I quirk an eyebrow at him. The sights, huh? His words seem innocent enough, but the sparkle in his eyes and his cheeky grin speaks of trouble.
He takes one look at my face and starts laughing at me, throwing his arms out in surrender.
“Believe me, Spitfire, only PG-13 for you. The R-rated stuff you’ll have to work up to,” he winks and offers his arm again. I can’t help the sly smile that crosses my lips. I like this guy and his flirting. He doesn’t come off as overly conceited, more like his flirting is overcompensating his insecurity. I’ve been around enough people to see it and I think that’s why I feel comfortable with his over the top ways. He’s so bubbly and carefree. Though I do wonder what the R-rated stuff would entail. I can’t wait to find out. So with my curiosity now peaked, I allow him to tuck me into his side and we follow Moni down the path.
Taking up the mantle as my tour guide, Zeke explains the school grounds while we walk. A central two-story building covered in ivy and white sandstone shaped like an octagon with a top glass dome stands at the end of the path. “That’s the Core. All of the buildings tend to change their looks at random,” he warns when I comment on the unique look of the modern structure with ivy.
“It’s best for you to memorize where everything is instead of going by color since a red wall might not be there the next day. The only places that are safe from the change are the inside of our dorm rooms,” he tells me, pointing to the four long buildings jutting off the Core diagonally. Each of those buildings reached five stories.
“So all those floors are filled with students?” I ask. My breath is a little shaky, thinking about all of the creatures I have yet to meet here. I’ve never felt so out of place before.
“Yep! Each building used to be divided by sex and then the type of supernatural, but since Dean Caldron came on board, he’s made it co-ed, baby! Best decision ever,” he laughs and does a little shimmy, swaying his hips. My mind automatically goes straight to the gutter. Watching his hips is mesmerizing, and by the smirk on his face, he knows it. Damn him!
“How many students for each dorm room?” I ask, clearing my throat. I don’t mind Moni being my roommate, she’s funny, but I cringe thinking about not getting along with someone else.
“There’s normally four to each room unless you’re higher ranking or you win during battle week, then you get the elite suites,” he says.
“We have three in our room but I’m not sure where that’s at yet,” Moni pipes up. I see Zeke smirk at her comment but doesn’t say anything.
“Three? Who’s our other roommate?” I ask, sparing a glance at Zeke. I wonder if it’s him.
“Oh, you’ll meet them soon!” Moni says, being all elusive.Fine, keep your secrets, woman! I guess she answered my question about Zeke being our other roommate. Why was I disappointed about that?
Pointing to the square towers at the end of the dorms, he continues. “Those are the Demon Halls or classrooms.” The towers shoot up past the five-story dorms and have covered paths leading around to each of them, connecting for easy access to walk. “Most of your classes will be in those towers, but some might be in the branches. Don’t let the towers fool you. There’s actually a lot of halls inside of them. That’s why we call them the Demon Halls,” he chuckles.
“What’s over there?” I point to the left of the Core. A semi-circle building is further back, but it still catches my eye.
“Oh, that’s the Medical and Science wing. Did Moni tell you about our specialties?” he asks. I nod my head and continue to look around while he explains. “That’s where you’ll go for science or health specialties,” he pointed to the building. “Botany and Farming,” he says, pointing to a greenhouse surrounded by flower gardens to the left of the first building. “There’s also a gym on campus too. The other specialties require us to travel to Nova and hit up the Hub.”
Before I can think of what else to ask, I find myself walking into the entrance of the Core. High ceilings and hallways curve off to each side and in the middle are doors leading into what looks like a cafeteria. “Come on, slowpokes. I’ve got cows that move faster than you,” Moni says in a western twang before Lynx jumps from her arms and she rushes through the door in front of us.
‘Aww, look at you. The lost puppy being led around by a boy. Pfft. And they say I’m the one that’s supposed to be on a leash,’Lynx shoots out before scurrying in after Moni.
Following her in together, I notice five doors lining the room, not counting the one we just walked in from. “Those, with the black archways, lead to the dorms. And that one in the back there,” Zeke points to the door directly across the room from us, “is the door to the Administration and Music building,” he says.
Moni’s shout brings my attention to the room’s left side where a metal grate is set into the wall. Nearby, I notice Lynx slinking off towards the back doors out of the corner of my eye. ‘Where are you running off to, buddy?’I ask.
‘That’s for me to know and you to never find out.’Sassily,he threw his ass in the air and sways his tail. His way of flipping me off.
“JP! Open up. I know you’re in there. I need some of your coffee,” Moni yells and bangs on the grate while her skin takes on a reddish tint. Note to self, she changes color according to her mood, since she was a greenish color during our tour. Oh! She’s like a walking, talking mood ring!
One second the gate is there, and the next, a tall, lean, tan male with blue and black spiked hair is sitting on the ledge of the wall, glaring at Moni with his chocolate brown eyes. He’s wearing a tight, light blue shirt that matches some of the tips in his hair, and black leather pants paired with boots. Brrrr baby, if looks could kill. His glare is frosty, but his voice is a smoky caress. Reminds me of the campfires in the fall.
“Girl, I swear you don’t need coffee. What you need is a good, thick, long, di—”
“What’s up, JP?” Zeke saunters over, dragging me along behind him. When did he grab my hand?
“Ah! Zeke, darling,” he eyes Zeke up and down like a lion would a gazelle. “Can I tempt you to play with me?” JP, a.k.a. Mr. Hot as Sin asks.
“Nah, sorry, I’ve got my own temptation to worry about right now,” he laughs and pulls me closer, giving me a spin before pulling me in for a side squeeze.
Mr. Hot as Sin mimics stabbing his heart, twisting, and sinking off the ledge. “My heart can’t take the rejection.” Standing up he gives me a sensual smile. “But I can see why you did. Ooh la, la, ma chérie. You are quite the beauty. My name is Jacques Pierre, but you can call me lover,” he purrs and reaches out for my hand.
Before I can reply or accept his touch, Moni smacks Jacques upside the head, making him fall off the ledge and into some kitchen supplies.
“Damn it, Mo!” he roars. He pops up over the ledge and throws a lid at Moni that she dodges easily. “What did you do that for?” he gives her a searing look.
“Stop hitting on our roommate. I like her, and I finally get a chance to live a normal Prep experience. Don’t you dare ruin this for me,” she pouts as her fists rest on her slim hips.
