Draiochta Academy: All Genres Academy Anthology Read online

  “You bitch,” Toya shrieks as she takes a look at her new schnauzer with the compact mirror Lackey two hands her. This whole time I’m staring at her nose trying not to laugh while I wonder if it will stay that way when she shifts? She’ll be like a hybrid wolf/pig or something crazy like that.

  “If you ask me, it's an improvement,” Jinx laughs, not at all trying to be diplomatic. If I didn’t know better I would say he’s greatly enjoying this. Obviously, he doesn’t give a shit about being polite. I wonder why he’s even here. It’s not like we’re friends. With a little crazy eye and the swinging of my fists, I’m sure I can win a fight if it comes to it.

  “Toya will be fine, especially after orphan Annie here changes her nose back, or you can do it,” Julbie says, running a light finger down his muscled arm and giving him a sweet smile. Of course, she’s flirting with him. He’s fucking gorgeous and just her type. This must be an off week with her and Aiden. What really surprises me is the hint of jealousy I feel. Which is crazy since Jinx isn’t mine to get jealous over.

  “No can do, we don’t do light magic, and karma magic is even harder to unravel,” Jinx replies, pulling away from Julbie’s reach. I’m downright gleeful, not that I’d ever fucking admit that I take sick pleasure in the look of annoyance and disgust on his face.

  “What!? Are you saying I’m stuck like this?” Toya shrieks. If I thought she was mad before she’s downright hysterical now, and she was starting to gather attention from the other students in the hall. Many are outright staring now, pointing and laughing, making oink, oink noises.

  “Come on, sweets, let's get you to class,” Jinx says pulling me away, probably sensing a fight coming. I’m so confused by him helping me that I let him. What is his deal? Just this morning he was glaring death stares at me for beating him in conjuring class, now he’s saving me like some knight in a tight polo shirt and jeans. Weird.

  We don’t speak all the way to class which is good because I think I’m in shock or swallowed my tongue. When we get to class, all eyes turn to us when he actually walks me inside holding tightly to my hand and doesn’t turn to leave until I take my seat. Once he gets to the threshold of the door, Jinx gives me one last parting look before leaving. Again I’m gripped by that pull I feel towards him, and I swear this time it isn’t one-sided. Something bigger was in the works here and it scared the shit out of me. When the connection is broken I look away, my eyes landing on a snarling Aiden, those golden orbs of his turning black as night. What the hell is wrong with him? Maybe Julbie texted him about the incident in the hall, but the snarl on his face looked more like one of jealousy instead of anger.

  I turn away and open my book pretending I’m focused on the information inside when my mind was really concentrating on what the hell is going on with the male supes that hate me in my life? Maybe they were abducted by aliens and these are pod people put in their place.

  I love history. Something about how the world used to be fascinates me. It was so much simpler back then. The way the world was before technology made everything much more complicated. Sure people were bloodthirsty and always looking for new lands to take over, but at least they were honest about their intentions. Nowadays most people have hidden agendas to everything they do. Most of the time they never act the way they really are, almost always hiding something.

  Before the bell rings our teacher, Miss Lily, a summer fae, ends the lecture early and pulls out her sorting hat. Kind of like the one on Harry Potter, but this one is a white wicker top hat covered in bright flower that assigns partners. Okay, nothing like the sorting hat.

  “Class, now that we are midway through the school year it’s time for our end of the year assignment that will count for 50% of your grade. I don’t think I need to tell you that if you do poorly on this assignment you will fail my class and won’t graduate. This year I have decided to do things a little differently and assign partners. The last week of school, you and your partner will present your project to the class, and how well you work together will be added into your grade.”

  Great, I hate group work and partners. Mostly because I’m happy being a loner. I’d rather get all my teeth pulled than actually work with anyone. While I’m grumbling internally, Miss Lily sets down a stack of papers on the front rows and the students upfront start passing them back. I read over the information about our project as Miss Lilly walks around with her hat. When she gets to me, I chant over and over in my head, please don’t pick Aiden, please don’t pick Aiden, please don’t pick Aiden. Karma is a cruel bitch, or maybe Lady Luck ditched me for a much friendlier witch because I groan not so quietly when I pull the flower petal from the hat with Aiden’s name written in bold block letters. Fuck a duck.

