Witch Born - LJ Swallow Page 0,53

to his voice that I haven’t heard since the night I arrived hits me and my cheeks heat.

Eyes are drawn to us and Zeke stands. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow. I’m busy tonight.”

“I can see.” I nod at the sour-faced shifter girl.

“Her?” He laughs again. “I prefer witches, Eloise.”

I swallow and look away, because I know exactly the witch he means. As he moves back to the group, I chew on my lip and watch him. I can’t deny that my attraction to Zeke comes from more than his looks. His care of me last night drew me closer to the trust he mentioned, but today Zeke also proved how dangerous he is if somebody upsets him.

We all witnessed what Ethan predicted and Zeke joked about—hybrids from powerful families head to head. Would one have killed the other? If the theory we’re here to take each other on is true, that uncontrolled danger extends to me.

Chapter Thirty

I’m warier walking the halls alone tonight, but also refuse to be intimidated by people. Nobody talks to me, but I’m aware they talk about me. Oriana was correct when she told me I’d collect enemies if I took on Dorian.

I run my fingers along the cold wall as I wander back towards my room. As I turn the corner, my stomach lurches. Dorian skipped solitary too. He rests against the wall, arms crossed, as if waiting for something.

Waiting for me. I dart a look around. This isn’t what I need right now. I halt and stare at him. The slash marks on his face have healed already, returning him to the perfection he never needs to work on. I’ve repeatedly asked myself why the hell I’m attracted to this guy and can now fool myself with a new answer. Dorian’s returning to his natural self and, as a witch, I’m caught in his preternatural pull. This guy seduces and blindsides his victims as effortlessly as Zeke could tear one apart.

Dorian pulls himself from the wall and purposefully walks towards me. “Getting a good eyeful, Eloise?” I thin my lips but can’t deny I was staring at him. “Can we talk?” he asks.

“About?”

Dorian tips his chin. “What I didn’t arrange. The attack.”

My back twinges as a reminder at his words. “No need. If you say you didn’t organise the attack, I believe you.”

“No, you don’t.” He steps closer. “Talk to me, but somewhere less public, in case you decide to attack me again.”

“Don’t you want to talk in public, if you're scared I’ll hurt you?”

I expect a laugh, but he frowns. “I’m not scared you’ll hurt me; I’m worried about consequences for you if you try.”

His eyes are now intense, silently reminding me not all magic is visible.

We’re attracting attention from a mid guard who wanders by, a patrol unusual for the evenings. I spotted one close to the common room earlier too. Who are they watching?

“What happened to you after the fight with Zeke?” I ask.

“Cosy chat with Marcus. A warning.” He smirks. “I reckon he’s worried about what’s happening to me.”

“Are you?”

He scoffs. “Nah. Look at us talking. You’re almost friendly.”

There’s a mocking edge to his tone and I scowl. “This is not friendly, but I have something to say to you too, about today.”

“I told you, the attack had nothing to do with me.”

“No. I wanted to talk to you about something Ethan told me.”

“Your partner in crime? Is this a reconnaissance mission?”

I huff. “You want to talk? I’ll listen to you, if you listen to me.”

Dorian chuckles. “That almost sounds like co-operation, Eloise. I agree, but not here. Somewhere private.”

I take a deep breath. Go with him? Explain? He won’t hurt me—will he?

“Fine. Alone.”

I almost change my mind when he leads me to a room at the opposite end of the hallway to the common room, aware I could be walking into a trap. He glances at me as I pause.

“I’m not walking into a room you can shut us both in,” I retort.

“I won't hurt you, Eloise. That isn't in my interests.”

I narrow my eyes and follow him into the large space with graffitied walls, some runic symbols and family crests, or abusive words directed at the different races.

“Stay by the door if you don’t trust me. You have an escape route then.”

I stand sideways on, preventing him physically overwhelming me, and he keeps more distance than usual. Dorian stares at me expressionlessly to the point I’m about to walk away, convinced this is all a power play attempt.

“If