The lesson went by relatively smoothly as Kragmane covered the items in the syllabus. Human Studies seemed to be exactly as Miles and Shadrie described, though I had to stifle a snicker when I realized there was a section onhuman sexual customs and behaviors.
“Now, the first major project for the term will see you split into groups of five,” Kragmane said once he’d finished covering the rest of the syllabus. “Each group will be assigned a region of the human realm and must present a thorough report covering unique customs of the region and how these customs were influenced by supernaturals. It is important to note that I expect each group to provide as detailed a timeline covering the evolution of these customs. You will have exactly one month to prepare your presentation, as some of the research can be quite time-consuming. Once you’ve been assigned a group and given your region, you are dismissed. Any questions?”
“Do we get to pick our groups?” Dante called out. I couldn’t help rolling my eyes because, of course, he would ask that.
“No, I have already assigned them, and there will be no changes under any circumstances. If you dislike a member of your group, I strongly suggest you get over it,” Kragmane answered.
His reply felt like a bad omen, and that sensation only settled in deeper as he began to call students to the front in groupsof five before handing them an envelope with their assigned region. There were only fifteen students left when Zypher’s name was called off first for the next group. As if sensing my distress, he squeezed my hand gently before moving to the front of the room.
“Vallynn Evarian, Gabriel Dreadgrave,” Kragmane called out, and I couldn’t help the flash of hope that I’d end up in the next group. “Dante Vazgurr, Bechora Knight.”
My stomach plummeted, and I forced myself out of my seat. Keeping my eyes on Zypher for reassurance, I moved to stand with the rest of my group. I couldn’t help but wonder if we could convince the other three to work on portions solo; even Zypher in the group wasn’t enough to override the dread I felt at being stuck with the others for the next month. I barely managed to grab the envelope with my copy of the assignment and move out of the way for the next group to be called before Vallynn spoke.
“I will take the evening to review our assignment before I email you all plans for how to proceed with the project.”
“Excuse you,” I snapped. “I’m the only one here actually from the human realm, so what makes you think you should be in charge of the project?”
Vallynn tilted his head and smirked before waving a hand at himself. “Prince.”
“Yeah, and?” I asked, jabbing a thumb in Zypher’s direction. “Pretty sure he’s a prince too.”
“Let the fae have this one, Dilectus.” Zypher snickered. “He is not used to not getting his way, and we wouldn’t want the resulting tantrum to interfere with our project.”
I could have sworn shadows swirled around Vallynn’s hands as he crossed his arms over his chest, his lips set in a haughty scowl.
“Yeah, okay, big guy, you’ve got a point there,” I replied before narrowing my eyes at the fae and jabbing a finger in his direction. “Don’t expect me to be at your beck and call when you can’t figure something out about the humanrealm, though. The library here seems pretty well stocked. I don’t want to have to deal with your entitled ass more than necessary.”
Vallynn’s mouth fell open in shock as Zypher slid an arm around my shoulders and led me from the classroom.
“If I didn’t have another class, Dilectus, I would show you exactly how much I appreciated you putting the fae in his place,” Zypher whispered in my ear, causing me to shiver at the insinuation.
“How about we get through this weekend, you fill in any blanks I have about demon mating rituals, and then we see what happens from there?” I countered.
“You’re interested in learning my culture?” Zypher raised to his full height in shock. “Specifically, the mating rituals?”
“We’ve only known each other for like a week, but yeah.” I shrugged. “I’d like to know what I’ve gotten myself into, even if you are already starting to win me over.”
“I can skip my next class and tell you anything you want to know.” Zypher grinned.
“No.” I laughed. “I’m heading to the library to get some work done for my other classes. If you want to help now, you can tell me what books to check out while I’m there to get a head start.”
I couldn’t help the grin that plastered itself on my face as Zypher excitedly rattled off a few titles before dropping me off at the library. It was almost enough to make me forget I was stuck dealing with three douchebags for the next month.
Chapter Eighteen
Gabriel
Bechora Knight was the bane of my existence. Everything about the woman seemed crafted to tempt me, from the curves of her petite frame to the sassy mouth she let loose without care for the consequences. She was temptation incarnate, packaged neatly in the wrappings of a disrespectful dud. Power and station mattered in our world, and she turned her nose up at both every chance she got. I’d been sent to the academy for two purposes: to enhance my abilities and find a match that would raise my family's station. My father would accept nothing less, and yet I found my every thought captivated by the fiery redhead.
My growing obsession with Bechora was so at odds with the teachings my father spent my childhood beating into me that I found myself following her and Zypher Morningstar from our Human Studies class. I was convinced that if I could force her to accept her place, then she would fade into the background of my world. By the time the demon parted ways with her at the library, I’d devised a plan to put Bechora in her place.
There were too many people in the library to act immediately, and I found myself watching her as she worked on various assignments. Each minute that ticked by left me more enraged that a magicless nobody had somehow been selected for the most elite academy in the realm. She didn’t belong at Blackthorne, and she sure as hell didn’t belong in my every waking thought. If I thought for even a second that I could find a way to end her with the protection magic in place on campus, I’d put us both out of our misery. Instead, I’d settle for makingher my thrall. She’d learn quickly enough where she belonged once she had no choice but to follow my every whim. Bechora Knight would be begging to leave the academy by the time I was through with her.
I watched her work for hours, completing assignments while totally unaware of the danger that lurked nearby. My gums itched with the need to drop my fangs and sink them into her neck when she finally stood from the small table she’d been working at and put her belongings in her bag. I only required a moment without witnesses to sink my teeth into her and release the venom that would tie her to me as a thrall. While the Academy had rules around the thrall’s consent, we weren’t barred from taking one. Once the deed was done, she wouldn’t be able to turn me in to the administration for enthralling her against her will.
Following her from the library, I nearly laughed at how perfectly my plans were coming to fruition. Rather than heading deeper into campus, Bechora turned down an abandoned pathway between the library and the building beside it, heading toward the nearest tree line. Glancing over my shoulder to ensure we were truly alone, I closed the distance between us with a burst of my innate speed, grabbed her by her shoulders, and slammed her into the outer brick wall of the library.
“What the fuck! Get off me!” she shouted, her hands clawing at mine.
