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“I think if she were our tether, we’d already know. We’ve done a handful of simulations with her, and nothing's changed.”

In the second year, groups run through various simulations to learn how to fight as part of a team and to see if any bonds snap into place. When a vinculum fight alongside their tether, that central bond will naturally complete. There are other ways it can happen. Sex, for one, or the tether being in peril and their mates saving them. “Have you tried se⁠—”

“Fuck, no,” he says, cutting me off, then giving me an apologetic look. “Sorry, but I’d rather have sex with a hole in concrete than hook up with Melody.”

I cringe at the thought. “Noted.” Silence settles between us for a moment. “Carver was in the Paranormal Guard.” The wheels of the carts whir over the sidewalk, and I eye the horizon and the warm colors spilling across the sky.

“He still is,” Bellamy finally answers, even though I didn’t necessarily ask a question.

“But he’s here at the university now?”

Bellamy nods.

I make an exasperated sound, and the vampire grins.

“If you want Carver’s story, you’ll have to ask him.”

Speaking of, we reach their home and I slip inside, pausing. The spot Carver usually waits at is empty. Over the last few months of me working, he’s never left me alone down here. I’m not sure why he’d start now, especially with how irritated he was yesterday.

Where is he? Wait, why do I care? Besides, he’s probably preparing for our morning tutoring session. Speaking of, I need to finish up here and get over to the pit—not that I’m excited about the extra lessons. I’m only determined to prove that I’m not a waste of space.

Shaking my head, I pull my attention away from Carver’s usual spot and grab the dirty linens and rejoin Bellamy. He’s watching me, a curious gleam in his irises and a little annoying grin tugging at his lips.

I bristle. “What?”

“Missing your mage, sweet ruin?”

I scoff. “Absolutely not.”

Bellamy hums knowingly, like he’s in on some sort of secret I’m not privy to.

That sound is annoying. I slap my hand to the cart and drag it over the concrete, walking faster than normal. Bellamy keeps pace. He always does.

“What if I told you Carver had a friend stay the night? How would you feel?”

He’s completely off base. “That’s not what this is,” I answer immediately. “Carver can fuck whoever he wants. He’s never left me alone in the house. I was surprised, that’s all.”

“You’re sure you wouldn’t mind if he had some pretty mage on her back?”

I nod so enthusiastically, I could be a bobblehead. “I’m sure.”

“And what if I did?”

“Well, I’d hope you enjoyed the fuck,” I mutter, hands gripping the cart a little harder. Why is he trying to get a rise out of me? Deep down, part of me rankles at the thought of him drinking someone else's blood, but I know that’s just the bloodlust.

“I wished it was you, you know. She was pretty enough, but she didn’t taste as sweet.”

My lip curls in disgust. Seriously? “Sorry you were disappointed.”

“Perhaps I’ll give Melody a try. Maybe having that mage on her knees will get you out of my head.”

I can’t explain the sudden rush of anger or fury, but it consumes me until I swear smoke pours out of my nostrils. I refuse to be some plaything for this Foundation. Someone to tease and flirt with when he gets bored. Stopping in my tracks, I whirl on the vampire and storm toward him. Bellamy’s bemused smile drops.

Jamming my finger into his chest, I push him back a step. “I don’t know what the hell you’re doing, but it’s not funny.” I contemplate grabbing the silver dagger strapped to my thigh, but the vampire would take too much satisfaction in me pressing it to his jugular.

He holds up his hands. “I was kidding, Raina. Carver didn’t have anyone over, and neither did I.”

“I don’t fucking care what Carver does!” My shout echoes off the buildings surrounding us. I don’t give a damn if the whole world hears me.