Page 46 of Zodiac Beasts

“I see.” I offered instead.

“Is that a problem?” She nudged in that way that wanted me to break. We both clearly didn’t know each other very well.

“No, not at all. That’s actually refreshing to hear you’ll be doing something more productive than destroying school property for once.” The smile on my face was an accident.

Lila snort laughed. “I haven’t destroyed a damn thing.” She shook her head with a similar expression of amusement. “So are we good? Anything else you wanted to know?” Her standoffishness was well earned, and I wouldn’t be pushing back on it. So long as I was able to hold out on needing her body, I wasn’t going to create an issue where there wasn’t one.

“No, that’s all. You can go now.” I stood from my seat, then walked over to get the door for her. “Have a safe moon, Lila.” I said as she walked through the exit.

Still in the doorway, she looked at me and frowned. “You too, I guess.” She clutched her text book to her chest then flitted off.

I watched her leave, then shut my door and allowed myself a heavy exhale.

So. Damned. Disciplined.

Chapter 25

“What’s the derivative of the natural log of x?” Ceto called over from the other side of Threads of the Magi’s show room, as he folded a newly sewn pair of jeans on the proper display.

“One over x. Too easy.” I rolled my eyes as I hung up shirts in order of size on an angled display rack. “And the integral of one over x?”

“The natural log…” He paused long enough to create suspense, then he added, “of the absolute value of x, plus a constant.” He finished with a bow. It was the most basic of the basics of what would be on our test, but it was fun to study while we worked with simple problems we could do via mental math or memorization.

“Why exactly are we studying again?” I asked after we’d quizzed each other on a handful of word problems, and passed them all with flying colors.

“Because there aren’t enough opportunities to use a cotangent graph in real life.” Ceto answered as he swept his hand over the stacks of clothing arranged in a curve that approached but never touched its asymptotes. I snorted because I apparently am that nerd. “You’re quite adept at the sciences. I’m almost surprised you’ve managed to absorb so much with how tumultuous your semester has been.” His eyes found the mark on my neck, then shot away quickly. “Fortunately there won’t be a test for the Demonology half of your education.”

“Good, because I’d probably fail that one.” I sighed as I returned to the counter to wipe away the nonexistent dust. It was one day before the full moon, and about three days before Finals, and I’d spent most of the month alternating between Marcus trying to teach me how to shift, and Ceto trying to get me ready for tests. “One of my mates has been helping me try to learn how to control my shifting, but I haven’t gotten far enough to do it on command yet. All I know is that I have fangs and a bit of blood lust.”

“You’re not a vampire though.” He pursed his lips as he looked me up and down.

I shook my head. “No, not a vampire. I also have scales and claws.”

“It would be interesting to see it for myself, but tomorrow is unfortunately rather risky.” He frowned, and I wondered how a half Omega reacted to the moon compared to an Alpha or a Beta. “Are you still going to be able to come in tomorrow night? It hasn’t created any tension with your mates, has it?”

“Yes, I can, and no it hasn’t.” I shook my head. I hadn’t spoken to Adrian really at all this month, and Marcus was still suspiciously supportive. Conversely, I hadn’t told Ceto very much about Marcus or Adrian beyond the highest level stuff, so it made sense that he would wonder. All we ever really discussed in that regard was my vast chasm of missing knowledge. It was fair that he would want to safeguard himself in case either of them got territorial. “One of them has been avoiding me. The other gave me his blessing already.”

Ceto tensed, then he forced a smile like he was chiseling it into granite. Strange.

“His blessing?” His throat bobbed, and that all seemed like an overreaction considering I literally just said there wasn’t a problem. “How interesting. Typically an Alpha is very protective of their mate, especially on a full moon.” He dismissed the inquiry casually, but also with a hint of disdain. “I suppose I’m lucky I’ll get to have you all to myself for my birthday.”

I shouldn’t be blushing at that, but my head was in all the wrong places lately. “I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be nice to have a peaceful full moon for once. They’ve all been pretty traumatic since I got here.”

“A peaceful Purnima does sound lovely.” He moistened his lips with his tongue, before he turned towards the back room. “That reminds me. I know it’s my birthday tomorrow, but have a gift for you today.”

“Oh?” I tilted my head to the side, as he wandered into his work area. It wasn’t long before he resurfaced with fabric in his hand. He hesitated for a moment, staring at the garment folded over his arm, then he approached me.

Chapter 26

“These colors suit you perfectly.” I motioned toward Lila, while presenting the dress draped over my arm, It had been enough to keep up with inventory needs amidst the increased matchmaking and study sessions, but there was one project I had made an absolute priority before the moon.

I looked down at the dress I’d promised her during last month’s picnic. The fabric was a shade of yellow that was as vibrant as a sundress should be, and the bright and cheerful shade was broken up by colorful lavender flowers. The top was cut to a square neckline that would flatter her full bust, the bodice used corset elements to allow for custom tapering of the waist, so she could choose a silhouette she was most happy with, and the skirt was wide and flowing, reaching just above the knee for maximum comfort on a hot summer day, while also offering modesty when enjoying a refreshing breeze.

I’d imagined her in a dress like this the moment she walked into the sewing club booth, and I was certain she’d look good in the colors and flowers of the Gemini. I hoped she would like it.

I held the dress in front of her, testing the tones against her complexion. She was perfect.

… For the dress. She had the perfect skin tone for the colors.