Page 87 of Oleander
“I guess I’ll confront the old bastard tomorrow. How could he keep my own mom from me?What the fuck is he on?” I murmur to Ander, completely shocked by the news but not doubting Zephyr for a second.
Fae can’t lie.
Well, except for evil, conniving Blood Fae and half-humans like me.
Whatever.
“It’s not right. I completely agree. However I can support you, I will. Do you need me to go with you to Headmaster Goulding’s office? We can demand her new phone number together. He won’t be able to say no to me for fear of possible retribution from the queen.” His smile is mischievous and adorable, but his authority is fucking hot. I can’t even imagine the constant boner I’ll have whenever he becomes king.
I crook a finger, asking him to lean forward. I grab the back of his head, tugging him toward me and laying a passionate kiss on his lips in front of half of our friends, not caring who sees my claim.
He’s mine.
I kiss my way over to his ear, nibbling at it for a second before nuzzling his neck. Ander shivers under my lips, so I pull back, speaking loudly for everyone in the room to hear. “Why do these adults think they can make decisions for us? As if we aren’t adults ourselves. That wasnotthe headmaster’s call to make, and completely unfair to my mom and me. I have to confront him. I couldn’t give a fuck if he’s got a thousand years on me. I’m not scared.” That’s not quite true, but fuck it.This is my mom.
“Skyler. . .” Gaia’s eyes are worried, as are Nerine’s. “The headmaster is extremely powerful. I wouldn’t challenge him.”
“I won’t. I just have a simple question to ask him.” My defensiveness doesn’t help the worry in her eyes, but I don’t have the energy to reassure her right now.
Flame steps forward, politely asking Gaia and Nerine to leave. “Would you mind giving me some time with my brother and his boyfriend?”
“Oh! Of course,” Gaia blushes when Flame’s intense amber eyes land on her. “Please be safe, Skyler. I hope you continue to feel better with each new day. See you in class.” She blows me a kiss before escaping the room with her girlfriend, leaving Ander and me alone with Flame.
“I’m glad you’re both okay. Skyler, you were in rough shape the last time I saw you. It’s good to see you looking like yourself again.” I ignore the slight interest in his gaze and snuggle closer to Ander, who’s tugged me to his side on the couch and pulled a soft throw over us.
There’s a certain jealousy that flares to life in Flame’s gaze. Not of me or his brother, of course, but of our relationship or perhaps ourlove.
I think Flame Sauveterre is lonely and wants to find that special someone.
“Thanks, Flame. I’m happy to feel more like myself.”
“You need to be careful around the headmaster.” His eyes reflect the overhead light like two polished gemstones.
“I’m not scared. Besides, he likes me. We’re basically pals. I train with him every Wednesday morning, one-on-one.AndI’ll have the future king of Auroria on my side. Your brother’s going with me.”
Ander kisses my bruised temple gently. “Of course I am.”
“You can’t trust ancient Fae like him; just be aware. And don’t push him too hard. There are other ways to see your mother and acquire her phone number. Think about that. The most convenient one is cuddling up next to you right now.”
Flame’s implications sink in.
Using Oleander’s portal rune. . . Again.
I turn my head and look into his swirling eyes. Asking an unspoken question.
Ander nods with a soft smile. “I’ll always be there for you,” he whispers. “When we were two outsiders with no one else but each other, and even now with a supportive group of friends around us. I will do whatever I can to help you and support your cause.”
I nearly melt inside at his fervent words.
“You two are a force to be reckoned with,” Flame says earnestly, nothing but genuine emotion pouring from him. He shakes his head as he turns to leave. “Crazy-ass motherfuckers. Be safe, you two.” Flame slips out of our suite, closing the door behind him. His heavy footsteps thud down the stairs.
I smile with pure satisfaction at Flame’s compliment. Oleander and I have gone through some pretty insane shit together this semester. But it led us to where we are now: in love, in a relationship, and in complete control of our power. Ourimmensepower. And most importantly, in control of our futures.
Mixed with Oleander’s courage and my recklessness, Flame is right. Wearea force, and I dare anyone or anything to try and fuck with us.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
SKYLER
