Chapter 56: Chapter 56

Elari

“Is everything ok?” Under the table Rivans fingers tightened around mine. His thumb sweeping back and forth across the back of my hand.

It had been a week since I had run from my mate. A week of not seeing him or even sensing he was close. I knew it was for the best but I couldn’t help but remember his words.

“Run little sister.” He had sounded so cold when he had said it. So completely devoid of emotion. Like he was finally letting go of the fantasy of us being together. Which should have made me happy but I just felt kind of hollow and empty inside.

I missed my shadow. It didn’t make any sense because this was what I had wanted but I felt how I felt.

I missed him.

I squeezed Rivan's fingers back before sliding my hand away from his and reaching for my cola. I downed it in one long swallow and was instantly thirsty again.

I was always thirsty these days.

Out of the corner of my eye , I saw Rivans eyes lock on to my trembling hand. I hid it quickly from view. Sighing he smiled at me. “It’s going to be ok.” He whispered.

Sometimes I thought he knew. Sometimes I knew he did. This was one of the he definitely knows times. “So what are our plans for today?” I asked trying to keep my voice normal. “Are we doing something something or do you have plans?”

The next smile he gave me was dazzling. “I wasn’t sure you would want to spend another day with me? We’ve seen each other every day this week. Don’t you have homework or something?”

Shrugging I let my eyes drift to the cafeteria door and my heart pounded against my rib cage. Nerves gripped me suddenly. My palms got sweaty. a whole five seconds later Kade swept into the room. His arm firmly around Serephinas shoulders.

I let my eyes rake over them for a second. There was no denying Serephina was hot. Even Rivan next to me couldn’t help but give her an admiring look. Taking in her slim frame in its cheerleader outfit and the length of her long tan legs.

Guiltily he looked at me. Apologising with his eyes for checking her out. “What the fuck is she wearing?” He hissed a little too loudly. “It’s Sunday. No games, no practice.” He chuckled. “It’s almost like she has no personality apart from being a cheerleader and his girlfriend.” He rolled his eyes.

I couldn’t help the giggle that ripped its way out of my lips with a snort. I clamped a hand over my mouth to try and muffle the sound.

Rivan raised an eyebrow at me.

Like they ruled the school, Kade and Serephina meandered towards their usual table. Only this time Kade led them straight passed us.

“Oh look who it is.” Serephina leant her head against Kades side with a wide gloating smile as they came to a stop right next to us. “FrostVeils newest power couple. Well the newest couple. Both are lacking in power.”

My spine stiffened. It hadn’t been that long ago since she had poured scarlet tea down my back and almost killed my wolf. Of course I’d got my own back since then but I still didn't trust her.

Rivan's arm came around my shoulders, protectively. “What is it you want?” Rivan asked before I could.

Kades eyes flashed angrily at him before they turned to me. The anger on his face was still there but I was sure I saw a softening in his eyes when he met my eyes.

The mark under my stacked bangles itched. Closing my hand around my wrist I watched as a knowing smile erupted across my brother's face.

“How are you doing little SISTER.” He asked gently but I wasn’t fooled.

“Fine thanks Kade.” I forced my lips to curve up into a smile. “Well done on making the school team yesterday. I bet your father was very proud.”

It was the wrong thing to say. Anger flushed his face. “Yeah. Shame your boyfriend didn’t make the cut hey.”

“Means I can spend more time with Lari.” Rivan said. I jolted as a low grumble echoed from Kades chest. Rivan had called me Lari. Only Kade called me that. To everyone else I was Elari.

Fuck. Kade was looking at Rivan like violence was a very real possibility. Then he grinned and somehow that was worse. “Yeah for now. Make the most of it.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean our father is arranging mates for us.” Kade's voice was completely emotionless.

I blinked up at his rapidly. “Us?” I whispered. Now that could mean two things and I was scared to ask which it was. “He’s not my father and he doesn’t get to choose who I-

“I never realised you were as stupid as you looked lari. He can do whatever the fuck he wants.” Kade spat.

“Elari, Rivan.” Red cheeked and out of breath Rowan came skidding up to our table. Her eyes flicked up to Kade and Serephina before she stared down at us. “You need to come.”

“What?” I began to ask and then I saw the book in her arms. Heavy leather bound and clearly ancient, it was hard to read the title but I was sure it read.

Royalty and Rogues- a history

“Everyone is in the library.” She nodded her head. “You need to come and see what we have found out.” She was so excited she was almost jumping up and down.

“Sure.” Rivan laughed. “That’s exactly where I want to spend my Sunday,” he rolled his eyes theatrically. “In the library.”

I wanted to laugh and agree with him but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Kades frowning face. He was staring straight at the book. The line between his eyebrows growing deeper and deeper.

Fuck.

Fuckity fuck.

“Come on, Rivan.” Clutching at my boyfriends arm I dragged him up. “This might be just the thing we need to finish that extra credit assignment for history.”

Confusion clouded his face for a second before he got it: “yeah excuse us, homework to do.” He gave a mock bow to Kade.

Kade paid him no attention whatsoever. His eyes were firmly on me. And they seemed to be asking only one question.

What are you up to now Lari?