“I guess you don’t believe in trials here.” Kasper crosses his arms. “She might’ve led him on. That was her job you know. Seduce, lie, spy. Right?”
“Kasper!” Ember clenches her fists, staring at him as if he’s a stranger.
“I see those hits from the sparring ring have crushed your critical thinking skills.” Draven’s shoulders flex back, and it’s clear to me he’s preparing for a brawl. I’m surprised when instead he aims his next attack with venom. “If you’re going to keep disrespecting Rune like that … well maybe youshouldjoin your friend.”
“Is that a crime now?” Kasper’s cheeks have reddened, and he takes a step back, the room quieting a bit around us, others drawn to Draven and recognizing how degrading his tone hasbecome. Like vipers they hiss among themselves around our little circle.
“It is when her mate sets the laws,” Draven growls, glowering as if Kasper is an unfortunate slug on the bottom of his shoe. “Apologize to Rune, and I’ll consider forgiving you.”
Kasper looks us both over hatefully, but he manages, “I’m sorry.”
Draven looks down on him as if he’s still considering further punishment. He leans into the space between my neck and ear, his breaths sending goose bumps across my flesh, and he whispers, “Friend or foe, if someone hurts you, they are my enemy.” He leaves a kiss against the tender space of my throat and apologizes, “I will try to behave myself better. But I cannot help it when someone is cruel to you.” He meets my eye, awaiting my decision.
But I don’t want Draven’s first interaction with my friends to include punishing one of them, especially considering Ember’s feelings for Kasper. I turn to Draven, our lips barely inches apart. “It’s okay. Let’s just move on.”
A few guards push through the crowd, one leaning into Draven’s space, whispering to him. I’m caught between my friends, who are watching Draven like some avenging angel, and half listening to the guard explaining there’s been some threat apprehended outside the party.
Kasper takes the opportunity to squirm from our presence, moving over to the bar to drink alone.
Draven soon whispers in my ear. “I need to deal with something. But then I’m happy to make up for my outburst with you and your friends. Unless you’d prefer a private apology?” His eyes glow that bright violet that says he’s enjoying whatever game we’re playing.
“Depending on how quickly you’re back, we’ll see what we have time for.” My teasing lures out a rogue smile.
“In that case, I’ll make it very fast.” He retreats with his guards, leaving me with my friends.
“Sorry,” I announce to them, rubbing one arm with the other, fidgeting a bit. I haven’t wanted to talk about Morgan, and seeing Kasper dressed down may have riled me, but I’m not sure if it went too far with them.
But Felix moves to my side, a gentle hand on my shoulder. “There’s nothing for you to apologize for. I’m sorry I didn’t know about Morgan. I’d heard rumors he’d upset Draven, but nothing about you—”
“It’s okay, Felix.” He’s so sweet, mouth twisted to one side, eyes searching as if replaying that night over. “I’m fine. We handled it.”
“Okay.” He nods, still worried, but then he looks at Draven’s retreating back. “I like him, by the way. I like how he stuck up for you. AndtoKasper and Morgan. They’re both kind of assholes …” Felix trails off, and I’ve never heard him say a word against anyone before.
“I don’t usually like males in general,” Amaya adds, watching Draven retreat through the crowd. Cleona looks at her a little sharply as her girlfriend grins at all his assets. “But he might be a good one.”
“I’m sorry Kasper acted like that. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Ember frets and I shake my head. She doesn’t need to be apologizing for him, whatever the two of them are becoming. “He’s … not like that with me. He usually always knows the right thing to say. I wonder what’s going on …”
“Don’t worry about it.” Emphatically I add, “Seriously. It’s fine.”
She leans close. “How’s it going with Draven?”
“I … like him. A lot.” My face heats enough I’m sure they see the blush.
“How’s the … fated mating going?” Amaya asks in a loud conspiratorial whisper. Cleona shushes her, and Felix and Wynter suddenly find themselves in their own conversation.
“Hopefully we can start on that tonight.” I rub my claim mark and the girls all giggle with each other. I’m not used to this, a group of women who both support and encourage, where they ask because they want whatever I may want for myself, not for idle gossip or blackmail. My eyes dart and Amaya puts a drunken hand on my arm.
“Hey, if you want, you can use my room. You remember where it is, right?” Amaya’s offer is nearly drowned under the swelling music, and I lean in to hear her. I laugh, nodding, and she gives me a little thumbs-up. She nods her head at Cleona, who bites her lips. “Don’t stay too late though. We are gonna need it later.”
I grin and Amaya leans into Cleona, whispering mischievous words in her ear. Wynter broods over his drink, and some pretty second-year starts chatting him up. I ignore the tinge of jealousy that sparks at that, throwing my focus back onto Draven, a bit worried at whatever drew him away. It’s taking a while and I fidget on the spot.
Felix leans over to Ember, clearing his throat, and asks, “Do you want to dance?”
“Me?” She tries a small smile, but the corners of her lips seem unconvinced as her attention darts toward Kasper, still moodily drinking alone.
What she sees in Kasper is beyond me. I wish she’d forget him. A splinter wedges into my chest over the fact she’d still like him after all that, and I nudge her forward, encouraging her toinstead take a chance on someone more worthy. Felix grins and she takes his hand, but she keeps glancing at Kasper even as Felix holds her in his arms.
Before I know it, Draven is back. He gives the others a small nod of his head, slipping his hand into mine, and drags me away. He’s moving too quickly through the crowd, druids and changelings stagger back from his path.
