Sinful Things

7

The vampire gives Uriel a nod, and then walks out of the room. I relax in the leather seat as soon as he’s gone, and my eyes wander around Uriel’s office. I spot the shadowy black feather floating in a glass case, and wonder again whose wings are missing it. I also eye his private bookshelf and the forbidden book I stole from it last year. I feel a little guilty about that, but I had to do it to get into the Order. At least it got returned at some point.

Uriel steeples his fingers and meets my eyes. “Olivia, as I’m sure you’ve surmised, Kassiel is a Fallen and not an angel. He’s working here as part of an initiative to improve angel-demon relations, but we’re not ready to reveal what he is yet to the school. I trust you to keep this secret as part of the condition for remaining at Seraphim Academy.” I nod and pretend this is news to me. “I understand. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Good. I’ll add weekly training sessions with Kassiel to your schedule. I’m not sure when the succubus will arrive, but you’ll have to find time for her lessons as well. Do you have any other questions or concerns for me?”

“No,” I say. “But I appreciate your support. Thank you for letting me stay here.”

“Of course,” Uriel says. “You belong here as much as anyone does. I’ll see you at orientation tomorrow.”

That sounds like a dismissal, so I nod and leave the room, with Kassiel right behind me. Once we’re outside, I give him a smile. “Thanks for staying with me.”

“You’re welcome.” Kassiel frowns and stares down the road away from the house, before looking back at me with a warning in his eyes. “This deal with Baal is the best we could have hoped for, although the succubus will obviously be spying on the school for the Archdemons.”

“Uriel must realize that,” I say. “Otherwise he wouldn’t have agreed.”

“I’m sure he does, and he probably has a spy of his own at Hellspawn. Just be careful, Olivia.”

“I’m always careful. It’s how I’ve stayed alive this long on my own.”

“I know, but things are different now. Everyone knows who—and what—you are, and both angels and demons will want to use you.” His mouth twists. “Or they’ll want you dead.”

Chapter Five

Olivia

I

t’s the first day of school…and time to face the Princes.

Araceli and I moved back into our dorm room yesterday, and then went to Uriel’s orientation, where he went over the rules and introduced us to the new teachers. I was relieved to see I’d never slept with any of them this time.

As I head outside into the sunshine and breathe in the crisp air, I glance at the bell tower. It’s a habit to look for the Princes’ shining metallic wings, even though I dread the idea of seeing them. Luckily, the bell tower appears empty.

Unfortunately, my first class of the day is Combat Training, which means I’ll have to face Callan. The one saving grace is that Araceli shares the class with me, so I don’t have to walk into the danger zone alone.

I keep my head high and my shoulders square as I walk into the gym with my friend at my side. I spot Tanwen first, who is playing with her straw-colored ponytail, and she gives me a little nod. It’s unexpected, and I’m not sure what to do in return. Then my eyes land on Callan.

Somehow over the last few months I forgot just how incredibly handsome he is, and I nearly stumble as it hits me all over again. Short golden hair. Bright blue eyes. Muscles for miles. He’s delicious. And I should know—I’ve kissed him twice now.

My eyes narrow as I remember how he played the video of our second kiss to the entire school to show I was a succubus. The bastard betrayed my trust and revealed my deepest secret in an attempt to get me expelled. He said it was for my own good, that he was doing it because my brother told him to keep me away from the school, but I don’t buy it. He did it because he wanted me, and he couldn’t handle wanting a demon. Even one who’s half angel.

His eyes are hard as he stares back at me, and he crosses his arms. It feels like a challenge, but he should know by now that I’m not going to back down. I move to stand along the wall, still meeting his eyes, and only look away when Professor Hilda’s voice announces the start of class.

"Welcome back, Second Years," Hilda says with a grim smile. She’s one of the Valkyries and looks like she could tear a man in half with her bare hands. I pity anyone who would try to mess with her. "This semester, we're learning weapons."

She indicates the far wall, where a myriad of different types of weapons are displayed on several tables. "Callan is going to help me demonstrate the proper use of each of these weapons over the next few classes, and then you're going to try each of them out. Over time, you’ll find an affinity for one of them. By the end of the year, I expect you to be able to pick up any weapon and use it without injuring yourself in the process, and to be well-trained in the weapon of your choice.”

Callan walks over to one of the tables and picks up the first weapon, a huge two-handed sword. My mouth waters a little as he lifts the heavy blade with ease. Hating him would be a lot easier if he wasn’t such a perfect specimen of masculinity.

"Sit,” Hilda says. “Get comfortable."