Get with the program and think up some inspiring lyrics,” Shelly snapped.
“I’m still stuck on the whole ‘information you glean from my clothing’ thing,” Gabby said.
Shelly held up her hand again. “One,” she said as she raised one finger, “it says you have personality. You don’t just get in line with the masses like a Stepford Wife. Two”—she added another finger—“the way you cut them up—slashes in the pants, crop top, and off the shoulder—makes it clear you’re a badass. No one dresses like that without being able to kick someone in the face because some insecure prick is bound to say something about your clothes. And three”—another finger added—“it made me jealous. I don’t like to be jealous. Therefore, you have to be my friend and share your badassery so I don’t feel threatened by it.”
Gabby looked at Tara.
“Yes, she’s completely serious. And yes, it really is ultimately about her.”
“My girl knows me,” Shelly said as she rested her arm on Tara’s shoulder.
A throat cleared, saving Gabby from having to answer. Which was a good thing because she was dancing on the fine line of possibly having a cry fest in front of Shelly and Tara, complete with begging for a friendship bracelet or just kicking their asses. That would ensure that they wouldn’t want to be her friends. She thought back to when she’d met Tara for the first time and how she’d gotten chummy with her. Initially, it was because Gabby knew how important it was to trust your fellow warriors. That sentiment had been drilled into her over the course of her three years at Crimson Academy. So, she’d been focused on getting Tara to open up to her, but then she’d found that she actually liked the girl. The realization had destroyed the badass persona she had built and reduced her to the scared child she’d been.
Now, Gabby felt unsteady, as if the foundation she’d built was beginning to crumble. She wondered if she looked in a mirror, would she even recognize herself? Damn her parents and all they’d done to screw her up. And damn herself for not being strong enough to keep her emotions out of her relationship with her teammates, Tara and Shelly. Just damn everything.
Shelly grabbed Gabby’s wrist and pulled her along as she and Tara headed across the room to where the guys were. “This conversation will be continued, and we will plan a time for the blood bond to be done.”
“Shelly,” Tara said, her voice sounding as if she was talking to a child, “if you want her to be your friend, it’s probably best to leave out any blood bonding stuff … at least until you two have gotten to know each other better.”
“Just a warning,” Gabby said. “You stab me, and I’m going to get equally stabby.”
Shelly groaned. “She’s perfect, Tara-bear.” She paused and then squeezed Gabby’s wrist as if something had just dawned on her. “What is your last name?”
Gabby’s eyes darted to Tara, who just shrugged. Real helpful, chick. “Gellar.”
“BOOM,” Shelly hollered, causing the room to go completely silent. “Her first and last name both start with the same letter, just like ours Tara. It’s fate. Shelly Smith, Tara Thompson, and Gabby Gellar. We’re the freaking next Charlie’s Angels. We have to keep her.”
“Bloody hell, lower your voice, and she’s not a freaking pet,” Tara said as they turned to face the center of the room where Terrick was standing.
Gabby ignored the eyes that had turned to stare at them as she looked around the room. The space had filled up while she’d been talking to Tara and Shelly. All of the people Professor Frost had mentioned were in attendance except for the royal elementals. Gabby recognized Professor Zuri from the training sessions as well as Professor Briggs from Hydro Academy, and Professor King from Tempest.
Headmaster Terrick stepped forward and looked at the people gathered. He was at least six-and-a-half-feet tall, and his broad shoulders seemed to fill up the space around him. He was handsome, with deep, rich, brown hair, a chiseled face, full lips, and eyes the color of green moss. Gabby noticed immediately that he had kind eyes, but also a fierceness that made it clear he was not weak.
“I believe you all know me, but for decorum's sake, I will introduce myself. Then we will go around the room and let everyone do the same. Please announce your name, your school, and your position there.” He paused, glancing around the whole