Page 94 of Vicious Kings
Isabella's face goes through several interesting color changes. "You're defending her? After she manipulated the registrar just to get close to all of you?"
Confusion crosses the shifter's features before realization sets in and he scoffs a harsh laugh.
"What a paranoid little conspiracy theory. Corvinus transferred her classes himself," Tallon says, and the authority in his voice makes it clear this isn't up for debate. "Without her knowledge or consent. If you have a problem with that, take it up with him. But leave Billie alone."
The silence that follows is so thick you could choke on it.
Isabella's eyes narrow, clearly processing this information. Then her gaze swings back to me, and I see it the grudging realization taking shape that I wasn't lying.
Somehow, I think that makes her hate me even more.
"Ladies," she says, voice returning to its usual icy quality. "We're leaving."
They file out like well-trained soldiers, though not before shooting me looks that promise this isn't over. Isabella pauses at the door, looking back over her shoulder. Pretty sure she's hoping she'll spontaneously develop pyrokinesis.
Boo-fucking-hoo, bitch. That makes two of us.
Then she's gone, leaving me on the floor with scraped palms, a bleeding cheek, and Olivia hovering nearby.
"You okay?" Tallon extends a hand, and I take it reluctantly, letting him pull me to my feet.
"Peachy." I brush dust off my skirt, wincing when my palm stings. "If you're expecting me to thank you for that, you're going to be waiting a long damn time."
He laughs, the tension draining from his shoulders. "Wouldn't dream of it."
"This is your boss's fault," I say, examining the scratches on my arms. They're not deep, but they're definitely going to bruise.
"My boss?" Tallon's grin returns, bright and amused. "Is that what you think Corvinus is to me?"
"I assume that's how the familiar relationship works, isn't it?" I grab my bag from where it fell during the scuffle.
He chuckles, the sound warm despite everything that just happened. "Actually, more or less. You're not wrong."
Olivia clears her throat, still looking shaken. "I should get to class. Are you... are you going to be okay?"
"I'll be fine." I try for reassuring and probably end up closer to 'barely holding it together.' "Go. Don't be late on my account."
She hesitates, then nods, shooting one last worried look at Tallon before fleeing.
"Here," he says, plucking a handkerchief from his pocket like an actual gentleman. He dabs the blood on my cheek before I can stop him, but when he licks his thumb and wipes it across the cut, I dart back.
"What the—" I freeze, realizing my cheek stopped stinging immediately. When I touch it, my hand comes away dry. No blood. "What the fuck?"
He gives me a knowing smile, eyes positively dancing. "Shifter saliva has healing properties."
"That's so gross."
He just laughs. "Gross, but effective. I don't suppose you'd like me to take care of your palms?"
"Absolutely fucking not."
"I thought as much. Come on," Tallon says, offering his arm like we're going to a fucking cotillion instead of weapon enchantment class. "I'll walk you."
"Is that an offer or a command?" I eye his arm suspiciously.
"You know the answer to that."
I do. Of course I do. Everything at this university is a command disguised as a choice. I'm starting to think that's just life as an omega in general.
