Witch Born - LJ Swallow Page 0,52
with warning at others to leave him alone. Although the academy is always cold, the shifters never bother. Tonight, Zeke wears his grey hoodie zipped tight. Is he hiding injuries? What happened to him after the fight with Dorian?
As if aware I’m staring, Zeke turns his head and his startling eyes meet mine. I hold his gaze in a silent request for him to speak to me. He looks away and sits on the ripped cushions on a nearby blue sofa.
I grit my teeth. What the hell is wrong with the guys in this place? First Ethan and now Zeke, both treating me as if they care and then shoving me away so hard, I’m left reeling. I understand everybody here needs to protect themselves, but am I really such a threat?
A girl with black hair and eyes tinged with yellow attempts to sit on Zeke’s knee. He shifts and she flops onto the sofa next to him instead. The girl follows his line of sight and she twists her mouth into disgust, revealing teeth as white as Zeke’s.
Great. More enemies, and she’s one I don’t want. I’ve watched how effortlessly she moves in exercise class with a fluidity that also matches his. I’ve seen the power and agility amongst the feline shifters who usually win scuffles, and I’ve had enough physical attacks for one lifetime.
Zeke looks away.
I debate whether to leave, but decide I need a show of strength against these people. I’m already watching my back in case disgruntled friends of the girls who were dragged away for attacking me decide to join in their crusade.
And I need to speak to Zeke.
I turn back to the puzzle but my scalp prickles, aware somebody still stares at me. Lifting my head, I meet the same girl’s eyes.
Who does she think she is?
My heart leaps.
I heard her.
Ethan is right. Zeke and Dorian aren’t the only ones whose powers grow. This isn’t good. What if something in another student’s behaviour triggers me? If I’m attacked again, I could involuntarily fight back and give the academy a reason to single me out.
Turning back to the jigsaw, I drag myself away from my thoughts and surroundings. Somebody picks up an orange piece and pushes it into place. I look up. Zeke.
“I would never expect you to like puzzles,” I say.
He chuckles. “I like you and you’re a puzzle.” I frown at the pieces as I select one. “A thanks would be good.”
“For what?”
“Taking Dorian on for you.”
I shove a piece into place. “I don’t need anybody taking Dorian on for me.”
Zeke dips his head. “What’s up? Why so shitty with me?”
“You say I’m a puzzle?” I lower my voice. “You basically saved my life then shut down and told me to leave. Then you decided to rip into Dorian.”
“I’m freaked out by my powers coming back. Now the shifting side.” He spreads and stares at his fingers. “I told you, something weird is happening and I’m not sure if you’re the reason.”
I chew my lip. “What happened after the fight?”
“Marcus dragged me into his office. Gave me shit about the fight with Dorian and asked a load of questions. He sent me for extra meditation with Francesca to ‘soothe myself’. I have to attend again tomorrow. Twice.”
“And that’s all?”
“Yeah, I’ll take it—at least I’m not in solitary.” He snorts. “And I had chance for a snooze with Francesca’s meditation.”
“What if this happens again?” I whisper. “You looked out of control.”
“I’ll keep away from the arsehole, if he keeps away from me.” He pushes his tongue against his teeth. “And if he stays away from you.”
“I believe Dorian—I don’t think he organised the attack on me.”
“Yeah. Well. Those responsible are the ones in solitary.”
I wrinkle my nose. “I wish you hadn’t told Marcus everything.”
“What else could I do? My neck was on the line.” He lowers his voice. “I didn’t mention the healing, though.”
I nod. “Thank you again.”
He shrugs. “I’d rather have you as an ally.”
“At a distance,” I say and arch a brow.
“If you join me, I’ll let you as close as you like.” His dulled eyes now sparkle. “Although I can’t decide if that’s what you want from me, or not.”
“Neither can I,” I say. “But if you push me away, I’ll never get close.”
“You’re definitely a puzzle, Eloise.”
I point at the half-completed tiger face. “Apparently, so are you.”
Zeke’s laugh surprises me as his serious face drops away. “Maybe I shouldn’t have kicked you out of my room.”
The seductive smile and purr