there destroyed her prey, but I’m not confident that will always be the case. Fighting based on rage will only get you so far, especially if your opponent is better trained than the Golden Puppy was by her karate panda.”

My hand flies to my mouth, and I stifle the laugh that almost escapes. I think he might hate the Heathers as much as I do. Though, honestly, Felix seems to hate damn near all the students, so maybe I’m overthinking it.

Gold looks furious in her non-regulation two-piece and booty shorts in sparkling gold. The others wore the same bikinis in their respective colors, along with the shorts and slip-on shoes. “My lawyer is drafting a motion as we speak. You should be ready, Professor.”

That makes him throw his head back and roar with mirth. When he finally stops, he arches a brow at her. “You should send him to meet with my father if he’s suing me. Say your goodbyes first, though. While he enjoyed the piece in the Predator Press about the ‘unnamed professor’ who encourages violence between students, he wasn’t happy about the accompanying suggestion that the Khans don’t have control of their heirs.”

My eyes pop open. Holy shit. I didn’t see the piece because the minute Cori said my ex-friends were taking over the paper; I knew to avoid it. It was likely Pink’s idea, and she conferred with her Daddy about it without mentioning what their plans were.

Who is stupid enough to print something negative about the Khan Raj and expect to live?

All four of the Heathers pale under their spray tans as Felix crosses his arms over his chest, grinning. “When I explained myself to his assistant over the phone, my father ordered him to send Fitz and I bonuses next month. He may not want us around, but he applauds our representation of the fierce Khan name.”

Man, did that gambit backfire.

Not only did they fail to get Felix in trouble, they drew the ire of the former king of Bloodstone. They have to be shitting their pants right now. None of their parents will enjoy being on his bad side. The tiger in question walks over to me and winks, looking pleased with himself. Even though his declaration helps him and his twin, the other one does not help me and I intend to find out what he was thinking.

“Why did you tell the staff I’m under Khan protection? You had to realize that would hurt me more than help, Sir.” I put a hard emphasis on the word, feeling just irritable enough to rankle him.

His eyes narrow and he cracks his neck, giving me a look I can’t decipher before walking back to the front of the class. “Today we’re working on shifting, hence the proximity to the water for those of you who are aquatic. A select few of you will display the ability to half-shift—something only possible if you are top tier bloodlines like Council heirs, some powerful seconds, and royalty—but don’t worry if you’re unable. It means you’re average and I expect that to be the case for most of you.”

The silence that falls over the crowd is eerie and a brave shifter in the middle raises their hand. “Would we know if we can do this naturally or?—?”

Felix looks surprised and strokes the light stubble on his chin thoughtfully. “As the future Raj and enforcer, Fitz and I could do so from a young age, though learning precision control was the struggle. Many don’t master it, they simply can go ‘whole hog’ ornothing at all. If you have the innate ability but have not done it yet, focusing on shifting partially will hopefully lead you to the skill. Those who know, should be able to achieve this based on heritage. Step into the appropriate space for your kind.”

I chew my lip nervously. Bruno can half-shift and Lucille has razor-sharp control over every part of her shift.

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