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CHAPTER TWO

NOVA

T he hot fae stops short when he sees me, pupils blowing wide, and nostrils flaring for a moment before his expression twists into something resembling surprise. He takes several paces inside, letting the door shut behind him, making to open his mouth, to say something, but no words escape him.

Tai shoves the door back open, balancing heavy boxes in his arms as he crosses the room. He tilts his head in that subtle, almost imperceptible nod guys seem to exchange—a silent acknowledgment, nothing more. But that’s all surface-level. He has no doubt already clocked how big our roommate is, what weapons he might have on him, and what kind of threat he might pose to me.

As much as I hate to admit it, he’s really fucking good at his job.

Our new roommate’s expression shifts immediately, nostrils flaring again as disdain crosses his features. The taste of magic fills the air in the fae's presence, almost like a tingling sensation on the tongue.

“Well.” His tone drips with sarcasm. “Looks like the charity program is in full swing.”

It takes a moment for his meaning to land, but when it does, my blood boils. Born fae , I think, eyeing his confident stance and the way his sneer flicks dismissively over me. Alpha type, clearly.

Black slacks, a black button-up, and black loafers. Or at least, I think that’s what they’re called. Is black all this guy wears?

Not that my wardrobe is much different.

“And you are?” I keep my tone light, though my fingers itch to grab the dagger hidden in my boot for the insult.

If I’m going to be rooming with this asshole, I can’t stab him right away. I need to dose my stabbings. Use it when it’s really deserved, like if he steals my food.

They do not care that you’re high princess of the fae, Nova, they will kick you out if you cause trouble, I recall one of my dad’s words from last night at my family’s farewell dinner on Rexuna.

“Sylus.” He offers no last name. Of course. “You’re in my spot.”

I glance at the bed behind me, then back at him. “I don’t see your name on it.”

His lips curve into a cold smile, and he takes an intentional step closer. “Move,” he barks .

Tai straightens from the doorframe, his posture casual but his stare hard as he drops the boxes at his feet. “She’s not moving.”

“I don’t give a fuck what your girlfriend wants.” Yep, there’s definitely an alpha tone in that voice. Wolf fae. It commands, but I’m able to resist it, thank fuck. “You shouldn’t even be in here.” He chuckles. “The fuck they think is going to happen when I meet my pack?”

That confirms it. Alpha fucking wolf fae with all of his testosterone bullshit. He’s waiting for his omega, for his pack to fall into place. His mate, her chosen betas, and him as their alpha. A bond forged by instinct, magic, and biology. The kind of connection that overrides everything.

A family.

I raise a hand to stop Tai before he can say something that’ll piss off the puppy.

Arching an eyebrow, I cross my arms. "First, not his girlfriend. Second, I'm not moving even if you find your pack. You’ll have to move out. Third, if you try to make me, you'll find out exactly how I earned those headlines."

Am I playing with fire? Absolutely. I can smell that this guy already has his magic, and I have none. But I don’t need magic to skewer anyone’s balls.

Sylus's eyes narrow, a flutter of recognition passing over his face. "Ah, the fork-wielding princess. How ... quaint." His scrutiny shifts to Tai, then back to me. "Not his girlfriend, you say?”

Do I detect a hint of relief in the way he asks that?

But I roll my eyes, refusing to let his words get under my skin. "He's here because my overprotective parents insisted. Trust me, I'd much rather he wasn't."

Tai clears his throat, a subtle reminder of his presence as he drags my boxes over to my side of the room. I ignore him.

“Bodyguard?”

"Bodyguard, herder, babysitter, porter, decoration, armory, arm candy, target, constant thorn in my side—take your pick." I shrug. "Now, are we done with the posturing, or do you want to keep wasting both our time?"

Sylus's jaw ticks, assessing me. “Here’s how this is going to work.” He picks up my duffel bag and tosses it onto the bed across the room. "You'll take that bed, and we'll both pretend the other doesn't exist. Deal?"

I feel my temper flaring, but I force myself to take a deep breath. Getting into a fight on the first day probably isn't the best idea, no matter how satisfying it might be to wipe that smug look off his stupid, handsome face.

