House of Royale (Secret Keepers #4)(76)
“I have no idea how you both managed to catch up on the schoolwork in such a short time,” Callie said, her face paler than usual. “It would have taken me five years to read through all of those assignments.”
Emma shook her head. “No way! You can do anything, Cal. You saved us all. You read those words in your head that helped you release the stone. Laous was trying to play on what he perceived as a weakness, and you went boss-lady on his ass.”
Callie shook her head, but she did smile, and some of the color returned to her face. “Thanks to you,” she murmured, hugging one arm around Emma. “If you hadn’t helped me so much, I’m not sure I would have had a shot at reading in my panicked state.”
Emma moved to return the hug and I released her arm so she wasn’t being pulled in two directions. “Not a doubt in my mind that you’d have killed it without any help from me,” she said softly to Callie.
The rest of our conversation was cut off when we entered the main building. I paused just over the threshold, staring around and trying to figure out how this was a school.
“Let me guess,” I said with a snort of laughter. “This was … designed by our other friends.”
The girls just nodded and laughed with me. “Yeah, they really need to work on their blending abilities.” Maya snort-laughed.
Students were pushing through the doors as it got closer to being time for the first bell. I was surprised to see so many of them staring at our group, especially Emma and Callie. They didn’t know Maya and me, but we still got a fair share of stares.
“I was invisible in my high school,” I said, fighting the urge to duck my head. This was when my height was a pain in the ass. “Guessing that’s not going to be the case here.”
Emma actually laughed so hard she had to rest her hands on her knees while she tried to suck in deep breaths. “Oh, God. You just wait, Ava. Our guys are part of an elite world here in Astoria, and they are worshipped.”
Which explained why there were so many dirty looks tied in with all the curious ones coming our way. Clearly no one liked Emma and Callie stealing their gods. “Speaking of,” I said, “weren’t they supposed to meet us here this morning?”
All four had been called into a last-minute overlord meeting, and had reluctantly agreed that we could go on ahead to the school early. With Callie among us, there wasn’t much humans could do to hurt us.
A shout rang out before anyone could answer. “Hey!” Star was waving as she rushed toward us, an amused Brad following close behind.
Maya greeted her best friend with a hug. Emma greeted her sister-in-law the same way. I watched it all with a warm happy feeling in my chest. I hadn’t had a chance to get to know Brad or Star that well yet, but they were both extremely nice. And extremely in love.
Lucky Roland and Ambra were all about their children’s happiness first and duty second, because I imagined it might have been difficult for Star to tell them that she loved a human dude. Emma was at least special in their world. Brad was only a bystander caught up in it all.
“What’s your first class?” Star asked, pulling a folder from her backpack.
Emma didn’t even have to look at hers; she already had it memorized. “We’re all in AP Calculus. Lexen made sure that we’re all in the same classes, except for Maya, who had some special requests.”
The rest of us were just here for the social aspect. We were exempt from tests and assignments. Somehow the overlords worked that out. Probably helped that we were the mates of the founding fathers of this entire school and half the town.
A bell rang and more students rushed past. We were drawing attention, but no one seemed game to stop until a blond girl skidded to a halt and let out a scream. Emma immediately shrieked as well, and the pair rushed together, hugging like they hadn’t seen each other in years.
“I can’t believe you’re back,” the girl said, pulling away, her bright green eyes filled with tears. “When they said you had a huge family emergency, I thought for sure I’d never see you again.” She swallowed roughly, her eyes holding a fresh look of horror. “Then when those men came … well, I was glad you didn’t have to go through that.”
Emma’s face crumpled, and she hugged her friend tightly again. “I wish I’d been here with you all. The worry that they’d hurt you was far worse than not being here.”
They remained in a tight hug for an extended moment, and when they pulled back both wiped at their eyes. Emma reached out and grabbed the other girl’s hand. “Come on, let me introduce you to the other members of my family.”
The girl looked both apprehensive and excited as she was dragged our way. “Guys, this is Cara,” Emma said happily. “She was my first friend in Astoria.”
She then went around and introduced each of us to Cara. “And that’s Ava,” she finished. “Xander’s girlfriend.”
By this time Cara had her mouth wide open, staring between all of us. “Are you telling me,” she finally said, “that you four are all dating the guys from the elite families? OMG! I should have known, though. You’re all so stunning. Like a group of freaking supermodels.” She dropped her eyes to Maya. “Petite supermodel for you.”
Everyone laughed, but she just kept gaping at us. “I have to tell everyone,” she said suddenly. “All of these thirsty bitches in this school need to know to get their hands and eyes off your men.” She nodded decisively. “I’ve got your backs, don’t you all worry about a thing.”