Shaking my blazer off, I drape it over the back of the closest chair before turning my attention tothe first block of books. I scan every single shelf desperately, but when I reach the final book, I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. Grumbling with disappointment, I follow the exterior wall lined with shelves, moving into a small alcove before turning to the left, where the books continue.
Frustrated, I sigh, rolling my neck from side to side as I try to keep my irritation at bay. Shaking my head, I take a deep breath and follow the curve of the room around, and my gaze lands on the panel of books at the far side.
My pulse quickens as adrenaline courses through my veins, tingling with excitement as I blink, but even after the third clench of my eyelids, the books remain in place, and I’m sure they’re what I’m looking for.
Giddy, I rush toward the shelves in question, rising on my tiptoes, but I fall a few inches too short. Dammit. Brushing my hair back off my face, I glare at the offending height of the shelf I need, silently wishing I could make it come to me, but that doesn’t seem to be one of the benefits my supernatural skills come with.
With a pout on my lips, I glance around the space in hopes of finding something of use. There aren’t any tables or chairs around here, but I can hurry back for the one I claimed at the beginning.My mind is made up, but I only take two steps before I pause, spying the familiar wooden legs of a set of ladders, only these ones are attached to the bookcase.
Hurrying toward the aid, I find they don’t move at first, but I quickly realize they’re locked in place. Flicking the latch, I almost squeal when they glide in the direction I want. I’m so excited to reach the shelf I need, I don’t even bother locking them in place as I hike up the few steps.
With the shelf in complete eye view, I beam with excitement when I read the golden-etched spines;
The Institute Games: Year One.
The Institute Games: Fifth Anniversary.
The Institute Games: Tenth Anniversary.
The Institute Games: Twentieth Anniversary.
The Institute Games: Forty-Fifth Anniversary.
Holy crap.
They’re the exact match from the vision. Beaming with delight, I opt to take the earliest dated book and the last two for comparison. With them secured in my grasp, I hold on to the ladder, steadying myself before I start to descend, when a breath at my ankle makes me freeze.
“As much as I appreciate this view, we need to go.”
Fear ripples through my body as I gasp, tilting my head to gape down at the infuriating vampire that forever drives me insane.
“What the hell, Kael? Don’t fucking do that,” I blurt, watching as he frowns at me like I’m the crazy one.
“Do what?”
“Make me jump,” I grumble, still trembling from the surprise, and my heart rate only spikes when he curls his fingers around my ankle, dragging his thumb gently over my skin.
“Cute, but seriously, let’s go, you can reprimand me on the way,” he states, pointing his free hand over his shoulder, unfazed by the fact that I’m glowering at him.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I insist, shaking my head at him, and he sighs.
“Fine, you can bring the books with you.” It’s not an offer, it’s a command, but it’s one I’m not interested in adhering to.
“No, thanks,” I sing, faking a smile as I shake my ankle, loosening his grasp as I hurry down the rungs. He doesn’t move when I reach the floor; if anything, he crowds me more, so we’re toe to toe, staring off with one another.
This stance is becoming all too familiar with him. Anyone would think he likes my resilience.
“It’s not for me,” he mutters, scrubbing at the back of his neck, and my fingers twitch, the sudden need to run my hand through his hair burning inside of me.
I fight against it, clearing my throat as I shake my head. “It’s still a no.”
“It’s Rion,” he admits, and my chest instantly tenses, but I force myself to swallow it back as I shrug my shoulders.
“He’s a big boy. He can handle himself.”Then why is my heart thundering in my chest?
“Mostly, sure. Today? Definitely not,” he grunts, sending a wave of goosebumps over my skin.
“Why?” I breathe, betraying the front I’m trying to put on.
