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All the embarrassment I was feeling abruptly falls away, and my skin flushes for a completely different reason. After a moment I clear my throat, and tip my head back as I let out a sigh. “I guess that means I have yet another new power. Yay me,” I say sarcastically, though it comes out weaker than I intended.
It’s a power that I never expected to have so I’ve never thought about what I could use it for. Now though, my imagination goes wild. It would be a fantastic tactical advantage, you could totally annoy the shit out of someone whenever you wanted to, but then something occurs to me. “Wait, so you’re the only one who heard me? I wonder if it’s limited to you then and if it is, why you…?” I trail off, head cocked as I stare at the man in front of me. He gets the oddest expression for a moment before he blanks it and my brows draw down.
“We’ll figure it out,” he says softly and I accept it for now, passing off his odd expression. I return my head to Corin’s shoulder, that contented laziness still flowing through me and he pets me on the head.
Something about the way he sayswe—as in we’ll do this together, rather than justI—as in I will have to do this on my own, has warmth blossoming in my chest. Okay, maybe the Academy and its supply of guys I’m drawn to isn’t so bad.
Nuzzling his throat, I let out a puff of air, fiddling with his black T-shirt with one hand. The material’s well-worn and huge. I kind of want to steal it. Blinking, I roll my head to the side and poke Corin in the cheek. “Three things.”
“Hmm?” he says, tone questioning.
“You said there were three reasons you pulled me in here for, and can I have your shirt?” His eyes widen, lips parting at my words, but I have no idea why. I like his shirt, plus it smells like him, so I want it. I’m sure he has plenty of other shirts.
“I saw you bite Dylan last night. That’s actually what made me realise that’s what you needed today so quickly. I’m not sure if you’re ready to talk about it right now, but I want you to know that if you ever want to I’m here. Plus, I’m sure Dylan wouldn’t hesitate to walk you through a few things…” Corin trails off, eyebrows drawn down in concern when I avert my eyes, and scrunch my face up in embarrassment. Yeah, I’m not ready to talk about it yet. So I clear my throat and change the subject because I’m a fucking wimp.
“What was the third thing?”
“I was just wondering where you know Foster from, I’ve just never seen him around campus before…” he trails off, seeming to be more focused on my request for his shirt than what he wanted to know about Foster.
“I ran into him in the forest last night. I hadn’t met or seen him before then. I wasn’t worried at all, I didn’t get any bad vibes from Foster, and he was calm and nice the entire time. Literally all we did was talk a little while I was going for my walk.” I shrug, fingers returning to their fiddling with his shirt. I cock my head to the side, studying it. It’s probably big enough for me to fit in it while Corin’s still wearing it.Hmm.
“What were you doing in the forest late at night?” I’d be annoyed at his pushy question, but he’s not coming across as jealous or upset, more like concerned for my safety. Seriously, what is it with everyone thinking that forests at night are something to be afraid of? I have magic, for the Goddess’ sake, and lots of combat training. I find the forest to be the most soothing at night.
“I went for a walk to clear my head and get some fresh air. We spoke a little, then he left and I went back to my dorm.” I shrug again. It’s not a lie, exactly. I’m not going to invade Lexi’s privacy by revealing that she was shagging her mate and woke me up. I purse my lips forcing myself not to laugh. Nope, I’m definitely not going to be telling Corin that.
He doesn’t push though, just nods, trusting me. Good. Because with all my secrets, I try to be as truthful as I can. Though, he still seems a little tense, eyes distant, eyebrows furrowed like he’s lost in his head. Mentally I give myself a shake and change the subject, hoping to lighten up his mood again. I huff and scowl at him. “So, shirt?”
He grins, seeming to push any lingering worries he has aside for now and gets to his feet but doesn’t say anything. Instead, he presses the wall behind him and opens a portal. I squeak at the surprise display of magic, then laugh when he steps through, taking me—still in his arms—with him. His magic tickles my skin like we’re walking through hundreds of falling silky feathers rather than a portal, then he’s stepping out of it and into my lounge room.
My scowl returns, eyebrows furrowing. “How the heck did you do that? I have the place warded,” I question. Goddess, if Corin can get in that means Ethan can too. Anxiety blooms in my stomach and I go to pull away from Corin, but he must notice the change in my scent as a purr starts up in his chest.
“With you in my arms your warding recognised your magical signature and didn’t react to me.” My chest relaxes an increment, but just to be sure I reach up and grip his chin.
“Promise that no one else can get in like you just did?”
His swirling eyes don’t waver from mine as he answers. “I promise that no one else could get through your warding unless they worked to dismantle it—which because you’re here every day to replenish them with magic, has a low probability of working.”
I nod, choosing to believe him. Hopefully that’s not the wrong choice.
Breaking eye contact, I try to lighten the mood and use my new form of transportation to my advantage. “To the kitchen, chariot,” I command with a grin, and Corin snorts but does as I ask. He sets me down on the kitchen island and stands between my legs—mostly because I haven’t fully unlocked my legs from around his waist.
“Now what?” he asks, pupils dilating as he watches me.
My lips part, ready to command him to kiss the fuck out of me, but my stomach lets out a godawful yowl that has him leaning back with a laugh.Godsdammit.Stupid, cockblocking stomach.Rubbing a hand over my face I groan and Corin chuckles again. “How the hell can I be hungry right now? I just drank your blood?” I say, incredulously, glaring down at my stomach.
Corin laughs. “Think of blood as a food source for your magic, more specifically your vampire traits. Your body still needs lots of human food for your body and to recharge your other types of magic. If you were a bitten vampire instead of a born one—somewhere in your heritage anyway—then you could survive solely off of blood.”
My lips form an O as I take that in. I’ve never really looked into vampires as I never showed any traits that meant I could have it in my family tree. “I suppose that’s another thing to research later,” I grumble.
Corin smiles down at me. “Remember the offer is there. I don’t mind helping you with this stuff and I’m sure Dylan and Oscar wouldn’t mind either. For now though, how would you feel about some cheese toasties?”
Dropping my hand, a reluctant grin curls my lips. “Add some vegemite to that order and I think I can be persuaded.”
He shakes his head, wrinkling his nose but nods and I unwrap my legs from around his waist. He takes a step back and I reach out and clasp his wrist, meeting his eyes again. “Thank you,” I murmur, trying to make sure he knows how much I mean it. He successfully kept me from freaking out, multiple times in the last hour, and is slowly turning into my rock. Which is a terrifying thought, putting that much trust and becoming reliant on someone like that. All these guys—Dylan, Corin and Oscar—have slipped under my defences and are slowly gaining my trust and respect.
Sucking in a careful breath, I hold it for a few seconds before letting it out. Whenever I ponder it for too long, the overthinking rises up, so rather than letting myself succumb to it, I let go of Corin’s arm and slide off the bench. “I’m going to take a quick shower, then I call dibs on choosing the show we put on.”
He doesn’t protest, just shakes his head with a smile and turns to start rummaging around for ingredients. I, on the other hand, head to my room, grab a set of comfy sweatpants and a tank top, then head to shower.
