Chapter 2
Maya
This was a much betteruse of my time. Much better than math class. I mean, who really needs math? Besides math people, I guess. I’m just saying, I’ve been walking around outside of that basement for over a week now and I’ve yet to use math in real life.
Terrible, wasn’t I? But I just really didn’t like math class. Plus, I learned much better on my own. It was how my entire life had been set up, so being sat in a classroom as a teacher talked for the entire hour made me antsy. I think the boys had thought when I’d gotten up, that I had gone to use the washroom. I had to admit, I was a bit excited for them to find me.
Henry had already been all growly this morning...so I was eager to see his reaction. This ridiculous urge to keep pushing his buttons overwhelmed me. I had a feeling it was going to get me into a lot of trouble. I wanted to see his velvet gray eyes darken.
I swallowed nervously as I continued to decorate my locker.
As mentioned, before the insanity of last night, I had spent most of the time cutting out decorations, using a new kit that the shop had gotten. I had cut out flowers and hearts that I now strung within my locker.
A moment of fear rushed through me thinking about work and my father showing up. I was alone and while I was safely inside the school, the concept made me uncomfortable. I think I continued to try to pretend that he was still dead. Unfortunately, he was very much alive and I had no idea where he was. Marco and Atlas had promised me I was safe, and I believed them. Fully. I just hoped they wouldn’t get hurt as well.
The hearts and flowers were hung on a silky pink string as they hung from side to side in my waist-high locker that was at the perfect height for me. From the magazines, I’d cut out any travel photos I’d liked.
Jordan had handed me an envelope of photos this morning, adding an unexpected twist on my set up. Yes, those photos...from the nosey gossip columns. I had to admit though, it was nice that they had gotten such a cute picture of Marco and Atlas holding hands with me as we left the jet. I didn’t care about the headlines because I couldn’t be ashamed at how happy I was that they were my mates.
Finally, on the inside of the door, I placed a large picture of Paris. I had no idea what it was about the Eiffel tower that was so appealing to me. Maybe I would tell Marco that was where I wanted to go first when we traveled.
It was officially on the bucket list. I had heard someone use that term and now I loved it. I had a very quickly growing bucket list. It is fascinating just how many experiences you miss out on being stuck in a basement.
“Wow, that’s bright!” A voice from behind me had me turning defensively. A feeling at my center vibrated in warning to never have someone at my back.
“Thank you,” I chirped, relaxing once realizing that this boy was very much not a threat. He was actually sort of pretty, like a girl, if I was being truthful. He had long lashes and a very angular face. His hair was a messy sandy color and he himself was very colorful with a bright paint splatter sweater over his uniform. His gym shoes were green and white with large leaves on them. I inhaled being able to smell him somehow from over here. The scent was almost a bit herb-like in nature.
“Why are you decorating?” he asked, looking a bit tired with his eyes red and foggy. Maybe he was sick? I didn’t want to pry but maybe I should suggest seeing a doctor.
I motioned to the dark gothic hallway with shadows and rainy windows that I could barely see through. “This is my best shot at making it brighter. I doubt the school would let me decorate the hallway.”
His smile was easy. “Yeah, I think you’re right.” I nodded and it was a bit uncomfortable for a moment. Not like how it was when that jerk Lorn was around, but more of an ‘I don’t know what to say to him’ type of thing.
“You’re new right?” he finally blurted out, sticking his hands in his pockets.
“It’s my second week, does that count as new?” I tilted my head before going to hang up my last photo, smiling softly at a job well done.
“No,” He shook his head, looking amused, “obviously, that makes you a seasoned veteran of this place. What’s your name?”
“Maya,” I met his hand in a quick shake before I pulled back. There was nothing wrong with him but it just didn’t feel the same as when I was near my boys. It felt off and uncomfortable like I shouldn’t be touching him. Was that normal? For mates, at least?
“James,” he nodded, looking back over at my locker.
“Firefly,” A voice called out, my ears heated with excitement at the name, my eyes darting to Ledger.
I tried to not stare at him too much but it was difficult.Ledger Asfourwas very handsome. How did I get so lucky to have so many attractive mates? Honestly though, even if they hadn’t been so attractive I think I still would have felt the way I did about them. The connection I had came from the center of my chest and it seemed very permanent.
My dragon mate wasn’t focused on me though, instead, his gaze was on James as he tucked his hands into his dark hoodie. I didn’t understand the look on his face exactly, but it seemed a bit annoyed and his eyes weren’t blue as much as they were black. Despite my skin prickling with awareness as he came closer, I wasn’t scared.
“Ledger,” I offered a smile, “come look at my locker.”
“Of course,” He offered, his eyes darting to mine and softening for a moment before sliding back over. “James, aren’t you supposed to be in class?”
James grunted, “Yeah I should be. I was just outside smoking.”
“Oh,” I tilted my head thoughtfully, “you shouldn’t be smoking, that is terrible for humans.”
Ledger chuckled softly as James raised a brow, “Is she...”