Witch Born - LJ Swallow Page 0,63
day. I finally snatch two minutes and ask him to meet us later, and although he walks away shortly after I can tell he’s intrigued.
But how do I get the pair together without everybody noticing?
Every hour that passes, each class we sit in, the greater my nerves about what to say and do. I’m worried that Zeke will want to hurt Dorian, maybe kill, once he hears my story.
Ethan doesn’t speak to me and avoids my eyes too. I’m unsure if this makes me feel worse or better. I lay in bed last night with my body still coursing sexual energy that took too long to wear off. Even my dreams filled with sex. We can’t step back now; however hard he pushes. Something in me connects with him, whether that’s purely primal lust or more, I’ll find out.
Oriana comments how quiet I am at lunch and I lie that her snoring kept me awake and I’m tired. I’d already made a pointed comment about her visitor affecting how late I went to bed.
Bad move, because she overshares her nightime activities.
I eat slowly, watching Zeke and Ethan, and keeping an eye on the guards. How much am I watched? How long until Marcus calls me back?
Oriana leaves me alone and I glance up at the white clock with the black numbers and hands as the seconds tick by. Ten minutes until gardening class.
Gardening.
What next? Crochet?
The dinner hall empties, but Dorian’s group remains. I harden my jaw. Maybe now isn’t the best time to chat to the two guys, but at least his back is turned. Zeke heads over to place his tray on the metal trolley and moves to talk to the woman behind the serving hatch. He turns and gestures at the group waiting for him, who leave. I rub my lips together then glance at Ethan. Ethan watches Zeke from his seat at the nearby table as he makes his way.
“What’s the big secret?” he asks as he drops onto the bench opposite.
“Wait for Ethan,” I say.
Zeke glances over his shoulder and jerks his head at Ethan. He doesn’t move. Will he keep his promise to talk to me? Ethan shoves his tray to one side and my pulse picks up as he joins us.
“You told him yet?” Ethan asks me.
Our eyes lock and everything from last night floods back. “No.”
Zeke’s stance changes and he straightens, forearms on the table as he glares at Ethan. The pair don’t talk much, but they’re both shifters. Is this about to get territorial? I take a deep breath. I’d never thought about that possibility.
“I’ve no interest in interrupting your imagined control over the shifters,” says Ethan gruffly.
Zeke regards him with a steely gaze. “Nobody would listen to you.”
“I don’t talk to anybody and don’t intend to.”
“Then why meet me?”
Ethan frowns. “Because Eloise wants us to, and I think you should listen.”
“Is this about him?” Zeke jerks his head at Dorian’s group.
“Partly,” I say.
“Eloise, I helped you once, but that doesn’t mean you have a claim on my help every time.”
“I’m not asking for help,” I retort.
“I can protect Eloise,” says Ethan harshly. I half-laugh and he scowls. “From others.”
Not himself.
“I’m watching out for her too,” snaps Zeke. “But my interest is in sorting that arsehole out.”
“Sorting Dorian out?” I ask. “Last night you told me you’d keep away from Dorian.”
Zeke smiles slyly. “We’re regaining power and he’s more constrained, compared to me.”
“How so?” asks Ethan.
“Witch blood. That’s the source of his. He uses their magic energy to fuel himself. Sure, he’s regaining some of his strength but there aren’t any witches here with magic in their veins.” I shift uncomfortably and Zeke meets my eyes. “None who’d volunteer, anyway.”
“You think he’ll take without permission?” I ask. “Dorian doesn’t force himself on girls. You told me. He told me.”
Ethan’s frown deepens beneath his hair. “If he thinks the girl might kill him and is capable, I bet he will.”
“She’s not strong enough, Ethan,” says Zeke, then looks at me with an apologetic smile. “No offence, Eloise,” says
“Not strong enough alone. No,” Ethan replies.
Zeke leans across the table. “Are you suggesting we take on Dorian between us?” His smile grows. “Dude. That’s crazy but possible. The arsehole can learn his place.”
“No. We can’t.” I shake my head. “Marcus wants me to kill Dorian, with your help, and then...”
I can’t say the words.
“The Confederacy want Dorian killed and reanimated under their control,” says Ethan flatly.
The group nearby turn their heads when Zeke’s laughter bounces