Page 26 of Oleander
Skyler’s hand moves to my shoulder, where he kneads the tense muscles firmly, and a prolonged groan escapes my lips. A massage would be euphoric.
“Oh yeah? Why? Because you care about me?” he teases, continuing to loosen my stiff muscles.
“Of course I do,” I reply seriously, no smile in sight. We’re trapped in a staring match until loud stomping on the stairs interrupts us. We immediately jump apart like two little kids in trouble and compose ourselves as best we can. I open the door before there’s a knock, certain I know who’s on the other side.
“Brother,” I say in greeting, not at all happy to see him. Why must he bother me when I just got here? I don’t even have my schedule set for tomorrow.
Skyler steps next to me, folding his arms across his chest. Flame’s eyes light up, gleaming with malicious opportunity.
“I wanted to make sure you didn’t kill anyone at the party last night, especially that pretty new roommate of yours.” Flame steps into the suite uninvited. “We didn’t get to properly meetlast night. I’m Flame.” He holds his hand out, waiting for Skyler to grasp it. The same smile I see in the mirror now taunts me. I sink back into my shell like I always do around my brother until Skyler notices.
“Listen up, evil twin. I think you need to treat your brother with some fucking respect.” Skyler steps forward, bumping into Flame’s chest and staring him directly in the eye. All three of us are roughly the same size, except Skyler is broader in the shoulders with thicker arms.
Flame chuckles menacingly. “I prefer a challenge.A fight.Makes the reward all the more sweet.”
Skyler’s eyes begin to glow, a static buzz filling the air as his anger builds. His aura is tense and on guard.
Oh no. No, no, no.
“Stop! Please don’t do this.” I grab Sky’s arm, my emotions turbulent and the magic unchecked. Our skin connects, electricity crackling as it zaps away the poison on contact.
Flame gasps, stumbling back in complete shock. “W-what?How?” His eyes dance between our faces, traveling down to the point where our skin connects.
I let go of Skyler’s arm, and he threads his fingers through mine. Small currents flow over my skin, and a smile tugs at my lips as we stand side by side in front of my brother. A united front.
“Magic.Duh.What the fuck else did you think, dude?” Skyler’s obnoxious words make my brother’s eyes pulse a dangerous gold.
I snort, failing to hold in my joy at the irritation on his face.
Flame’s provoked gaze turns on me, his nostrils flaring. “You think you’re tough now? ’Cause you havehimby your side?” My brother scoffs. “Don’t get too comfortable with your newfriend. No one’s forgotten what you did.” Flame spins on his heel and storms from the suite, slamming the door behind him.
“He’s such a dick?—”
“Your brother’s a complete dick.”
We both speak at the exact same time, cutting ourselves off with a burst of laughter. Skyler's dimple pops out, and the soft freckles dusting his nose and cheekbones look like the first frost of winter. His beauty seizes my lungs and takes my breath away. I reach out, ghosting my thumb along his strong jaw, and we both go still.Silent.
The tension in the room is palpable. Fear and hope swirl in my gut, making me an anxious wreck inside. I wantsobadly to kiss him. For him to kiss me. But I’m scared.So fucking scared.
Flashes of River’s cloudy eyes make me pull away, putting an end to what was about to happen.
“Ander—” Skyler starts, but I cut him off.
“Ican’t. I just. . .” I start to back away toward my own bedroom door. “You already mean too much to me to risk it.”
“And that’s every reasontorisk it, Ander. Can’t you see that? I’m not scared. Even after hearing some of your darkest secrets. I’m. Not. Scared.”
A tear falls, trailing down my cheek as I shake my head, denying the one person who’s willing to help me. The one I might be falling for. I slip through my bedroom door, shutting it softly and resting my forehead against the cool wood.
Touch is one thing, but a kiss? I’m not sure his magic can protect him from the poison on my lips. And I’ve never seen an aura as pure and bright as Skyler’s. I won't risk extinguishing it forever.
I need to pick up my class schedule, so I may as well get it over with. Then, I can spend the rest of the day repotting my small hawthorn tree and setting up my balcony herb garden. Tonics are an important part of my life. There’s no magic involved, only healthy, happy plants grown with love and expertly precise chemistry. I enjoy making different teas and tonics to help Fae in their pursuit of everyday wellness. Plants calm me, grounding me with their serene beauty and silent support.
I dig through the new clothes Skyler and I picked out together and pull on a cream sweater with light-colored jeans and my boots, slipping on some gloves for an extra layer of protection. A sigh of relief escapes me when I step outside into nature. The sun is warm on my face, yet the air has a chill to it as I cross campus in a hurry to get to the administration office. I really don’t want to bump into anyone I know right now. I just want my schedule.
I duck my head against the wind, making it there without interruption. I push through the wide oak doors deeply set in the ancient gray stone, walking up to a massive reception desk with a small female sitting behind it.
“Can I help you?” She sounds bored and aloof, not even looking up from where she files her red-tipped nails to a point.
