Oleander (Elemental Desires Book 1), page 9
“Very good. Wouldn’t want you to miss out on anything, now would we?”
I shake my head.
Damn, she’s scary.
“My name is Miss Estrella, and I expect you to pay attention, take notes, and participate. Understood?”
“Yes, Miss Estrella,” I respond evenly.
My new history teacher smiles down at me, pleased by the response. “Good. Now!” She claps her hands together loudly, startling me before spinning around to write on the whiteboard. “Onto this week’s agenda.”
She begins scrawling a list of items we’ll cover this week, and I’m immediately fascinated by the new words.
The Rift.
The Underworld.
Blood Fae.
“Open your textbooks to page thirty-two. Skyler, please scoot your desk over and share with Desiree.”
I glance over at the girl next to me, who smiles sweetly, pushing the textbook toward me. I connect our desks and smile back at her. “Hi. I’m Skyler,” I whisper, introducing myself even though the teacher just said my name.
“Desiree,” she says tenderly. Her voice is soft and melodic, like music on the wind. When I peer into her metallic gray eyes, I somehow know we possess the same element. She points to the passage we’re on without saying another word.
“Before we start reading, I'm going to cover some of the basics, so bear with me if you’re already familiar. Just let it be a reminder.”
She spins around, harshly circling a topic on the board.
Blood Fae.
I sit up straight and lean forward, listening intently.
“As you all know, there is a fifth element from which Fae power can be drawn. Blood. It is extremely rare, extremely volatile, and extremely evil. We do not speak their name outside of a classroom setting. Understand?”
No one answers.
“Do we understand?” she repeats more sternly.
“Yes, Miss Estrella,” the entire classroom chants in unison.
“As I was saying, after a string of horrific murders and ritual sacrifices, the Blood Fae were banished to the far reaches of the kingdoms, forced to live deep in the woods and ordered to never use magic again. They lived this way for five hundred years before the peace was broken.”
Miss Estrella paces in front of us, clearly worked up over what she’s about to say. I have no clue how old she is; she could have been alive to see their banishment for all I know.
“Next month will mark the one-hundredth anniversary of the Rift. An event a lot of your parents were alive for. The Blood Fae, with hate in their hearts and revenge on their minds, sacrificed their very own prince. But his blood alone wasn’t enough. Legend has it that his younger siblings were captured and drained of their life force as well, creating a magic so dark and powerful, so evil, it tore a rift between Faerie and the Underworld.”
I’m rooted to the edge of my seat, hanging onto Miss E’s every word.
“Hellhounds and spirits of the dead—or ghouls as many call them—plague the Underworld, and few souls who venture there ever return. It is not a realm we want merged with our own. Chaos, disaster, and death are all that come from that foul place. But some of these creatures seeped into our world, creating widespread panic and fear. The kings and queens of all four kingdoms came together, combining their powers to close the Rift. Some Blood Fae managed to jump into the portal to escape to the Underworld before it closed. The ones left behind were once again banished to deep within the forest, where magical boundaries were set up like a prison. Closing the Rift nearly drained the kings and queens in the process, but they succeeded. However, there are unfortunately still some vicious hellhounds and loose spirits trapped in our realm.”
I pull Desiree’s textbook closer and flip a few pages until I find a black-and-white sketch of a giant, wolf-like beast with an open-mouth snarl and sharp teeth dripping with saliva or maybe blood. The caption underneath reads, Hellhound.
So that’s what everyone’s afraid of on the other side of the wall?
“Only an iron blade infused with Fae magic can truly defeat them, so if you absolutely must travel through the woods by foot, take a few guards with you. Otherwise, do not, under any circumstances, enter the forest alone or unprotected. And do not sign up for the Wild Hunt. Ever. It’s been decades, but we have lost a few students to the Hunt. I don’t wish to see it happen again.”