"Counter-offer.” I stride over to the bed where Sylus tossed my bag, picking it up and walking back to my chosen spot by the window. "I'll keep this bed, and you can take whichever of the others you like. We'll still pretend the other doesn't exist, if that's what you prefer. Then, I won’t mention to the administration how an alpha tried to intimidate the High Princess on her first day.” I smile sweetly. “And attempted to use his bark on her.”

I’m not one to throw my title around, but fuck if this prick is going to use his title as alpha to push me around. Two can play at that game.

And then, his bark ? I’ve heard an alpha bark more times than I can remember, on account of one of my fathers being a wolf fae. He doesn’t use it against the family, but there have been plenty of occasions for him to use it in my presence.

A deep rumble from Sylus’s chest yanks me out of the memory.

I pull off my hoodie, snatch back the covers of the bed by the window, and crawl in. “Can you keep it quiet? I’m going to take a nap.”

Tai snorts as he claims one of the other beds.

My roommate’s eyes flash with anger, but a spark of something else—maybe respect—crosses his face. He stands there for a moment, jaw clenched, before stalking over to the bed farthest from mine. He drops his bag with unnecessary force, the thud rattling the dresser.

This is going to be fun.

Sylus exhales through his nose, like he's biting back something he wants to say. He unzips his bag, rummages through it, then grabs what looks like a small vial before shoving it into his pocket. Without another word, he stalks toward the door and slips out, letting it slam in his wake.

“Wonder where he’s headed?” Tai tracks his movements, arms folded across his chest before he turns to me with a raised brow. “A nap, huh?”

I smirk, stretching out like I own the place. “Nah, I need to shower first.”

I swing my legs out of bed before stalking over to the bathroom. I shut the bathroom door quietly behind me, leaning against it for a moment as I steady my breathing. The cool tile beneath my feet grounds me.

With a sigh, I strip off my clothes and step into the shower, turning the water as hot as I can stand it. The scalding spray hits my skin, and I let out a long breath, feeling some of the tension melt away as steam fills the space.

It’s about now I realize I forgot my shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, and a change of clothes. Everything required of me for a shower. I curse under my breath. The hot water continues to pour over me as I weigh my options. I could call out to Tai and ask him to bring me my things, but the thought of giving him that satisfaction after our conversation makes my skin crawl. I could also try to sneak out and grab my stuff without being seen, but knowing my luck, Sylus would probably be standing right there with that smug look on his face, just waiting to make some snide remark. Great. Just great.

Neither option feel particularly appealing.

My eyes land on the neatly arranged toiletries in the recessed alcove of the shower. They’re not mine, which means they must belong to the asshole, seeing how my other roommate hasn’t even arrived yet. Figures Sylus would have his stuff set up already when I forgot everything. Does this mean he was the first person to the room, and had already claimed the bed by the window before I commandeered it?

If so, oopsie.

The bottles might as well have his name stamped on them. They’re sleek and black, with delicate silver runes etched into the sides, glittering in the steam. Pretentious Prick , is what the labels should say, in a frilly font.

I stare at the shiny bottles for a moment, weighing my options. My pride screams at me to just suck it up, turn off the water, and sprint out to grab my own things. But another part of me—a more rebellious, petty part—remembers Sylus’s stupid, handsome face when he threw my bag earlier. But I’ve already pissed him off once today. That means I need to do it at least once more before bed.

Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt to knock him down a peg or two. Plus, it’s not like I’d be using that much—just enough to get clean.

He wants to act like an alpha? Fine. Let him share his precious shampoo with the ‘charity case.’

I reach for the nearest bottle, twisting off the cap and sniffing cautiously. The smell hits me immediately—dark cedar, smoky amber, and a slight hint of spiced citrus. It’s annoyingly good, the kind of scent that clings to you in a way you don’t entirely hate.

Damn him.

Of course he would smell like some rich, artisanal lumberjack god, even if he doesn’t look it. He’s less rugged and more pretty than anything.

I tip the bottle over and pour a generous amount into my palm, lathering it between my hands before running it through my hair. The steam thickens around me, carrying the intoxicating scent as it seeps into my skin. For a moment, I forget about the males I have to share a room with, letting the rich aroma and hot water soothe the residual tension in my muscles.

