Page 19 of Hero of Havoc

I back up, watching in delight as my brother climbs on Lucky's back and takes to the sky.

My favorite female dragon swirls above my head a few times before they disappear off in the distance, and I head back across campus with a smile on my lips, my thoughts settling as I go.

I know what Hugo was hinting at. He wants me to talk to my mates about this entire situation, but that would mean facing them, and I’m not ready for that. Because the reality is, despite how much I didn't want them to, they've managed to get under my skin.

All of this matters now.

If I had just kept my distance, I would have remained indifferent and unfazed, but lines have been crossed, and I’m left hurting again.

Nearing the main academy building, I consider grabbing a drink when a shadow casts from my right, pulling me from my thoughts, and I have the unfortunate vision of Odesa, Bonnie, and Francesca approaching.

I pause, watching each of them as they form a line in front of me.

Bonnie and Francesca are wearing their Fire Protector uniforms, while Odesa straightens her Water Protector tie. It’s a stark difference from my choice of clothes.

Were there classes today?

I can’t even remember what day it is.

“I thought you'd have taken the hint by now and fucked off. You're not wanted here, and you're certainly not needed. If anything, you're making everything worse,” Francesca grinds out, and I sigh.

“Is this necessary right now? I think it's quite clear that I'm dealing with bigger shit than your little hissy fit,” I grumble, and Francesca clenches her hands at her sides, anger getting the better of her.

“You’re going to realize soon enough that we’re your biggest nightmare,” Bonnie promises as a flash of blue catches my attention, jetting toward me.

Water surrounds me, the force threatening to knock me off my feet, but I remain rooted to the spot, letting the droplets cling to me as they rake over my body. I sense the pressure intensifying, but before she can completely overwhelm me with her power, I glimpse a white tiger as it appears beside me.

The growl is enough to vibrate the ground beneath me as it stalks its prey, circling the three of them.

All too quickly, the water disappears, followed swiftly by the rushed footsteps of the three wicked bitches retreating. Yet I can't help but feel a little bit disappointed that there wasn't a little bit more behind their sudden appearance.

It’s like my phoenix is searching for a release, ready to be wound up so tightly; only carnage will suffice. If anything, it was almost refreshing to bump into them, but my thoughts are quickly snapped to the present as the white tiger shifts before my eyes.

Sax slowly stands, naked and unfazed, but it’s his pleading eyes that hold me captive.

“Are you okay?” he rasps, and my eyebrows rise, no words forming on my tongue as he nods, dragging a hand over his cropped hair as desperation plays at the corner of his eyes. “What will it take for you to hear me out?” he asks, and my gaze unfortunately drops to his exposed length, making him scoff.

“I’ll fuck you if that's what your body wants, but I want to please your mind, heart, and soul too,” he states, causing an ache in my chest as my gaze returns to his. “Please.”

6

IVY

“I’m listening.”

My heart is lodged in my throat, my arms banded around my middle as my nerve endings fizzle through my body. Nausea churns in my stomach as I keep an extra step between us.

Doubt flutters deep in my soul as we cut across campus, taking the quieter trail since my companion is naked and unfazed. Somehow, we manage to avoid crossing paths with anyone else, that familiar green acid of jealousy clenching my muscles at the thought.

A snicker rings in the air, snapping my attention to Sax’s face, making my cheeks heat as I realize I’ve been staring at his…

I shake my head, irritation intensifying the red hue across my face as I huff. “Maybe if you had some clothes on.”

“I shifted.” The amusement in his tone is obnoxious.

“Shift back,” I grumble, and his grin widens.

“I like your eyes on me.”