Page 19 of Dead Wolf Falling (Bad Moon Academy 2)

“Lying already? Is this why you like him?” Draco whispers the question into my ear, and I roll my eyes.

“He’s not lying.” I glance at Adler. “Right?”

Adler’s mouth twitches. “I’m not lying. I’m not from a court, and I’m a changeling.”

“That explains your interest,” Carter mutters to himself, remembering the day I wanted more details about Adler’s particular brand of fae.

I look at him and lift my shoulders in apology.

“A changeling from Faerie with sights on our luna. What do you want with Raven?” Brayden asks, placing his arm on top of Draco’s and caging me between them.

Someone call the doctor, I feel faint.

Joan, really?I ask.

Normally, I’m more of a charcuterie type of wolf, but I can get down on a twin sandwich.

You are one thirsty bitch, you know that, right? Also, pun intended.I can’t judge her too much because she’s not the only one picturing being pinned between the two bad boys.

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do.

How do you even know that song?I chuckle inside my head.

Unlimited access to your memories has its perks. Though I’m not sure I enjoy years sixteen through eighteen much.

Sighing, I say,Yeah, me neither. Okay, I have to focus, the guys are going to start thinking I’m crazy.

More like they want a snack.

Putting up the mental shield, I block her out, shifting my attention to the guys who are all glaring at Adler like he’s enemy number one.

“I want whatever she’s willing to give,” Adler says, dropping his gaze to mine. “Whatever she wants. However I can help. I’m hers.”

Heat crawls up my neck, and the twins growl. I scoff and shove out of their hold. “Adler came to help me. Be nice to him.”

Draco and Brayden’s eyes pierce into mine, and I don’t know which twin to focus on. Adler moves into my space, cupping my elbows with his hands.

“Do you need my help now?” he asks.

Being subtle isn’t something Adler is known for. I crane my neck and glance at him, seeing his stoic gaze set on the twins. He’s almost a foot taller than me, so my forehead brushes against his scruff. Adler glances at me, his irises darkening when they meet mine, promising to hurt them if I ask.

“They’re harmless, Adler. Troublemakers for sure, but they’re okay.”

His face softens, and he nods. “This one is from the bar.”

Draco hums and runs his hand through his black hair, pushing the longer strands out of his eyes. “You’re the bartender.” His lips curl into a cruel smile. “You stopped me from beating the creep to a pulp.”

Adler’s fingers tighten around my arms. “I would have stopped you from hurting him at all had I known you were a shifter.”

I knew Adler went out to run interference the night the skeeze at the bar tried to hit on me and shoved Draco, but I didn’t realize Draco had actually started beating the guy once he dragged him outside.

A loud boom shakes the academy. The shifters in the room release growls at the same time, and Adler bands his arm around my chest. Bea whimpers from the bed and points at the desk. The globe starts to spin. The black and white sphere moves slowly at first before spinning faster and faster, making the metal rod whine.

The raven statue rattles, and Bea screams. The casted wings break free, pieces of black clay falling to the floor. Opening its beak, it releases a shrill shriek before shaking its head and flapping into the air. Shards of clay tumble to the floor as it screeches and flaps overhead.

Bea drops her forehead to the mattress. The bird swoops toward me, so I lift my hand and swat at it, hitting the soft feathers of its underbelly.

“Grab it!” Carter shouts, reaching for the bird.

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