Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(58)

Which meant he was about to get his butt kicked. Not that she’d enjoy seeing that, but…yeah, she would.

Jaxon slowed his motions and concentrated on deflecting the Orange dragon’s thrusts. Wooden sword smacked against wooden sword. Jaxon found his opening and stabbed Octavius in the side.

Vivian growled.

Octavius went on the attack and landed a blow to Jaxon’s midsection. The blonde doubled over but managed to thrust his sword at Octavius’s leg. The Orange dragon jumped back, but not before his shin was hit.

“You’re quick,” Octavius acknowledged. “The next blow decides the winner.”

Jaxon wore a look of fierce determination. He blocked the Orange dragon’s moves while biding his time. In a blur of motion, he struck Octavius on the arm. The Orange dragon’s sword stopped half an inch from Jaxon’s jugular vein.

Both males breathed heavily. Octavius tapped the sword to his opponent’s neck and then lowered his weapon. “Well played. The ring is yours.”

Jaxon’s posture relaxed. “I’m not sure I want it anymore.”

Octavius laughed. “Any time you need a workout, I’d be happy to oblige.”

The Orange dragons walked off. Bryn cleared out before Jaxon could make his usual snide remarks. Once she’d unleashed the stress of her week on a Slam Man, she flew back to her room. After showering, she was at a loss. What should she do for the rest of the day? She stared at the phone, willing it to ring. It mocked her with silence. She could call Clint and Ivy, but they could use some time alone. And Zavien, she wasn’t sure what she’d say if she called him. Hello, this is the girl who annoys the crap out of you who you might like, then again, maybe not. It’s not like she was five and needed to be entertained.

The dorm room walls seemed to close in on her. Where could she go? Could she have fun alone in Dragon’s Bluff? It was worth a try. After signing out at the gate, she took to the air and reveled in the sensation of freedom.

Whoosh. Out of nowhere, a Black dragon swooped within inches of her head. She jerked backward, heart racing. In her peripheral vision, she discovered a trio of Black dragons closing in on her. None of them were familiar. Taking a deep breath, she huffed out a ball of fire to serve as a barrier and a warning.

Growling laughter emerged from the lead dragon’s throat. “No need to be frightened, mixed breed. We were only playing around.”

“Do I know you?” Bryn asked.

“I’m Alec. We met in the forest when you were in the company of the Orange dragons.”

“Right, you’re the one with the tattooed chest.”

He gave a grin, which did nothing to ease her nervousness. “We didn’t have time to talk before. Why don’t you come swimming with us today?”

Not a chance. Should she say she was meeting someone in Dragon’s Bluff? He could follow her. Better to head back to campus. “Sorry. I was just taking a break from homework. I can’t stay out much longer.”

“Another time then.”

Not if she could help it.

Alec and his friends flew off. Bryn forced herself to fly at a sedate pace, not wanting Alec to know he’d scared the crap out of her.

Back in her room, she collapsed on the bed. Should she call Zavien and tell him about this incident? Alec hadn’t threatened her, but something about him made her uneasy. Since there wasn’t anything concrete to tell Zavien, she stretched out on the bed and drifted off to sleep.





Chapter Eighteen


Monday morning came too early. Bryn shuffled through the line at the breakfast buffet, wondering what fate had in store for her. When Jaxon appeared in line behind her, she decided fate sucked.

“Leave some food for the rest of us,” he said in a loud voice.

A few students laughed.

She glanced back at him. “I don’t respond to stupidity until after I’ve had my coffee.”

“Up too late with your friends?” The way he emphasized the word “friends” made it sound like he meant something else.

Whatever. As she stacked pancakes on her plate, she could hear him talking to the Blues around him about Ivy and Clint. What was he up to? It was too early for his crap. Maybe caffeine would help. She filled two mugs with coffee and joined her friends at their regular table.

Ivy sipped her orange juice while Clint scribbled in a notebook.

Bryn downed half a cup of coffee.

“Thirsty?” Ivy asked.

“I’m trying to jump-start my brain.”

Zavien joined them. He didn’t appear pleased. “Have you heard what Jaxon is telling everyone?”

Mentally, she braced herself. “What’s the idiot saying now?”

“He claims you’re trying to steal Clint from Ivy.”

Ivy’s juice glass hit the table with a resounding smack. “What?”

Sitting up straighter, Clint grinned. “I’m the campus stud.”

Bryn groaned. “Why would that asshat start such a stupid rumor?”

“The asshat is trying to undermine your reputation,” Zavien said.

“What reputation? So far, the only noteworthy thing I’ve done is shoot a fireball at his head.”

“Could that be the reason?” Zavien feigned wonder.

Clint passed him a napkin. “You dribbled a little sarcasm on your chin.”