Page 54 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“Listen, if there’s one thing I don’t lie about, it’s breathtaking specimens.”
“Whatever.” Alaire reached up to tighten her ponytail.
“Interested, are we?”
“Shut it, he’ll hear you.” Just because Alaire despised how the fae used humans for their more basic impulses didn’t mean she couldn’t do the same.
Kaia twirled, her hair bouncing with the movement.
The male approached with practiced ease, hands tucked into the pockets of his tan trousers. “May I interrupt?” His eyes locked on Alaire’s.
“Perfect timing,” Kaia said, practically glowing. “I need to figure out where Archer is anyway.”
“I saw him by the ivy trellises. He’s in a navy tunic,” Alaire replied.
Kaia laughed. “Perfect.” She squeezed Alaire’s hand. “Come find us when you’re done.”
She shot the male a sharp look—though it held about as much venom as a butterfly—before disappearing into the crowd.
Alaire turned back to her unexpected companion.
“Alaire, I’m Kole.” His smile was charming, features undeniably handsome, yet something about his smooth expression and the glint in his eye made her uneasy. “I’ve seenyou around campus but haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you. May I have this dance?”
It was just a dance, but something in her hesitated.
Kole noticed. His smile widened as if her hesitation was endearing. “From what I can tell, you’re not one to turn down a challenge. Who knows? You might enjoy dancing with me.”
His words were calculated, designed to disarm—something she’d seen plenty of times before. But tonight, she wanted a reprieve. For one dance, she could pretend.
“One dance,” she conceded.
Kole took her hand, pulling her flush against him. He knew his way around a dance floor, but his hand rested a bit too low on her back, and she tensed beneath his touch.
His lips brushed the shell of her ear. “I admire your resolve.” Her hair stood on end for all the wrong reasons. “I can’t imagine how challenging it is for you, being a human here.” His tone was placating.
“Only trying to do my best with the hand the gods dealt me.” She angled her neck away from him.
“A mouse in a den full of vipers without magic to aid you. It can’t be easy. I appreciate that.”
Or did he thrive on it?
His gaze lingered a little too long on the skin visible beneath the sheer fabric of her top.
“I’m not looking for anyone’s pity,” she said frostily, scanning the crowd for Kaia. Kole only pulled her closer.
“Ah, there’s the famed fire I’ve heard about.” He chuckled. “Relax, you’re so stiff. Just enjoy the dance.”
With each passing second, Alaire’s discomfort grew. When the song ended, Kole still didn’t release her. Instead, he leaned in, eyes heavy-lidded.
She suppressed a cringe.
“Let’s go somewhere more private. My dorm isn’t far?—”
“No, thank you,” Alaire said, trying to twist free. His hand only tightened on her hip.
“Come on, don’t be such a tease. All you humans are the same, playing hard to get and waiting for a fae to?—”
“Enough, Kole,” Alaire snapped, digging her nails into his skin. “I said no. Back off.”