Miss Estrella babbles on about sword techniques, but I’m distracted by what I just learned. I scribbled everything down, needing to remember it all. If Ander is in an advanced history class, I should be able to pick his brain for more information.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but ever since I was a little kid, anytime someone’s warned me not to do something, I take it as an open challenge. And I’ve always loved video games, so I’m fascinated by the idea of evil creatures and the Underworld. I’m not one hundred percent sure what the Wild Hunt is, but I have an idea, and the daredevil in me is purring like a cat.
I need to know more.
CHAPTER TEN
OLEANDER
We planned to meet back at our place for dinner. There’s a special sort of joy I get out of cooking for him and showing him new flavors that most likely astound his human taste buds. I’m making my favorite soup tonight and adding some of my own freshly grown herbs. The setting sun bathes the balcony in shades of gold as I trim what I need for tonight’s meal. It’s beautiful out here, especially since I boosted the climbing vines with my own magic, thanks to Skyler’s encouragement. I still can’t believe how effortlessly I’m using magic now. When I’m with Skyler, it’s like I’m not afraid of anything, and knowing I can’t hurt him is a huge relief, too. Even if it's nerve-wracking how easily he calls my magic to the surface.
Noise in the kitchen grabs my attention, and I look up to see the fridge door rattling loudly as he yanks it open, likely checking to see if it’s been magically re-stocked. It definitely has not been. I don’t have the heart to tell him, like the way some humans pretend Santa Claus is real for the sake of their children. I make a mental note to arrange a regular grocery delivery while he has class. I grin, imagining the dimple in his cheek popping out when he thinks he has an enchanted refrigerator.
I step through the open balcony door, feeling shy for no reason. “Hey.”
Skyler spins around, shutting the fridge. “Hey.” A small smile curls the edge of his lip, and my belly swoops low. He’s so attractive.
“How did class go?” I tuck my hair behind the tip of my ear, walking toward the vegetables I already have sitting out on the cutting board.
“Pretty good. I learned some really crazy shit about Blood Fae.”
“Shh!” I hiss, rushing over and pressing my hand to his mouth. “We don’t say those words out loud, Skyler.” I can feel his grin stretch underneath my palm, and he licks it, sending a jolt of desire straight to my cock. I blush, immediately removing my hand and returning to the vegetables.
“Whoops. Sorry. Forgot the professor mentioned that.” Skyler winks like it’s not a big deal.
“Skyler, Fae are warned of the threat in the woods as soon as we learn to walk. They’re still out there. Waiting for the right time. Ready to cause chaos and destruction at the first available chance. Some say they keep hellhounds as pets. But that could be a rumor.”
“I wanna see one.” A reckless gleam twinkles in his icy blue eyes, and my stomach drops. “A hellhound. Not a Blood Fae,” he clarifies. “Love dogs. But Mom never let me get a puppy ’cause we moved too much.”
Is he joking?
Humans have always been fascinated, if not somewhat obsessed, with the supernatural. The unknown. Is that what’s going on here?
“Skyler, you can’t just see one. And they are most definitely not dogs. You need to stay away from the other side of the wall. There’s dark magic out there, and it’s dangerous. We’re protected here at the academy, and we mustn't take that for granted.”
“Figured you’d say that,” he teases, rolling his eyes and laughing playfully. “Always playing by the rules.” Skyler slings an arm around my shoulder, easily changing the subject. “So, what’s for dinner?”
I’m not sure what he means by that, but it gives me an uneasy feeling that this isn’t the end of our hellhound discussion.
“I love it when you cook for me.” His hot breath tickles my ear, making me flustered.
“Oh. Um. I was thinking coconut mushroom soup infused with lemongrass and fresh spring rolls.”
“No shit? Wow. Impressed yet again. I might even be a vegetarian by the end of the semester.”
“Maybe you should save your compliments until after you’ve tried it.” I turn the stove on, pouring coconut oil into a skillet and letting it heat before adding garlic, onions, and lemongrass.
Skyler crowds my back, whispering into my ear yet again. “Nah. You’re some kinda horticultural mastermind and a culinary genius.” He inhales deeply, sighing with satisfaction. “I’m gonna hop in the shower unless you need a sous-chef.”
