“B, Dilectus is what demons call their mates.” It was my turn to blanch. “They find their mate through skin-to-skin contact, and they never use the term Dilectus with anyone that isn’t their mate.”
“Absolutely not. No way in hell am I anybody’s mate,” I argued. “Especially not if that means what I think it does!”
“It absolutely means what you think it does, and you don’t really get a choice in the matter, B.” Shadrie sighed. “I mean, I guess you could reject the bond, but why would you want to? Fated mates are rare—super rare—these days. Supernaturals spend their entire lives looking for theirs because they’re supposed to be your perfect match in every way. Fully dedicated to your happiness.”
“Why would anyone want to be with someone who doesn’t have any choice but to be with them?” I retorted.
“It’s not like that, B.” Shadrie winced. “Okay, maybe a little.But you do have a choice. People can reject the mating bond if they want to. I know you grew up in the human realm, so you’re not used to how things work, but I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want to be with the person literally made for you.”
I scanned her face, taking in the wistful expression she wore. “I’m not saying I’m rejecting him, Shadrie. It’s just weird to me, y’know? Like, maybe I’d like to get to know someone before I’m supposed to be theirs forever.”
Her face split into a grin. “That makes sense. Just don’t let all these jealous bitches get to you before you get to know him. The second they realize he’s off the market, they’re gonna have it out for you, girl.”
“Real comforting, Shadrie.” I drawled.
“Don’t worry, I’ll ice their asses for you.” She laughed. “Now, come on, you promised me an hour, and I want to dance!”
I let Shadrie drag me into the dancing crowd, and before long, I was lost in the music. We danced until my legs burned, and I was shocked at how quickly time slipped by. Wiping sweat from my brow, I leaned toward Shadrie to be heard over the music.
“I need another drink!”
“I’ll come with you!” she yelled back. “I’m dying of thirst!”
“B!” A familiar voice cut through the noise. I scanned the crowd and grinned when I spotted Miles from orientation. “I was wondering if we’d see each other again.”
“Hi, Miles.” I threw my arms around him for a quick hug. “It’s good to see you!” A throat cleared beside me, and I grinned. “This is my roommate, Shadrie.”
“Nice to meet you, Shadrie.” Miles gave a small wave.
“You didn’t tell me you knew anyone else at the Academy, B. I’m mad you kept this cutie away from me.” Shadrie smirked, elbowing me.
Miles flushed red, the color traveling to his ears.
“You’re embarrassing him, Shadrie,” I scolded, before turning to him. “Sorry about her. She’s had too much to drink and losther brain-to-mouth filter.”
“It’s alright. Thank you for the compliment, Shadrie.” Miles smiled uncomfortably.
“Apologize, Shadrie—you’ve made the poor boy uncomfortable as hell.”
“Sheesh, alright. I’m sorry. Can’t blame a girl for shooting her shot when he looks like that.”
“Oh, um…that’s very kind, but I’m…not into girls.” Miles rushed out.
“Figures.” Shadrie pouted, making him shift again.
“Shadrie!”
“Oh no, I didn’t mean anything bad by it!” she nearly shouted, moving toward him. “It’s just—B found herself a mate and you’ve got this whole sexy-nerd thing going on, but we could totally wingman for each other.”
The corners of Miles’s lips ticked into a smile. “I can get on board with that.” He chuckled, eyes flitting to me. “You have a mate? Congratulations. They’re incredibly rare. My coven has hosted a few wolf shifters who came to the human realm hoping to find theirs there.”
“See? I told you.” Shadrie smirked, poking her tongue out at me. “Bechora isn’t happy about the whole mate thing. I practically had tobegher not to reject him and at least get to know him first.”
“You did not.” I scoffed. “There was no begging. I just think the whole thing is weird.”
“Oh, you’ve got your hands full with this one, Shadrie.” Miles laughed. “I’m honestly surprised she didn’t run to her head of house the first chance she got and ask to have her magic bound so she could go back to the human realm. B was really freaked out by the supernatural stuff when we met at orientation.”
“I know, right? She probably would’ve, too, if Magus House knew who our replacement head was already.”
