Page 73 of Never Kiss a Fae

River let out a long breath. “By the Elements, I almost wasn’t able to break through her vortex.” He glanced at me, a shaky smile mixed with worry on his face. “I don’t know if I’m cut out to be her water mentor, Titus. I’m not able to help her, not like you.” His gaze returned to Claire, mesmerized with her just as all the fae should be. “Your bonds are strengthening her far more than I ever could.”

Hmm, no, River was definitely not suited to mentor Claire. Nor did they possess a bond-mate compatibility like Claire had with me and Exos. Which, unfortunately, implied she would eventually need a water mate.

Exos already speculated she’d need one for each element.

I sort of hated that he was right.

Claire sank to her knees, her smile indicating it to be from exhaustion, not emotions. Her gaze danced with delight. “I did it. I brought it under control with minimal help.”

Just barely. But yes, she did. “Please don’t attempt that again, Claire. Not until we’ve found more mentors to help sharpen your elements.”

“Hmm, yes, on this I agree with Titus. We need to find you an air mentor. Fortunately, I have someone in mind.” Exos flicked a wrist at me, sending the vines binding my legs unwinding.

My eyes went wide. “Don’t tell me you could have done that this whole time.”

His resulting smirk said it all.

Royal bastard.

“River,” Claire said, ignoring my banter with Exos. “I’m so sorry for losing control like that. Thank you for helping me.”

He ducked his head as his face turned pink. “It was nothing, Claire. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do more.” He glanced at me. “I’m not like your other mentors.”

Her grin widened. “No, I suppose not.”

“Yes, as I said, we need to find a suitable mentor for air.” Exos glanced up at the sky that had been green and angry just moments ago. “We’ll be meeting the candidate I have in mind tomorrow when we visit Air Quad. He’s in your first class.”

Claire blushed. “Just a mentor, right?”

Exos grinned and brushed his lips against her temple. “That’s not up to me, princess.”

She leaned into him, her comfort with his presence evident in their interaction. I waited for the spike of jealousy to come, but it didn’t, surprising me. Over the last two weeks, I’d sort of learned to accept her bond with Exos. Maybe because it was different, more subtle and mischievous. While with me, she burned with passion and need.

Intriguing.

Exos folded his hands behind his back and straightened, the Royal Fae returning for duty. “The candidate will be tested, of course.” His gaze locked on Claire. “As will you. Do you feel truly prepared to face the fae and the Academy tomorrow?”

She smiled and slipped her arm through his, forcing him to buckle against her. “You’ll be with me.” Her gaze fluttered my way. “I just wish Titus could come, too.”

“He has classes,” Exos reminded her. “Don’t you, Titus?”

I sighed. “I do.”

As much as I wanted to be by Claire’s side night and day, Exos was right. I had my own classes to attend now that I had permission to resume my academic schedule. So I buried my feelings and the need to protect her, finding the strength in myself to give my trust over to Exos to do that for me.

No matter what conflicts there were between Exos and me, he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Because his feelings for Claire rivaled my own.

He’d give his life to protect her.

Same as I would.

So, this new Air Fae had a lot to live up to. And, as Exos planned on testing him, all I could think was,Good fucking luck, buddy.

Chapter16

Vox

“You’re the one in charge here,” I reminded myself, not caring if anyone heard me. Sometimes I needed a little pep talk before approaching Sol in the morning. The damn Earth Fae liked to forget that I was his mentor and he was only permitted in the guest room as a boon. He didn’t get along with the Earth Fae—or any fae—but that was why I was his mentor. He needed me.