This might be the only time I’ll actually enjoy something associated with Sylus, aside from his good looks. The thought is fleeting, quickly replaced by a smug satisfaction as I rinse the suds from my thick hair and repeat—my hair has some wave to it, and it’s the only way to get my scalp totally clean. I reach for the matching bottle of conditioner, repeating the process and relishing in the silky texture it leaves behind. The body wash follows suit, its scent even richer and more complex than the shampoo.

As I rinse off, a wicked grin spreads across my face. He’s going to be pissed when he realizes I've used his fancy toiletries.

But not near as pissed as he’ll be when I use his towel.

I step out of the shower, steam curling around my body as I scan the small, barely stocked bathroom. A mild whiff of Sylus’s scent still lingers on the single towel hanging on the hook by the sink. An intoxicating cedar and amber mix.

I wrap it around myself with zero shame, the scent of his soap still clinging to my skin like a victory banner. If this doesn’t ruin his night, then … I’ll try harder next time.

The bathroom door creaks as I push it open, steam billowing out around me. I'm greeted by the sight of not just Tai, lounging on his bed, but Sylus himself. They both turn at the sound of the door opening.

Huh, he wasn’t gone very long. Though, to be fair, I was in the shower for quite a long time, making sure I got his scent all over me really, really well.

Tai is reading a book, ankles crossed in front of him on his bed, and looks up with an amused quirk of his brow, like he knows exactly what’s happened and is just waiting for the encore. Sylus freezes mid-motion—he was in the middle of pulling a black sweater over his head—and stares at me with wide amber eyes that quickly narrow into a glare.

My stare definitely isn’t on the smooth planes of his abs before he tugs his top on.

“Is that my towel?” he growls.

I look down at the plush navy towel wrapped around me, then back up at him, feigning innocence. “Oh, this? No, I’m pretty sure this one is mine.” I shrug one shoulder casually as I saunter towards my side of the room.

His eyes study the fabric from across the way, then to my damp hair dripping onto our floor. They drift to the sheen of steam rising from my skin and his nostrils flare.

“That’s mine .”

I glance down at the towel, tugging it slightly. “Do you want it back?” I make a show of removing it by holding one end against me while I untuck the other.

“ Nova ,” Tai snaps.

Oh, so my personal guard can show some emotion. Jealousy or irritation?

“Relax.” I chuckle, tucking the towel back securely around me with a smirk. “I’m kidding. Unless you really do want it back.” I arch an eyebrow at Sylus, daring him to argue further.

The alpha’s jaw ticks, his knuckles white where they grip the edge of his bedframe. “You used my soap.” His chest heaves. “And my shampoo. And my conditioner.”

I shrug, drifting over to my bed with exaggerated nonchalance. “Oops. Must have forgotten mine.”

“You think this is funny? You can’t be drenching your body in my scent. But of course a half breed like you wouldn’t know the first thing about what is and isn’t appropriate when it comes to bathing in an alpha’s scent.”

I sit on the edge of my bed, crossing my legs and adjusting my towel as I lean down to reach into my duffel. “You’re right. It’s not funny. Hilarious, actually.”

“You had no right?—”

“Oh, come on,” I cut him off, rolling my eyes. “It’s just soap. I’ll buy you some more if it’s such a big deal. I forgot mine, and after how poorly you treated me earlier, I thought you wouldn’t mind sharing. As a peace offering.” I beam before turning back to what I’m doing in my bag.

I find a baggy band T-shirt and pull it on over my head, threading my arms through. Next, I slide my underwear on under the towel.

He watches me dress, hands clenched tight. “You think you can waltz in here and take whatever you want because you’re some pampered fucking princess?”

I stand, letting the towel fall away now that I’m covered. “That’s what you do, right? As alpha? I mean, that’s what you tried to do.” I give him a saccharine smile before tossing the towel at him, and he catches it. “Consider it a lesson in humility. You want people to treat you with respect? How about showing some.”

He stalks towards my bed. “You have no idea who you’re messing with.”

Tai straightens where he sits, but doesn’t move yet, observing the unfolding tension with a calm, calculating look that somehow manages to feel louder than any words. His shadows spill off the bed, racing across the room to stir at my feet, the feeling like little ghosts tickling my toes. I know he’ll step in if things escalate too far, but for now, he’s watching to see if I can handle Sylus on my own.

