CHAPTER 9
DONOVAN
Iwhip the chain one more time against the dummy, before dropping it and collapsing to the mat.
After that little display from Princess, I had to exert some of the tension she arose in me.
Chuckles sound from behind, and I sigh. Looking over my shoulder, I ask Wells, “Why does she act likeI'man asshole, when you’re so much more of a dick than me?"
"Um, maybe because you already act as if she's the bane of your existence," he offers, coming to lay beside me on the floor.
I can't help the groan escaping my lips. "She's just so infuriating. I don't know if I want to kill her or kiss her. I’ve never been so simultaneously attracted and turned off by someone in my life. Fuck, and it’s only been two days." I take a deep breath and try to calm the emotions I feel swelling inside. I'm just ranting at this point. My fingers tingle, and I know I'm going to have to sneak off somewhere and let out this abundance of power I'm holding in. My magic has always been attached to my emotions.
"Think we can sneak away tonight? Hit the clearing?" he asks.
"Yes please. If I let my magic build any more, I might burst," I groan.
"I'll run it by Arrow. Maybe he can give Snow a sleeping potion, to make sure she doesn't leave while we're away." He stands and gives me a small kick. "Stop pouting, bro. You're too young for wrinkles."
I reach out and grab his ankle, yanking him back down to the mat, before flipping him on his stomach and restraining his arms behind his back. He groans but doesn't fight me. I lean over top so I can whisper in his ear. Never know who's listening around this place.
"You're getting too comfortable, Wellson. Maybe we need to do some extra sessions to make sure you're prepared for anything."
He huffs, bucking me off. “Don’t worry—Snow is perfectly safe with me.” He stands and moves closer to the punching bag.
“What’s with the Snow nickname? She looks nothing like Snow White.” I can’t help but ask. I’ve been wondering all day.
He shrugs and looks away.Is his face turning red?I move closer.
“I don’t know, man. Her skin is pure as snow.” He clears his throat and punches me in the arm—his tell that he’s uncomfortable.
I shrug. “Whatever. I'll stick with Princess.”
He laughs and gives me a look as he sits next to me, cross-legged. “And you wonder why she doesn’t like you? That right there. What isupwith you? Do you really hate her that much?”
“Stop trying to read me, Wells. I don’t hate her.” I sigh and lay back on the mat. I let a small flame out above me and meld it into a heart, then break it. “Truth is man, I can see myself liking her.”
He snorts. “And that's a bad thing? Fuck man, I like her, and I know Arrow does too. We’ve shared in the past, if that's what you're worried about.”
I shake my head and extinguish the flame. “Not worried about that. It’s just, you know how my family is—if I show even a speck of attraction to her, my dad will be planning our wedding. A Forest heir would be his dream come true for me. I already get enough pressure about Winnie.” I groan, rubbing my eyes.
He lays back down next to me. “Fuck!” That's all he says, but it sums it up exactly.
We lay there for a few minutes in silence.
“Have you heard from your dad since her arrival?” he asks me.
I sigh. “Only every hour. I’ve been dodging his calls. Last time we talked, it was to ream me out over Winnie.” Yeah, the little witch ran to her daddy to complain that I’m using her for her body but won’t commit. I mean, she’s not wrong, but she justhadto stir up more drama.
“I am so glad you ditched her ass. All she is is trouble.” Wells chuckles. “I know your family is a pain, but would it really be so bad ending up with Silver? I know she's an assignment—someone we have to watch, guide, and protect. But I’m gonna marry her someday. Mark my words,” he declares, then gets up, walking out and leaving me there to think over his words.
I mean, this girl drives me crazy and it’s only been two days but...Would it really be so bad?She is our assignment. The one person in our coven that we need to protect with our lives. She will do extraordinary things once her powers manifest.
“Donovan, Jax and Wellson. Please take a seat. Mr. Blackwell will be in momentarily to speak with you,” Alara says, directing us to one of the rooms down in the chambers beneath the academy.
“What do you think this is about?” Wellson asks, practically vibrating in his chair in excitement.
“I don't know, but it must be something big if they are having us meet with Matthews Blackwell,” Arrow states, just as the man of the hour enters the room.