Vallynn stepped forward and started speaking. His words seemed to fade into the background as Bechora became my sole focus. It took every ounce of willpower for me to keep my eyes forward. Her sweet scent taunted me with each movement she made, and I couldn’t stop my arm from pressing against hers. I didn’t bother moving to the front when my turn to speak came; some miracle allowed me to recite the words I’d memorized for my part. When I finished, Bechora stepped forward for her section, and my hand tried to reach for her. It was only at the last moment that I realized what was happening and forced it up to run through my hair.
I could feel Zypher’s eyes boring into the side of my face, but I couldn’t take my eyes off my mate, no matter how badly Iwanted to see the look on his face to figure out what could be going through the male’s head. I nearly sagged in relief when he stepped forward to present the final part of our project, before Kragmane clapped his hands and directed us to return to our seats. My hands lay curled in my lap in tight fists, head bowed for the rest of class as I fought against my impulses to look at Bechora again.
“I’m going to look for Thrackborne again,” I said in a rush as soon as Kragmane dismissed us for the day.
Vallynn gave me a tight nod. “Let me know if you find him. I found something in our studies I’d like to discuss.”
I nodded back, making my way from the classroom as a wave of guilt threatened to drag me under. Vallynn had taken me seriously when I’d gotten on him for forgetting our mission, and now I was the one letting the bond control me and not doing my duty.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Bechora
“What’s with him?” I asked, nodding toward Dante, tearing from the classroom like someone lit dragon fire on his ass.
Zypher frowned and shrugged. “I could not say, Dilectus.”
I studied my mate for a second, trying to determine if that meant he didn’t know or he did and wasn’t going to tell me. His expression gave nothing away, and I finally gave up when he started gathering my belongings into my messenger bag.
“I’ve got this,” I insisted.
“It is my pleasure, Dilectus,” he replied with a heart-stopping grin. It had every fiber of my being screaming to take him to my room and climb him like a tree. I shook my head to clear away the lust-induced haze just in time for him to put the strap of my bag over my head with a knowing smile.
“I shall walk you to combat class before I return to the library,” he said, placing his hand at the small of my back and guiding me toward the door.
We’d spent countless evenings after dinner gathered in the library or one of our dorm rooms with Shadrie and Miles, working through the ancient tome that had been delivered to Zypher. It hadn’t been much help in figuring out how to use my Starcaller gifts. Everything written was vague suppositions based on legend and stories passed down from those who’d been alive during the time of the lastTinu Nall. Zypher had somehow managed to befriend the academy’s librarian, and she had started seeking out books kept in the school’s archives on the subject.
Even with her help, the only thing I’d managed toaccomplish was sensing the abilities that already lay in wait deep in my inner well. Since I’d accepted and completed the mate bond with Zypher, I could now feel his shield ability, and if I focused hard enough, I could trace it back to him. Same with the flames I’d been able to summon since I’d received the pendant. The thread of fire magic settled in my well led back to the necklace I wore. If I removed the pendant, the magic didn’t last long, leaving only the magic I’d copied from my demon mate at my disposal.
“Do not worry, Dilectus,” Zypher spoke in a reassuring tone as we drew near the stadium where combat class was held. “We will find answers, and you will master your abilities.”
“I know, big guy,” I sighed, patting his chest. “I just wish we had them already.”
Zypher smiled at me, dipping down to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as he placed a gentle kiss on my lips. Lust zinged through me, and I fought the urge to wrap myself around him like a koala, much to his amusement.
“We will see what we find this evening, Dilectus,” he promised, pressing his lips to mine again before stepping back.
I watched him turn and walk toward the main quad, half tempted to race after him and take him to the ground. A giggle to my right forced me to tear my attention away from his backside.
“You’re a lucky girl, Bechora.” Kiri, the lightning mage from my combat class, sighed. “I’d compliment your mate, but I’m not sure being your friend could save me from the level of possessive jealousy I’ve heard exists over mates.”
I laughed, smiling at her. “I haven’t quite felt like ripping anyone’s hair out over him, but yeah, I don’t think I want to test it with someone I like either.”
Kiri beamed. “Come on, we should get changed and on the pitch before Rumlock loses his shit.”
I followed her into the stadium to the locker rooms to change. Kiri and I hadn’t spent time together outside of class—what time we had was limited to the locker room andthe occasions we were partnered for sparring—but we’d still managed to become something close to friends. I couldn’t help marveling at how quickly I’d adjusted to my new life as I changed into my training leathers and hurried to take my place on the pitch. Professor Rumlock ran us through our warmups, watching us with a stern expression, before ordering us into pairs to spar. Kiri gave me a thumbs up, bouncing on her toes with a grin when we were paired together.
“Yes, girl!” she cheered as we reached our square sparring mat. “Now you can fill me in on alllll the dirty details while we spar. I’ve been wondering what those demons are like in the sack.”
I giggled, opening my mouth to respond as a shadow fell over us. “Move it. She’s with me today.” Gabriel snarled, stopping just behind Kiri.
To her credit, the lightning mage didn’t flinch as she twirled around to scowl at him. “Rumlock paired us together, Dreadgrave. Take it up with him if you have a problem.”
Gabriel leaned toward her, flashing his fangs. “Do you see him stepping in now?” he demanded.
Kiri went pale with a nearly audible swallow, but didn’t move.
“Leave her alone, Gabriel,” I snapped. “She’s my partner for today, and that’s that. Whatever your malfunction is, it’s not my problem.”
