Midnight Fae Academy Book Three - Lexi C. Foss Page 0,46

to whip up a pair of blood malts. They’ll be out in a few minutes.”

“You’re the best,” Ajax said, his cheeks dimpling as he gave her a genuine smile. He’d left his lip ring at home today, perhaps because he hadn’t been in the mood to re-pierce himself.

Fae healed quickly, which meant he had to drive the metal through his skin every time he desired the facial accessory. It gave him a badass appeal that went with his dark hair and blue-black eyes. A startling contrast to our buddy Seif, who now had long silver hair, matching silver eyes, and fangs as a result of his recent transition into a Fortune Fae. I’d not actually seen the changes in person, but my grandfather had told me about them.

“How’s Seif?” I asked since I was thinking about him and talking to his mother. “Any news on his errant chase around the realms?”

“He’s been quiet lately,” she replied, thoughtful. “I think he may have finally caught his Omega.”

My lips twitched. “I bet she’s giving him hell.”

“I hope she is,” Anrika murmured, her expression amused. “He needs a challenge.”

“That he does,” I agreed, thinking of my own challenge. Aflora tugged on my mental string as though she knew my thoughts had turned to her, so I opened our connection. Hi, little rose.

Zakkai wants to talk about the rock, she said flatly. Now.

I frowned. I put it in his desired location several days ago. What does he want to discuss?

“Well, I’ll leave you two to chat.” Anrika’s tone implied an underlying meaning that she confirmed by adding, “Say hello to Aflora for me.”

“As soon as I find her, I’ll pass along the message,” I replied carefully.

Then I murmured, Anrika says hi. Since, technically, I’d found my mate in my mind and that qualified, right?

Aflora didn’t say anything in return, but I sensed her lingering in our connection.

“You’re up to something,” Ajax said as soon as Anrika was out of range. “Does it have anything to do with a gorgeous Earth Fae?”

“Everything I do has something to do with Aflora.” That was probably the biggest truth I’d ever revealed, yet I said it with a twisted grin meant to throw everyone else off.

We had no way of knowing who was listening.

And as the Council was on my ass about locating my missing mate, I wouldn’t put it past them to have me surrounded by eavesdropping spells.

Zakkai wants to meet, Aflora said suddenly. He says you know where.

Tell him I’ll only agree if you’re there, too, I replied, my blood humming at the possibility of seeing and touching my mate.

I already said that, and he agreed. Was that a hint of amusement I heard in her voice?

It had me smirking in response, a reaction that earned me a raised brow from Ajax. “Something amusing?”

“Always,” I agreed as our shakes arrived via a stone-faced gargoyle. “We’re going to need these to go,” I said with a touch of disappointment in my tone. “Something’s just come up.”

The gargoyle muttered something about ungrateful fae brats in response and disappeared with our drinks.

“He’s going to add pebbles to those now,” Ajax said conversationally. “And what’s come up?”

“I’ll explain on the way,” I replied, sliding from the booth. “And a healthy tip will improve the gargoyle’s mood,” I added, a touch loudly so the rock creature would hear me. I set down double the payment on the table while I waited for him to return.

Sure enough, he was in a much better mood upon arrival. “Thank you, Prince Shadow,” he said, bowing low. Not in a mocking way, but in a respectful one that displayed his appreciation of my generosity.

Seriously, gargoyles were the easiest damn creatures to please.

If only certain fae could be as amenable.

I added a few more coins for fun, causing Ajax to roll his eyes.

Then we took our shakes, bid Anrika goodbye, and ventured out onto the cobblestone streets of the village.

“I hope you don’t expect me to bow, Prince Shadow,” he drawled.

“I don’t think you’d look all that great on your knees, Ajax,” I said, eyeing his tall, muscular body. “Not my type either.” However, Aflora could kneel for me any day, any time. And I’d do the same for her as well.

Ajax grunted. “Like I’d ever offer.”

“I recall you saying that about a certain Elite Blood recently,” I replied as I led the way back to the cloakroom. “Pretty sure you fall at her feet now.” It was a baited phrase, one I hoped he would