Page 70 of Inked in Bloom
“She should be here,” Skylar says after about ten minutes of us standing around. Frowning, she rubs up and down her arms, scanning the area.
“There.” I point toward a silhouette spilling from behind a large birch tree. A moment later, a second shadow joins her, slightly taller and devoid of her subtle curves.
Briar places a hand on Corrigan’s shoulder and whispers something that has her smirking. Guess he’s a bit distracted. A jagged stone drops in my gut watching them together. So close and intimate, in on some secret no one else understands.
I hate how much I want to.
This was my choice, keeping my bond a secret. I haven’t earned the right to be jealous, so I train my face into a mask of indifference. Let him think Corrigan is the only one who feels his jumble of nerves, his riot of excitement, the subtle wave of awe rippling through Briar every time he visits.
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting when I remember those emotions are forher.
Skylar stomps across the ground in her boots, and I hurry to catch up to her. She doesn’t seem to give a single shit about giving the Radixes any privacy. Honestly, I’d prefer staying back. It’s safer for us all that way.
Radix Corrigan takes a step forward, noticing Skylar thundering along the pavement. “Thanks for coming.”
“Not like there was a choice,” Skylar mutters. “What’s this about?”
She crosses her arms and I mimic her wide stance for solidarity.
“You’ve earned your transport privileges.”
Finally, I can see Cherri and figure out next steps to get back home.
“Great,” I say, trying not to let my excitement show. “What do we need to do?”
“You’ll need to be back at your drop point and in your earthside form. Look for a shift in the soil and place your palm on your sternum, picturing where you want to land in Florezca.” She demonstrates the motion, and Briar’s throat bobs. I quickly avert my gaze. It’s not lost on me that the exact spot she’s pressing is where our mate marks are. I wonder what hers looks like— No, actually, I don’t. “City Hall is usually a strong place to visualize since it’s where you entered from.”
“That’s it?” I ask.
“Yes, that’s it.” The Radix straightens out her dark-purple leather jacket. “It’s a privilege to visit home for short periods. You’ve both proven you understand the scope of your assignment. So long as your spring duties don’t falter, you’ll be able to travel between realms as you please.”
Skylar cocks her head. “What happens if they do?”
“Your privileges will be revoked and you won’t be allowed back to Florezca until the end of the season.”
Staying out here, tending to spring’s needs, keeps me busy. Too busy to worry about my unclaimed bond. If it weren’t for Briar’s appearance, I could almost pretend there’s nothing tethering me beyond the veil. I may be drawn to him, wonder about him more than I care to admit, but it’s easier when he’s not standing in front of me, peeling back my layers with his haunting lavender gaze. The sheer proximity of him swallows up the evening breeze, a looming taunt of what I’ll never choose.
I haven’t reached the people I love yet, but I’m closer than I have been since my death.
“What’s Professor Briar doing here?” Skylar asks, gesturing behind Radix Corrigan as if she’s only just noticed him.
Briar shoots her a glare that reflects her disdainful tone.
“Official Radix business,” Corrigan tosses in response. She smiles at him and it’s probably the warmest expression I’ve seen from the ice queen. “Checking in before he has to teach the next session at the Conservatory tomorrow.”
“Wasn’t sure if we were getting another chaperone.”
“No. Just myself.”
“Great,” Skylar mutters.
Anticipation swirls with Briar’s nerves rippling through me, amplified by his proximity when he takes a step forward, next to his fellow Radix. “If you need anything?—”
“We know how to reach you,” my partner interrupts. “If that’s all, we’ve got a few hours on the road before we get started again.”
“Enjoying the floracycles?” The corner of his mouth kicks up, ignoring Skylar’s frustration. Warmth spreadsfrom between my ribs, butterflies fluttering along my nerves. His attention drops to my smile and lingers.
I flatten my lips into a line. “We are.”
