Nightworld Academy: Term One(Nightworld Academy #1)(36)

"I've lived a fuller life than yours in my nineteen years."

"Nineteen? Aren't vampires older than they look, like Tobias?"

He waves a hand at me. "Poor little witch, doesn't know anything."

"You arrogant bloody—"

The door crashes open and Tobias walks in, leading a girl behind him. She's shorter than me, curvier too, with brown curls reaching her shoulders. She gawks around her, mouth open, eyes glassy, and follows him like an obedient puppy. I cast a glance at her neck and can't see a wound, but my stomach still churns when she looks to me.

I've seen her before, cleaning the canteen.

Andrei's victim. Where's her protest over where she is and why she's here? Is she drunk? High?

"I told you we'd find Maeve, Sally," says Tobias with a smile. "Did you lose her?"

Sally's mouth purses as she looks around the room. "I guess. I mean, I think I did."

"And you were wandering the academy grounds looking for her. Did you get lost?" he continues.

I bristle at his cajoling tone as he catches her eye, his expression bewitching. Literally.

"I think I must’ve." She switches her focus to Andrei. "I was with you, wasn't I?"

"No." He's dismissive, but in contradiction he looks straight at her. "I was at the party, but never saw you."

I snap my head back in confusion. Sally wasn't at the party.

"You were with Maeve at the party," continues Tobias.

My blood heats with anger at what they're doing, and that they're dragging me into this. "I don't think—" I begin and then catch Andrei's imploring look as he pleads to me to join the trick. To help him.

I hope he can read my reply—I'm not happy to do this. But he’s right—Andrei helped save my life a few nights ago. I've no choice but to return the favour.

I need to get Sally away from here. "I'm tired. Maybe we should both go home, Sally?"

She rubs her head. "I think so. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel better."

"That's settled." I stand again. "Come on, I'll call you an Uber."

Andrei repeats "Uber" beneath his breath with amusement.

"Well, I can't fly her there!" I snap at him. "Nobody gave me my broomstick yet. And I doubt it's a good idea for you to accompany the lovely Sally home."

She breaks away from Tobias's enthralling gaze when she hears her name. "I'm sure I was with you tonight, Andrei." Sally touches her lips. "Wasn't I?"

"Stop playing with her," I growl to Andrei.

"We're not."

The reason I can't see a mark on her neck is answered when she lifts a hand and brushes hair from her face. Sally's wrist is bruised and the skin damaged. My mouth fills with acid and I stare at Andrei.

Sure, every girl likes a bad boy, but not one who'd rip major veins from her skin.

"I screwed up," he mouths again. "Please."

"Sally." Tobias clicks his fingers to gain her attention and her puzzled expression switches back to him. "I think Maeve has the best idea. We should help you home."

"What time is it?" she asks him in a faraway voice.

"Time to go home." Tobias steps forward and takes her hand. I stiffen. Will he attack her? Kill? She gazes up at him, her eyes filled with a trust that heaves my stomach.

"Good idea," puts in Andrei again.

Sally glances over. "I've seen you around the academy when I've been working. I remember."

I'm ready to smack away his smugness when he says, "Yeah, I'm a memorable guy. Usually."

His eyes meet Tobias's and my disgust reaches new levels. Is this a joke to them? I'm witnessing the mental magics class in action—wipe a human's mind; preserve the secret. All because a filthy, blood-sucking creature couldn't keep himself under control.

I can't stay in this academy.

Tobias gently takes her arm too and turns it over to look at her wrist. "That’s a nasty bite. Was it a dog?"

"I’m not sure."

"I think it was."

"Oh, right. I remember. The one that lives two doors down from me. She’s small but vicious," she laughs. "Chihuahuas think they run the world."

Fleetingly, I picture a Chihuahua shifter. Could there be? Hell, Maeve, that's insane.

"Don’t mention the dog bite to anybody. I know you've had some conflict with those neighbours before," purrs Andrei. "There’s no point causing trouble."

"Good idea." Sally's eyes are wide and filled with wonder like a preschool child learning secrets from a trusted teacher.

"It's late. Andrei? Maeve? Who wants to accompany Sally to find a ride home?"

"Maybe you could take her home." I pause. "Or maybe you'll bite her too."

I stumble backwards at the expression on Tobias's face, but Sally laughs. "He's not a Chihuahua."

"A wolf in sheep's clothing," I mumble to myself.

"Funny, Maeve," Andrei mutters. "And you know Tobias doesn't drink blood."

"Really? You think this is funny?" I hiss.