Page 93 of Harnessed in Gold

“What’s Rime’s major?” Liv asks, suspicion clear on her face. She knows I’m lying, she just doesn’t know how or why.

The answer is right there; I don’t even have to think. “Criminology.” Makes sense, doesn’t it? He’s in the militia and he’s trying to stop a bad guy.

“Ohhh, that’s kinda hot,” Mia says, elbowing Liv once again. “Maybe he’ll need to frisk you.”

I don’t know whether to laugh or drop my head on the table and cry.

Jenna, who’s been vigorously texting throughout this whole conversation, cuts in, “The guys are down at Henry’s.”

Mia tosses her crumpled napkin onto her empty plate. “Y’all wanna go?”

“Um—” I start.

Liv is hesitant. “Is Braden there?”

“Yeah,” Jenna reluctantly replies.

“You know what? Screw it.” Liv juts out her chin. “I’m not gonna let him keep me from doing what I wanna do.”

“That’s my girl,” says Mia. “If he starts bugging you, just tell him to fuck off.”

Jenna turns to me, wincing. “Zander’s there, too.”

“That’s okay.” I flick a little wave. “I actually need to go home anyway. I’ve still got homework to do.” At Mia and Jenna’s skeptical looks, I add, “Honestly. It’s not about Zander.” One of the few truths I’ve told all night.

I give Liv a goodbye hug, her worry and hesitation squeezing me as tightly as her arms. “Call me or text me if you need me.”

She looks me dead in the eye and replies, “You too.” Perhaps her concern is less for herself and more for me.

I walk with the girls to the corner and break off to head for campus, keeping my eyes wide open. Luckily, it’s a busy evening, seeing as it’s the first one over forty degrees since October. I survive the short walk without encountering any fae.

The moment I’m safe in our room, I check my phone. One message from Avery and four from Leo.

Avery: I’m free after 8

Leo: We’ve tracked them

Leo: Are you still downtown?

Leo: Where are you? Message me

Leo: Please

That last message, sent only ten minutes ago, has my heart racing. With trembling fingers, I type back:I’m back in my room. Are you all alright?

Leo:Yes, we’re fine. I just wanted to make sure you were too. Is Liv with you?

Me:No. They went to Henry’s.

Dots wiggle on the screen, disappear, then the phone vibrates in my hand.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Hey,” Leo says. “They went to Henry’s?”

“Yeah.” I kick off my shoes and fall back onto my bed. “That’s why I bailed.”

“Zander?”