Page 148 of Glutton for Punishment

I hate how much I like hearing that.

“You needed help,” he continues. “You felt scared, your powers stopped working, and you chose to handle it alone instead of coming to me.”

My stomach knots. Because there’s an even uglier truth sitting behind my ribs. The other bonds feel suddenly enormous between us. Heavy and rotting.

I open my mouth, guilt already climbing up my throat—

But Maddox cuts in before I can force the confession out.

“I’m here now,” he says. “I’m staying at the academy for good.”

That surprises me enough to derail my panic spiral. “What about Gluttony?”

“My people have things handled for now.” His mouth flattens. “And if they don’t, I can move pieces from here. Strategy doesn’t require me breathing down everyone’s neck twenty-four hours a day. My place is with you.”

Is he really staying for me? He’s choosing me?

“Maddox, you didn’t have to—”

“Yes,” he interrupts. “I did. And I wanted to. Truth be told, I’ve been racking my brain for an excuse to come back to you.”

My heart does something deeply embarrassing. I can handle myself, but I came back to the academy with the goal of learning to control my powers. And… well… I can’t do that without him here.

“If I need to leave temporarily, I will,” he says. “I promise. But then I’ll come right back. You’re stuck with me.”

Something pricks at the back of my eyes without warning, and I have to drop my gaze to the floor for a second, jaw tight. My chest feels strange, like a breath I’ve been holding for weeks finally lets go. I didn’t notice how much I’ve been bracing.

“Are you okay?” he asks, voice quieter.

“Fine,” I mumble. “Just feeling guilty for dragging you away from your territory disputes and mafia empire and whatever terrifying West family nonsense you deal with daily.”

One corner of his mouth twitches. Movement around us catches my attention as students lining the hall are openly staring at us now. Whispering. The infamous Maddox West returning to the academy is premium gossip material, apparently. A group of first years near the staircase are practically vibrating with curiosity.

Maddox notices too, and his expression goes cold. He turns his head toward them. No threats. Just one look is all it takes, and the entire hallway scatters as people turn around and walk in the other direction.

One guy nearly drops his books trying to flee.

I stare after them. “…Maybe you should’ve come back sooner,” I admit.

Maddox huffs a laugh under his breath, the tension between us loosening.

He glances toward the dorm hall. “I’m going to get settled back in.”

“Okay.”

“But we’re starting private training immediately.”

“With my powers? I’ll finally get to train with them?” The power soars under my skin, like it’s fueling up. I can’t believe I never noticed. But I guess in Gluttony, I rarely ever tried to reach for my power.

“Yes,” he confirms. “We’ll practice until you feel confident and have complete control. I already cleared a room and time slot with Dean Bellows.”

Of course he did. He turns away before I stop him. “Maddox?”

He looks back at me.

“Who told you? About the power situation, I mean?”

Annoyance flashes across his face. He lets out a quiet huff. “Your other bond,” he says dryly. “At least he’s good for something.”