Page 27 of Feral
He grinned. “I wouldn’t complain.”
Ella laughed, linking her arm with his. Their chat was light and pleasant as they walked toward the building on campus that housed the grand ballroom. The courtyard was lit up as twilight set in, and Ella had never seen the Academy grounds look so beautiful or enchanting.
Bishop certainly fit the role of a fairy tale prince, so it was easy to get lost in the illusion.
The ballroom was full by the time they arrived, a much livelier scene than the Felidae gathering had been. Ella had never imagined she would be more comfortable around her peers, but it was nice to be able to breathe a bit.
Looking around the room, it was easy to see that almost everyone was already at least a little drunk, and they were enjoying themselves too much to focus on her. Or maybe they really had lost interest in picking on her altogether now that she’d stood up to Marissa. Only time would tell.
“Would you like to dance?” Bishop asked, offering his hand to her.
Ella was more than intimidated by the offer, since she’d only ever danced with Sterling in private during their lessons, but she nodded. He took the lead, as graceful and skilled as the older tom was. Ella tried to push Sterling out of her mind. There was no point in longing for what she could never have when Bishop was right in front of her.
As the night went on, Ella slowly but surely began to relax. She was having a wonderful time as Bishop’s date, and the few looks they got were more jealous than spiteful. Marissa was there with a tom Ella didn’t recognize, but she hadn’t glanced Ella’s way all night. It was a truce Ella was more than willing to abide.
Now that some time had elapsed, she wasn’t sure how she felt about kissing Axel in the hall. Or why she’d done it. Yes, Marissa deserved all that and more, but Axel was right. It wasn’t like her, and Ella wasn’t sure she wanted it to be. Going back to the old her wasn’t possible, but how was she supposed to become who she was meant to be when all she knew was what shedidn’twant to be?
“Is something wrong?” Bishop asked, looking down at her in concern. They’d gone back to the dance floor after taking a short break to get a drink, and Ella’s slight buzz had the effect of getting her lost in her thoughts.
“No, not at all,” she assured him. “I’m having a wonderful time.”
“Me, too,” he said, smiling. His expression turned to one of irritation and when someone tapped Ella on the shoulder, she knew why.
“Mind if I cut in?”
Axel was standing there in a white suit that made him look like the young god he thought he was. Ella certainly felt like a mere mortal in his presence. No matter how she tried to steel her heart against his influence, it was always easier in theory than practice.
“You’ve got to be joking,” Bishop muttered.
“It’s okay,” Ella said, touching his arm. She knew Axel would make a scene, and the last thing she wanted was to become the center of attention at the first gathering she was actually enjoying. “It’ll just be one dance.”
Bishop hesitated, then glowered at Axel. “Fine,” he said stiffly. “Humor him.”
With that, he walked off and Axel wasted no time sweeping Ella into his arms. She stumbled forward and caught herself against his chest. His strong arms wrapped around her waist to steady her, and she rested her hands on his shoulders to keep them from drifting somewhere more intimate.
“I thought you weren’t going to show up,” she said, making it a point to keep as much distance between them as the dance would allow.
“And miss a chance to see you in that dress?” His gaze traveled down her brazenly, appraising every inch of flesh exposed by his selection.
Ella hated herself for the way she responded to his attention. To the approval she’d craved from him for so long. She looked away so he wouldn’t see the blush on her cheeks. “I only found out about the ball last minute and it was the only thing I had to wear.”
“It looks good on you,” he said, his fingertips biting into her hips, warm through the thin silk fabric. “Just like I thought.”
“I hope you enjoy it, because it’s the last time you’re going to get to play dress up with me.”
“We’ll see,” he said with a smug grin.
Ella was surprised by just how well he danced, even though she knew she shouldn’t have been. He was a Hill, after all, and he’d been attending these things since he could walk. It just seemed strange to think of someone as forceful and untamed as Axel taking the time to master such a gentle skill.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing,” she answered. He really could read her like a book.
“Come on,” he pressed. “I know that look.”
“I’m just surprised you’re such a good dancer,” she admitted.
“I’m good at everything,” he said without the slightest hint of irony, pulling her flush against his firm body, molding her soft curves to his muscle. Her heart fluttered traitorously in her chest. “Especially when it comes to physical contact, but you already know that, don’t you?”