“I’m all set.” The words come out breathy, and a flush heats my cheeks, traveling down my chest and warming my body.
Fresh aromatics fill the kitchen, heightening my senses as I glance over my shoulder and watch him slowly back away, chewing on his lower lip.
Goddess, do I want to kiss that mischievous mouth.
He reaches behind his neck, pulling his T-shirt over his head and revealing a smooth, rune-free chest, naked except for the black stone pendant he always wears. Skyler starts to unbutton his pants next, kicking off his shoes and apparently putting on a mini-strip show for me in the kitchen. “I’ll just be in here.” He ticks a thumb over his shoulder. “Naked. Wet. And soapy.”
I swallow thickly, fumbling the jug of coconut milk and nearly dropping it.
Skyler laughs loudly, shutting his bedroom door and locking it behind him. I only relax once I hear the shower turn on.
Stirring the simmering soup, I chuckle and shake my head, unable to stop the smile filling my face. I stir in the herbs from the balcony, layering more flavors and expertly finishing one of my favorite soups. Beyond the taste, it’s full of health benefits and packed with fairy greens. I pull the tray of spring rolls out of the oven next, plating them and setting the small table for two. By the time Skyler steps out of his room—with wet hair dripping down his bare chest—dinner is ready.
“Damn, O. It smells incredible in here.”
“Thanks.” I blush at his praise, tucking my golden locks behind the tips of my ears. “Well, shall we?”
“Hell yeah, I’m starving,” Skyler exclaims with a big smile.
We sit across from each other at the little wooden table. Skyler digs in enthusiastically, and I watch him enjoy it for a moment before I try my own soup, humming at the perfect flavor.
“So fucking good,” Skyler murmurs around another spoonful. I’ve never cooked for anyone before, and the satisfaction it brings is a heady feeling. He crunches into the spring roll, moaning at the taste. “Oh, yeah. This is the shit right here, dude.”
He’s charming and different from anyone I’ve ever met. My gaze zeroes in on his exposed ears, rounded and small. Adorable. My face heats, remembering the dream I had about them the other night. It wasn’t appropriate in the least.
“Quit ogling my little ears like a weirdo and eat your soup, would ya?”
I choke on nothing, mortified at being caught. Skyler chuckles when I silently lower my head and finish half my dinner before speaking again.
“So, we’re supposed to have Combat Class with my old friend Leo tomorrow. I haven’t seen him since I was fourteen. I shut everyone out after what happened with River and Flame. Even my closest friends. And now the three of them hate me.” I set my spoon down, embarrassed by my own whining. “I sound like I’m hosting a bloody pity party, don’t I?”
Skyler shrugs. “I mean, a little. But you’ve been through some shit, so who can blame you? And if they don’t want to be your friend, it’s their loss.” He holds his fist out across the table, waiting for me. “Outsiders stick together.”
“Together,” I repeat, bumping our fists. “I don’t know what to expect from Leo, so I thought I should warn you. Zephyr and Hawk have proven to be assholes, so I won’t hold my breath for a positive outcome.”
“I’m not scared, and I won’t let him hurt you.” Skyler holds his hand up, electricity dancing between his fingers. “I’ve got my own power now.”
My smile is hesitant, and I lower my gaze. Skyler doesn’t miss a beat.
“Seriously. I’ll defend your honor if I need to.”
A laugh escapes my lips unbidden, and I’m rewarded with Skyler’s beaming smile. The one that makes the little dimple pop out. “As much as I appreciate the fact that you're willing to defend my honor, noble gentleman, there’s no magic allowed in Combat Class.”
“Okay. I’ll kick his ass if I need to, no big deal. I was a wrestler in high school. And you're good with swords, right? I mean, you’re a prince. You have to be.” Skyler stares at me expectantly, and I hate to reinforce the human-given stereotype, but yes, I have many swords that I’ve trained with since I was a small child, so I nod. “I knew it! So, it’s set.” He continues, “We’re covered in all areas if Leo decides to be a dick.”
