“Yes.” He gave me a wry glance. “You need supervision. No more burned-down buildings. But hey, the Fire Quad is actually fire-retardant, so that’s a plus.” While he spoke the words in a teasing manner, they didn’t lighten my feelings in the slightest.
Because he was right.
I kept hurting people and destroying everything around me.
Rick.
The bar.
Elana’s house.
The path.
I really am volatile, just as Titus said.
“Hey,” Exos murmured, gripping my chin and drawing us to a halt outside one of the buildings doors. “I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad, Claire. I actually meant it as a positive thing—that we’ll be safe here.”
I swallowed, trying to look away from his too-blue eyes, but he held me in place, his pupils flaring. “I… I know you didn’t. But you’re right.” The last part was said on a whisper, my throat suddenly tight. “I don’t mean to keep hurting people, Exos.”
“Oh, darling, I know.” He cupped my cheek, pulling me to him. “I can’t begin to understand, Claire. Our upbringings are so different. But I can tell you one thing.”
I clung to his suit jacket, allowing his comfort, seeking something, anything, to make the pain go away. “What?” I whispered.
“Watching you handle that fire was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.” The words were against my ear. “Whether you caused it or not remains to be seen. That you were able to dispel it, that’s what counts, Claire. It means you’re learning control, and far faster than anyone I’ve ever known.” He shifted back to stare down at me. “You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
“I don’t feel okay,” I admitted.
“I know.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. “But you will. Let’s go up to the room. I’ll make us something to eat, and maybe you can show me how you created that mist tunnel.” He didn’t wait for the answer but instead linked our fingers together and slowly led me inside.
Several students with pointy ears poked their heads into the hallway, their mouths gaping wide at seeing Exos. Then freezing as they spotted me behind him.
I didn’t try to smile or wave this time. I learned my lesson in the quad.
No one wanted me here. That much was clear.
Well, I don’t want to be here, either, I thought at them, my heart skipping a beat in my chest. None of this was my choice.
Not Exos.
Not Titus.
Not this entire damn world.
My mother did this to me. A warning would have been appreciated. Some sort of note that said, Oh, by the way, you’re part fae, would have been great.
But I received nothing. Not even a warning call from the Fae Realm. Just Exos showing up at the bar, kissing me, and stealing me into this world.
Now they wanted me to attend an academy where everyone hated me. Fan-fucking-tastic. Oh, and I had bound myself to two men. One of which was apparently a man-whore, and the other, a dick.
Well, he wasn’t acting mean right now.
And Titus, I really didn’t know. Maybe he had an excuse? He didn’t know me when he slept with her.
Oh God. Of all the fae to sleep with, he chose her? What did that say about me? I was nothing like Ignis. Was that his usual type?
Why am I beating myself up over this? I hardly know him.
Yet, I almost slept with him.