  “Can I have a do-over?” I ask crestfallen

  “Sorry, no do-overs,” she says, moving on.

  When I chance a glance at Aiden I can’t read the look on his face. I’m sure he’s pissed and doesn’t want to work with me as much as I don’t want to work with him. Oh well, we have half a year to figure this out. Maybe I can come up with a way where I won’t have to actually work with him. A girl can dream right?

  Chapter Three

  Stupid, confusing Alpha

  I’m glad when the day is over. As soon as the final bell rings I outright run back to the dorm rooms, locking myself safely inside my room. I didn’t even bother to stop at my locker first just in case there was a mob of angry wolves waiting on me. Between conjuring class, pig noses, reluctant knights, and unwanted partners that are the deciding factors if I graduate or not, I was not in the mood. What a fucking day!

  Lucky for me, I do not share a room with anyone. I have one of the highly sought out corner rooms which are all single rooms. Lady Luck was totally on my side when it was assigned to me. I had to pay more for it, but it’s worth it. If it were up to my grandmother I would be sharing one of the two person rooms which are a whole lot cheaper. Even though my father ran off, his parents set up a trust for me that has made me a very rich witch. I have enough money to last a couple of lifetimes which I am very grateful for. Without it, I would be at my grandmother’s mercy and that is not a place I want to be. For the life of me, I don’t know why she and my aunt ever agreed to raise me since they hated me so much. I’ve never felt what it is to be loved or even know what love is. It’s a pretty shitty way to grow up, and I’ve basically been on my own since coming here, but I guess it could have been worse. They could have beat me or starved me up in my room in the attic.

  Stripping, I step into my private bathroom. It’s small but like my room, I do not have to worry about sharing. Turning the water on in my shower as hot as I can get it, I stand under the spray letting the water drive my stress away. Once I start working my lavender scented shampoo in my hair, I actually start feeling a little better, that is until I hear a loud pounding at my door. What the fuck? Is the place burning down? Doubtful. If it were I’m pretty sure no one would warn me beforehand. I quickly rinse the shampoo from my hair while the loud pounding continues on my door. I almost trip when I hastily put on my robe. Pissed, I throw the door open and stare death at the wolf in the hall.

  “What the fuck do you want Fido?” I growl at Aiden, sounding like I’m the animal and not him.

  “I’m a wolf, not a dog,” he answers unfazed as he steps into my room uninvited. I’m still standing at the door glaring at the empty hallway, until he pulls me in, kicking the door closed with his foot.

  “What do you want?” I repeat, folding my arms in front of my chest. I was not happy with him being inside my room. This is my sanctuary, where I go to get away from the bullies, not invite them inside. Well, technically he invited himself.

  “We have a project, or did you already forget, Maleficent?”

  Maleficent. I hate that fucking pet name he’s given me. His way of pointing out what I am, an unwanted loser here. “I do remember. I also remember it’s not due until the end of the year, so their’s no need to work on it on the first fucking day,�
� I grumble.

  “You have quite the potty mouth on you, and you also say fuck a lot. Is there something you’re trying to tell me?” He asks seductively.

  Those beautiful golden eyes trail a heated path up and down my body, making me feel like I’m naked and not wrapped safely in my fluffy purple robe. My skin was flushed, but it had nothing to do with the cold air on my heated skin. Why does he have such an effect on my body? He’s my bully for hex sake.

  “Would you like that, Maleficent?” He whispers in my ear. When did he get so close? I didn’t even see him move. Maybe there was something going on with me today. I need to stay securely locked in my room until any attraction I may have for him turns promptly back to hate.

  Shaking my head and gathering my wits, I give him a withering look while I try to calm my racing heart. He’s a wolf shifter, a predator, I know he can hear it and going by the smug smile on his face proves it.

