Page 32 of Twisted Ties

“It isn’t what I want, Rhianna. If I had my choice, I’d never let you leave my bed.” I wonder, if it comes to it, whether I’ll be able to drag myself from it. “But I have a joband you have a madman out to kill you. You are safer at the academy.”

“Safer than with my fated mate?” I can’t help but spit.

“This situation is far more complicated than you understand. I have enemies. My family has enemies.” He pauses. “You have enemies. The academy is one of the most guarded and protected places in the land. I want to keep you safe. And you will be safer there.”

“So you want me to go?”

He sighs. “Youwant to go back.”

I flop back on the bed, and Pip licks at my face.

“I do … but I also …”

“We will still see each other, Rhianna.”

I lift my head to stare at him. “Really?”

“Yes,” he says firmly. “But this will give us time. Time for me to find Renzo Barone. Time for you to learn, to grow your powers. Afterwards …”

“Afterwards …” I say, wishing I didn’t sound so stupidly eager.

“We will be in a better position to determine our future.”

That spasm of disappointment rockets through my stomach again. It’s nothing. Only my pride wounded. That’s all it is.

I thought I had a plan – perhaps not a very solid one – but I knew I had to learn as much as I could and then escape. Now, I’m more concerned with the thing Stone teased me with. My identity.

Because my mate is not only the authorities’ enforcer, he is an heir of the Kennedy family. Strong, powerful, beautiful.

Why would fate bind him to me?

Is there something different about me?

I think about those memories locked in my mind. I thinkabout the scarlet magic I wielded against Spencer Moreau. I think about my ability to see magical fingerprints.

I think most of all about why my aunt was keeping me safe. From what? From whom?

Sometimes I wonder if she was keeping me safe from myself.

The man in black examines my face. “Then we’re agreed. Once you’re properly healed, you will return to the academy.”

He paces forward, scooping Pip off the bed and depositing him outside the bedroom door. Then he stalks towards me with that dark look in his eye I know can only mean one thing.

Not yet. I’m not leaving yet.

Whatever comes next can wait until tomorrow. Because I’m pretty sure fated mates, bonded fated mates, aren’t meant to live apart. I doubt it’s sensible. I doubt it’s what fate wants. Fate wants me in his bed, in his arms, pressed against his heart. Like now, the hook in my belly humming with satisfaction.

Going against fate. I doubt it’s sensible. But when have I ever done the sensible thing?

However,a summons from the Chancellor to meet at the academy ruins all our best laid plans. It’s something my mate insists cannot be ignored.

It’s a week since I last stepped foot inside Arrow Hart Academy, and yet it feels like an age. So much has changed since then. My world once again twisted upside down and all the loose parts tumbling free. And yet, I’m here farsooner than I wanted to be, despite my declarations to Azlan.

“Let me do the talking,” Azlan tells me as we enter the school through the old manor doors and make our way inside.

“Why?” I ask. It’s pathetic, but I wish he’d hold my hand. I’m reminded of the last time I was paraded in front of the Chancellor to learn my fate. Only this time, I feel more nervous. Is it because I’ve grown fond of this place – despite all the assholes? Or is it because I’m growing fond of the man beside me?

“The Chancellor is a cunning man – perhaps not as cunning as my uncle,” he mutters under his breath, “but we are better to keep certain pieces of information to ourselves.”