Page 33 of Eat. Prey. Love. (Apex Academy Capers #5)

When everyone got back to the library, we used the map Chessie had made for the board to mark all the individual spots each team thought needed further exploration. It’s a good list for next weekend, and since we’re halfway through February as it is, we’ll be able to focus on one spot going forward. The school year goes through the end of May and the Council decided not to extend it, so we know how to allocate our time. I’m worried about how we’re going to get through all the fucking schoolwork, the spring break week, and the end of year juries without an incident, but that’s because our new ‘enemies’ seem prone to attacking during the most vulnerable times.

Not fun Monday morning thoughts for certain, but such is the life of the unwilling ‘chosen one,’ I suppose.

“Madamoiselle Drew, faites attention ? 1 ! Your grande adage is not crisp enough. Again!”

Biting the inside of my cheek to keep from spitting a retort back at la prima , I nod and return to the back of the line to do another pass. My adages were not messy, but the aging swan shifter was a world renown prima ballerina, so she’s more demanding than almost every dance teacher I’ve ever had before. Her standards are so high she can’t meet them anymore, and her family is well connected. They are not on our suspected Society list, but they definitely hang with the people who are.

Fabreaux’s one redeeming feature is that she’s earned her acclaim, and she doesn’t give a shit that I’m prey-adjacent. No, she simply thinks everyone is shit compared to her and I can handle that. I’m fairly certain Lucille would also think her shit didn’t stink if she wasn’t a pred, too. My mother is pathologically narcissistic and my new ballet professor is as well. This is familiar ground for me; as long as she doesn’t start smacking me with that stupid diamond encrusted cane, I’ll survive.

One tap and it’s on, though. No second chances is my motto this year.

“ Plus vif, plus rapide, mes petits hippopotames ? 2 ,” the professor calls as she claps her hands and I grit my teeth.

There’s virtually no dancers over a buck twenty-five except for me, so that’s purposefully shitty. Again, nothing new in the bitchy woman playbook. I flex my feet, going up and down to keep warm as I ignore the hurtful bullshit. To be honest, the dance world is rife with this kind of body negativity and Fabreaux is nothing special with her insults. I want to throttle her by her long ass neck for it because not every dancer here will be able to ignore her. Many already succumb to unhealthy body dysphoria and the conditions that come with it, if the bathroom sounds are indicators—and they are. But I can’t change dance culture as well as the entire phone book worth of shit I have to deal with right now and people have free will.

Sometimes, you have to expect people to take responsibility for their poor choices, and leave it at that.

I hate it, but it’s another one of my areas of opportunity I’m working on. My heart wants to save the dance supes, Cori’s ex, and a slew of others who bring pain on themselves. Unfortunately, closing the door on people who act against their own self-interest because they might hurt me or mine is necessary. My boundaries have gotten firmer every year since my big ‘BFF break-up,’ and it’s helped me become a happier, more confident bunny. There’s freedom in not letting abusive jackwagons continue to live rent-free in your head with their misery; I don’t regret cutting them off for a second.

“And I’m no more or less popular without them, to be honest,” I mutter to myself.

“Mlle Drew, did you have une question ?”

My eyes widen and I turn to face the statue-esque swan with a brilliant, fake smile. “No, La Prima . I am merely counting to myself. Practicing mentally.”

She looks surprised, then nods with a stern, but satisfied expression. “ Exactement, Mlle Drew. This is how my dancers should be: focused, ever aware, and dedicated.”

Whew. I don’t need her crawling up my fluffy tailpipe, too.

“You got last year, Frenchie!”

Arching a brow, I wisely stay quiet as the guys argue about Valentine’s Day. It’s this Friday, and while I’m secretly giddy they all want to do something, I’m sure as fuck not weighing in on whether it’s going to be a group or solo event. Fitz is right; Rennie did get to take me out last year on his own, but there were circumstances surrounding it. However, things are different now, and I can see why my crazypants tiger is being insistent.

He’s a softie at heart when it comes to me and Chessie, so he’s got passionate opinions.

“Fitzgerald, I think we all have been able to spend special times with Snacksize.” Aubrey looks amused, especially since his time resulted in being amongst humans and giant bunny ears.

“That’s true,” Felix interjects. “Chess got New Year’s, and the dragon got Easter. Fitz and I are the only ones who haven’t had ‘holiday’ alone time.”

Also true; good point, Raj.

“He got to mate first,” Chess points out with a sly grin. The look he’s giving the rest of them is pure trolling; I know he’s not chuffed about it.

The exiled tiger king puffs up again, wagging his finger at his twin. “Ah-ha! I’m owed a special time.”

“Aren’t all our dates special, Sir?” I ask innocently, batting my lashes at him.

Sue me, now I’m kind of having fun.

“Don’t start, brat,” he grumbles before taking a bite of his huge sandwich. I know I’ve got him licked when he switches from Princess to brat; it’s his tell.

Fitz comes over and wraps his arms around me, setting his chin on my shoulder to growl softly. “Every second with you is special. I don’t give a red flying fuck what we’re doing. You can be in the stupid bathroom, and I’m still glad to be on the other side of the door, Baby Girl.”