  “I don’t want to fuck you, I don’t even want you in my room,” I lie.

  “You know wolves can smell lies, but I’ll give you a pass for now,” he replies, raising a perfect brow.

  “How kind of you,” I snark.

  “I am, aren’t I?” He chuckles while I glare at him. “Now like I said, I’m here about our project, and I also have official Alpha business with you.”

  “What kind of business?” I ask confused. What possible business does the wolves have with me? I’m a witch for crying out loud.

  “You attacked one of my wolves. As the next Alpha, it’s my responsibility to investigate and deal out punishments as I see fit,” he shrugs like it’s no big deal and I see red. Fuck that shit. That bitch fucked with me first.

  I was suddenly pissed, the lust I previously felt turning into red hot anger. How dare he? If he thought he was going to come into my room and assert his authority, he had another fucking thing coming. “First of all, Fido, I didn’t attack the stupid cunt. Karma did. The bitch went after me and got exactly what she deserved. If you have a problem with what happened then you and your people can take it up with the witch council.”

  I’m shaking with an all consuming rage like I never felt before, it takes over my whole body and I go right along with it. I may be a dark witch, but I know the rules and I follow them. Light witch, dark witch, it doesn’t matter. All our magic works in three’s. Abuse your power and whatever you put out into the universe comes back on you in three’s. No witch worth their salt will ever fuck with the 3 law, myself included. Accusing me is an insult to me and everything I stand for.

  Not at all caring that he’s insulted me, he continues on. “I don’t need to go to the witch council, I’m taking it up with you.”

  I hate that he is so relaxed and at ease. He doesn't even care that he’s currently pissing off a hex witch. He and his little minions never see me as a threat, which is fucking stupid in my book. That was Toya’s problem, and look what happened to her? Pig nose. The good thing about Karma magic is that it’s a law all on its own. A loophole in the 3 law and most importantly you can’t be held accountable for it. Wolfie here can’t do shit to me and he knows it.

  “Well, you can’t do anything to me. She was hexed with Karma magic,” I tell him, dismissing the matter completely. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get dressed, and you need to get the hell out of my room.”

  “I’ll think I’ll stay, but by all means get dressed,” he replies and I bristle.

  “Get out Aiden,” I shout, pointing at the door.

  “No,” he refuses, getting in my face. Up close I can see he has lighter striations of gold in his eyes making them even prettier, and I hate him even more for being so fucking attractive. More so because I notice, and I’m finding myself attracted to him. I take a step back just to get a breather. Who knows what my magic will do to him, or if I’m being honest what I’ll do? I’m already fawning over his spicy apple cinnamon scent, but at the same time, I feel cornered. These contracting emotions was giving me whiplash as well as his smell was doing some freaky shit to my magic. Inside I can feel it turning as it tingles inside of me lighting up like the Fourth of July. When I put enough distance between us, I angrily pull my drawers open and pull out clothes to put on. I refuse to stay cornered by a wolf with just a robe on. I go back into the bathroom, throwing my clothes on, hoping I have everything on properly. As of now, all I can see is red. I didn’t even know if the leggings I picked and my favorite oversized hoodie matched, nor do I care. What is going on with me? Why does Aiden evoke so much anger inside me? I swear he’s the gasoline to my already blazing fire.

  Trying to calm myself down, I turn to the mirror and stare at my reflection. My waist length blonde hair was still wet and dripping on my clothes, my violet eyes were bright, lit from the inner fire burning inside me, my skin flushed, my cheeks red. I felt alive, but also confused. Who has a crush on their bully? Me that’s who, and that’s a very dangerous, stupid thing. For one, Aiden hates me. He may seem like he’s flirting now, but I know he doesn’t mean anything by it. Fucking with me is all fun and games to him, the entertainment in his evening. Two, their’s Julbie. She’s a jealous harpy and crazy possessive of Aiden, even when they aren’t together. I’ve heard the rumors of the horrifying shit she has done to females who have made the mistake of looking in his direction too long and they aren’t pretty. One girl transferred after she tied her naked to a tree out front with the word slut written on her forehead in permanent marker.

