Page 53 of Fortune Academy: Year Two
“Logan,” I managed to croak out, “we don’t have time for this. You don’t understand—”
He cut me off with a snarl, snapping his wolfish teeth that never quite shifted back to human. His army of wolves advanced and echoed his warning, making it clear that not only had Logan established dominance as Alpha of his pack once again, but he was here to claim me, whether I accepted it or not.
Dante drew his weapon, clearly having had enough of the show. “You and your pack need to return to your dorms immediately,” he said, his voice low. “Pack congregation like this is prohibited and punishable by expulsion.”
The wolves growled, clearly not intimidated by Dante’s threat. They advanced, then halted and a few whimpered. I turned around to find Hendrik and his Mages approaching from the other side. The air around them shimmered with deep red and purple tones.
I felt a ripple in the Virtue connection as Hendrik met my gaze.Shit’s about to get ugly, pet.
I swallowed hard, realizing that all of my Virtue connections could talk to me in my mind, not just Logan.
The two sides squared off with Dante and me trapped in the middle. My adrenaline spiked and I found myself wishing that I could call reinforcements.
Orion’s presence surfaced in response and I knew that he’d just returned to Fortune Academy, although I sensed it was not of his own accord. I hoped he wasn’t going to go all Alpha on me too, because I seriously had enough to worry about.
Why am I here, little star?his voice trickled into my mind with an edge of irritation.I was having a lovely conversation with your mother that you cut short.
What a shame, playboy. Can you go make yourself useful without needing orders from me? I’m a little busy right now!I shot back.
He huffed in my mind.I would love to, but I’m in an underground tunnel system staring at a demonspawn. Friend of yours?
Oh. Maybe I had actually summoned him. I’d have to learn how I did that trick later.That’s Jess and I’m going to need her, so bust her out and come find me, unless that’s too difficult of a task for you.
Why should I?he said, brushing my mind with an invisible kiss.What do I get out of it?
How about the fact that it’ll piss of Logan who’s trying to kidnap me right now?I snapped back.
Hmm, okay, I’ll bite.
Orion’s presence retreated from my mind and I let out a breath, hoping Orion would make it in time.
A third row of bodies appeared in the dusky light with Melinda at the lead. She stood at the ready, garbed in a sexy getup with puffy fur around her neck as she smirked at me. An entire enthralled wave of students stood behind her as the Dean stepped from the crowd.
“Lilith Fallen,” the Dean said, making my blood run cold.
Shit. Shit. Shit!
Merlin stood at her side, his white hair tied back in a clean braid that made him look almost regal in a wizardly kind of way. His experienced gaze swept over the assembly. “It’s as I feared. The Mages and the shifters are fighting over the Champion.”
I swallowed hard. They knew who I was?
Dante shoved me behind him, but I wasn’t going to be shielded like some kind of damsel in distress. I pushed him out of the way, having to use considerable supernatural strength to uproot the stubborn Hunter.
“How do you know who I am?” I shot across the cobbled streets, my voice carrying on the icy winds between three walls of bodies.
The Dean grinned. “I’m a powerful immortal, my dear. Merlin and I have been waiting for an opportunity like this. I knew who you were the moment Hendrik told me his vision.”
I glanced at the Dark Mage and a flash of regret crossed his eyes.
Betrayed again. Why wasn’t I surprised?
The Dean opened her palm and revealed a holographic image that floated in the air. She stepped close enough so I could see Olivia tied to a chair with her golden eyes glowing with rage. “All I needed was leverage, so I was thrilled when Hendrik brought me your Mage friend. It was quite stupid of you to give her a soul, you know. Now she has something to lose.” She snapped her fingers closed as if she could crush Olivia in the palm of her hand. “I’ve been waiting to find leverage on you, Lilith.” She brushed away a loose lock of her gorgeous hair. “Unless you want your friend to die and her soul sent straight to Hell, then you’ll comply with my demands.”
“You won’t be making any demands today,” Hendrik called out, summoning an electric storm that thundered through the sky. “Olivia is still part of my clan and under my protection.”
The Dean chuckled. “Or what, little Mage?”
He raised one hand and his army of Mages advanced, each summoning a dark orb of power that reminded me of tiny black holes. I had a feeling that one of those could destroy anything it touched.
