Page 1 of Kings
Chapter 1
Ella
They had been back at the Academy for a few hours, but rather than going back to her dorm room, Ella found herself seated in Sterling’s living room as he, Bishop and Axel argued about what to do next.
Her memory was still a blur. One minute, she’d been in the throes of heat making passionate love to Axel and the next, she’d had his blood on her lips and a new label far more confusing—and troubling, if the nervous whispers with which it was said were any indication—than “Empress.”
At the moment, the point of contention was getting her to a doctor for reasons none of them would elaborate on. They all agreed on the idea, just not on a physician they felt was safe, which was making Ella even more nervous.
“We’re not taking her back to your cult,” Axel hissed, already pacing the room. Ella was surprised he’d allowed Bishop to speak at all.
“You have a better idea?” Bishop challenged. “It’s not like we can take her to the school doc and say, ‘Hey, we think she’s a feral, mind popping the hood?’”
Ella scowled. “Would someone tell me what the fuck you’re all talking about?”
She usually wouldn’t have been so profane around Sterling, but they had bigger issues and he seemed off in his own world anyway.
His apartment was exactly what she’d pictured. Stately and refined without a hint of dust or clutter anywhere. The furniture looked more antique than the school itself, and the décor proved his good taste wasn’t limited to clothing.
In Ella’s mind, though, his taste in women left something to be desired if he was still interested in her at all after she sank her teeth into Axel.
They were all looking at her now with the same indecisive, nervous gazes they’d had the whole ride back whenever she asked that same question.
“It’s complicated,” said Bishop.
“Try me.”
He sighed. “It’s better for you not to know until we’re sure.”
“Bullshit,” Axel growled. “You’re just trying to cover your ass.”
Ella had never imagined they would be on the same side of the issue, but Axel seemed as out of the loop as she did when it came to the new term that apparently applied to her. It certainly didn’tsoundgood.
At least she was out of heat, but something told her that was about to become the least of her worries.
“He’s right about one thing,” said Sterling. “We can’t let the school physician know about this. Or anyone, for that matter.” He looked sharply at Bishop. “That includes your mother.”
“You don’t think I know that?” Bishop hissed, clearly insulted.
“Fuck this,” Axel muttered, taking out his phone.
“Who are you calling?” Bishop demanded.
“Someone I trust a hell of a lot more than either of you fuckers,” he answered, turning away to listen as the phone rang. Ella heard an indistinguishable voice pick up on the other line. “Yeah, doc, it’s Axel. I need a favor.” He paused before rattling off Sterling’s address. “Alright, twenty’s good. See ya.”
“Who the hell was that?” Sterling asked, understandably annoyed that Axel had just given out his home address. The way they were all acting, Ella was starting to feel like contraband.
“The family doctor,” Axel answered. When he saw the looks they were giving him, he preempted it with a raised hand. “His family’s worked with mine for six generations. He’s the last guy who wants to screw over a Hill.”
Ella knew the older tom he was speaking of, and she wasn’t surprised by his reasoning. The doctor had known Axel since before he was born, but it figured it was his status he thought the man would be loyal over.
Sometimes she wondered if his inability to love anyone was half as bad as his inability to believe anyone truly cared for him.
“I didn’t agree to this,” Sterling snapped.
“She has to get checked out by someone, doesn’t she?” Axel challenged. “I trust him a hell of a lot more than any quack the two of you would have on speed dial.”
Ella had to admit, she felt the same way, though she was hoping she wouldn’t have to say it. The fact that neither of them had a response was proof enough he was right.
