Page 3 of Black Onyx
“Good, now I need you to wrap both of your hands around the spear. It will glow for a minute or two while it finds your destined team. We haven’t had anyone who hasn't found their team here or at least a part of their team. The fates always allow them to arrive simultaneously, or as close as possible. However, having said that, your admission was a little unorthodox since your Uncle works for us and holds some sway, and of course, your Father.” He states, trying to remain professional despite his glaring dislike for him. “So, don’t be surprised if you don’t find your team here.”
I clamp my mouth shut, clenching my fists and reminding myself that it would be a bad idea to stab the Headmaster, even if it was just a little bit.
He stands up and turns to the display case behind him, muttering something in Latin that momentarily makes the case glow before it pops open, and he reaches in, pulling out the spear.
The tip is made out of Black Onyx, the only material known to be able to kill any supernatural. Hence the name of the Academy. The spear's shaft is black ebony wood and decorated with runes inlaid in gold and copper. I have to admit that now he’s said it’s a possibility that I won’t get a team; I’m equal parts disappointed and relieved.
It would be better for everybody if I didn’t have a team.
The Headmaster brings the spear over to me and motions for me to stand. I finally let go of my bags and stand up, pushing down my nerves. I’ve faced far more terrifying things than a glowing stick.
“All you’ve got to do is hold it with both hands, and the name of your team leader will appear along the length of it. The team leader is always called first. Then, if I recognise who it is, I’ll have my assistant bring them in and make the introductions.”
“And if you don’t recognise the name?” I ask, not moving to take hold of the spear.
“I’ll talk to the other academies in case your team leader is there. It's improbable that will happen, though. Now, take hold of the spear.” He says firmly.
I sigh, swallowing my nerves and taking the spear in my hands. It starts to glow immediately, the light almost blinding. A name appears in less than a few seconds.
I look up from the still faintly glowing name to the Headmaster and catch his shocked look. I guess it rarely happens that fast. I feel smugly satisfied that I have a team after all.
Even though he thought I wasn’t good enough.
Chapter Two
“Storm Arkyn,” I say out loud. “Do you know her?” I ask.
“I, er, yes I do. I don’t really understand how you’ve matched with their team though. They’re the best we’ve had.” He muses, taking the spear away from me and placing it back into the case. “They’re also a male team.”
“What!?” I exclaim, “I thought there were no mixed enforcer teams?”
“There has never been one before.” He says, studying me in a more suspicious light. “I’ll get my assistant to bring him and his team here for you to meet, and then they can show you to your room. Like with all teams, your room will be in the same suite as theirs.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” I gripe.
The Headmaster ignores me entirely as he picks up his phone and dials a number asking his assistant to get Storm and his team.
I know I said I didn’t want to be in a team of women, but I have certain issues when it comes to men. Although I find them easier to get along with, I am easily triggered by them if they do certain things thanks to the incident and other things in my past, my father being one of the main reasons. How the fuck could this happen?
I am going to have to stay so much on my guard that it's going to make me pissy as fuck, even more than I usually am. As I sit there stewing in my own thoughts and making no less than five escape plans before turning them down and deciding just to try if for no other reason than to prove the fuckers who think I can’t, that I can fucking kick all of their sorry asses. The door behind me opens, and I immediately stand, moving to the side of the room where I can see all the people entering and the exits.
The first guy who enters the room and sees me move, raises his eyebrows, a level of understanding on his handsome features that I do not like. He’s very obviously fae, with his pointed ears and bright orange eyes. His hair is bright white with varying strands of orange mixed through. His build is larger than is typical for the fae, and he’s tall as fuck and equally as gorgeous.
I scowl. I don't particularly appreciate that this is the second guy I’ve met here, and I’ve had a powerful reaction to both.
“This is Rival, second in command.” The Headmaster starts. “Then there’s Mayhem, his twin.”
The only difference between the two of them is that where Rival has orange features, Mayhem has bright electric blue. The guy that follows behind him is as frustratingly attractive as the twins. He’s taller than both of them but has more of an athletic build, tightly corded muscle and looks ready to strike at any time. He has bronze coloured hair and yellow eyes that have a vertical slit instead of the usual pupil. He’s a shifter of some kind, but I couldn’t tell you what since he has his magical signature completely locked down. Whatever he is, I’d be very surprised if he didn’t turn out to be an alpha of his species, and they’re as rare as fucking rocking horse shit these days. The next one through the door is all vampire, and his grin is wide, showing off his sharp fangs. He has an air of pure mischief and joy surrounding him that almost makes me smile. It's that infectious. I can sense it’s a front though, and that behind that façade lies a dark past and things that he still struggles with to this day.
Don’t get me wrong, I highly doubt anyone else would be able to see through the happy, joyful act he puts on but like recognises like, and something in him calls to the broken part of me. His purple eyes are haunted, and the longer I look into them, the deeper I can see the hold his pain has on him. His smile wobbles, and he looks away from me, blood-red hair falling across his forehead as he turns.
I push those thoughts away. There’s no need to be dwelling on things like that. All of these men need to be kept at a distance. I push my emotions down further and bury them deep inside me. The guy with the yellow eyes crosses his arms as he watches me curiously. Keep watching gorgeous; you won’t get anything from me.
“The following two are Loki,” the Headmaster nods towards the vamp, “And Reaper. Finally, we have their leader, Storm.”
“You!” He exclaims as soon as he walks through the door.
“Me.” I grin a saccharine sweet smile, his wings are gone now which means I’m far more at ease to be my snarky self.
