Azure Dragons (Supernatural Shifter Academy #2) - G. Bailey Page 0,17

stops on my other side. “Why can’t we have rooms like this back home?”

“That would go against their whole vibe,” Landon responds. “Self-flagellation is kind of their thing.” Landon replies.

“Easy there,” Shade warns him. “Keep up that flagellation talk and things might just get interesting.”

Landon stares at him for a moment and then bursts out laughing, clapping him on the shoulder. The ease with which we’ve all learned to banter with one another is astounding, especially considering the tension between us when we first got to know one another. But these guys and I are tethered to one another through more than just a shared detention, and that fact has never been lost on any of them. For all our distances, we share a common thread, one that’s stronger than anyone - the Academy included - gives us credit for.

“Well,” I say, putting my hands on my hips, “I guess we’d better claim this place before someone else does.”

Hazel hangs back by the door. “Looks like you guys have found your place, then.”

I turn back to my friend and immediately feel a pang of guilt at having forgotten about her. Guiltily, I look around the room. There are only five bedrooms connecting to the suite. “Listen,” I say, clearing my throat, “maybe it would be better if we leave the guys in here. You and I can find another suite with a couple of free rooms.” Glancing back over my shoulder, I add dryly, “Maybe it’s for the best we let the boys here have some space.”

Hazel laughs good-naturedly, holding up a hand. “Oh, please, Millie. Who am I to step on any toes?”

I give her a questioning look, crossing my arms. “You guys should be able to stick together,” she elaborates. I open my mouth to protest, but she shakes her head. “It’s not just because the chemistry between you guys is off the charts,” she says, grinning, “although it is.”

I duck my head, my face flushing bright red, and steal a glance back at the guys. Silas’ expression is unreadable, while Landon and Shade exchange a look. Hunter just stares at the floor, although if I didn’t know better, I would think the slightest smidge of a blush is lighting up his deathly pallor. Hazel continues, her expression turning serious again. “Look, there are other things to consider, too. The Academy fucked with all of you guys when you were babies - those are the facts. And if—if—something happens while we’re all here for this conference…” She shakes her head. “I’m just saying, they’ve tried to pull this shit once already, with the kidnappings and experiments.” Her eyes move to Silas, who shuffles his feet. “You guys need to be able to protect each other, especially in a new place like this. It makes sense.”

“Are you sure, Hazel?” I ask, even though what she’s saying makes sense. If Silas is right, and Hawthorne has something up his sleeve for this trip… then she’s right. We need to be in each other’s corners. I made a promise to survive this while protecting the people I care about, and the best way to do that right now is to keep my friends close. As for Hazel… “This goes for you, too,” I tell her. “They know you’re our friend, too, Hazel. I don’t want you getting dragged into this, either.”

“I’ll be fine,” she begins. “I-”

The sound of a clearing throat draws all of our attention back to the door. Standing in the doorway are two of the American students. They’re both slim, with black hair and dark eyes, and it’s obvious that they’re brother and sister—maybe even twins. “I hope we aren’t interrupting something,” says the guy.

I shake my head quickly. “No, nothing. We were just trying to figure out this room situation.” Eyes widening, I hasten to add, “If you guys were already in this room, we can leave, though!”

“No, no, it’s not that,” the girl assures us, holding up a hand. “We just couldn’t help but overhear. This is the problem with the suites here—five rooms is such an odd number.” Putting a hand to her chest, she says, “My name is Ruby Murakami. This is my brother, Xander.”

“Nice to meet you,” the guy, Xander, says. “We’re in the suite across the hall. It’s just the two of us there right now, so if you want, you can come room with us.” He gives Hazel a winning smile that lights up his face. “I know it’s not right