Bexley was here, in my dorm room. The one I had to beg my parents to let me have.
Since Gravestone U is only a twenty-minute ride from town, nestled right on the edge of the forest, they wanted me to stay at home. Probably to keep an eye on me. My father was particularly concerned about me moving into the dorms.
But in the end, I got my own way.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I run my fingers through my dark blonde hair. I have two hours worth of classes with Bexley today. He was so angry last night, dark, volatile energy rolling off him. But still, I didn’t feel any of the fear I feel whenever I’m with Cade.
As if the universe summons him, there’s a firm knock at my door, and I know, I just know, that it’s him. I give myself a few seconds. Today, I’m wearing some skinny black jeans and a soft pink tank top that hangs on my body. My hair is loose and wavy around my face, which is free of makeup. I look basic, a far cry from the perfect veneers of the likes of Brook and her friends.
A shiver runs down my spine at the thought of enduring another day of Brook’s death stare whenever our paths cross around campus. So far, Cade has kept her at arm’s length, but I know she won’t stay gone for long.
His knocks grow louder, more impatient. “Coming,” I call, taking a deep breath as I move reluctantly to the door.
“Morning, babe,” he drawls, pressing one hand to the doorjamb above my head. He looks good in a Fendi polo shirt, the top button undone, paired with fitted dark jeans. But then, Cade Kingsley always looks good.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” he adds when I don’t respond.
“I’m ready, we can lea—”
“Actually, there’s something I need to discuss with you.” He steps into my space, forcing me back into my room. Fear trickles through me as Cade looms over me like a dark prince sent to claim my soul.
“We can talk about it on the way to class.”
“Actually, we can’t.” He kicks the door shut behind him, the sound like a gunshot to my racing heart. “This is between you and me.” Cade stalks towards me as I inch back, trying to keep him at a safe distance.
Until the kiss yesterday, he’s been tolerable, but something changed in the moment Bexley approached us. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but it felt like I was being placed in the middle of some brewing war.
Whatever it was, I don’t want to end up in one of Cade’s games. We’ve all heard the whispers, the cruel and barbaric things he makes his peers do just to prove a point. To exact his power over them.
For as much as I hate to admit it, I hope that being his prosapia will afford me some protection.
My back finally hits the wall, and Cade slams his hand beside my head, making me startle. “You look good this morning, babe. I like seeing your skin bare.” He runs his thumb over my jaw, letting it slide down to my bottom lip and linger there. “But maybe I can put some color in your cheeks.” His mouth ghosts over mine, and I’m paralyzed but to accept his kiss. It’s only chaste. A quick touch. I exhale a shaky breath, and he chuckles.
“You’re so nervous around me, Mia.” His lip curves with dark intention. “I don’t bite, you know. Well, unless you beg.”
“What do you want, Cade?”
“I have something for you. A gift.”
“You do?” My stomach sinks as I flatten myself against the wall.
Cade steps back, slipping his hand into his pocket, and pulls out a small box.
“No,” I breathe, really hoping it isn’t what I think it is.
“Relax,” he chuckles. “It isn’t a ring… yet. Q thinks it’s too soon, and I’m inclined to agree. We need to let our relationship unfold… naturally.” His eyes darken, and I hate to imagine what he might be thinking right now.
“But like it or not, Mia, you are mine now, and I want people to know it.” He flips open the box, revealing a small pendant necklace. I lean in to admire the stunning filigree.
“It’s beautiful.” Even though it represents something I want no part of, I can’t deny how stunning it is. “Is that—”
“The Electi’s crest, yeah.”
My eyes shutter. Cade might not be putting his ring on me, but he’s stamping me with the next best thing. Most of the kids at Gravestone U don’t know what it really means, but there are those of the verus bloodline that do. They’ll see this for what it is. They’ll see that I’ve been claimed by an Electi.
“I had it made specially for you.”
“I… I don’t know what to say.”
“I have a feeling you’ll be thanking me soon enough.”
There it is again, the dark promise of things to come.
“Is this what you really want?” I blurt out. “To be chained to me for the rest of your life? I’m no one. You and Brook—”
“Having second thoughts?” His brows furrow, and I want to yell that I was never having first thoughts.
Me and Cade together is a disaster waiting to happen. I’m not prosapia material, cut out for a life of being arm candy and nothing more than a glorified maid.
I want more.
So much more.
“You don’t want me.” I lift my chin defiantly. Cade might scare me, but I refuse to show him even an ounce of fear. People like him feed off that.
“Yet here we are.”
“You can make them overturn the decision, Cade. No one has to know. Choose Brook, everyone will expect—”
“Enough,” he grits out, running a hand down his face. “Q’s decision is final. This, me and you… it’s happening Mia, whether you like it or not.”
Anger boils beneath my skin. “I’m not a prize to be won, Cade.”
“No, you’re not. Because I don’t
