“I’m preparing myself.” I smiled.
Bechora turned slightly toward me as we continued walking. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, she collided with another student. Her books flew from her hands, scattering on the cobblestone along with books the other female had been carrying.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry,” she breathed, rushing to help the other woman up before I could intercede.
“It’s fine, I should have been watching where I was going,” the female replied just before she looked up and noticed Bechora. Her lips twisted into a sneer. “Oh, it’s you.”
“Watch your tone,” I snapped.
“Me?” Bechora asked at the same time.
The female’s eyes flitted to me before moving back to my mate and then down to where Bechora’s hand rested on her arm. It took me a moment, but I recognized her for what she was: a succubus.
“Don’t touch me,” she hissed, jerking her arm away. “It’s not enough that you’ve ensnared our prince; now you’re putting hands on me?”
“I—” Bechora jerked her hand away, raising both in surrender as confusion painted her face.
“I’ve not been ensnared, and you’d be wise to guard your tongue. You will not insult my Dilectus again.”
The succubus blanched, her eyes darting to the ground. “Apologies, your majesty. I meant no disrespect.”
“Of course you meant it,” I scoffed. “I should punish you for it.”
“Zypher…” Bechora’s voice held a hint of concern. “I’m sure she’s just surprised you’re not mated to another demon.” She turned her attention to the succubus. “Right?”
The succubus bared her sharp teeth and hissed. “I don’t need a mage to save me from my prince. Especially not one weaving spells to trap powerful males. We’ve all heard the rumors.”
“Enough,” I thundered. “Gather your things and go before I make a public example of you!”
The succubus flinched as if I’d struck her before bowing her head. She rushed to gather her books, where they lay scattered on the cobblestone, and then raced for the safety of the library. I turned to track her movements, tempted to follow through on my threat anyway.
“Let it go,” Bechora sighed, moving to gather her own books from the ground. “We don’t have time for petty rumors and mean girls.”
I ground my teeth, tearing my gaze away from the direction the succubus fled, and bent to help my mate. “She will learn what it costs to speak ill of you.”
“She’s not worth it, Zypher,” Bechora said firmly, rising from her squatted position as she adjusted her books once more. “Let her be bitter and jealous. The kind of misery that creates is punishment enough.”
Her words cooled some of the anger burning through my veins, and I reluctantly inclined my head.
“Fine, Dilectus. I will allow her to go unpunished this once.”
Bechora snorted and let out a small laugh. “Good. Now let’s get to this study group before the fae prince has a coronary.”
I barked out a laugh, and we made our way to the Fae’s dorm in Magus House. The fae in question glared at us as we entered. His gargoyle guard, Dante, and Gabriel were already seated around the coffee table in the living room area.
“You’re cutting it close,” Vallynn snapped.
“You’re lucky we even showed up, considering you didn’t schedule this group session with any real notice,” Bechora snapped.
Vallynn clenched his jaw before blowing out a breath. “Just sit down so we can get started.”
“A ‘please’ wouldn’t kill you,” Bechora muttered, causing me to chuckle as she made her way to the empty love seat at the closest end of the coffee table. “Or maybe it would, and that’s why you don’t have any manners.”
The gargoyle chuckled, and the fae prince growled softly. Neither of us paid any attention to them as we settled into our seats. Bechora placed her stack of books on the coffee table, opening the one on the top to a page displaying a list of Greek customs. I leaned around her to get a better look, intentionally brushing my shoulder against hers as I flicked my eyes toward Gabriel. The vampire’s nostrils flared, and he pressed his lips into a thin, angry line.
“With that look on your face, you remind me of Hades denying his want for Persephone,” I said with a grin. “So, like a vampire, that one, sulking in the shadows, denying his fate while his heart betrayed him with every glance.”
“Speak for yourself, Morningstar,” Gabriel snarled.
