The Hunt (By Kiss and Claw #2) - Melissa Haag Page 0,50

But it is. Trust me on that.”

“Okay. Can I ask why he wanted you to feed from me? I mean, didn’t you already do that in the pool?”

I shook my head.

“I almost fed on you. Remember what Eras said about priming you? Well, you were primed then. Try not to think about that, though. You don’t want any of those old feelings to resurface.

“As for why he wanted me to feed…well, he thinks another incubus or succubus stole a meal from him. Each of us has a unique energy signature when we feed. He would have sensed it at the time his meal was stolen. That’s why he’s trying to get others to feed while he’s around. And that’s never going to happen with me.”

“Why?”

I smiled sadly at Eugene.

“Because what I said is true. I’m the Academy joke. The starving succubus. I don’t feed. At least, not anymore.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

I shrugged.

“That’s what all the adults in my life are saying. But I feel fine, so who’s to say?”

“Well, that’s an interesting admission,” Adira said, stepping out of the pool door. “Would you like to repeat that to your mother, or shall I?”

“Do whatever you want, Adira. You will regardless.”

She canted her head and studied me for a moment.

“This new attitude doesn’t suit you.”

“I think it suits me just fine.”

“I wonder what your father would think. Perhaps it’s time he and I had a long conversation.”

I actually laughed.

“You do that. Maybe then you’ll finally understand that what a succubus can do isn’t a harmless consumption of energy. It’s so much more.” I took a step closer to her. “But be careful when you speak to him, Adira. A human under a succubus’s thrall can turn dangerous if they feel you’re threatening their keeper or trying to take them away.”

“Thank you for the warning. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather feed on Eugene and stop what will come with this defiance you’re clinging to? After all, that’s why he’s here. I handpicked him based on the preferences I’d noticed you have. Tall. Lean build. Appealing face. Dark hair and a sense of humor. He seemed to check all of your boxes. There’s no reason to deny yourself a meal you would truly enjoy.”

“I’m sure. Go have fun tattling. I have a class to get to.”

I turned my back on Adira and grabbed Eugene’s arm, hauling him away with me.

“Um, if I was handpicked for you, does that mean the Council is going to dump me back in an alley if you don’t feed from me?”

“No. It doesn’t. Megan made a promise to you and to them. She’ll raise hell if the Council breaks its word.” I stopped outside my first classroom and wrinkled my nose at Eugene when he immediately met my gaze. “Gods, I wish Ashlyn were here. Stop making eye contact. And if Eras and his friends come after you again, start screaming for Adira. Or better yet, start shouting Megan’s name. Never forget that everyone here will use you to get what they want without a second thought.”

His gaze immediately dropped to the floor.

“Got it. It’s just been, you know, a weird morning.”

“You have no idea.”

As soon as we parted ways, I sent a quick text to Mom.

Me: Adira is being particularly persistent about public feedings. She said I’m being uncooperative, which I am, and is going to call you. She also tried to use not so subtle threats against Dad to get me to do what she wants.

Mom: That devil needs to die once and for all.

Me: They’ll kick you out for murder, and you’re the only person in my life who’s actually making an attempt to understand me.

Mom: Baby, I’m incredibly sorry about yesterday. There was so much I didn’t understand, but I think I’m beginning to. Thank you for coming to me with this problem even though I let you down yesterday. I swear, I’m trying to be the best mother possible for you.

My chest tightened, and tears threatened to spill over.

Me: I know. I love you, Mom.

Guilt clawed at me as I took my usual seat.

While I waited for the room to fill, I sent another quick message.

Me: Adira is playing more games. Eugene is worried he’s going to end up in an alley again because he overheard her say she handpicked him for me (long story). Can you maybe put a gentle word in Adira’s ear, reminding her that the humans have rights? Also, I haven’t seen any progress on the library Eras was