“I don’t care who you are.” Cocking my head, I study him, letting the silence grow between us. “Actually, I don’t know who you are, but you do know of me.” I grin. “Perhaps remember that the next time you decide to fuck with me.”

The muted scrape of cardboard against the floor punctuates the extended beat of silence as Tai drags out a box from underneath my bed.The smell of bracky bloom soap and unopened packages of snacks escape the box.

He gestures toward the contents. “Here are your toiletries.” Tai doesn’t wait for acknowledgment before pulling out neatly folded towels in neutral shades, carrying the light, fresh scent left behind by the ground gnomes who’d washed and mended them.

“Why don’t you go and put these away.”

Sylus exhales in irritation as he stalks back across the room. The sound isn’t one of submission, but of restraint, as though the battle he’s itching to start is one he’s choosing not to fight. His arms remain at his sides, but it’s as if he’s daring me to respond in kind.

In due time . I grin.

I glance at Tai, who has already returned to his bed, reclaiming his book and settling in. He’s got on low-slung mesh athletic shorts that hug his muscled ass, and it takes the power of one thousand gods to tear my eyesight away from it, so he doesn’t catch me looking.

Off limits.

The soft rustle of tissue paper accompanies my hands as I pull out a small jar of cream and toss it into the open drawer of my nightstand. I really wish I had magic right about now, so I can just poof this all into place.

Maybe that’s why I don’t have my magic yet. The fates don’t want me being lazy. Well, too fucking late for that.

When I’m done putting everything away, I glance at the empty bed in the room.

“Do we know who’s supposed to be coming still?” I flop onto the bed. There was another name on the list, but I’ve already forgotten whose it was.

Tai shakes his head. “The guy who was supposed to have it dropped out.”

“That’s an option?” I sit up.

Tai's lips twitch in amusement. "Not for you, it isn't."

I groan, flopping back onto the bed. "Of course not. Heaven forbid, the High Princess actually gets a choice in her own life." I just want to make cool shit, like swords and stuff.

Sylus snorts from across the room. "Such a hardship,” he mocks. “Poor me, I grew up in a castle and had everything I could possibly want handed to me on a silver platter. Must be so fucking difficult.” He leans back against his headboard, arms crossed over his broad chest. “Spare me your whining.”

I shove myself upright. “Oh, is this the part where you tell me how easy I have it? Please, enlighten me, asshole. I’m dying to hear about all the hardships you’ve faced with—” I struggle to come up with something, “your perfect cheekbones, your alpha status, and your overdeveloped sense of entitlement,” I snap.

His eyes flash gold for a split second, betraying the wolf barely caged beneath his skin. He leans forward, elbows on his knees, looking at me like I’m prey he’s considering whether to devour or toy with first.

“You know nothing about me or what I’ve been through.” He sits back. “So, keep that fucking mouth shut before you say something you won’t live to regret.”

I lean forward. “That a threat?”

“It’s a promise, Princess.” It’s taken on that alpha-like tone, where it’s all low and growly. “You may have your fancy title and your personal guard, but here? You’re just another student. And students who don’t know their place tend to learn the hard way.”

“Uh huh.” I roll my eyes. “Sorry for using your towel. Would you have preferred I come out here naked?” I slap a hand to my chest, appearing to be scandalized. “Sylus!”

Tai’s amused huff reaches my ears from across the room.

The playful jab hangs in the air like the sharp crack of a whip. The alpha’s jaw tightens, eyes narrowing into slits. “You’re exhausting,” he mutters, tilting his head back against the headboard. “I don’t know how anyone puts up with you,” he mutters.

Ouch. Is that an alpha ability? That he can pluck my biggest insecurity from my soul, put it under a microscope, dissect it, and then weaponize it?

I glare at Sylus, the sting of his words settling in like an ache I can’t rub away. Before I can stop myself, my mouth moves faster than my brain. “Oh, don’t worry—no one actually does. But thanks for the reminder.” My tone is clipped, a little too pointed, but it still doesn’t land with the same force I intend.

I slap my hand on the button at the base of the non-magic lamp on my nightstand, plunging the room into darkness as I bury myself under the covers.