Page 20 of Dragon Heir

Our lips are so close, I can taste his peppermint candy on my tongue. We’ve come close to kissing before, but in this moment, I could swear every cell of my body is opening for him, and every cell of his body is pointing directly at me. It’s as if our joining is the only natural thing in the universe.

Pax pushes off the wall, severing the connection. “Training,” he says. “Let’s go home before True hunts us down.”

My heart crumbles, but I force myself to be brave and pretend nothing’s wrong.

When we’re safely inside the walls of our house, I lock myself in my room, sit on my floor, and catch up on all the homework I put off while Sadie was here. It was great hanging out with my sister, taking her to the little shops along the street and in the commons, decorating our faces and trying on outrageous costumes and jewelry. But it was also irresponsible, and I’m a bit relieved to sink back into my studies. I end up skipping dinner, which True refuses to allow, delivering a plate of meat, rice, and vegetables to my room.

I have a serious conversation with myself about Pax too. He clearly doesn’t feel the attraction that I do, and that’s okay. I’ve dealt with it on and off all my life. I knew it might come back, and I told myself I would just ignore it and get through it, like I always have. So I will. I’m not going to ruin a lifetime of friendship over a silly, unrequited crush.

The next day, I’m up and ready to get to class and get my learn on, more determined than ever to nerd out and ignore my heart. The bounce in my step must be noticeable because even Pax says, “You seem chipper.”

Usually he hardly notices anything but how hot he looks or how hot other people look.

“Yep.”

“Anything you want to share?”

“I worked my whole life to be here,” I say. “Might as well enjoy it.”

I don’t even let the sight of ginger hair sneaking along behind us dampen my cheer.

“Have you not been enjoying it before now?”

“I have,” I say. “I’m just ready to get back to my classes.”

Pax shakes his head. “Did anyone ever tell you that you are a total nerd?” He’s joking, but there’s a little edge to his voice, that I decide to ignore.

“All the time,” I say with what I hope looks like a smile. “But since you were such hot stuff, I never got to hang out with other nerds. I always had to hang out with Prince Paxton and all his royal pain in the ass friends.”

A weird spasm crosses Pax’s face, but he turns away quickly. With a shrug, he throws an arm around me and tickles my side. “You always were one of the guys.”

“Exactly what I was aiming for,” I say sarcastically.

I duck under his arm and tickle him back, but he quickly pulls away. I give him a grin and a wave goodbye before jogging up the steps and into the library. Somehow, the redhead is already there when I reach the center of the room, where we hold class. I swear, the guy can teleport.

“Nice of you to deign to join us today, Vynessa,” Professor Sinetar says in a monotone that makes the other first year Scholars laugh.

“I told you I’d be out while my sister was here,” I protest, sliding into a leather armchair.

“You said you’d be out one day,” he says, stalking around the circle of chairs towards me.

“Oh—sorry.” I pull out my notes. “I wasn’t sure how long she’d stay. But I’m all caught up on the assignment. I’m actually ahead. I just wasn’t here.”

“And you didn’t think I’d be worried about you if you failed to show up to class?” he asks, standing over me, his thighs lightly grazing the arm of my chair.

“Why would you be worried?” I ask, confused.

“Because it’s my job to care about my students and what happens to them.”

I lay my arm on the armrest of my chair, sliding my little finger out just enough to brush his thigh. I peek up at him from under my lashes. “Am I in trouble?”

“You are. The rest of you are welcome to work independently. I’m available if you need help accessing any of the first-year sections of the library.”

They rise from their seats, heading off in groups. My heart is beating hard in my chest as each of them leaves, and the words one of my sort-of friends said about Professor Sinetar thrum through my head. Age isn’t really a thing in supernatural society like it is for humans. Most supernaturals don’t age like we do, so they can look twenty for decades or even centuries...

Professor Mitchel is a Scholar, meaning she’s a human, but I’m pretty sure Professor Sinetar isn’t a scholar, meaning that he could very well be a supernatural. He looks thirtyish. Sadie told me to go for it, and I’ve noticed a few of the other girls in class giving me jealous looks and making comments that I’m lucky and they wish they were in my shoes.

And if he’s game…