Page 140 of Drama Queen

The first page is a list of questions;

1. Name the five basic elements.

2. List the subcategories of each element.

3. List which elements are combinable to mimic others.

4. What elements can be used to heal?

5. Which three elements are used to create an impenetrable shield.

6. What are the five basic rules of elemental powers for each element.

My mind goes completely blank.This has to be some kind of joke.I look around at each of the students surrounding me and to my utter shock, they are all scribbling answers like this is the easiest test in the world.

Okay Gab, obviously this is some kind of dream. Magic is real and this test needs to be completed or I’ll never wake up and return to reality. I mean seriously, that has to be what’s going on. First the magic, then the drop-dead gorgeous guy falling at my feet and now a test on something I’m not prepared for. Yup this is all a dream. Hmm maybe the guy will come back and this dream can go from zero to a hundred in point two seconds.

My face goes red at the direction of my thoughts. I grab my pen from out of my hair making the long strands fall over my shoulders and start jotting down what I think the answers would be if this were really about mythical magic. I remember reading a teen novel where the five elements of magic were Fire, Air, Water, Earth and Spirit, so I add them to the lines for the first question.

Next I add a few answers to the next questions basing my answers off the ridiculous first question. I have no idea if the answers I’m writing are right but it sounds good so I keep going answering with all the knowledge I’ve gained from my fantasy and paranormal books over the years. A bell rings just as I’m writing the final word for the last question and I sit back, shocked that I didn’t miss a single question. I quickly scribble my name into the section on the front and pass the packet forward like everyone else is doing.

A second bell rings and the teacher nods her head towards the door. “Get your asses out of here, I’ll have your marks ready for class tomorrow.”

My mind is numb with all the weirdness as I make my way towards the door at the front of the class. A few peoplebump me but nothing appears vicious so I ignore it, until one particularly aggressive nudge makes me stagger into the arms of a guy. I mumble an apology but the guy’s arms tighten around me, almost protectively as other students start pushing roughly through the door.

“A little thing like you would be better off waiting at the end of the crowd or you’ll get trampled by the mob. Our next class is one where you need to get good seats or you’ll end up getting spit on when the teacher talks.”

“Seriously?” I mumble into his chest as he continues to hold me safely away from the pushing and shoving. With my nose pressed so close to him, I’m practically inhaling his tantalising scent. I always thought boys smelt weird but this guy… His scent reminds me of the beach. A hint of coconut. A subtle salty tang but most of all there’s this masculine musk that makes my insides quiver. I pull my head away from his chest, blushing to my roots when I see his cocky lopsided grin and repeat my one word question, “Seriously?”

“Afraid so. Brightwood’s also known for looking down girl’s tops and trying to feel them up during class. The asshole gets away with it cause he’s the director's son and everyone who talks to the police disappears.”

“Fuck, let me go then, I gotta get a good seat.”

“Chill, you can sit with me, I’ll keep him away. Besides there’s always a spare seat next to me.”

I turn in his arms so I can see more of his face than just that cocky smirk and my breath wooshes out like I’ve been punched. This guy is sexy beyond words. Deep russet hair that is spiked with far too much product, dewy blue eyes that are like pools of the purest water and his lips… I’ve never seen lips as full and red as his. My brain short circuits.Creamy chocolate. Deep red juicy apples that glisten with the morning dew. Pools of liquid sin begging to steal my soul.

Shit, don’t wax poetic and stop staring!

I give my head a small shake and step out of his embrace. My cheeks turning a slightly warmer shade.

A single moment

PARKER

Her face flushes,but it’s not the kind of blush that makes a girl’s skin go blotchy or look like a tomato. Her cheeks light up like she’s wearing makeup to highlight her sharp cheekbones. Her entire body appears to glow with the colour, giving her an ethereal look that steals my breath and my voice. That one moment will forever be burned into my mind and heart. The feel of her small frame enveloped in my arms was like holding the most precious jewel. I’m not even sure what possessed me to pull her to me. All I felt at the time was a protective instinct that overwhelmed everything else.

Well almost everything else, I still want to go clobber the idiots who jostled her around. A girl like this should be protected, cared for, not shoved and pushed.

My own thoughts have me staggering back from her, my eyes wide and my mouth floundering like a fish out of water.

Not once in my entire life, have I ever wanted to put someone other than the twins before myself.The girl before me is a Siren.Has to be. There’s no way I’d fall for someone in a matter of seconds, let alone want her as much as I do right now.

Out of sheer terror, I storm away, not bothering to look back at her.

How dare she use her powers on me!

The second I’m in my seat next to Drew, I growl, “Bets off. She’s person non grata.” Drew doesn’t argue, simply frowns at me then nods his head and turns his gaze away from the door. He knows I’d never stop a bet without a really good reason. Despite his curiosity, he’ll wait until we’re alone before asking any questions. My own body betrays me, my head turning to watch as she makes her way through the classroom and into one of the front row seats. I’m out of my seat and marching towards her before my brain starts working.

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