Page 29 of Centaur Bolt

I raised a brow at her. “I thought you were on an information-gathering mission.”

“No mission is worth that.”

Torture session was an apt description for the run. The Dragona kept pace with us—although she wasn’t breathing nearly as hard—and we beat five other students when we staggered across the finish line.

We collapsed, and Vali draped herself upon the ground like a centerfold. She either ignored or didn’t notice all the male eyes drifting our way. It seemed an unconscious thing, so I forgave her.

Although she sat with us, she appeared lost in her own thoughts. And judging from her expression, they weren’t happy ones.

I lay there with heaving lungs and what I was certain was a spasming heart, and debated my life choices. Kiko collected our packs and staggered them over to the pile before returning to lie next to us. We reclined and panted and regarded the lovely blue sky. I empathized with the advanced students as they headed off on their own version of hell.

Only they seemed more motivated, and much better at it than us. Except for the ogress, who waded into the lake rather than following the others.

“I need sex,” Kiko declared.

From what I’d seen in the library, she’d already had her quota today. “I suggested a target, but you weren’t interested. I thought the tail thing would add interest.”

She wrinkled her nose at me. “He’s all yours.”

“Thanks.” I frowned at the Hitzu twins while they were departing after dumping their packs in the pile. “How often do you really need it?”

“As often as I can get it.”

I exchanged a look with Vali, who offered the slightest eye roll, and one corner of her full lips twitched upward. When I transferred my stare to Kiko along with a raised brow, she elaborated.

“Ten or eleven times a week if I want to keep my energy topped up. But more is actually better in this case, because the stuff we do here is so physical. And my talent pulls resources, too. My current record, recently established”—she waggled her brows—“is seventeen times in one day.” She grinned at my shocked expression. “Shifters have excellent recuperative powers.”

“And a tendency to settle disputes with teeth and claws,” I pointed out.

Her smile only broadened. “Yeah. I’m not the best at interpreting those dynamics. It really caused issues with my previous team.” Then she laughed.

Kiko had a great laugh. Even those draped on the ground near us looked up an smiled. It lightened my heart as well.

“You seduced your entire team? OfDires?” Vali stared at her.

Kiko shrugged. “Yes.”

While Vali cast her eyes to the heavens, I asked my other major question. “Don’t you worry that you’ll catch something?”

“Shifters don’t get STDs,” she said cheerfully. “So I usually stick with them. And Satyrs are quite resistant, anyway.”

I guessed they’d have to be. But even if she found partners that weren’t on our team, I’d borne witness to how her attentions could cause mayhem among the students. “Maybe Amadeus can make concessions for you, as this is a necessity rather than a simple impulse thing. Do they let students off the academy grounds?”

Kiko pushed herself to a sitting position as she considered. “So far, they aren’t restricting the occasional trip away, but I’d likely have to get clearance to do it regularly.” Her expression turned almost predatory. “I’ve had excellent success in the past at the Richin market. It’s good for more than just the obvious merchandise.” She shrugged. “The staff at the palace totally got it. There are many who willingly offer to provide energy for sex without any emotional attachments.”

Vali sat up and asked, “The palace?”

Kiko shrugged. “I grew up at the Satyr’s royal abode. Was an assistant to the Queen’s adviser.” She hesitated. “But it wasn’t what Fate had planned for me. So here I am.”

Yowza. She’d left a position like that to come here? Kinda put the academy into perspective. I’d viewed it as a thing to do until I could find something else. Not as a life’s goal.

Yet the expression on Kiko’s face showed there might be more to this story than she’d copped to. Before I could spit out a probing question that didn’t sound too rude, the Satyr rose and offered Vali her hand. “Come with us.”

Once erect, she threaded her arm through the Dragona’s and tugged her toward the stairs.

For a moment, Vali resisted, then she caved. The male eyes followed them both, and I wondered if joining rather than beating was the Satyr’s big plan. The two certainly attracted enough attention that no one even glanced at me. Which suited me just fine. I preferred the stealth approach.

Then Kiko turned and waved to me. “Come on, slowpoke. We’re going to introduce this Dragona to dumplings.”

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