Dorm leader. Not yours. Don’t be that girl.My mind almost screams the words at me, even though my heart is begging me to stay. In a moment of clarity, I gently push, retreating quickly before I turn back.
Oh gods.I almost just kissed Anders Rykerson.
thirteen
. . .
I bend over,feeling the delicious burn in my hamstring as I lead the others in pre-run stretches while a girl from Specialists counts out to thirty. After going to the village the other night, my body yearns for a good run to shake off the lingering aches and tightness that have settled in. Running has always been my sanctuary—a chance to unplug from the chaos, elevate my heart rate, and embrace the freedom that comes from putting distance between you and your starting point. Plus, there’s something about the forest, or nature in general, that sings to my soul, immediately boosting my energy.
Unfortunately, amidst the stretching and anticipation of our run, my mind keeps slipping back to that almost kiss. Being near Anders has become nearly impossible. I replay the scene in my mind over and over again. The soft brush of his body against mine, his intoxicating scent wrapping around me, and those deep, hungry eyes locked onto mine as his lips parted, dropping so close to mine that they nearly touched.
I swallow down the thoughts, shifting my focus back to the warm-up. I glance around and notice everyone else is antsy to get started. Once Mallory finishes counting, I draw everyone closer to explain ourrun today. If I’m going to be tormented by thoughts of him, then I’ll return the damn favor.
“We’re running stairs today.” I look around the group gathered here. There are eighteen of us in total. Thirteen Executives and five Specialists. “We’ll start with a light jog through campus, and then when we get to the AerBall stadium, we’ll run the whole stadium.”
There’s a chorus of groans and shocked expressions as reality sets in. The AerBall stadium is no small feat. It can accommodate twelve thousand people.
“C’mon, no time for excuses!” I encourage them with a bright smile, spurring them on as I lead the way, winding around the different dorm yards. As we set off toward the arena, a slight smile pulls on my lips.
Anxious energy settles over me as I catch sight of the circular arena. Its architecture glitters against the landscape, commanding attention, and I know that inside, Anders and his team are nearing the end of their practice.
I can’t help that my mind is already thinking about seeing Anders soaked and sweaty and looking absolutely sinful. Desire floods my system, leaving my breasts full and my core throbbing.
I clear my throat and come to a stop. “Melody, lead the way. Everyone, single file.” The gate creaks when I pull it open. Melody bounds up the steps first, her red hair catching the light, looking like a fire in the afternoon sun.
I round the corner to follow them, coming to a screeching halt when Trysten steps out in front of me. His eyes go wide, surprise illuminating his features as he glances back and forth between me and the rest of my team, who are already halfway up the steps of the first section.
“Well, that was a disas—” Anders curses, coming around the corner and halting at my appearance. Their imposing height and built frames block my way. I’m about to complain when my mouth goes dry, the words getting lodged in my throat. Anders uses the hem of his shirt to wipe his face, displaying miles of warm, tan skin stretchedtaut over the dips and curves of his hard muscles. The defined V of his hips points straight down to where his shorts hang low;it should be illegal to look that good.
“What did you say?” Trysten asks, his brows knitting together as he pulls me back into the moment. The intensity in his gaze makes me acutely aware of my surroundings. I tilt my head in confusion, realizing I inadvertently voiced my thoughts out loud.Shit.Embarrassment flushes my body.
“I really should go.” I gesture toward the arena where my team members are gearing up for their third ascent. My eyes linger on Trysten, who raises an eyebrow, his expression curious as he shifts his focus to Anders, silently inquiring about my slip-up. A million thoughts race through my mind as I pray they didn’t hear me.
Anders stands with his arms crossed over his broad chest, accentuating his arms and tall stature as he surveys me. His eyes sweep over my bare skin, and I can’t help but notice the way a playful smirk tugs at the corners of his lips. It’s precisely the kind of reaction I was hoping for. I want him to feel just a hint of the agonizing desire I’ve been avoiding for the past two days.
The atmosphere around us crackles with energy. As Anders’ gaze heats, I am hyper-aware that I am clad only in a sports bra and short running shorts. The fabric clings to my skin, and I can feel the unspoken desire in the air around us.
“Do you plan on holding me hostage?” I tilt my head to the side and cross my arms under my breasts, lifting them just enough for his eyes to drop to my chest. A strangled noise comes from the back of Anders’ throat, making Trysten chuckle and pat him on the shoulder.
“Our apologies,” Trysten muses. “Have fun.” He steps aside, gesturing for me to run ahead. I drop my arms and begin my jog. I look over my shoulder once to see Anders’ eyes on my ass as he runs a hand through his hair. A genuine grin spreads across my face.I win.
The following week, during divisions class, it’s impossible to ignore Anders. I can’t seem to keep visions of his bare stomach from making appearances in my thoughts and dreams. I know I shouldn’t indulge in these thoughts; it’s a dangerous edge I’m walking, but, frankly, every free moment in my mind seems hooked on him. The anticipation I feel knowing he’ll be at my door each morning should irritate me, and yet, he’s like an addiction I can’t seem to satisfy. I only want more.
Anders and I agreed to meet up after dinner to discuss what we’ve found so far. I’m hoping he found us a way to the Isles because finding an ancient text with the knowledge of the magic fueling the veil seems impossible. I haven’t tried the Nexus yet, but it’s still not off the table.
As I settle into my seat beside Ciara, a palpable sense of excitement fills the classroom. It’s the long-awaited day when Professor Brendn will announce the details of the upcoming test. The flutter of nerves dances in my stomach, and a brief sense of exhilaration courses through me at the thought of flying unassisted for long stretches.
Just then, Jensn plops down in the chair beside me with casual confidence. His black coils have grown out, cascading over his forehead. “Princess,” he purrs with a glint in his eye.
I make a conscious effort to keep my irritation at bay. He shouldn’t even be here; he should be in Intel right now. “Jensn,”I respond with a fake smile.
“I was wondering…I’ve heard you have quite the wealth of knowledge regarding history and planets.” His features soften with genuine curiosity. “I was hoping you’d be willing to tutor me; I promise to make it worth your while.” His words come out smoothly, and his eyes flick down to my lips, sending a surge of irritation through me.
Is he really flirting with me?
The thought is a little unnerving, especially when a rush of blue light fills the space between us.
“What are we talking about over here?” Tate interjects, leaning in closer while sitting on the edge of my desk. I can’t help but roll my eyes at his painfully obvious attempts to gather information to most likely tease me with later.
