Page 7 of The Lion’s Bunny

He looked stunned. Had he no idea just how perfect I found all parts of him? “You really mean that,” he whispered, looking awed.

“Yes,” I said. “I love everything about you, Bunny. Everything.”

He grabbed my neck and slammed our lips together. He was trembling and I swore I could feel how close he was to shattering against me. My poor mate. I hated that others had ruined how he saw his bunny. Had he only been a bunny shifter, then he wouldn’t have this fear of everyone hating the form. I loved both of his forms, like I’d said, how could I pick when they were both a part of him, each of them unique and perfect in their own way.

“Classes are about to start,” Myve said, interrupting our delicious kiss.

I leaned my forehead against Damon’s and whispered, “I want to see your lion later.”

He chuckled, his breath fanning over my wet lips. “I can’t wait.”

Chapter 5

Damon and I found ourselves in the same class, funnily enough. The class seemed to only be for mated couples. Pairs sat together holding hands and looking lovingly at one another as the classroom slowly filled with more students. I sat next to Damon, his hand in mine like all the other mated pairs. Next to us were Nym and Harpy and next to them sat Casey and Jamie, making it obvious why we were here. Nazuss and Myve were the only ones missing from my family, they were also the only ones who weren’t mated, even if Myve knew she was fated to be with Hans, they still hadn’t sealed their bond.

“Good morning class,” A young man said, gliding into the room, his emerald green robe billowing behind him as he approached his desk. He then placed the two huge leatherbound books he carried on the desk and leaned against it, looking casual and chic. He was young like Headmaster Wren, maybe early to mid-thirties. This teacher had a sort of cocky confidence, making him appear as the headmaster's opposite, especially because Wren seemed serious and more humble.

“My name is Silas and I’ll be your mating bond teacher. Now, you might not think you need to be taught how to be a mate, and I sort of agree with you. My task is to help you navigate what’s to come in the future and how you can help each other grow stronger. As you very well know, only the most powerful shifters are brought here, and that means something.”

The room was silent as Silas raked his gaze over all of us. I felt naked under his scrutiny.

Silas then stood straight, placing his arms behind his back. “Have you ever imagined what it would be like to see your mate in a fight? Or to see them hurt?”

Nym and Damon both growled low at that, as Damon’s arm snaked around my waist, pulling me into him like he feared I would get attacked in seconds.

Silas chuckled. “That’s what I thought. As students here you need to get used to that future, because you will get sent out on missions, whether you like it or not. You simply won’t have a choice in the matter.”

Students murmured around us, some sounding irritated, some scared.

Silas held up a hand, effectively silencing the room. “You might find this to be unfair, and I agree with you. You had no choice in coming here, no say in the matter. Most of you had likely never heard of this school before and those who had, perhaps thought it would be two years of fun and that would be it.”

Silence.

“Our world is vast. Bigger than any of you realize. You’ve met other students here who come from parts of our world you haven’t even heard of. War is happening around you, around us. This school, along with Starrow Academy for witches and wizards, is The Magic’s way of protecting our world from further harm. You’re our soldiers, but there are perks to being chosen. At the end you’ll have your soul form, a form only students here will get. A sign you’re helping The Magic and that you’re one of the many protectors of our world.”

A girl held her hand up and Silas nodded for her to go on. “I was just wondering why The Magic isn’t just stopping those in our world who are fighting? If The Magic is powerful enough to summon students here every two years and give us soul forms, then why isn’t it strong enough to protect itself?”

Silas smiled at her. “Because we aren’t facing danger from our own world. We’re being attacked by those from outside our world.”

“What?” a guy asked. I felt his confusion, hell I was more confused than ever. Other worlds were attacking ours?

Silas just nodded. “You aren’t allowed to speak of this with students outside this class. They’ll still need to focus on mating and attending the other classes, but portals are opening sporadically and our soldiers are then sent there to deal with them.”

“What sort of beings are they?” Nym asked, looking intrigued.

Silas looked serious as he spoke next, “Like us, but darker. Shadows linger around them and they have a distinct scent of sulfur. We believe their own world is dying and they’re trying to get to us and take over our world.”

Silence again.

Silas continued, “But they aren’t as powerful as us and so far no casualties have happened, that should help ease some of your worries.”

I held up my hand and once I was allowed to speak, I did so, “How often are soldiers sent on missions, and how many missions should we expect in our lifetime?”

“Some are sent once, some are never sent,” Silas replied. “We’re training because if that changes, we need to be prepared. See it as though you’ll likely never be sent out, or if you do it will be quick. But always be prepared for something bigger to happen someday, because none of us knows their motive.”

That was a relief to hear, mostly so I wouldn’t spend the rest of my life fearing something would happen to Damon.

“If you’re ever sent out on a mission, your mate goes with you. Your mate is your partner in everything, so don’t worry about being separated,” Silas said, smiling kindly at me. For the first time since he showed up, he looked like he understood our worries and was sympathetic. I wondered if he’d been a student here as well once, now working as a teacher.