“Ew, Fitz,” I say as I laugh softly. “You’re such a goddamn stalker. It’s lucky I’m not easily scared off. ”

“It really is,” Chessie agrees with a fond smile. “I grew up with his insanity; you’re choosing it.”

Felix even laughs this time, shaking his head. “Bro, I wonder how we came out of the same womb sometimes.”

“It is fairly remarkable,” Rennie says as he reaches over and heaps another thick slice of roast onto my plate with a stern expression. “He’s almost your polar opposite, though that’s common with twins, non ?”

“Guys, I’m standing right here,” Fitz whines as he pouts next to my face. “Stop talking about me like I’m a problem child.”

Turning my head to press my nose against his, I grin. “You are, baby, but I love that about you. You make everything a thousand times more interesting and fun. They all know it, too.”

“Fine,” my dragon sighs as he rolls his eyes. “The psycho is amusing sometimes, and he makes you and our intrepid cheetah happy. That alone is worth the trouble.”

High praise coming from the grumpy librarian.

“Aw, you love me; you really love me!” Fitz crows as he turns back to give them his best Sally Fields impression. “I feel so much better now. I think we should reward me with a group Sexy Day date.”

“How did we get back here?” I mutter as I look at my plate. “Fucking one-track brains, that’s how.”

“Princess, if we didn’t have people trying to murder us all the time, it would be so much worse. You know that, right?” Felix’s teasing makes me glare at him playfully.

“I’d be hobbling to dance class, that much I’m certain of,” I retort. “You horn dogs haven’t even finished corrupting me yet according to those two.” I hitch my thumb at Aubrey and Rennie who immediately do their pie-plate halo impressions of angels.

As if any of us believe that shit .

“I take offense at that, Baby Girl. The Winged Weenies have nothing on the Khan boys’ swagger.”

Choking on the bite I just took, I wait for my breath to come back then lean back to bite his earlobe firmly. “Stop saying that shit while I’m eating.”

The others laugh as I grumble, clearly enjoying my discomfort. Finally, Felix is able to catch his breath, his dark eyes meeting mine. “I believe we should spend it together—as a family. We can plan lots of outings solo if we end up staying this summer. I know that’s hoping no one blows this fucking place up and that’s not guaranteed, but we have forever to do that. We only get one first family Valentine’s.”

I blink, dipping my head as emotion overcomes me. It’s a present-based holiday and I’ve never cared about it… until now. The serious way my stern tiger king said that will make it impossible to ever call this day silly and frivolous again. “Felix Khan, you’re going to make me leak, which I hate and I have to go to Tap class next. Damn you.”

“Can’t win for losing, eh, bro?” Fitz says with a wink. He lets go of me and strides over to the fridge, pulling out a pretty cupcake to hold up. “Look, Baby Girl. Chessie and the pouty poet made pretties.”

My head pops up and I can’t help but swoon. “Ooooh. Pretty sweets. I like that.”

“See? Totally fixable,” Chess chuckles as he pats a bewildered Felix on the shoulder. “Our girl is motivated by food, fucking, fury, and fancy shit. Just keep that in mind.”

“She likes books,” Aubrey adds. “And cute things.”

“Music,” Rennie sighs happily. “Plus, she’s fond of a good cuddle.”

I turn red, wrinkling my nose. “Stop listing my vices and give me that cupcake, you teases. ”

“Hmmm.” The elder Khan arches a brow. “Food denial. That’s a new kink, Princess.”

“It is not a kink,” I growl as I hold up my steak knife. “I’ll stab you for real.”

Fitz doubles over in howling laughter, barely managing to gasp, “I’m pretty sure she would, too.”

“Don’t test me,” I grumble. “Cupcake. Now.”

Chess grabs the sweet from his amused mate, walking over to hand it to me. “Here you go, Angel. I promise I’ll try not to let them use treats to torture you.”

“Try being the operative word,” Aubrey smirks. “The idea has merit. She’s wild when she’s furious. The dragon likes it a lot.”

Narrowing my eyes at him, I sink my teeth into the delicious, fruity concoction. They’re definitely only half joking and I’m going to end up skewering someone who thinks they’re slick. I’d better make sure Raina stocks first aid supplies in all the rooms. Can’t hurt to be careful—we all have tempers and rather vicious tastes in vengeance.

“Uh-oh. She’s plotting.” The gargoyle tilts his head as he studies me, looking curious and turned on at the same time. “I enjoy her vengeful streak; it’s hot.”

Done chewing, I roll my eyes. “You know, I’m questioning why the hell I come home for lunch instead of packing and finding Coco or Rufus. That’s sounding very appealing right now.”

“Hell no!” Fitz comes over and grabs me again, holding me tight enough to make me grunt. “I love our lunch time fun, even when I don’t get a blowie reward. Don’t you test me, Baby Girl.”

“The two of them…” Felix sighs, rubbing his temples. “It’s a fucking full time job, I swear to Odin.”

“He doesn’t care, bro. He’s missing an eye and has bad boys of his own to deal with. Dolly and I are your cosmic cross to bear; don’t you forget it.”

I grin prettily, then lick every speck of icing off the rest of the cake purposefully. “That’s right, Sir. We’re the punishment and pleasure you didn’t know you needed.”

Damn, I sounded pretty cool just then. Go me.