Page 9 of Laid Bare

“As I said previously, there are certain logistics that we’ve decided on as a collective that you must adhere to in order to keep this deal intact. First and foremost, you will return to the academy and continue your studies. I’ll get with Headmaster Stonewell on the subjects you need to be focusing on as he’s already explained that you’ve been taking random classes as part of your cover story.” Holy shit. He’s told him everything it seems. “So now you’ll be taking classes for the runes you hold. I have a book at home that classifies what each rune does, and I’ll be sending that your way as study material. In a week’s time, I expect to have a full list of the runes you carry as a precaution. Are you with me so far?”

Am I? Yes. Do I like it? Not one freaking bit. Not so much the classes part. But the part about him obtaining a full list of runes I have etched on my skin seems a little intrusive. It’s not like I can tell him that, though.

Before I can give my affirmation that I’m still with him so far, Axel cuts in. “What do you plan to do for her, safety wise? Your esteemed leader has already practically put a damn price on her head. One of her now ex-teachers,” he throws a pointed look at Jasper that screams I’ll fill you in later, “has already expressed her displeasure, thanks to you. And, as of forty-five minutes ago, she’s been let go from the academy. So what steps are you lot going to take to ensure her safety while she’s learning?”

If the situation wasn’t so dire, I’d swoon over the fact that my mate is worried about my safety. I am too, but damn. I love this vampire for putting me first.

“I’m glad you asked, Mr. Pennington.” My head whips toward Axel, my eyes screaming the question,do you know him? A small shake of his head is all I get in return, but I’m too confused to decipher what it’s supposed to mean. “That’s actually the next point I was planning to make in our logistics. But to answer your question, I’ll be sending two of the best bodyguards to shadow Miss Foss and deal with any threats that may arise. They’ll be staying at the academy, in the room next door to Miss Foss, for her protection.”

Babysitters? Is he for-freaking-real?

Logically, I get it. I really do. Especially after experiencing the hell in the main hall with the supernaturals out there. But come on! This is the academy. It has to be a hell of a lot safer there, right?

“And, finally, you’ll be meeting with me every few months to go over what you’ve learned and where you still need help. If we feel that you aren’t getting the proper instruction for certain areas, we’ll provide teachers that can help. That’s about it. Do you have any questions, Miss Foss?”

The most I can do at this point is shake my head, any words I may have dying on my tongue. This is the best-case scenario compared to how it could have gone. So, while I may have a few objections myself, I keep them to myself. I’ll rage over them later.

“Fantastic.” Cassian tucks his hands in his pockets with a bright, blinding smile on his face and his wings ruffling behind him. “I’ll call Jasper in a few hours with the information on the bodyguards that will be showing up tomorrow. Other than that, Miss Foss, you’re free to go.”

Thank fuck. I’m ready to go the hell home.

I quietly murmur my thanks as I hop out of the chair like the damn thing is on fire and head toward the door, knowing the guys will be following right behind me. There’s no way I would have lasted much longer in that room with the displeasure from a few council members weighing me down.

There’s one thing I definitely know for sure.

Next year, if I survive that long, I’m staying the fuck home.

Galas can kiss my runed ass.

The silencein the limo is heavy with unspoken tension as we head back to the academy after the angel—Cassian—dismissed us.

There are so many things I want to say, apologies that need to be given, but I can’t seem to muster up the words they deserve to hear.

Marion refuses to look at me, no matter how many times I’ve tried to catch her eye, while Hudson hasn’t taken his attention off me. His gaze alone burns my skin as he constantly checks me over from head to toe from my spot tucked between Luka and Axel.

Headmaster Stonewell—because I refuse to use his name after what just happened—chose to fly back to prepare for the shit show Monday is going to bring, and Thaddeus, well, the poor fae, stares out the window with his jaw clenched, probably despising me for what transpired with his girlfriend. Or, I guess, his ex-girlfriend now.

I never wanted to come in between them, but it looks like I did anyway—-not that I intended to. But there’s still time. He can fix this whole mess with her, and so can I. When we get back to the academy, I’ll demand that Headmaster Stonewell puts someone else in charge of my training and takes me out of portal class. I’ve already basically mastered it, so I don’t need it anyway. And when Miss Izzicle returns, I’ll apologize for my part in what happened, even though she’s the one with the skewed views toward me.

Hopefully, there will be changes for that class, too. Especially given her true feelings when it comes to me. I grimace; I can see the low grades I’d pull in her class just because of her dislike for me. A self-deprecating chuckle slips through my lips. Who am I kidding? It’s so much more than dislike. She absolutely hates me. While the feeling was mutual, at least I hid how I felt toward the fae, unlike her who had no problem joining in the chorus of people wanting me to die.

And I don’t think her animosity had anything to do with Thaddeus.

Or I’m completely wrong and it had everything to do with Thaddeus and getting me out of the picture.

It’s not like I can ask her, seeing as she’s… well, back in Faerie.

After what feels like the longest ride of my life, the limo pulls to a stop in front of the academy. In front of the very spot I met Headmaster Stonewell the first day. No one says a word; no one even moves until Marion huffs and throws herself over Hudson’s lap, popping open the door and disappearing into the dark night.

A chorus of howls greets my ears, and it’s easy to understand that the guys who stood by her side tonight are back at the academy, too. It’s a relief to know that Marion won’t be alone with the revelation she learned at the gala. I should have asked if she was okay. Made sure she wasn’t still injured. But she barely spoke to me after the big reveal, so I know there’s no way she would have said anything in the small confines of the limo.

Thaddeus slides out next without a goodbye, his mind most likely too consumed with turmoil to remember the rest of us still sitting here. But it’s okay. There’s no way I can hold it against him after what I’ve caused.

Uneasiness slips down my spine like an unwanted caress as no one else makes a move to leave the vehicle. I’m not sure what my bonded mates are waiting for, but the longer we sit here in silence with Hudson’s silvery eyes still firmly on me, the more skittish I start to feel, wanting… noneedingto get the hell out of here.

Not able to take any more of the tension, I quickly dive over Luka’s legs for the open door, slipping silently into the fresh night air. Cricket song and cicada buzz greets me from where they perch in the safety of the trees, but it’s quickly drowned out by the whooshing in my ears as my adrenaline from the night starts to fade.

My ankle rolls in my haste to get away, but I right myself before I can fall and make an even bigger idiot out of myself. Kicking off the infernal heels Marion wanted me to wear tonight, I snatch them up in my hands and keep my quick pace up the stairs and into the grand entrance of Stonewell Academy.

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