I smirked. Indeed. That was a human phrase I enjoyed. Although, I was tempted to literally release the microphone. It would make for a lovely sound that would startle the room from their stupor.
“So, Ryan, you’re living in a home you have no rights to, driving a car that isn’t yours, and attending an academy that you could never afford without Ella’s permission. How fascinating that you decided to involve me in your little family drama. All for what? The promise of one night with you. Which brings me back to—how the fuck could you ever think I’d choose you over Isabella?” I looked her over in obvious distaste. “Not even if you paid me, babe.”
“I think that’s enough, Mr. Nacht,” Professor Montgomery tried again.
“I don’t agree, Peggy,” I drawled. “Because, you see, the academy is about to fall under new management. When I told Father how poorly this place is run and the shenanigans allowed in these halls, he put some measures in place—and by that, I mean new ownership.” This was the part I hadn’t outwardly discussed with Ella, but she knew about it through our bond. And while she felt it was a waste of resources, she agreed with my thought process.
Because owning the academy ensured that nothing like this could ever happen again.
It also allowed us to secure her early graduation, something her mother’s inheritance required. Not that Ella really needed the funds after the hefty amount her father had left for her, but it was the principle of the matter at this point. Besides, she deserved her degree after all the shit she’d put up with over the last three and a half years. And I would ensure that she received it without having to set another foot inside that awful place.
Of course, it was about to change drastically.
“I believe the majority of you will be dismissed on Monday,” I added, grinning. “I suggest you work on those resumes tomorrow.” With a contented sigh, I smiled at my mate. “Have I missed anything, darling?”
“No, I think that about wraps it up. Can we go—”
Ryan’s palm nearly connected with Ella’s face, but my mate caught her stepsister’s wrist before she could finish the movement.
And sent the bitch backward several feet with a shock I felt through the bond.
The scream splitting Ryan’s lips made even me cringe.
Ella had zapped her hard.
But to the room, it looked like she’d shoved Ryan. At least, that was what their minds would interpret. Anything else would be too difficult for a mortal mind to believe.
“Do not fucking touch me,” Ella snapped, her voice carrying across the hushed room. “Your reign over my life ended months ago, Ryan. However, mine over yours is just beginning. Because I will be taking back the house and all the assets your mother has stolen from me.”
She stepped forward to stare down at the now cowering female on the floor.
“But don’t worry, sis,” Ella continued. “I’ll be providing you all with an allowance to live on. It’ll be just enough to keep you off the streets until you graduate from public school. Then you can go work and make your own money.”
She held out her hand for mine. “I’m ready to go now.”
I read between the lines.
She didn’t mean back to my home here in Darlington but to the one in the Midnight Fae Realm.
To where we both belonged.
I laced my fingers with hers and used my other hand to return the microphone. “Oh, I’m done,” I said to the room, smiling. “Enjoy your Winter Ball.”
The shock of the room followed us all the way to the door.
As we left without once looking back.
We were done with the present and moving firmly into the future to create our own happily ever after.
Together.
Three and a Half Years Later
“Ugh, your mother is killing me with these gowns.” Every time we spent the summer with his parents, she insisted on dressing me up like a little doll. The woman considered me the daughter she never had, and since Kols refused to accept his mate, I was alone in my torment.
Not that Kols’s mate, Emelyn, would make it any better.
Hell, that bitch would make this worse.