Page 150 of Just One Bite
“I took the back way. So far so good,”I say.“Are you hoping you'll need to come save me so you don’t have to do anything responsible today?”
“Definitely. I’m counting the minutes till you’re back in my bed.”
I smile. It’s going to take some getting used to having Parker’s voice in my head like a direct text line.
I double-check the time one more time before heading up the dance studio steps. It’s peaceful for a no-school day. I expect to see the door open, but it’s sealed with no light coming from inside.
Maybe she wants me to wait for her. I try peeking in the window and stop when I hear footsteps.
“Olivia!” Octavia greets me with a smile and a hug, and I’m instantly relieved. “I saw Parker claimed you at The Hunt. I’m so happy for you.”
“How did you see?”
“Oh, the footage from The Hunt gets leaked online every year to the forum. You need to update me. First, they said you broke up, then I saw news you’d been claimed, and you looked more than willing from the videos I saw.”
“How much time do you have?” I motion for the door. “I was going to meet with Mrs. Vix. Keep me company while I wait?”
“I have a key! She did mention seeing you tonight. She should be here any minute. She was right behind me when I left the castle.”
She reaches for the door handle, and I wait in the quiet of the hall while she unlocks the door.
“I take it you’re all healed up and ready for Giselle?”
“Yeah, I think she wants to see me in person to make sure. I brought my clothes to do some variations, but … I don’t want to stay too long.”
Normally, I’d pack it in for the night and resign the rest of it to practice. I’ve had more days off ballet practice than I’ve had in years. But tonight is for Parker and me.
“I don’t blame you. I bet Parker’s already missing you.”
She opens the door, and we file into the dark room.
“Do you think she’ll want to see me dance to prove I can finish my part? I got injured before The Hunt, and she wanted me to come back. But I’m fine now. I’m not warm though.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t worry. Even if she does, you won’t have any issues.You never do. Seriously, you pick up choreography faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
The sun is barely enough to bring light into the room, and Octavia steps forward in the dark.
“Do you want me to get the light?” I turn to the wall, searching.
Octavia is facing me, her smile gone.
“What are you—”
She holds out her hand and in one breath, blows a plume of dust and enchantment into the air. It glitters as it falls, leaving me lightheaded.
My vision blurs and I stumble back into weightlessness. Octavia’s frown is the last thing I see.
There’s nothing to catch me as my vision goes dark.
Chapter Fifty
Parker
I sigh. Lying down for a few minutes, I take in the chaos from the last few days, running my hands over the fresh scar on my chest. Everything feels so clear. Completing the bond with Olivia was what I was meant to do. It makes everything else seem insignificant. The deal with Cane. Whatever happens with the council and Aster and Barrett. All of it awaits me tomorrow, and somehow I know it's going to be okay.
Fuck. Now I’m a full-blown alpha. That means I have to start building my own pack. A thought that used to keep me up at night, but with Olivia by my side, it’s not so scary anymore. I’m the person I need to be to figure out my own path and make my mother proud. Whatever that ends up looking like.
Ten minutes pass, then I’m on my feet, putting on some pants so I’m no longer naked. I need to go to the rink like Olivia said, but I already miss her.
