Page 38 of Dark Bonds

“It’s a power structure,” Leo says, grabbing my drink and a straw before tapping my lips with it. Him too? “The more power you inherently have, the larger the creature you can shift into.”

I sip my smoothie, savoring the flavor.

“Yep.” Tori says. “It’s a showy thing. When you shift through the veil, you’ll see. I’m pretty sure you have Shifting 101.”

“Yeah, probably with the freshmen,” I gripe.

“We all have to start somewhere,” she says, “but that class is in the shadow realm.”

Huh. I never thought about classes being in the shadow realm. The idea of classes in the shadow realm both excites and terrifies me.

“Did you look at your schedule yet?” Matteo prompts, grabbing another fry.

I give in, just letting them feed me at this point. I tug out my schedule to look it over.

“Alright, it’s broken into two. Light and shadow realm.” I look up to see if this is normal. When Tori nods, I go on. “Core classes in the human realm with a normal schedule.”

“I have ethical hacking with you.” Matteo taps the paper.

Leo whistles. “Six classes.”

“That’s like a lot of credits,” Tori says.

I frown. “My shadow realm classes are Shifting 101, history of the veil, and cryptic codes.” I groan. “Bishop.”

Tori giggles. “Make him grovel.” Clearly, he is not forgiven.

“I can’t seem to get away from my advisor.” I want to crumple up the paper, but I don’t. I force myself to fold it up and tuck it away in my bag.

“Who do you have?” Tori asks, stealing another fry.

“Blackwood.” I shiver as I say his name. Something about Blackwood sets me on edge. Is it just his demeanor, or is there something more sinister lurking beneath the surface?

“I’ll accompany you to every meeting.” Matteo taps my lips with another fry.

I sigh as I chew. “Dorian is usually there.”

“You feel safe with him?” Leo asks.

“I do.” I swallow. Hell, he saved my life. Of course I feel safe with him, even if he knows far more than he should.

“Blackwood reminds me of those professors who have affairs with their students,” Tori mutters.

“Like Bishop.” I blink at her, earning a laugh.

“We have to head out.” Leo smacks a kiss on my cheek. “If we don’t see you at the game, please come to the party. I haven’t seen you in six whole weeks.” He whines this time and tugs me closer while resting his chin on my shoulder. “I missed you.”

Tori grunts. “He just wants to get his dick wet.”

I throw a fry at her face, which she miraculously catches with her mouth.

“Please,” he drawls. “Come play with me.”

“See? Told you,” Tori mutters.

“Maybe,” I say.

Matteo presses a kiss to my forehead as he stands and silently drags Leo away, who continues to pout the entire way out of the cafeteria.

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