Page 28 of Reckless Witch

Blade nods slowly. “Who here wants to chance The Shadows aren’t going to return?”

The room goes quiet. Even I don’t have a pithy retort. The power I felt moments ago is a fraction of what I sensed in the meadow and I ended up on the floor in the fetal position. Looking at Blade, however, I easily imagine the discipline—the power—the courage, it must have taken to face The Shadows. He would be nothing short of a god with sweat on his brow, his sinewy muscles straining as he controlled that magic within a world of complete harmony. A world he controlled.

He crosses his arms and my mouth goes dry when his biceps bulge. My inner core tightens. Fuck, what is it with me of late? First Ethan and now Blade? If I’m honest with myself, I’m brewing an attraction for them both.

Miss Mack glances at Blade, then focuses her attention on the class. “If you find yourself taken in the Reaping, the first thing you must remember is not to succumb to distrust and depression. Do not allow yourself to give into any fears, bitterness or anger that you harbor deep inside. Control begins here, in this world.”

One girl to my left shakes her head. “I can barely do that now. How am I supposed to do that if The Shadows infect me?”

Miss Mack opens her mouth to answer, but Blade says, “Find someone and ask for help.” The compassion in his eyes tug at my heart. I’m right. This man is so much more than a sexy playboy.

“Easier said than done,” the girl mutters.

“You’re right,” Blade replies. “It’s hard.”

The girl looks at him and, instead of the dreamy lust so clear in on the faces of other female students, gratitude appears in her eyes.

He smiles gently. “One day at a time,” he says. “That’s how we get through. That’s how we beat The Shadows.”

“One of your strongest defenses against fear is meditation,” Miss Mack says. “Deep mediation. Go to the place that brings you the most peace.

Blade flashes a dazzling smile that sets my heart racing—probably the reaction of every other woman in the room. “On that note, I’ll take my leave.” Groans go up amongst the girls—and a couple of the guys, I notice. “Never fear,” Blade says. “You’ll see me in different classes.” He faces Miss Mack. “We’ll speak later, Miss Mack.”

She blanches and I can’t help but savor a rush of satisfaction even though I know her reprimand will only worsen matters between her and I.

Blade leaves and we spend the next two hours on deep meditation and simple earth magic without incident and without Miss Mack calling on me. Class lets out, and I’m on the path, headed to my next class, when Fran catches up with me.

“Hey, Leilah,” she says. Her brown eyes sparkle, but there’s tension at the corners of her mouth that warns me she’s troubled.

“Hey.” I keep walking. I catch sight of two men, Watchmen, descending the half dozen steps from the Administration building. “What’s with the Watchmen?” I ask.

“Since the Shadow War, they patrol the grounds,” she replies without her usual warmth.

I glance at her. She’s obviously got something on her mind.

We walk in silence for a minute before I say, “Spit it out, Fran.”

She surprises me with a blunt, “What’s going on between you and Commander Tyrion?”

I’m startled by the question, but keep a neutral expression and say, “I’m not after any favors.”

“The commanders have no say in who graduates. Do you want him?”

“Want him? What—”

She grabs my arm and pulls me to a stop. “He’s mine.”

“Not sure he’s the kind you can own,” I counter.

She shrugs. “I’ll have him in my bed within the week.”

The proclamation incites an unwanted stab of jealousy. God, I feel like I’m back in high school.

Chapter Eleven

LEILAH

Vampires and Ass Kickings