by Jaymin Eve
Asher’s jaw ticked, and Jesse snorted from beside me, but neither of them disagreed with me. “Yes, Louis arrived in time to heal us both and reset the blocks on your energy.”
I gasped. “What?”
Why? Why would he do that? I thought the entire point was to free my energy.
“You’re too strong to be released just yet,” Asher explained as he stepped out from behind the kitchen island and joined Jesse. “But he’s pretty sure our powers won’t collide any further. The reason our powers fought was because of the block, not the power itself.”
Jesse cleared his throat. “He did advise that you should minimize physical contact until he can figure out exactly what Maddison is dealing with, though.”
“Where is he now?” I wondered, expecting him to have stuck around to explain some of this himself.
“He said he wanted to do some research and he would be in touch soon,” Asher told me.
Research. That sounded ominous.
I swallowed hard, looking down as I shook my throbbing head. “Did you learn anything in the short time my power was free?”
Jesse cleared his throat. “Well, it turns out that you have both fey and magic user power, but not like the mixed race…” He trailed off.
My lips trembled. “Like the original Atlanteans?” They both nodded. “And my blood?”
Asher stepped closer, and I struggled to keep my heart rate and pulse even. “Your blood still holds no trace of Atlantis.”
What. The. Fucking. Fuck?
I sucked in some deep breath, trying to stop the tears from escaping. “I was so close to answers, and now all I have is more questions.”
Asher’s chest rumbled. “We’re going to figure this out, Maddi. I promise. I’m almost certain that you have a connection to Atlantis, and understanding how that’s possible is a priority.”
The fact that I wasn’t dealing with this shit alone was enough to have more hot tears assaulting my eyeballs. It was a nice, foreign sort of feeling, but I wouldn’t rely on it.
“I’m going to head to my room,” I said, pulling away in an attempt to compose myself. “Where are my shoes?”
There was the slightest hint of surprise on both of their faces. No doubt they’d expected a lot more questions and freaking out, but if there was anything I’d learned in my twenty-two years, it was that wasting time and energy on what you can’t change will only drive you crazy. Right now there were no answers, only unknowns, and my brain was too tired to worry about those.
“We’ll walk you back,” Asher said.
I knew they were just doing this out of obligation, but I hadn’t forgotten those assassins, and acting stupid just to prove my own independence wasn’t my style, so I accepted their offer.
Jesse went off in search of my shoes while Asher and I remained near the door. We were close enough that I could see every silver fleck through his eyes, and my blood was heating again. The tension was about to kill me, so I tried to joke. “Wanna touch again and see if Louis was right?”
His grin was slow enough to rival Jesse’s. He took a step closer, one arm lifting to press against the wall over my head as he leaned into me. I waited breathlessly. “I’m game if you are,” he said in a rumble of husky words.
Gah! He was going to be the death of me. Maybe literally, if our powers kept exploding. He didn’t move; that intense gaze remained on mine, and I realized that my joking had done nothing except send my lusty thoughts to an entirely new level. Backed against the wall, Asher felt like he completely surrounded me.
Jesse let out a shout from nearby, and I jumped a foot. Asher just smiled, stepped away, and gave me space again. I couldn’t tell if I was relieved or disappointed.
Both. Definitely both.
“If anything happens,” Asher said, serious now, “find me immediately. Okay?”
His intensity could turn a nun, I swear.
I nodded and swallowed roughly. My mouth was dry, my throat was dry, my panties were not.
Jesse returned, my Converse held triumphantly in his hands, and I had to pretend that I hadn’t been eight seconds from jumping Asher.
“Sorry,” Jesse said quickly. “Calen had them in his room. Bastard probably thought you’d come looking for them yourself.”
No doubt.
It was dark outside; I’d slept half the day away. Something occurred to me. “How did Louis even know what was happening?”
He’d arrived just in time.
Asher answered, “He felt our energy. Everyone in the Academy did. He said if he hadn’t been there to contain it, things would have ended differently.”
I let out a choked sound. “What would have happened if he wasn’t there?”
Jesse rumbled out a laugh. “Apparently you two touching almost blew up the school.” He waggled his eyebrows at me. “Imagine if it was more than a simple handshake.”
Yeah, I was trying my best not to do that. I was already too hot and bothered.
“I better thank Louis the next time I see him,” I said, shaking my head. “I never expected anything like that would happen.”
“Me either,” Asher said, turning his dark stare down on me. “Your power is beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. I’m very interested in what Louis says the next time he’s here.”
He wasn’t the only one.
When we reached the commons, there were lots of students eating and relaxing. The moment we stepped out of the shadows and into the main area, it felt like hundreds of eyes were on us.
Two chicks made a beeline for the guys, skidding to a halt in front of Asher, and I almost shrank back at their venomous expressions. One I recognized: Kate. Head Clover. The other I didn’t know. She was impressive to look at, with curves and a small waist, her long dark hair curled around her perfectly painted face. She had a whole Marilyn Monroe vibe going on.
She threw herself at Jesse, knocking me to the side. “Baby, where have you been?” she whined. Now I was almost certain this was Chellie, the on-again, off-again girlfriend.
