Page 45 of Oleander
I growl like an animal possessed, yanking him to me by his ass.
“Tell me what you want, Ander.”
His eyes flare, his magic here and ready to mingle with mine. He has complete control of his poison.
Sexy.
“What. Do. You. Want.”
My hand slips under the waistband of his sweatpants, squeezing his cheeks over his underwear and running my thumb along the crease. I want him so badly, but if he says he’s not ready, I’ll back off in a second.But God, do I hope he’s ready.
“More,” Ander pleads before we’re cockblocked by the damn doorbell.
“Fuck,” I murmur, pressing our foreheads together and taking a deep breath before moving to answer the buzzer.
I press the red button on the small intercom by the front door. “Who is it?” I can’t help the annoyance bleeding from my words.
“It’s Hawk. Let me in!”
Sighing at his rudeness, I glance at Ander. It’s his decision.
It’s fine, he mouths.
I shrug because Hawk’s never done anything to me personally, but I’ll still keep an eye on him. I unlatch the chain, letting him barge in with his larger-than-life personality.
“Good evening,” he says with a tip of his bright red head.
“’Sup?” I give him a nod in return.
His grass-green eyes scan our suite in an almost calculating way. “Nice place.”
“Thanks,” I say with a smile, even though it didn’t exactly feel like a compliment.
“Haven’t seen you two around much, and I wanted to invite you out tomorrow night. We’re all meeting up at the local spot. You should come.”
“What spot?” I could definitely use a breather from being on campus twenty-four-seven.
“Oh! I forgot you’re a freshman.How lame,” he chuckles like he didn’t just insult me before answering my question. “Sparrow Spring Tavern. Ten p.m.”
“I’ll be there.” I deserve to blow off some steam after how hard I studied this week, but I can’t speak for Ander, and I don’t want him to feel pressured, either.
“You should come too, Ander,” Hawk insists, eyeing my roommate like he wants to get to know him moreintimately. Which will definitelynotbe happening. “I’ve heard your controlis getting tighter. Maybe you’ll be free to. . .explorethings soon? Like your sexuality? Preferences?Kinks?” Hawk winks and snickers before letting himself out. He turns for a final once-over, his lewd gaze traveling the length of our bodies. “Hope to see youboththere.”
“Pervy dick,” I mumble before shutting the door and locking it again. I know the mood is ruined when I turn to see the unease on Oleander’s face. I stroll over to him, cupping his cheeks and reassuring him that everything’s fine. “Hey. Ignore that asshole. You don’t have to go to parties, and you definitely don’t have to go to any bars. You don’t have to goanywhereexcept to class if you don’t want to. I will support you in whatever you want. Okay? As your roommate and your friend.” I grip his shoulder firmly when he doesn’t respond. “Ander, it’s fine. You don’t have to go.”
His lavender eyes pulse brightly, the intensity searing into my soul. “The closest village is a mile outside of the school’s gate. It’s not safe on foot. Youcannotgo alone, but I can’t call my driver either. He’ll alert my mother.”
I understand he doesn’t like parties, and I know that he locked himself away for five years. He doesn’t need to push himself too fast or worry about how I’m getting to the tavern. “I’m sure I can catch a ride with Hawk or Zephyr. Don’t worry about it. Seriously. We should be more concerned about that quiz tomorrow.” I try to play it off like I actually believe those assholes would wait for me with whatever transportation they’ve procured. Ander doesn’t look convinced, but it’s really not his job to worry about me. I can protect myself with magic, even if I have to walk.
Ander was true to his word, making sure the headmaster fulfilled my scholarship with a full meal plan and a monthly allowance, so I have a bag of gold coins burning a hole in my pocket that I’m ready to spend. I’m also well aware that thedrinking age is eighteen in Faerie, so they won’t even ask for my ID, knowing I’m a student from the academy. Which is great because I don’t think it would be subtle if I showed my Oklahoma driver’s license.
“Promise me you won’t go alone through the woods, Skyler.”
I slip my fingers behind my back, crossing my fingers like I’ve done ever since I was a kid and needed to lie to my mom. I’m not afraid to cut through the woods. I’ve already walked these forests with Onyx and Birch, and now I have my magic.
I’ll be fine.
“Uh. Yeah. Of course.”
