Page 88 of Mortal Shift
I flicked a screwed up piece of paper at her, then gestured to the recently closed book in front of me. “Anyway, I’m studying. Kind of. And besides, I don’t even see how it’s relevant to me. It’s notmyhistory.”
“You’re attending an academy for supernatural creatures, and you don’t feel learning their history is relevant?”
“I think combat lessons that stop me getting my ass kicked are more relevant.”
She canted her head as she considered, then shrugged.
“Fair point. But it’s not optional, so…”
She reached over and flipped the book back open.
“And all of this pales in comparison to the importance of getting close to the humans,” I countered. “So…”
I flipped the book shut again.
“What are you going to do?” she asked. “You know, if they’re really here against their will? Or if they’re not, come to that.”
“Cross that bridge when I come to it?”
She laughed. “That’s what I love about you. All the forethought and planning you put into everything you do.”
“What can I say? I’m a tactical genius.”
“You’re something,” Ling said with a smirk.
“Gee, thanks.” I glanced up at the clock and stifled a yawn. “And on that note, I think I’m gonna worry about this tomorrow.”
I pushed my chair back, and as an afterthought, shoved the book in my bag. I shot Ling a ‘see, I’m studying’ look, gave her a quick wave, and made for the door. We had combat first thing tomorrow, and unless I wanted to get redecorated in black and blue, it was best not to turn up half-asleep.
I slung the bag over my shoulder as I slipped into the corridor and made it exactly four steps before the back of my neck started to tingle. I spun round in time to catch a shadow ghost along the wall in the corner of my eye. My heart pounded but I gritted my teeth and forced myself to turn back again. Some idiot was playing games, trying to freak me out, and I wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction.
“Never turn your back on a predator, pet.”
My throat squeezed and my breath seemed to get stuck half in, half out.
“What do you want?” I turned slowly, and found Davorin lounging against the wall, watching me with an amused smirk on his face. “And you should know, shadow tricks are for kids.”
His perfect forehead marred with a frown for a moment, but quickly smoothed out again.
“No kids here, pet. Just two consenting adults. And I’m bored.”
“Well, my heart breaks for you. But if you don’t mind, I have places to be.”
I made to pass him, and his arm shot out, palm thudding against the wall and barring my path.
“But Idomind.” My breathing spiked and my heart pounded in my chest. As calmly as I could, I turned to him.
“Move your arm.”
He canted his head and smiled.
“Say please.”
I rolled my eyes. I was not about to beg this jackass for anything. No chance. Like his arrogant head wasn’t big enough as it was. He wanted to play stupid games? Well, I didn’t. I slammed my forearm into his and tried to barge through. Quick as a snake, his arm wrapped around my chest, pulling me back against him.
“Tut tut,” he murmured in my ear. “That wasn’t very friendly now, was it?”
“Get…off,” I snarled, trying to struggle free of him, but he was strong…much stronger than me. I could feel his taut chest against my back, and his solid arm pinning me to him, and his body heat enveloping me…and some part of me felt quite comfortable here, in his arms.
