Page 28 of Beta Lies and Cursed Lives

“I know,” I say softly.

“So what are you going to do about them?”

“She’s not going to do anything.” Nyx’s tone holds an edge of warning.

People are always listening.

Arlowe scoffs. “Look, we’re forced to take suppressants, but you really think that’s all there is in them? Have you gotten your periods since you’ve been on their junk?”

I still at the same time as Nyx.

There is an unspoken understanding between us. We’re the same, she and I. And we’re always in danger because of it.

Colt is now the only other person who knows besides me, Nyx, and my father. And him learning my secret was an accident.

“Of course there’s birth control in the suppressants,” Nyx replies with ease. “They can’t take any chances.”

“Right. So they know that some of us are bound to bump uglies undercover. It’s all fear-mongering.”

I peer over at Arlowe’s matter-of-fact expression and have to wonder if she’s right. Not that it matters in my situation.

“Whatever.” Nyx lets out a frustrated sigh.

“You’ve just got your panties bunched because you’ve got the hots for the headmaster.”

I stifle a laugh when Nyx sends a little jolt of electricity at Arlowe that makes her yelp in pain.

“I do not.”

I suppress a smirk as best I can. “Don’t shock me, too, but...I felt the draw between you the day I arrived.”

Nyx’s eyes shoot to mine, alarmed, like I’ve uncovered something no one should know. But anyone with eyes and half a brain could see how they act around one another.

“And then there’s Erich…”

This draws my attention back to Arlowe, eyes wide. “Who’s Erich?”

The grin that spreads across her face is devilish, her violet eyes glitter in the sun. “Oh, just the tatted, pierced, broody hottie who stalks Nyx with his eyes whenever she’s near him.”

“Erich is a dick,” Nyx chimes from my other side.

“Well, hehasa dick that you definitely want to get to know.”

Another shock, and I can’t stop my laughter this time.

“Hey! I am warning you. Cut it out.” Arlowe is only half-serious by her tone.

Nyx grumbles and leans back on her hands to look up at the sky. “Our combat training in the mountains next week? Erich is going to be on my team.”

Arlowe sings, “Ooooooh,”as I ask, “What combat training?”

Nyx looks at me. “A couple of times a year, the more advanced students go to the mountains for war games. We’re split into at least two teams and use all the tactics we’ve learned in simulated battles.” She rolls her eyes.

“I’m on the Orange Team this year.” Arlowe looks smug, but it’s lost on me.

“Green as usual for me,” Nyx grumbles, then turns back to me. “It’s an absolute pain in the ass, literally. We have to sleep outdoors, and there’s no off time, so we’re always on alert. Some of the teams strike at night.”

“What happens once someone is eliminated?”