Night Witch (Weatherstone College, #2)(40)

The students had finally moved, and I sucked in deep breaths, returning my focus to food. I filled my plate with sushi, fruit, and yoghurt, along with a bowl of Irish stew. The fried chicken caught my eye at the end, and I examined my plate, hoping to find a spot to fit a piece.

Logan nudged me gently. “I’ll get it. Go and sit down. You look exhausted.”

“Someone kept me up half the night,” I huffed, breathlessly.

He leaned down and skimmed his lips over my neck, in the spot just behind my ear that I was starting to think he’d claimed. “And you’ll need that same stamina tonight. Go and eat.”

My head spun as I wobbled on weak legs toward our friends, all but collapsing into a chair beside Noah. Sara and Haley regarded me for a beat before they cracked up. “Holy shit, Pais, you look like you’ve been thoroughly fu—”

“Shut up,” I gasped. “Come on. I was just getting food.”

Tobias leaned forward. “You clearly enjoy that buffet a lot.”

I flipped him off while mentally cursing Logan and his stupid ability to weaken my knees.

“I’d change the subject before Logan gets here,” Noah said, the only one not openly laughing at me. “He’s not above destroying anyone who upsets his girl.”

His girl.

Dammit. “She’s blushing again,” Sara chortled. “Fuck, this is great. Our precious Paisley is in love.”

Logan strode over with my bag and two plates. He set one next to me, and the other in front of him. I glanced down to see he’d gotten me not only the chicken, but also mashed potatoes and gravy.

Dammit. Sara was right . . . I was in love with this spellcaster.

When I lifted my gaze, the dining hall and our friends faded into background noise as I attempted to convey everything I felt in one charged look. Logan’s eyes flashed with surprise and then heat.

Sara’s loud groan broke through my haze as she flapped her hands in our direction. “Goddess be damned, get a freaking room. I think I just got pregnant sitting near you two. Stop rubbing your amazing bond in our faces, or we’ll be forming a poly relationship to be part of whatever the fuck you two have going on.”

Logan, who was thankfully used to her by now, just shook his head as he leaned back and slung his arm behind me. “Sorry, I don’t share my mate. Not ever.”

Sara grumbled and let out a long sigh. “Typical.”

Tobias leaned closer to her, his accent deepening as he said, “If you’re looking for a warlock to add to your life, my schedule is suddenly wide-open.”

She wrinkled her nose at him. “I said sexy warlock. You’ve got to learn to listen, Toby.”

Logan and Noah stilled on either side of me, and when they side-eyed their friend, I got the distinct impression he didn’t like to be called Toby. Sara had her little nose in the air, as if daring him to comment back.

Tobias leaned so close his face was only an inch from hers. “You’re pushing all my buttons today, badass. Just know . . . you’re up to two.”

Her bravado wavered minutely. “Two what?”

A feral smile crossed his face. “Punishments, love. Want to go for a third?”

Sara’s throat worked and I swore there was more than a hint of desire mixed with her panic. “Maybe I do,” she rasped as she shot to her feet. “Getting water,” she muttered, running away.

Tobias chose not to follow, relaxing in his chair, even as his gaze settled on her retreating back. Turning to Logan, I raised my eyebrows and silently asked what the heck was going on. He gave the slightest shake of his head and shrugged. He was just as confused.

When I continued to look between Tobias and where Sara disappeared to, Logan nudged my plate closer. “Eat up,” he said.

My stomach rumbled in agreement, so I focused on eating everything in front of me.

When I was finally satisfied, I collapsed back into my chair, the warmth of Logan’s arm cocooning me as I listened to our friends chat about their classes.

It was pleasant and comforting, and I was hazy minded enough to almost forget my problems.

It was only when Trevor entered the room with a friend that I was reminded of Belle.

I didn’t have classes for another hour, which meant now was the perfect time to speak with the headmaster.





Chapter 18




“Elder Monroe called in this morning,” Headmaster Gregor said, steepling his fingers and peering over the top at me in his signature power move. “Belle will be back tomorrow. She’s been in India with her mother and was delayed in returning.”

I eyed him, wanting to push harder, but also knowing it wasn’t in my best interests to draw any attention to my distrust of Elder Monroe. “I’ll wait to see her tomorrow, then,” I said, getting to my feet. “If she’s not back, I’ll check in again.”

A not-so-subtle reminder that I wasn’t going to let this rest until my friend was here, visibly safe. He didn’t show any surprise by my declaration, and I had a sneaking suspicion that he knew a lot about what was happening in the magical community, far beyond his role at Weatherstone.

I’d never been keen on spending prolonged time around necromancers. Their energy had always stirred my own—and now I understood why—but today the headmaster’s didn’t bother me. If anything, I enjoyed the chill of his power, even if it created a new craving to connect with my own.