The next morning arrives quicker than I want it to. I’m not looking forward to Combat Class or having to see Leo. I dress in long sleeves, pants, and gloves—all-black athletic gear. When I step out of my bedroom, ready to grab an apple and leave, I find Skyler sitting at our table with the most unhealthy breakfast I’ve ever seen.
He’s devouring a bowl of the sugariest Fae cereal and even added brightly colored marshmallows to the bowl. The bag is on the table next to him, half empty. The milk carton as well.
“Did you eat all that?” I ask in astonishment and revulsion. I’m quite honestly a little shocked.
“I really fucking missed Lucky Charms, so I made my own. A few times,” Skyler mumbles around a mouthful of his sugary creation, pink milk dribbling down his chin. “By the way, are leprechauns real?”
“Yes. And I can assure you there’s nothing lucky about them. They’re greedy, thieving, gold-stealing bastards.”
Skyler snorts. “Bad experience?” he asks cheekily, raising a brow before shoveling another scoop of soggy cereal into his mouth.
“They’re almost as untrustworthy as garden gnomes.”
“What?! Gnomes exist?” he shrieks in excitement. “How big are they? Do they talk? What else is out there?”
“Of course they talk,” I chuckle, thoroughly charmed by his endearingly curious questions.
“I’m gonna need a list of what’s real and what’s not, please. Damn. This shit is just too crazy when I stop and really think about it.” Skyler stares at the kitchen table, spacing out for a beat, before flicking his gaze back to mine. “Okay. I got one more.”
I wait patiently for his next question, and the sparkle in his eyes tells me he’s excited by this one.
“Dragons?”
“If your thirst for knowledge is this strong, I believe there are a couple of first-year zoology courses you may be able to sign up for next semester.” I don’t want to frighten him by telling him that nearly every fairy tale, myth, or legend he’s ever read about in the Mortal Realm is most likely real, or at least based upon a real creature in the Otherworld.
“You avoided the question.” He calls me out, and I guess I can’t avoid answering.
I sigh, “Yes.”
“Do they talk?”
“No. But they’re highly intelligent and loyal animals with immense power.”
“Fly?” His eyes are alight with a childlike wonder.
I nod, watching his smile grow larger, if that’s even possible.
“Sick. I’m adding that to my bucket list.”
“Adding what?” I ask, afraid that I already know the answer.
“Riding a dragon.”
“Skyler. You cannot simply ride a dragon. You have to bond with one first. Tame it and train it. It’s a long, complicated, and dangerous process.”
“The thing about me is, I never give up hope.” He ducks his head again, spooning even more brightly colored cereal into his mouth.
“Well, let’s hope Coach Slate doesn’t run us too hard, or you’ll throw up a rainbow.”
Sky snorts into his bowl, the milk bubbling over and dribbling down his chin as he tips it back, drinking every last drop.
“Ahh,” he gasps, completely satisfied with himself as he wipes his lips and chin with the back of his hand. “Delicious.”
“Disgusting,” I counter, wrinkling my nose.
“Don’t knock it ’til you try it.”
“Never,” I insist.
“We’ll see,” Skyler responds with a mischievous grin that has me questioning my own resolve. He’s too handsome. “Maybe I’ll figure out how to smuggle some real Lucky Charms into Faerie.” He laughs at the worried look on my face. “I’m gonna get ready. See ya in ten.”
True to his word, Skyler appears ten minutes later, fully dressed with his shaggy, wet hair curling around his ears to cover them. He catches me staring again, even though they’re hidden.
“You know what? I might get a haircut if I stay here any longer. Show these little round babies off. I’m tired of hiding who I am.”
“You want to leave?” My heart plummets to the ground at the thought of losing the first real friend I’ve had in years.
“Ander. . .”
He does want to leave.
“I never wanted to be here. You have to know that?”
His words are like a slash to the gut, and there’s no concealing the hurt on my face.
“Sorry. Let me rephrase that a little more delicately. I was brought here against my will, and I need to check on my mom. I haven’t heard back from her. I hope you can at least understand that. I have to find a way home, and I was hoping you could help me.”