“I don’t owe you an explanation, Chell,” he said. “We broke up two months ago. You’ve been fucking Shane ever since. Go and paw at him.”
While Jesse was untangling himself from Chellie, Kate looked me over with her mean girl smirk.
“Look, it’s the human trash. Hanging around the Atlanteans doesn’t change the fact that you’re nothing more than a powerless, pathetic almost-human.”
“Leave,” Asher said with bite. Kate’s head jerked back, shock coloring her face. When she blinked at Asher, seeing he was serious, all the color drained from her cheeks. She shot me the darkest look ever before swiveling on one heel and hurrying away. Chellie followed a moment later, fake tears filling her eyes.
She made it two steps before she turned back and lunged at me. The guys moved closer, but I shook my head at them. This was something I needed to handle on my own. I ducked Chellie’s slap, stepping into her and slamming my elbow into her shoulder to knock her back. I could have easily hit her jaw, but I didn’t want to get kicked out for fighting, so I went for the less obvious strike.
She stumbled, rubbing her shoulder, and lifted her lips in a snarl. “You’re dead, new girl. You’ve just fucked yourself big time.”
I laughed. “Bring it, bitch.” After everything that had happened over the last twenty-four hours, I found myself surprisingly unworried about a couple of mean girls. Even if they could turn me into a toad.
She followed her friend, and I shot Jesse a pitying look. “Should have used your head brain for that decision, dude.”
Asher laughed, and a moment later Jesse joined in, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his dark hair. “I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. She’s hot, and sometimes, I mean on rare occasions when everything was going well, she was a nice chick. But the drama just got to be too much.”
“Is she a Clover too?” I asked, needing to know if that entire group would be gunning for me now.
Both guys nodded
, and I let out a tired sigh. “Well, thanks for the escort, but I think I can make it to my room unscathed from here. I’ll see you around.”
I rushed off as fast as the Clovers had, heading to my room.
Holy shit, it had been a long day.
21
Despite my exhaustion, it was only early evening, and as I crossed through the magic users’ wing, there was a ton of supes on the main floor. Someone had set up a projector, and there was a movie playing.
No one looked my way, and I was grateful to be invisible.
When my door came into sight, I let out a long breath. I was so ready to get out of these filthy clothes, shower, and relax.
“Maddi!” Ilia shouted as I opened the door.
I waited for the disappointment to hit, but I wasn’t actually upset that she was in my space, Larissa was at her side, both of them wearing twin concerned expressions.
“Where the hell have you been?” Ilia asked. “I’ve been freaking the fuck out.”
She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me. I closed my eyes and let my body sink against hers for a moment. It was a really nice hug.
I was probably gonna cry again.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, trying to keep it together. “The guys took me to their place and explained about the assassins, and then somehow Asher unlocked my energy, and … yeah … it’s been a long day.”
Ilia pointed to the bed, her expression stern, eyes bloodshot. “Sit. Talk. Do not leave anything out.”
I marched because she meant business. Larissa settled in on one side of me, Ilia on the other, and then I took a deep breath and told them everything that had happened. Including the stories from Atlantis, what Louis had done, and how my powers were locked down again while someone tried to figure everything out.
When I was done, we sat there in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable, just absorbing the information … processing it. “So, the Arterian called you another name and said you were a royal of Atlantis?” Larissa confirmed. “I mean … how can you not have Atlantean blood?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea, but when my power was released, it was fey and magic user, in the way of the originals. Something’s not adding up here. I’m more confused than ever.”
Ilia waved her hand. “Forget that, let’s worry about those assassins. I mean, I’m highly trained in defense and attack magic—it’s actually the reason I got to be a tracker at such a young age—and I was like a first year against them.”
I nodded. “Yeah, Axl made it very clear that if they wanted us dead, we would be. He said they must have needed me for something.”
Larissa cleared her throat. “Dad wants to speak with you before class on Monday,” she said softly. “I think you might be getting a security detail.”
I coughed and choked. “What? Why?”
She shook her head and shrugged at the same time. “Something about your energy almost blowing up the school and sending out a beacon to the world advertising that you’re here.”
Muthafucker.
“I’m never gonna be cool with security following me around,” I warned her, hoping she’d take that information back to her father. “My energy is locked down now, so no one will know it’s me. He might as well just put more security around the school.”
Larissa turned her head in a thoughtful gesture. “Yeah, that’s not a bad idea. I guess he’ll tell you more on Monday.”
Monday. My second official week at the Academy.
I spent most of Sunday in my room, avoiding the world. My friends kept me company though, and I was starting to realize how damn lucky I was to have met them. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had true friends. Friends who would be there through the tough times as well as the good.
When Monday showed up, I was ready and dressed in my uniform. I wanted to see Princeps Jones and then get breakfast, because I was starving.
Today my classes were Race Morphology, Demon Mythology 101, History of the Supernaturals, Herbalism, and Sword and Sorcery. I also had Water Magic after dinner again. The swirls in my stomach at the thought of that class were definitely because of the beautiful beach. Nothing to do with Asher.
And the best liar in the world goes to...
