Page 36 of Shattered Illusion

“Call me if you need anything. And I mean anything, Bailey,” I get out right before she clasps hands with Olga, and they disappear.

Crickets could be heard in the quiet of my office now that both Bailey and Olga are gone. My gaze travels over the destruction that needs to be cleared. It’s not something that I want to deal with right now. Bailey’s protection is at the forefront of my mind, and she needs someone there to deal with the fallout of this incident and any other that may arise.

Snatching my phone from my pocket, I dial the one person who may fight against me on this, saying it’s babysitting duty, but would ultimately do anything for our friendship.

“What’s up, Axe?”

“Luka, my favorite demigod and best friend. How are you?”

“Cut the shit, Axel. What do you want?” I snicker, knowing he’s seen right through me.

“I need a favor.” I bite my lip, waiting for him to backtalk me on needing yet another favor.

“Name it.”

“I need a protection detail at Stonewell.”

“Is it for the pretty little curio from Friday?” The interest is thick in his voice. Too thick to be feigned.

“Yes.” Hesitancy is rife in my tone.

“Done.”

And that’s why we’re best friends. Even if his immediate acceptance makes me question his motives.

It feelslike I’ve been hit by a truck and run over. Repeatedly. Sleep was non-existent last night. Every time I closed my eyes, it was like I relived Professor Asshole dragging me through the academy and breaking my wrist. And then, to make matters worse, the entire time, him calling me his mate played like a bad record in the background.

Needless to say, I’m freaking exhausted and want nothing to do with my schedule today. Especially since my first class of the morning is Combat. My body twinges with phantom pains from yesterday at the thought, even though I’m fully healed.

Thanks to Olga, I now have a little more of a handle on my magic. Granted, I can’t do the big things, but being able to partially heal myself is one that I’m grateful to know. It’ll take real work to get myself to the point of fully healing injuries, but I’m confident that one day, I’ll be able to do it—along with the multitude of other things I should be able to.

After Olga popped me back to Stonewell yesterday, I spent hours sitting under the hot spray of the shower, just thinking about it all. Especially the mates part.

The entire concept of mates is an idea that I fell in love with while I was in the human sector. Knowing that, as supernaturals, they have one person who is created specifically for their soul. Their other half. Someone who will love them unconditionally. It didn’t even cross my mind after I came to at the lagoon that there may be someone like that for me.

But now that I know there is? The whole idea of mates and soul mates can kiss my ass.

How in the world did anyone think that someone who could abuse another person so easily would be my perfect match? I’m the most non-combative person I know. I avoid scenarios that could potentially cause hurt and strife in someone else’s life.

But him? It was almost like he thrived on it.

That just makes him a disgusting person, and me sick to my stomach that he’s supposed to be the other half of my soul.

Whoever is responsible must have been high off their ass the day they paired us together.

The alarm on my phone shrieks from next to me on the pillow. Where it’s been all night. For a good portion of my awake time, when I wasn’t thinking about all the bullshit, I was on it scrolling the internet. Newsflash. Nothing new to report. Just the same old shit.

A quick tap stops the annoying sound, and I reluctantly drag myself out of bed, stumbling all the way to the bathroom. After flushing, I toss my hair up, letting loose pieces fall around my face and brush my teeth. My gaze snags on the necklace firmly around my throat once again. When I got back last night, I found it sitting on my coffee table, along with my black bag and a note from Thaddeus, who dropped it back off. From the scribble of his words alone, I could tell he was pissed. But it’s not going to makea difference. What’s done is done. And as much as I hate saying it, I just need to move on and pretend it didn’t happen.

Famous last words, right?

My hands reach for the first clothes I find in my closet: leggings, a sports bra, and a loose T-shirt. Combat class is sure to involve a lot of, well, combat, so I should be dressed accordingly. Once dressed, I slip my feet into a pair of white trainers, totally dragging ass all the way to the kitchen, grumbling the whole way.

Coffee is about the only thing I’m even remotely looking forward to. And I swear I hear it whispering to me to skip classes today as I take the first sip.Sounds so good, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Steamy.But no. I freaking wish. It’s only my second day of classes. I can’t start skipping already.

Except for Transmutation. That class can go to hell. And I think I’ll add Spells and Potions to the list while I’m at it.

With a quick check of the time, I grab my bag from the coffee table and reluctantly head to Combat class.

---