Page 37 of Dark Bonds

“I’ll think about it,” I say, not wanting to commit. The idea of being around so many people still makes me uneasy, but I can see the hope in their eyes.

“We’ll be there if you change your mind,” Matteo says quietly, his gaze steady on mine. “No pressure.”

“Thanks,” I say softly, appreciating his understanding.

“So how are you settling in?” Leo turns, his entire attention focused on me. I’m honestly surprised they haven’t said a thing about Tori and me taking off for a few weeks, and I’m glad for it.

“We just got here.” I open my smoothie and take a sip of the mango peach concoction. The cool, sweet liquid soothes my dry throat. Next, I dump the fries on my plate and give them an offended look.

“He isn’t talking about move-in day,” Tori points out. She’s already devoured her sandwiches.

“Oh.” I grab a fry and nibble on the end. “A student popped out of the shadows.” I shift in my seat, feeling awkward. “Honestly, I’m still wrestling with everything.”

“Why don’t you tell Frankie what your shifter is?” Tori suggests, popping another fry into her mouth.

“Guess.” Leo leans his chin on his palm and bats his eyelashes.

“A lion.” I don’t even need to think about it.

Tori guffaws. “Too obvious.”

Leo pouts. “How did you know?”

“Because you have a whole vibe,” I tell him. “One about laziness and sex.”

“I don’t mind either of those things.” He sits up and reaches to grip my hips, probably to tug me closer if it weren’t for Matteo batting his hands away.

“Guess.” Matteo reaches out, and with one finger, he tilts my head toward him. His dark eyes roll over me.

He’s so fucking intense.

“You’ll never guess,” Tori sings as she reaches for one of my fries.

I push my tray toward her as I nibble on the same fry. “You remind me of a big cat, like a predator.”

“What kind?” he presses.

“A panther,” I murmur.

He doesn’t give me a yes or a no, just a smile.

Tori’s eyes widen, and she lets out a low whistle. “Damn,” she murmurs, both impressed and amused. “That was… intense.”

Ignoring her, I ask, “Do you all just have one shadow form? It seems silly, like you could manipulate a shadow into anything.”

“Well yes, and also no.” Tori points at me with a fry.

“It’s best to focus on one form and master it fully,” Matteo explains, absently playing with a fry on his plate. His eyes meet mine, intense and focused. “One form to master, another to practice,” he adds, his voice low.

Without breaking eye contact, he lifts the fry to his mouth then pauses. A mischievous glint appears in his eyes as he changes course, offering it to me instead. I hesitate for a moment, acutely aware of our public setting, before leaning in to accept it. The simple act feels oddly intimate.

I wonder what my form will be. Will it reflect who I am or who I’m meant to become? The thought both excites and terrifies me.

“But Dorian…” I begin.

“Dorian isn’t normal,” Tori states. “But that is a tale for him.”

Curious.

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