In truth, I was excited to get to all of my classes, even the ones without Asher. For the first time in my life I was actually into school. In my downtime yesterday, I’d read ahead on all texts and worksheets. I might be in my first year, but I was determined to learn as much as I could.
The school was quiet as I strolled through the commons. Today was sunny and bright and there was no barrier above us. I tilted my head back and allowed the sunshine to wash across my face. Cool breezes brushed over my skin, and a calm and contented feeling filled me. I’d read that magic users were very connected to nature, which explained why I’d often found solace in parks and creeks, especially if I was barefoot on the grass and dirt. They might have bound my powers, but they couldn’t change my fundamental DNA.
I was a supernatural.
One day, admitting that wouldn’t even feel weird.
Continuing on, I knocked on Princeps Jones’s door, and he lifted his head to wave me in. “Maddison, please come in.”
I closed the door behind me and dropped into the chair across from him. “How are you feeling today?” he asked, concern tilting his face and eyes down. “You gave us quite a scare on Saturday.”
Subconsciously, I rubbed at my head, but there were no lingering effects. “I feel fine today,” I said with a smile. “Confused by everything I learned, but physically fine.”
He returned my smile. “I’ll bet you’re confused. We are as well, which is not something I like to admit to.” His eyes twinkled. “So don’t tell anyone.”
I laughed. “Your secret is safe with me.” I leaned in closer, some of my mirth drying up. “Do you know anything more about what’s happening to me? About what I am?”
He grew more serious as well. “Louis and I spoke briefly about what he felt when your energy was unlocked. His main concerns center around the reason your powers were bound. And why there is no record of birth parents.”
I swallowed hard. “I can’t remember anything before I was five. I don’t recall how I got to my adoptive mother’s.”
Princeps Jones nodded, unsurprised.
“Are you saying that I might have been with my real parents until I was five? Why did she never mention I was adopted?”
He lifted both hands in a “no idea” gesture. “I can only guess, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she wasn’t aware. Someone went to a lot of trouble to hide you, Maddi, putting you in the sort of situation where society would overlook you … with a mother who wouldn’t pay much attention to you. It would have been simple for them to spell her into believing you were her biological child. Most of the details about you, like age and birthday, are probably correct. Provided in the same spell.”
I sank back in my chair, book bag hanging limply at my side. “This is almost unbelievable,” I said softly.
Princeps Jones leaned further forward, holding a hand out for me. I barely hesitated before placing mine into his. “I promise that we’ll figure it out,” he said softly. “You’re not alone any longer. I have watched your case for many years. Ilia has spoken often of your energy and how it is different. She cared about you long before she even knew who she was chasing. You’re not alone.”
My throat felt tight, and my chest ached. “Thank you,” I said hoarsely. “I’m very grateful to finally know some truths. Hopefully we figure the rest out soon.”
He nodded and released my hand. He shuffled a few papers around, clearing his throat. He was back to business. “Larissa informed me that you’re not interested in a security team, so I have arranged for more security around the border of the Academy, and the Atlanteans agreed to keep a closer eye on you on the school grounds.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but then decided not to bother. He was trying to work with me, and I wouldn’t be ungratef
ul about it. “That’s perfect, thank you for that.” There was something else I needed to tell him before I left. “Also, I don’t know if this is an issue or not, but my power is not as locked down.”
He didn’t seem surprised by my confession. “No, it won’t be. Your original block was placed before your energy was so strong. Now, though, you’re too powerful. Louis is regarded as one of the strongest sorcerers in the world, legendary, and he said that he’s never felt energy like yours. He did what he could, but at best, it’s a Band-Aid over a bullet hole. Your power is going to rub at his block until eventually it gets loose again. He’ll come back to repair the block, but eventually we’ll have to figure out what we’re dealing with.”
“Has there ever been a magic user fey like me?” I asked, standing in preparation of leaving.
He shook his head. “Not to my knowledge. But Louis is looking into that as well.”
Poor Louis. His research was more than just a little thing. I’d dumped a lot of my shit on his shoulders, and no doubt the most powerful mage in the world was busy with other things as well.
But I wouldn’t turn down the help.
I waved goodbye to the princeps and left his office. The school was a lot busier now, and I hurried to the commons, needing food if I was going to function in my classes today. The tables looked pretty full, and I searched for a spot, wondering if I should just drop down under one of the large trees. They had these ropey intertwining roots going everywhere, and they were a popular spot for students to relax. There were ordering stations nearby as well, so you didn’t even have to starve.
“Hey, new girl!”
I spun to find Calen and Axl at their normal table, waving me over. I hesitated before deciding that it was worth hanging with them if I got food.
“Hey, guys,” I said, hovering, unsure if I should sit or not.
I was distracted by snickering at the next table, which was filled with Clovers.
“Sit,” Axl said happily. He was fast becoming one of my favorite supes. I’d always loved practical and clever people.
I was too hungry to stress about the implications of joining their table as I sank into a chair on the opposite side to them. “So, we’re on new girl babysitting duty,” Calen said, and he waggled an eyebrow at me. “I’m taking the night shift.”