I walked over to the refrigerator. “Drinks?”
Olivia glared at me, and Diana shook her head. I grabbed a bottle of water for me and took a big drink.
“Any day.” Olivia drummed her fingers on her arm.
I wanted to put off talking for longer just to egg her on, but it wasn’t worth it. “Argentum escaped. He’ll be coming after me, and I’d like your help.”
Chapter 39
Guinea Pig
Olivia and Diana looked at each other, then at the dragons. When they finally turned back to me, they stared like I’d magically grown three heads. For half of a second, I wondered if I could. I bit back the smile that tugged at my lips. Now wasn’t the time to try it.
“Why would we help you?” Olivia’s lip curled up, and it was clear from her expression that I would never be anything more than vermin to her.
“Olivia.” Diana’s voice was filled with warning. She turned toward me. “Why is Argentum hunting you?”
“He’s afraid I’ll—”
“Fear.” Malcolm cut me off. “She’s powerful. He cares only for himself.”
Diana stood with her hand on her hip and narrowed her sky-blue eyes at him. “That’s a strong accusation to make about one of your elders. Isn’t it?”
“Unfortunately, it is the truth.” He pulled his gaze away from hers.
Olivia walked toward me. “Just throw her in the sanctuary and be done with it.”
Before she even finished her sentence, Cash crouched in front of me in a defensive position. A low growl rumbled through the room.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Oh, call your guard dog off.” She waved her hand in the air and turned her back on us, walking to the door, making it clear that she wasn’t afraid of Cash’s wrath. “I’m just sayin’ it would be best for everyone.”
Cody scooted his chair away from the desk and stood against the wall so he wasn’t between agitated supernatural beings.
“The fairies vouched for her.” Diana’s voice was soft, but the anger in it was evident. She turned toward me and attempted to smile. “What do you want from us?”
I chewed on my bottom lip. I wanted them to realize I wasn’t a monster, that I didn’t want to hurt anybody, that this wasn’t my choice. The powers had been forced upon me, and I was doing the best I could with them. “I guess if you see him or Tye, try to keep them away from my friends and give me or one of the dragons a heads up.”
Diana nodded. “We can do that.”
“Thank you.” I smiled at her.
Olivia opened the door and slipped out into the hallway. Diana stared after her. “I’m sorry for the way Olivia treats you. Dragons were not the only ones hurt by Draconian. She fears your power more than she will ever admit.”
“I’m not like him.” My voice was so soft, I barely heard the words.
Before Diana stepped into the hall, she said, “I know.”
My muscles relaxed so quickly that I staggered back. My chest lightened, and I covered my mouth with shaking fingers. She would never know how much those words meant to me because I was too dumbfounded to say anything before the door closed.
L
Cody and I walked to Sedum surrounded by dragons. The Nephilim trailed behind us. Olivia watched me with narrowed eyes, but Diana smiled reassuringly.
Conversation filled the cafeteria, mixing with the smells. It was familiar and comforting. Sensing no danger, the dragons split off from Cody and me, going in search of meat.
“What’re you gettin’?” Cody asked.
I looked at the options listed on the wall. None of the specials appealed to me. “Grilled chicken sandwich and a salad. I guess. What about you?”
“Oriental.” He looked around the room. “You’ll be okay?”
“Yeah.” I strode away from him and tried to remember the last time I’d been alone. Even though I knew there were eyes watching every step I took, I felt invigorated.
When I got to our normal table, I looked at the two chairs that would remain empty. I set my tray down and strolled up to Diana and Olivia. They watched every step I took. The closer I came to them, the more Olivia’s seafoam eyes narrowed. When I stood by their table, I swallowed over the lump in my throat and asked, “Would you two like to sit with us?”
Olivia stared at her spaghetti. She clenched her teeth but kept her mouth shut. Diana shook her head. “Not tonight. Thanks for asking, though.”
By the time I got back to my table, the others had joined Cody. “What were you doing?” Cassandra looked confused.
“Trying to prove to Olivia that I’m not a monster.” I plopped down in my chair and pulled my tray toward me. “Looks like it’s not going to happen tonight.” I stabbed at my salad, taking more of my frustration out on it than was necessary.
“What’s it matter?” Bryce pinched his nearly invisible eyebrows together. “Who cares what they think?”
Cody draped his arm across the back of my chair and rubbed my shoulder. “Dacia does.”
“Why?” Bryce looked genuinely confused. “You can’t make everyone like you.”
“Argentum escaped.” I pushed my tray away and slumped back in my chair.
“No.” Samantha covered her mouth and looked from me to Cody. He tilted his head in agreement.
“You’ll capture him again.” Cassandra sounded way more confident than I felt.
Holding my head in my hands, I said, “He wants to eat me.”
“You’ve got them.” She lifted one shoulder and pointed at the dragons sitting next to me. “You don’t need the Nephilim.”
“No, I probably don’t, but I’d rather have them with me than against me.” I spun my glass between my palms, watching the lemonade slosh up the sides. “Unless Olivia trusts me, I don’t think that will happen.”
“Have to eat.” Cody pushed my tray toward me.
The chicken sandwich had looked delicious when I grabbed it. I’d added lettuce and tomato