  When I exit the bathroom Aiden is lying on his back on my bed. One of his arms are at his side and the other is thrown haphazardly over his face. “Well make yourself at home,” I mutter to myself. When I get to the side of my bed, I shake his shoulder lightly. When he doesn’t stir I do it again with more force. Suddenly his golden eyes snap open and a low growl starts in his throat as he grabs me in an impressive move and rolls his body until I’m trapped up under him.

  “Aiden,” I whisper, trying not to startle him again. I don’t think he’s fully awake. Also with his body pressed against mine, I can feel something very impressive and hard pressing against my center. His head moves to my neck and he sniffs deeply, leaving a light kiss where my neck and shoulders meet. His cinnamon scent consumes me, and I can’t help the moan that escapes my mouth. The sound must be what breaks the trance because his eyes widen and he pushes off me almost falling off the bed.

  I don’t know why, but the rejection hurts. I should be over the moon that he finds me repulsive. “Wow, I didn’t know I’m that disgusting,” I retort.

  “It’s not that,” he says, avoiding eye contact, something an Alpha wolf would never do.

  “Can you just leave?” I ask in a small voice.

  “Amethyst,” he starts, “leave!” I shout, interrupting anything he’s about to say.

  Nodding, he does as I ask, and I quickly lock my door before falling onto my bed. I start to sob and for the life of me, I don’t know why. The thread of my sanity has finally snapped. Sure, I act like I’m ok with being unwanted and a loner, but sometimes it can be exhausting. All my life I’ve had this long line of people treating me poorly and tossing me away. First, my mother when she gave up on life, my father when he never came back for me, my family and coven who hate me for what I am, all the students here, and finally Aiden. His rejection hurts the worst of all. I fall into an exhausted sleep after I cried out all the water in my body. It will be best for both of us if I stay away from the stupid confusing Alpha wolf.

  Chapter Four

  Surprise Date

  The rest of the week I avoid Aiden like the plague. If I’m being honest with myself, it's not like it was hard since it seems like he was doing the same. There was no more showing up at my room, accusations about his wolves, or asking of what we’re going to do about our project. I don’t know what happened with Toya. No one has harassed me with anymore details, and as of now, she’s still sporting a pig snout. I guess they haven’t found a light witch powerful enough to lift my spell. Every time she sees me in the hall
she gives me an angry glare, but she’s wise enough to not act on any of her angry thoughts, oh and I found out from whispers in the hall that when she shifts, her wolf does indeed have a pig nose. I wish I could see it for myself. I’m sure it’s fucking hilarious.

  Without Aiden’s aid, I’ve started our project myself. I decided to do it on the rise and fall of the Roman empire. At lunch, I go to the library and do research and when the school day is over, I go to my room and type out the report. I also plan on making a model for the presentation with cute little figurines and everything. I don’t know what I’m going to do about the partner part. Maybe I’ll just have him do what he does best. Stand up front and look pretty. It’ll be an easy A for him, and we will both graduate where I’ll never have to see him again.

  A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts, and I stare at it warily. My last visitor didn’t work out well, so who the hex can that be? It’s Friday night and most of the students are out. I heard the seniors were having a party out in the woods but I never get invited to those things, so here I am stuck in my room like always. What if it’s Aiden? Please don’t be Aiden, I chant in my head as I walk over to the door and open it. To my relief, Aiden isn’t the one standing in front of my door, but I don’t know if this person is any better.

  “Can I help you with something?” I ask Jinx wide eyed. He’s standing in my hall looking like a Greek God with dark fitted distressed jeans, a super tight V-neck t-shirt that showcases his muscles nicely, and a black blazer. He looks hot as hex and for the life of me, I don't know why he’s here.

  “I wanted to know if you would like to go on a date?” He answers, and my eyes grow even wider.

  “You got to be shitting me right?” I question. “Is there someone hiding down the hall with a video camera? Am I on Punk'd?”