I feel Revyn’s stare at my back as I avoid direct contact with him yet again. But getting close clearly has consequences that end up with either one of us naked, and I don’t want either of us to get hurt...physically or otherwise.
Accidentally burning Alistair was bad enough, but if I burn Revyn...I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself.
It’s best to keep distance from as many people as possible.
Excluding, of course, the vampire gleefully leading me to our next class. With my arm hooked through the crook of his and my hand nestled over his forearm, Callum keeps his head high as our classmates stare. They probably think I’m a whore for having three men hover around me, even if one is less than happy about our alleged bond.
My inner critique is confirmed when a vampire hisses at me like a cat as we pass. “One mate isn’t enough for you?” she scoffs, flashing her fangs. The pleated skirt and collared shirt are a bit dated for this century, so I imagine that she’s been on the hunt for a mate for longer than I’ve been alive.
My heart goes out to her...until she eye-fucksbothof my potential mates in front of me.
Yeah, fuck that.
I pull Callum to a stop beside me. I need his calm demeanor as an anchor in case shit goes down. Glancing at the dated vampire from over my shoulder, I put on my sweetest smile. “One dick isn’t enough to satisfy me,” I say loudly, enjoying the scarlet flare of her eyes. “Isn’t that right, darling?” I squeeze Callum’s forearm and reach for Revyn with my other hand.
Fuck petty girls and their rumors.
“I just can’t get enough of their thick cocks. Mmm.” I press a slow, lingering kiss to Callum’s jaw. “Did you know that his is the biggest? All that blood has to gosomewhere.”
“Sienna,” Callum murmurs, brushing his lips across my forehead. “Don’t be rude. If you aren’t inviting her to watch, don’t paint such a pretty picture. Besides...” Tipping my face up, he smiles, the curve of his blood red lips absolutely sinful. “You know I can satisfy you with my illusions. We don’t need your other playthings.”
Revyn growls at the insult, but I’m still stuck on the fact that Callum alluded to his illusions being useful in the bedroom. Questions burn in my mind, and I search Callum’s eyes for the answers, knowing that the secrets he keeps are just out of reach. If I asked, he might tell me.
Hells, he mightshowme.
Warmth pools between my thighs,gods, but I force myself to hold his gaze. “You’re right. I’m being insensitive.”
Turning to the girl and putting on a smile takes effort, but I manage. “If you weren’t such a poor choice for a mate, I’m sure you’d have as many partners as I do. What is it that Professor Aesir said about your performance, again?” I tap my chin as I pretend to think about it. “Lackluster?”
“‘A stain on your family’s bloodline,’ I believe were his exact words.” Callum clicks his tongue. “Helia will be displeased to know that Aesir thinks so little of you. Better shape up before word gets back to your matriarch.”
The vampire flinches. “H-how do you know my matriarch?”
“I am older than I appear, fledgling.” Callum tilts his head as though studying her. “And you are weaker than you let on, aren’t you? Hm. Helia will bemostdispleased.”
“Don’t say anything!” The girl begs, her eyes widening. “Please! I’m here so that I can improve. I need to take a mate soon, or—” She winces as she cuts herself off. “I can’t fail the academy.”
“I’m sure you can’t.” Callum flicks his wrist to dismiss the girl. “Leave. You bore me.”
Gemma whistles as the girl walks away, reminding me that we aren’t alone. At least a dozen other students linger nearby and cast furtive glances in our direction when they think we aren’t looking. “Shit,” Gemma breathes. “And I thoughtmymatriarch was scary. You make hers sound like a nightmare.”
“She is,” Callum assures us.
Thorn pinches the bridge of his nose. “You shouldn’t antagonize the fledglings, Navarro. They’re here for the same reason you are.”
“And yet they failed the Winter Mating Games.” Callum clicks his tongue. “They should not be allowed to mate until they improve.”
“You failed too,” I remind him, unlinking our arms and putting some distance between us. Is it my imagination, or has his temperature risen? I lift my hair off my neck and fan myself. “That makes you and her the same.”
Callum’s gaze flicks to mine, the fine press of his lips giving away his agitation. “I did not wish to be separated from you,mate.”
“We aren’t mates.” I shake my head and start walking again. “I don’t have a mate.”
“Sounded to me like you just claimedthreemates,” Gemma muses, taking Callum’s place by my side as she slips her arminto mine. “You need to be careful, Si. People already don’t like you. If you take more than one mate, they’ll be coming for your throat.”
It’s Revyn who speaks next, his voice cracking with malice. “They can fucking try.”
“I won’t take any mates,” I assure Gemma, taking an extra two seconds to roll my eyes at Revyn. We aren’t in danger, so there’s no need for him to use that tone. “I only said those things to keep her from calling me a whore behind my back.”
