Smoke and Wishes (Best Wishes #1)(46)

“Oh baby, I didn’t know you had friends over. Why don’t we go back to my place,” she ran a single nail down his chest, her fake eyelashes fluttering. Despite her lowering her voice, I could still hear what she said next, “and you can do that thing I know you like.” Oh gross, I made it a point to look only at the movie, tamping down on my irritation.

“Sorry, Khloe, I forgot I had some plans with my friends,” I heard Dante say. I sneaked a glance over towards them. Dante had moved back to her, his hands barely on her waist. Her arms wound around his neck, pulling him in. With the way she was clinging to him so tightly, I feared for his health. Khloe’s voice took on a low, almost hypnotizing tone the next time she spoke.

“Baby, you’re with your friends all the time, surely they can let me have you all to myself for tonight.” Her eyes seemed to glow, and the room was thick with… lust? Is she doing this?

Dante leaned into her, gazing at her lips hungrily, his hands tightening on her waist. Before their mouths could connect, he visibly shuddered, pulling away once more. “We’ll have to meet up another time, Khloe,” his voice was authoritative as his hands fell from her waist.

Khloe’s face was almost comical in how dejected she looked. Almost like she was expecting him to follow after her. Didn’t that book say there were succubi? I wonder if she's one of those…

She shot me a hard look before she turned her attention back to Dante. Well shit, more fuel for the Bitch Crew’s petty flame. “Alright, honey, I’m tired anyway,” she flipped her hair over her shoulder in an attempt to save face. “I had fun tonight. Call me,” her voice was muffled by the action from the movie. The door latched shut, Dante shuffling over to where we were all seated.

“Looks like you guys are comfy,” he waved his hand towards our little bundle on the couch, including Hudson since my fingers were still combing through his thick hair. “You sure Brittney would be okay with that?” Dante’s eyebrow arched while he waited for Hudson’s response. I felt him shrug.

“Don’t care, this feels amazing,” His voice was heavy with sleep. Note to self, Hudson likes his hair played with. Dante rolled his eyes before plopping onto the ground leaning against Nik’s chair. Despite the uneasy feeling in my stomach over Khloe and Brittney, something felt right having all of my guys around me. It felt as though I was truly safe for the first time in years. Warmth filled me and lulled me to sleep against Logan’s side, my fingers still tangled in Hudson’s hair.





14





September 14th

Friday Morning

Lucienne





The week had passed with relative ease. Despite the Bitch Crew’s discussion of a plan, I hadn't heard anything from them. It was nice, but also slightly worrisome. Justin had been ordered to stay away from me after our confrontation. He had been sentenced to doing janitorial work around the campus when he wasn’t busy with his classes, excluding the library, of course. My classes were progressing at a steady pace, and I was actually doing a pretty good job of keeping up in them. Though we would be focusing more on our practicals soon, which might be a pain.

Debate class was going well, Cam had been spectacular in planning out our points. We’d made some progress, and since our debate wasn’t scheduled until November 1st, we had plenty of time to go over it. Power Testing with Hudson and Professor George had been slow going, I just couldn’t seem to gain complete access to my powers. Reality warping is the only one to really manifest so far, but I have yet to be able to control it. Hopefully, my practical work with the dean would get me closer to commanding it at will.

Alex had emailed me over the weekend about scheduling our first private mental defense session. We were to meet up almost every Friday morning before my shift at the library to expand on what I had been learning in class. As I pushed open the door to the Administration office, my stomach began tying itself in knots. It was my first time in this building, so I had absolutely no idea where I was going.

The lobby was modern, a stark contrast to the historical architecture of the exterior. Marble flooring reflected the lights hanging from the tall ceilings. Large windows allowed the partly sunny weather to filter in, illuminating the entryway. I saw a long desk with an older man perched on a rolling office chair typing away on a computer. Figuring it would be better to ask than to wander around the four-story building all on my own, I made my way over to him.

“Excuse me, sir?” I asked quietly, stepping up to the desk. The older man’s head turned and looked up towards me, wispy grey hair sticking out every which way. His blue eyes were strangely familiar, and the smile he offered was friendly. My nerves dissolved with the combination.

“Yes, miss?” His voice was wobbly, showing his age.

“I was wondering where the dean’s office was? I haven’t been in the building before and I just know I’ll get lost if I go searching on my own,” I gave a small smile, shifting my bag strap on my right shoulder.

“You must be Lucie! Mr. Renaud informed me you would be coming by on Fridays. I have to admit, I still get lost in this building, and I’ve been working here for years,” he chuckled. His laugh was broken up, but it was warm and open. Pointing towards a staircase to the right he explained, “if you want to take the stairs, they will take you directly to his office on the fourth floor. Mr. Renaud prefers to walk. However, if you would rather take the elevator,” He pointed to the elevator behind me and off to the left wall, “Take a left once you step off, and walk down the hall. His door is the old-timey looking one with dark stained wood, the nameplate will be to the right.”