“I would love that.” He squeezed my fingers before sighing. “We should fly down. It’s getting late.”
I squeezed him back. “Thank you for the best date ever.”
He smirked as he turned to face me. “Does that mean I get a kiss goodnight?”
I didn’t answer him, my lips on his were answer enough. And if I sucked a bruise onto his neck before we shifted, no one would know.
Chapter Ten
We had the day off today, meaning no classes. I was glad. It had been a late night yesterday and I’d slept in this morning, having already made plans with Casey to have a late breakfast. Nym and Harpy were already in the dining hall when I showed up, Casey still nowhere in sight.
“Late night?” Nym grinned knowingly.
“Yes,” I said, keeping it at that. I was still tired and wasn’t in the mood for teasing until I’d gotten some food into my system. My lovely mate’s scent still clung to my skin, a thing I would treasure until I bathed later. He would need to rub his lovely scent on me again after, a thing I was completely on board with.
The school had shared bathrooms with wooden walls for privacy and I had a certain plan formed where I wouldn’t be bathing alone later. The bathtubs could definitely fit two. I just hoped Casey would be up for sharing a tub.
The usually full dining hall was around half full when we had days off. It was nice, more intimate and quiet. Most that still satabout had already eaten but enjoyed talking to their friends and just hanging out. Lunch would be served in two hours’ time, and I was sure most would stay for the switch, maybe studying as they slowly snacked on their food. It was a rather enticing thought, had I not already made plans to make a nest with Casey, something my raven form was very excited about doing.
I picked out some new things to try, avoiding my usual choices and feeling adventurous. Now that I didn’t have classes that I needed to be full for, I felt like I could finally try out the more interesting options. I grabbed a red bun that had some white filling inside. It could be savory or sweet, I wouldn’t know until I tried it. Then I picked a slightly pink smoothie. A wooden spoon was in it, making it clear that it was too thick for drinking. It looked delicious, but was one of those things I feared wouldn’t be very filling on a normal day. Once my plate was filled and, with my smoothie in hand, I returned to the table, pleased to see that Casey and Ryn had joined Nym and Harpy.
“Good morning,” I greeted, putting my food down. I then bent to place a sweet kiss on Casey’s cheek, having missed him fiercely even though I’d been asleep for most of our time apart.
“Morning,” Casey grinned. “I think we should fly out to the beach and look for shiny things after breakfast.”
“Oh,” Harpy perked up. “You’re collecting for a nest?”
Casey blushed as he nodded. “I finally feel ready to make a nest here.”
Harpy’s eyes softened as he looked at my mate. “I’m glad to hear it.”
My plan was still to bathe first. “I love that idea,” I began, giving Casey a smile that was only ever meant for him. “However, I feel like a bath might be wonderful before we head out.”
Casey just nodded. “Sure, we can just meet up after bathing.”
Leaning closer to him, I whispered, “I was thinking we could bathe together.”
Casey choked on air, blushing even more. “I’d like that,” he whispered back.
“You do realize we can hear you both clearly, right?” Myve said, making me startle.
“How long have you been here?” I asked, holding my heart protectively where it beat faster than normal.
She just rolled her eyes. “I walked over here when you started talking about defiling your mate in the bathroom. Honestly, you could be more romantic about it, you know.”
It was my turn to blush. Wasn’t I romantic enough? I would need to up my wooing and make Casey the happiest he could ever be.
“Who said I need romance?” Casey countered, raising one eyebrow.
Myve just cackled at that, joining us at the table. “I’m so glad you’re a part of the family now, Casey.”
“Hey!” Harpy exclaimed. “What about me?”
“You, too,” Myve smiled but then her eyes turned sad as they focused on something behind Harpy.
Hans was standing at the buffet, looking her way. He’d stopped in the middle of the line; his gaze firmly locked on Myve. He looked miserable as he stood there, the longing and heartache clear even from a distance.
“How are you holding up?” Nazuss asked Myve as soon as Hans had blinked out of his trance.
