Page 25 of Bonds of Magic
“I also vowed to uphold the safety of Vesperwood’s students when I came here. Well before I swore anything to my haven. That oath is the most important one I hold.”
I felt a rush of gratitude. “Thanks.”
Nat shrugged. “I trust you. If you think something might be up—”
“I don’t know,” I said quickly. “I’m asking around, is all. Worried about the freshmen.”
“Well, my lips are sealed until you tell me otherwise.”
“You’re a good friend.”
“Good friend, better poker player.” She laughed lightly. “Actually, I think that might be my one request of you, in return for my silence. It’s been a while since you joined us for a game.”
“I’ve been trying to keep what little money I make. With the way you play, can you blame me?”
“That means you’ve got some saved up to lose. Wouldn’t want your wallet to get too fat.”
“It’s touching to know you’re always looking out for my well-being.”
She smiled. “What are friends for?”
I was lucky to have her, I thought as I walked back towards the gym to prepare for my next class. Maybe Ishoulddrop by one of her poker nights soon. I could always fold early. There were worse ways to spend an evening.
Such as spending one with Cory Dawson in my cabin, infuriatingly attractive and just as infuriatingly off limits. I had another lesson with the kid in two nights.
I hoped I could keep myself in control.
5
NOAH
Ipicked Cory up at his bedroom for our next lesson, and we walked in silence through the halls of the manor. I couldn’t help notice him casting glances when he thought I wasn’t looking. There was something in his eyes, like he expected me to yell at him. To hit him.
Was I that intimidating to him?
Did I want to be?
At first, I’d thought it was necessary, but that was when I was trying to keep him at bay. With Isaac’s new directive, I didn’t have a choice about that anymore. Still, it wasn’t like I wanted to get close with Cory. Get emotional.
At the same time, I was growing to…if not like the kid, at least respect him. He tried hard. Despite everything he’d been through since arriving at Vesperwood, he hadn’t given up. He’d fought like hell to keep Jude from killing Erika. And he’d listened to everything Isaac said, and seemed to believe it.
That took resolve. Steel. Even if it was hard to see behind his waifish exterior.
He was still beautiful, much as I hated noticing it. My body thrummed in his presence, but I tried to tamp it down. It was physical attraction, nothing more, and it wouldn’t get in the way of me doing my job.
I opened the back entrance to the manor and stepped into the night, ushering Cory out behind me. He’d barely set a foot outside when a sudden burst of air whooshed around us, and something flew through the night. It swooped over my head, seeking Cory, with acaw.
I pulled a knife from my wrist sheath and readied it to throw before I realized nothing was attacking us. It was just a bird—a raven—that had settled on Cory’s shoulder.
“Oh,” I said, looking between Cory and the raven for a moment, still holding the knife as adrenaline drained out of me.
Cory watched me with wide eyes as he reached up to stroke the raven’s head. It bent down to make it easier.
“Hey, Cat,” he said. The raven clicked its beak and began to peck at the nubs on Cory’s wool hat.
“Your pet?” I asked, sliding the knife back up my sleeve.
“I don’t really know,” he said. “They kind of showed up one day and didn’t leave.”
