“You’re Rune,” he said brightly, registering who I was even though I had no clue who he was. “I’m Hawk. It’s really nice to meet you.”
“Hi, Hawk. Good to meet you,” I replied politely, like my Pops had taught me to.
He looked ready to explode with joy just from my polite smile. It wasn’t cute the way it was when Slater did it, either. “Thanks! That means a lot. Really, a lot. You’re kind of…legendaryalready.”
Oh.
One of those supernaturals who knew my parents and the rumors around me.
“Oh shit,” Slater muttered, sliding his arm around my shoulders. “Venom baby, comfort me?”
“Venom baby?” Hawk muttered in confusion, looking between us.
I let out a breath of relief, turning to Slater, but the hall filled suddenly with the low crack of the dorm entrance opening again.
A bear shifter with red curly hair and dark brown eyes came in, ducking slightly under the entryway. His expression was unreadable at first, but he smiled kindly at us. “Hey. I’m Lorian. Didn’t get the chance to really introduce myself at exams.”
We all said hi, but Eleanor smiled sweetly at him.
“Hi, Lorian, I’m Eleanor. It’s good to finally meet you. Officially, I mean.”
“Wonderful to meet you as well, Eleanor.” His dark eyes zero-ed in on her, and she blushed.
Aw, how cute.
The first thing I noticed when the door opened once again was the scent of spiced vanilla. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
A succubus walked in confidently. I didn’t recognize her, but I knew she wasn’t a student. Smooth, deep wine-red hair spilled in cascading waves down her back. Her eyes were smoky lavender with faint glowing flecks that lit up when she saw us all standing there.
“Good evening, little legends,” she purred, standing just inside the threshold. “I’m Velestra,” she said, and her pheromones melted over us all like chocolate. “You may call me Vel, Miss Vel, or if you’re particularly obedient, Mistress Vel.”
Slater tensed, gripping my shoulder a little tighter.
Zuko’s arm slid around my waist on my other side, and Koa also took a step closer toward me. I felt the heat of his chest against my back. I wasn’t sure why, but I had to admit that I loved the fact they instinctively moved closer to me in her presence.
Her lavender eyes landed on me, and her smile grew. “Rune Bloodwyne, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard wonderful things about you from your parents. Lake, in particular, was rather worried about you, but honestly, you’re stunning enough to warrant his behavior.”
I hesitated as the three men around me noticeably tensed. “Thanks?”
Vel giggled and walked into the center of the common room, her hips swaying dramatically. “Don’t worry, little legends. I’m an equal-opportunity lover, and while I may be flirty, I don’t fuck students.”
Aura snorted and crossed her arms. “She’s always like this.”
Vel tossed a bright smile over her shoulder. “Don’t be like that, Aura dear.”
I looked at Aura, surprised.
“You know each other?” Eleanor asked.
“We go way back,” Vel told us with a flick of her wrist.
“Family friends.” Aura shrugged like it didn’t matter, but something about the way she didn’t meet my eyes made me uneasy. My instincts told me there was more to that story.
Dimitri’s door opened, and he leaned against the doorframe with a frown.
“Ah, finally. The entire squad is here.” Vel spun on one heel. “I’m your house head. I’ll be monitoring your dorm in the evenings and early mornings. You’ll see me every now and then, and anytime I catch wind of rule-breaking.” She gave us a wicked smirk. “And Iwillknow. I was an agent for some time before retiring.”
“You’re retired?” Hawk gasped.
