AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A splash draws my eyes to the middle of the pool just as Asher and Valerian land. They’re both breathing hard. Blood drips from Asher’s nose and Valerian’s bottom lip, and deep scratches rake their flesh.
Valerian claps his hand on Asher’s massive shoulder, and they chuckle over something I can’t hear.
“You totally gave up your flank, Prince,” Asher is saying as they swim over.
“Only because you tried to incinerate me,” Valerian growls. “Next time, I’m shredding one of your wings, you overstuffed lizard.”
“Have fun?” Eclipsa calls.
“Not as much as if you were there, Eclipsa.” Valerian’s tone is teasing, but his eyes are serious—and totally focused on me.
“Oh, so you enjoy being embarrassed in front of your girlfriend?” Eclipsa grins slyly. “Noted.”
His eyes never leave mine as he shakes his hair out like a wet dog, water droplets sprinkling the air.
But Eclipsa was right. Before, Valerian’s attention was filled with raw, masculine power.
Now, the pull between us is intense, but manageable. Ish.
Unless he comes any closer—
Oh, hell. Goose bumps ripple over my arms and legs as he stalks toward me. I let out a breath as he takes a seat two stools down, leaving just enough space between us that I can breathe.
My senses are hyper alert, taking in his every move, every sound. I nearly flinch as he orders two elderberry cocktails.
And then I do flinch as music fills the air. The others look in horror as my ringtone for Mack—the Bohemian Rhapsody—blares from my cell on the counter.
“Crap,” I hiss, grabbing my phone. “What time is it?”
“Dusk,” Asher answers. Most Fae don’t give specific times—it’s considered mortal and rude to do so—but rather, generic terms for whatever part of the day it is.
Dawn. Mid-afternoon.
But I very much care about the specifics, and my heart sinks when I make out the true time: 7:30 PM.
“Oh, no.” I check my messages to see several missed texts from Mack. “We were supposed to study tonight with some of the other shadows.”
How did I forget? I text where I am with a quick apology, my stomach in knots as I wait to see if she’s pissed. I know keeping Mack out of this whole business is for her own good, but I feel terrible not telling her the entire truth.
Relief pours through me as I read her reply. You lucky bitch. I’d totally ditch studying to chill poolside at the Instant Lady Boner’s exclusive pad.
Another text pops up almost immediately. Jace doesn’t believe me. He said no one gets invited to the Ice Prince’s Evernell pad. Send a picture stat or you’re dead to me. I might have just bet on Fred’s life.
Grinning, I say, You’re cruel. Fred deserves better. What do you get if you’re right?
Ten boxes of tampons.
Whoa. The best we can buy at the commons are pads, and they’re so cheap that toilet paper works better.
I type, I get half.
Two boxes, she amends.
Done.
Lifting my phone, I snap a selfie of myself with the pool in the background.
A few seconds later, she responds. Holy orc balls, you’re hawt. Is Instant Lady Boner a walking hard on right now?
