Valkyrie's Harem (Academy of Immortals 1)

“Of course not,” I reply, smoothing my skirt.

“Then stop volunteering for fights and climbing things.”

“You volunteered in Miya’s class. I don’t think you have the right to make accusations.”

“He called me up there. Plus,” he says with a lazy grin, “it’s hard for me not to make a scene. People are naturally drawn to my presence, especially the females.”

“You’re insufferable.” I start to walk away.

He grabs my arm and pulls me back. “Just be careful, Hildi. People are drawn to you, they notice what you’re doing.”

“In a world full of demons and other Immortals, why would they be drawn to me? A lowly mortal.”

He gives me an astonished look. “Exactly because of that.”

I jerk away from Marshal, less annoyed about what he’s said than the way my body reacts to his touch. Starting up with him had been a mistake. Not just because he’s a nightmare but because my brain and body are in conflict whenever he’s nearby. What he does to me when we’re alone feels unbelievably good. But an orgasm isn’t a reason to be with someone. Even if it is earthshattering. It’s a distraction. One neither of us need.

I turn away from the dining hall and head back to the dormitory. Tired of the eyes and judgments following me all day. Marshal is right. I need to keep my head down. I wander through the narrow halls looking for my room, but I’m lost in my thoughts and get turned around.

Everything in the Academy looks the same. The narrow hallways and stone stairs. I take a left, thinking it should lead me to the right wing, but the doors are different. Black oak instead of mahogany.

I pace the halls realizing that not only am I not on the right hallway, I don’t think I’m in the right building. I hear voices around the corner and sigh with relief. Maybe they can help me get back to my dorm. I approach the turn and catch a snippet of the conversation.

“The Immortals. Are you sure of their allegiance?”

I press my back against the wall.

“The gods sent them here,” a familiar voice says. It’s Professor Christensen. “Do you think they’d send someone unworthy?”

“We were expecting the Raven Guard. We were prepared to capture them and eliminate them as an obstacle. Why didn’t they come through the portal?”

“Maybe,” Christensen says slowly, “the Immortals took care of it on the other side. Perhaps the Immortals removed the obstacle for you. It certainly makes things easier.”

“Interesting point,” the man says. His voice is deep—commanding. I have no idea who it is. “Keep an eye on them and anyone they’re engaged with. We may not have the handle on this that we think we do.”

“Yes, Headmaster Gardener.”

Headmaster.

I’d been so busy acclimating to the school, the classes, and the other students, I forgot about the leader of the school. Self-preservation tugs at my belly and I turn to leave before I’m discovered. I spin on my heel, moving fast, and ram into something—someone—hard. Strong hands steady me and without a word, I’m tugged into a dark room.

My fist balls, ready to strike, but a voice whispers, “It’s me, Armin,” before I make a move.

I exhale and we’re both silent as footsteps pass by the room we’re in. Neither of us move until the hallway is quiet.

“Did you hear that?” I ask.

“I did. I met with the Headmaster earlier. He had a lot of questions about our contract and the hold the Raven Guard has on us. I assured him that we were free, and we are not bound to them in any way.”

“It seems like you weren’t convincing.”

“Not enough, I guess.”

Even though the threat is gone, we’re still standing close together. I look up at Armin’s face, assessing his square jaw and crystal blue eyes. His hair is pale—almost white, and pulled tight at his neck in a ponytail. There’s a lingering pain in his eyes. Not as angry and dark as the others. Lost.

I feel compelled to ask, “Is there any chance you’re playing me and the Raven Guard?”

He frowns. “Playing you? I don’t understand? Like a game?”