Page 52 of Psycho Gods

“You’re our Revered, and you’ve stopped me before,” Malum replied forcefully. “It should have been impossible, but you did it. You’re ice for a reason—you’re destined to put out my fire when I lose control. It makes perfect sense.”

I cracked my forehead against the blackboard.

“Stop hurting yourself,” Malum snarled.

I hit my head harder.

A flaming hand yanked me away from the board. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Did he want a list?

“Don’t touch me.” I shoved at him, and for a second, we wrestled with each other. His muscles bunched as they tensed, and I pretended not to notice pain streaking across my back.

He smirked down at me as he easily countered my movements, since he was built like a tank and at least had one hundred pounds of muscle over me.

His fire was momentarily doused by the ice that radiated off me.

Silver eyes flashed with mirth.

He loved that it was easy to overpower me.

Sun god, he was such a bully.

I kicked him in the shin with all my force, and he squinted with pain. When he released me, I brushed my shoulders off with as much decorum as I could muster.

Which unfortunately, was none.

Malum winked at me. “If you wanted to put your mark on me, all you had to do was say so. I’d get a tattoo for you any day, ice princess.” His voice was gravelly as he stared down at the blue streaks of ice I’d left across his sweatshirt where I’d touched him.

I pretended not to notice that he adjusted his belt.

Instead, I pressed my legs together and rubbed at my temples as I took a deep, calming breath. “First, I’m a queen, not a princess. Second, my life’s purpose is not to put out your messes.” Ice crackled as it spread up my forearms.

He mumbled something under his breath that sounded a lot like, “You can be my princess.”

I choked on spit.

He slapped his hand on my back and said, “Careful. Go slow. Take your time swallowing.” His expression was wicked.

Pain exploded down my spine as I realized his double entendre.

Malum trying to be seductive was a dangerous thing.

My face flamed with heat.

“She’s right,” Jinx said, and both of us snapped our attention toward her. “If you use your powers, you could wipe out our soldiers.”

We sighed with relief.

She continued, “We can’t afford to lose people because of your carelessness. Also, all four of you passed out after she stopped you from attacking me. You can’t risk unconsciousness in the middle of a battle.”

Malum raked his hands down his face.

Flames danced across his fingers.

“Exactly.” I nodded and crossed my arms over my chest protectively.

His plan was stupid, and I was smarter; it was confirmed.

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