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It’s then I realize I’m not equipped to do much of anything to her. Not with that stormcraft at the tip of her fingers. Even if I drew the knife sheathed at my thigh, she’d fry me before I had a chance to bury it in her skull.

“What do you want?” she demands.

Bellamy smirks. “Yes, Raina.” He says my name like he’s tasting each letter. “What do you want?” His question is laced with amusement.

“I don’t want anything.” Why did I even come over here? He can fend for himself. “I need to speak with you.” I glance at the bitchy mage glaring at me. “In private.”

Melody laughs at my expense. “Oh my Goddess,” she says with a scoff. “Do you really think he’d be interested in you?” She places a possessive hand on his thigh. “He’s spoken for. Now, run along.”

“Actually, I’m not spoken for yet.” Bellamy’s shadows wrap around her wrists, yanking them off his body as he stands. He smooths his black shirt, which is stark against his alabaster skin. The top two buttons are undone, like he couldn’t be bothered to do them, and his black slacks hug his powerful thighs.

Rowan joins him, dressed in all black as well. Did he, Drake, and Bellamy coordinate outfits? Rowan is more burly than his friends, and the sleeves of his shirt are molded to his biceps, practically showcasing his strength. His brown hair hangs loose and long today.

“Bellamy,” Melody complains. “You can’t be serious. She’s a plague.”

“The plague has never looked so sexy.” The vampire drags his teeth over his bottom lip.

“Do you hear the words coming out of your mouth?” I ask as he strides to my side, holding my stare, the smirk still toying at his lips. Does he ever take anything seriously? He and Rowan stop before me. The two of them are so tall, I tip my head back to search their faces. Bellamy’s is impossible to understand, but Rowan’s is open and curious.

Melody is sputtering, but Bellamy doesn’t seem to care. He tips his head. “Lead the way, Threshold Breaker.”

I already regret coming over here. Regardless, I intervened and I can’t back out now without making Melody think she’s won. So with no real plan, I lead them toward the hall. My friends have stopped dancing. The three of them take a step toward me, ready to intervene. I smile and hold up a finger to let them know I’ll be back. They hesitate, but I mouth I’m fine and, reluctantly, they stand down.

Rowan makes a point to walk off to the side where I can see him out of my periphery. Bellamy follows his example. I press my lips together. Did Rowan tell him about what I shared? I take a few turns, leading us to some random hall. As soon as we’re far enough away from the ballroom, I turn around, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

I open my mouth to speak . . . Except, I don’t know what to say.

The shifter tucks his hands in his pockets, eyeing me with a guarded expression I don’t understand. Bellamy on the other hand, his thumb brushes over his bottom lip. He traces my body with that red-rimmed gaze, and by the time he reaches my face once more, his eyes are nearly pure crimson.

“Pray tell, Threshold Breaker, why are we out here?” His fangs flash as he speaks, shadows blooming around him, though they don’t look as upset as they were earlier with the way they spread and stretch toward me.

They almost look . . . curious? Is that possible?

I stare at them longer than I should. Shaking my head, I clear my throat. “First, my name is Raina. You can stop with that stupid nickname.”

“I’ll consider it.”

My hands fall to my side, and I fist them. “Has anyone ever told you you’re annoying?”

That only seems to amuse him. “Never.”

“I have. Many times,” Rowan says. I shoot a grateful look at the shifter, and he nods.

Bellamy shrugs. “Some might call me charming.”

“Only the deranged,” I mutter, a buzz rushing through my veins and making me a little dizzy. I shouldn’t have had that last shot.

Rowan ducks his head to hide his grin. He’s the only one of the quad that doesn’t get on my nerves. Maybe because he doesn’t walk around campus lording his Foundation blood and rank over everyone else the way Drake does.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Bellamy edges closer, studying my throat, moving as if called by a siren. “Or are you finally going to quench my thirst?”

“There’s not a guy in this room who would want you.” Drake’s words echo in my head. I wonder if he realizes his friend is desperate to drink my blood. How would he feel knowing his friend desires me when he so clearly loathes me?

Bellamy takes another step closer but stops when Rowan places a hand on his arm. Confusion ripples over Bellamy’s features, and he looks at his friend, whose eyes are glowing, his animal pacing in the depths of his irises. The vampire takes that all in, then slowly glances at me, searching my face for the answers to his unspoken questions.

Why did Rowan stop me? Why is his beast threatening to take control? Why does he want to protect you? All those questions simmer beneath the surface.

Fuck. Okay, so maybe Rowan hasn’t told him what I shared, but Bellamy is seconds away from piecing something together. I don’t need another person to look at me with pity in their gaze, and now that I know how much Drake is determined to make me feel unwanted, a vicious part of me wants to show him that one of his bonds very much wants me.