Page 62 of Sealed By Fire (The Nature Hunters Academy 2)

“We have chosen the top students at each of the academies from each grade to gather here. One of the reasons we did this was simply because of the sheer number of students. If all the academies were combined, there would simply be too many students to try and teach at one time. Instead, we will teach you all how to work together, how to use your powers together, and then you all will be divided amongst the academies to go and work with the remaining students.”

There was a collective murmuring and uncomfortable shifting throughout the group, and even Tara could tell the students didn’t know how to feel about what Jax was telling them.

A sudden pulse of power shot through the air, blowing Tara’s hair back, and the field went completely silent.

“Please give Professor Jax your full attention,” a woman in white cargos said, her voice full of a power that made it clear you did not want to tangle with her.

“There will also be a professor from each academy working with the groups of four. If we find that a student's prejudice against another academy is getting in the way of learning, they will be sent back to their school and another student will be selected to take their place.”

Tara could hear in his voice that being sent back to your school because of your inability to get over yourself would be a very bad thing.

“With that said,” Jax continued, “we will now divide you up. Please wait where you are for your professors to assign you to your groups.”

The excitement in the air was palpable and contagious. Tara suddenly understood why Liam couldn’t stand still. She was having a hard time herself.

As she glanced at the three guys around her and remembered what Jax had said, her excitement turned to anxiousness. He’d said one student from each school would make up a group. Before she had time to properly consider that revelation, Zuri motioned for her attention.

“Let’s go, Tara,” the female earth elementalist said. Her tone was all business and practically dared anyone to disobey her orders. “This is Ace,” she pointed to a tall guy standing beside her. “He’s a fire elementalist. Same age as you three,” she pointed to Elias, Liam, and Aston. “He’ll complete your group of four.”

Elias’s hand tightened on Tara’s, and she knew he wasn’t going to just let her leave with Zuri. Was she going to deny the fact that her stomach had filled up with drunk butterflies? Nope. Would she ever admit that to anyone? Hell nope.

“Where are you taking Tara?” Elias asked Zuri, and Tara heard a challenge in his voice.

Zuri let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Elias, I am only going to take time to explain this because of your unique situation. But in the future, if you question my orders, I will put you on your ass. Are we clear?”

Elias’s jaw clenched as he gave a sharp nod. “Good.” Zuri snapped. “Tara is going to be put in another group because you are both earth elementalists, obviously. You’ve got to give her room to grow into her abilities.”

Elias glanced down at her, and she could see the battle in his eyes. Why hadn’t she seen that the past few days?

“What’s wrong?” she asked him softly.

“Can you give us a minute?” he asked as he glanced back at Zuri.

“Hurry up,” Zuri said.

Elias pulled her to the side and closed his eyes.

“Elias, talk to me,” Tara encouraged as she squeezed his hand.

“I don’t like the idea of you being with other elementalists I don’t know. I can’t protect you if you’re not with me.”

“What do you need to protect me from?”

He opened his eyes. Tara sucked in a breath when she saw them swirl with power and emotion. “Nothing and everything. I know it’s not rational, but I can’t stand being away from you.”

She frowned. “You haven’t had a problem with it these last five days.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked, his frown deepening.

“I’m talking about every night that you dropped me off at my door. You’d kiss me, and tell me good night, and walk away. You seemed fine.”

He chuckled, but she could tell it wasn’t because he thought anything she’d said was funny. “Princess, I slept right outside of your door.”

Her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened. The drunk butterflies in her stomach began to flutter even more. “Every night?”

“Every night,” he confirmed.

“But…” she started but didn’t know what to say.

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