I scowl at that. “My kind have always been accused of using dark and wicked magic, and those omegas weren’t casting anything other mages weren’t. I know blood magic is evil magic, but if it can save omega lives, then let us live up to the accusations.”
His lips curl upward in a small smile. “Simon’s right. You’re a vicious little thing, aren’t you?”
“When I have to be,” I respond archly.
I know I’ll have to be, more and more, in the coming days.
* * *
We makeno plans to celebrate Night of the Fallen, not even as a pack. The late January feast day celebrates the saints that gave their lives for the betterment of both magekind and non-magical humans alike. It’s a night of honoring the saints, but a night for revelry, too. But with so many mages dead, so many fallen for this cause we fight for, I can’t find it in myself to celebrate.
After last year’s attacks on Fallen, Fairhaven Academy cancels its celebrations, too, though I know many gather in the dorm’s rec room to celebrate in a more subdued manner than the music and bonfires Fallen usually brings. Even Bitsy, Ellie, Alyssa and Darika have a small celebration of their own within the Omega Residences. They beg me to come out, to have at least one drink around the small bonfire they’ve convinced the headmaster to let them have, but I don’t have it in me.
I’m just about to head up to my nest early, when Luca grabs my hand as I make for the stairs.
“Come ice skate beneath the stars with me, princess.”
I hesitate. I owe my men more than the shell of myself I’ve been giving them, but I’m terrified. Terrified we could be followed and attacked.
“Is… is it safe?”
“Marcus and I will join you,” Ian says from the sofa, where he has his nose in a book. “We’ll give you two some privacy, but we’ll make sure no one comes or goes from the area.”
“You need this, sweet-tart,” Marcus says gently. “We’ll be on high alert.”
Simon tosses Ian a small velvet box and Ian opens it with a frown. “A ring? Why, Simon, I had no idea you felt this way.” Ian shoots my beta a challenging, teasing smirk, but Simon just rolls his eyes.
“It’s spelled to detect Rad like Juniper’s tracker charm, you dummy. Luca and I made them for all of us. We’ve spelled them to detect heat signatures that aren’t any of ours. I don’t know if it’ll see through mage tech, but it’s worth a shot until we can figure out the frequency of Radcliffe Industries tech.”
He passes Luca, Marcus and Cassian boxes of their own.
“Um, wear gloves when you’re outside, though,” Luca adds. “The ring gets cold when someone is near, which, admittedly, isn’t as helpful when it’s balls-ass cold out.”
“All kidding aside, this is brilliant magic,” Ian says, studying the ring before slipping it on. “Simon, Luca, well done.” He shoves up off the couch and comes to me, taking my hands. “We’re taking this seriously, my darling. Your safety and our own. So, what do you say? Will you let Luca take you skating?”
I press up on my toes to kiss Ian and then turn to kiss Luca. I loop my arms around my bad boy alpha’s neck. “Will there be hot chocolate?”
“I didn’t promise to cover all of Darika’s Friday night shifts until spring break for nothing. Alyssa drives a hard bargain, but you’re worth it.” He holds up his phone. “Got her recipe right here. Go get ready, princess.”
I kiss him again and scamper up to my nest to change, and by the time I’ve slipped into my warmest fleece-lined leggings and the Fisherman sweater Marcus got me for Yule last year, Luca has a thermos of cocoa waiting for us.
“We’ll take my pickup, and Marcus and Ian will follow in the SUV. Cool?”
Snuggling up with my alpha on the bench seat of his truck on our way to skate under the stars? Definitely cool.
* * *
“You really gaveup all your Friday nights? I thought you were going to help Cass’ dad restore his car on Fridays?”
Luca wraps an arm around me and drops a kiss on my forehead as we drive north to Big Meadow Lake. “Roman really doesn’t need my help. He just thought I’d geek out about it. And he was right. But he said we can pick it back up in a few months. He’s got some blockbuster he’s about to start shooting, anyway. Also, Alyssareallywanted to take a painting class on Fridays, and Darikareallydidn’t. But Alyssa deserves it.”
“Darika is going to stab you with a paintbrush.”
“Yeah, probably, but my hot badass princess will defend me, right? You’ve been really improving in your offensive hexes lately.”
“I’ll defend you on one condition. Never, ever sign us up for a painting class.”
Luca lets out a laugh, and it’s carefree and boyish, and saints, how I’ve missed it so. “You have my word.”
