Page 13 of Zodiac Beasts

Marcus: It absolutely is not.

He was a bit too quick to admit that. Playing Marcus’ ego was surprisingly easy when I put my mind to it. Though calling him out on a weak lie didn’t solve my problem of him not being here.

Me: What if I said I’ve been a good girl and didn’t wear underwear, hoping we could disrupt class again.

This time the response was near instant.

Marcus: I wouldn’t believe you.

That was a trap. So blatantly and obviously a trap.

But I’m just a girl who can’t say no, so…

I glanced around the room, assuring everyone was busy paying attention to anything but me. As per usual, that was, indeed, the case. Then I slipped my phone between my legs and took a quick up-skirt picture.

Me: Save me?

Marcus: I hate that I fell for that.

His text was as flat and unimpressive as the picture of my underwear I’d sent. Of course I hadn’t shown up for Astrology Club without underwear, but I still wanted Marcus to be here.

Me: You should know I wouldn’t walk around commando unless someone gave me a very compelling reason to. And I don’t know any species other than vampires who are capable of compelling someone.

“Ugh. You are too clever for your own good, Baby Doll.” The words formed directly in my mind, and before I could appreciate what that meant, the door opened and the hair on the back of my neck prickled. Marcus took his seat beside me, and settled in without saying a word.

I blinked in silent surprised, then we shared an equally silent smile.

I was glad my power of persuasion had brought him back. I would hate to find out he regretted everything and didn’t want to see me anymore. Even though I got Professor Karras to admit he’d wanted me all along, and even though I knew Marcus was not subtle or quiet about his interest, I still needed to figure out what our relationship should look like going forward.

It might have been different if we all had well established boundaries. Actually, I’d settle for established and defined relationships. Right now we’re all just antagonizing each other. I was always provoking Adrian, Marcus was provoking me and Adrian, and Adrian was just kind of up there, in front of a crowd, at his literal job, enduring our childish games.

It was a wonder he didn’t hate me.

I skimmed his mate mark on my lip, wondering if hating me alone would have been enough to reject our connection. Did it matter that his transformed self didn’t hate me? Did him admitting he’d consensually chosen to transform around me change his actually opinion of me? Or did it just prove that Incubus were horny monsters? Since he marked me while in human form, did he have to unmark me while in human form? So many questions.

Questions that would probably be answered pretty quickly and simply if we could all sit down and communicate for five minutes.

While I fell deeper and deeper in my abyss of overthinking, Adrian began the lesson.

“I know ordinarily we wouldn’t move on to the next star sign for another week, but this coming month is going to include something special, so I’d like to get us in the Taurus mindset a little early.” As was customary, he drew a circle with what looked like two crudely drawn horns on top, symbolizing the Taurus. “While second and third year students already know this, for my first years who are new to Graves this semester, the month of May marks the Annual Graves Academy Picnic.”

“I love picnics.” Linda chimed in, as chipper as ever. Today, I appreciated the complete lack of tension she brought to the table.

Professor Karras shook a hand through his hair, the smile on his face looking almost… cute? “It’s one of my favorite events of the year. Each club at Graves will have their own booth and activities for the event, and ours will be no different, so I’m open to brainstorming what you, as a class, would like to do. Keep in mind, it’s the month of the Taurus, the Zodiac’s stubborn bull, so try to lace in the theme with your suggestions.”

“Also keep in mind, the picnic is specifically scheduled to coincide with the Taurus’ full moon.” Marcus added through our telepathic connection. Though his outward expression remained neutral, bordering on bored.

“I would expect nothing less.” I thought back. “In that case, should I suggest Bull Riding?”

Marcus covered his mouth, but his smile was still visible in his eyes. His neutral expression couldn’t hold up against my awkwardness. That had to be some kind of superpower. “Please do.”

I covered my own smirk, as I noticed Adrian’s side eye, while he was trying to teach the class. I imagined he was well aware that we were talking to each other.

“Is there a prize for the best booth?” Linda asked, getting everyone back on track.

Professor Karras nodded. “The club who receives the most votes will win a week long trip to the Fazer Island Resort, so let’s try and put our best feet forward.” He grabbed a folder from his desk and started flipping through the pages. “In past years, we’ve had kissing booths, nature hikes, mechanical bull rides,” Marcus and I both snorted, completely involuntarily. Adrian’s eyebrow twitched as he continued his list, ignoring us both. “cow milking experiences, and petting zoos. But I think we’re going to need something different if we want to win.”

“Cow milking experiences.” I repeated in my mind, cringing with my entire face.