Page 39 of Wings of Strife
In a burst of speed, I push myself to catch up with them, but it’s no use.
Shit. I didn’t think this through enough. I don’t want to owe Ezekiel a damn thing.
Theo and I are neck and neck, neither one of us having even the slightest chance of winning, but we don’t give up. Even when Hayliel and Zeke, both looking determined as hell, make their final circle around the last mountain peak.
We’re watching with fascination, both of us holding our breaths as the pair hurdle toward the top, just about to land, when Zeke pulls back and Hayliel wins. I share a glance with Theo, wondering if he caught the same thing. What the hell is that grumpy fuck up to?
We make it to the top where Hayliel is looking smug as hell. Rightfully so.
“You’re fucking fast, beautiful!” I pick her up and twirl her around, dropping a light kiss to her lips.
“Seriously,” Zeke adds, looking at her like she’s the purest form of treasure. “I’d kill to see you race a few members of the guild.”
Theo leans in close, pressing his lips to her hair and says gruffly, “You’re a sight to behold.”
She bows, taking in our astonishment with a blush on her face.
A question burns in my mind that I can’t hold in any longer. Through my bond with only the guys, I say,Why’d you pull back?
Zeke’s eyes flash to mine, annoyed. I don’t think he’s going to respond until he shrugs and pushes one word through our mental connection.
Cramp.
He’s full of shit, but in this case, I don’t care. I’m glad he pulled back for more reasons than just me not wanting to owe him shit. But I’d rather he stop doing thesenicethings that make me hate him less. It’s annoying.
“Do you know what favors you want to ask from us yet?” Theo asks, and none of us miss the blush that deepens on her cheeks.
Interesting.
“I have some ideas, but nothing I’m willing to share yet.”
I grin wolfishly as ideas for a certain kind of favor flit through my mind. “Take all the time you need, sunshine. These favors need to begood.”
18
We make it back on campus around mid-morning and I haven’t been able to shake the aura of bliss. The trip to the island was incredible. More than worth the insanely early wake up call.
Dina left a message on my slate an hour ago, asking—or rather, telling me—that we are far overdue for a girls’ day, and she’s coming to collect. I don’t have a single complaint about that. Besides, I want to fill her in on everything that happened this morning.
Hayliel: I’m jumping in the shower. Meet in the hall between our rooms in thirty minutes?
Dina: Perfect. I’m thinking … relaxing on the beach with some food. I’ll grab everything and see you then!
The grin I’ve had plastered to my face since arriving on the island stays firmly planted while I shower. Having Theo, Raphael, and Zeke get along for an entire morning feels like something to celebrate. Add to that the favor they each now owe me and I’m shivering with the wicked ideas running through my head. I shouldn’t let my thoughts wander there, but fuck if I can stop it.
I get dressed in a one piece bathing suit, covering it up with a pair of white shorts and loose T-shirt. I didn’t bother washing my hair, knowing I’d want to clean the sand and salt from it later, so I throw it up in a messy bun on the top of my head just as someone knocks on my door.
“I hope you’re hungry!” Dina says when I let her in and, as if on cue, my stomach rumbles.
We both laugh. “I’m starving. I’m just throwing my things in a bag and then I’ll be ready to go. We definitely needed this girl time.”
“It’s been a total sausage fest lately. Today will be perfect. And I, uh, kind of invited Mira. I hope you don’t mind.”
I look up from stuffing a towel in my bag, and Dina’s looking almost nervous. “Of course not. She seems cool as hell and honestly, it’ll be nice to get to know her a bit more.”
“Oh, thank the Archangels. I was worried you’d be upset that I invited her.”
“Really? Why?” I toss my slate in the bag, along with a portable speaker and my sunglasses, before throwing the strap over my shoulder.
