Foretold (St. Bastian Institute 1)

Peter’s arms were tight around me, his face buried in my neck as he savoured his release.

“Um, Peter,” I whispered, and he groaned, kissing my neck.

We remained afloat.

“Peter,” I tried again, and he finally came to his senses. His eyes widened as he realised we were levitating, and then a second later, we dropped. The blanket and Peter’s body cushioned my fall. He was breathing heavily, his expression full of disbelief. Several moments of stunned silence elapsed.

“So, it appears your magic gets a little bit, uh, out of control when you have sex,” I said, mildly amused.

“I had no idea I could even do that,” he replied.

“You’ve never levitated while coming inside someone?” I asked, and he flushed bright red. I chuckled, cuddling into him.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t tease you.”

He stroked my hair away from my face, his eyes on my mouth. “Did it scare you?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think I’ll ever be scared when you’re holding me.”

His gaze softened as he captured my lips in a tender kiss, and I closed my eyes, drifting away and wanting to lose myself in him for a sweet eternity.

***

When I woke up, Peter and I were entangled on the library floor. It was still dark out, so I knew we hadn’t been asleep for very long. Peter still slept, his breathing deep and even. My dress, underwear, and boots were strewn across the reading nook. Butterflies filled me at the memory of what we’d done.

Peter had been my first, and I’d been his. Even in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined how perfect this night could be. I lay next to him, pushing up onto my elbow to take him in. His eyes flickered open when I pushed some of his hair away from his face.

“Hey,” he said. “What time is it?”

“Almost two,” I replied as his eyes dipped to my mouth. He cupped my jaw, his thumb caressing my cheek.

“I should get you back to Grace’s.”

“Okay,” I agreed, my skin hot from how he looked at me. I would’ve preferred to stay here all night, but I promised my parents I’d be home by three, and they’d worry if I didn’t show up.

“Just give me a second to get dressed.”

I nodded and quietly gathered my clothes while Peter did the same. I was sliding on my boots when I caught him staring at me, his gaze tender. More heat flushed my cheeks. I could certainly get used to him looking at me like that.

Once we were both dressed, Peter approached me, taking me into his arms as he teleported us back to Grace’s garden. Judging from the lack of music and voices, I guessed the party had wound down. “I’m going inside to use the bathroom and freshen up before I leave,” I said, glancing at Peter. “Then I’ll drive home. My car is outside.”

“Okay, I’ll check if Sophia is still here. We came together, and I promised I’d walk her to her house afterward.”

“So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, then?”

“Yes. I have a shift at the market, but I’ll be finished by five. Come meet me, and I’ll take you for dinner?”

My chest tingled as I smiled up at him. “It’s a date.”

Peter kissed me softly one last time before he went to look for Sophia. I hurried through the house and up the stairs. Passing by Grace’s bedroom, I opened the door and found her passed out in bed. She’d obviously had way too much fun. I closed her door and headed to the bathroom to clean myself up. I splashed some water over my face then gargled with some mouthwash. When I emerged, I found Nic in the hallway, who looked like he’d been enjoying one too many of Grace’s cocktails from earlier.

“Darya!” he slurred. “Where have you been all night? I’ve been looking for you.”

“You found me,” I said, amused by his drunkenness. I couldn’t remember ever seeing him like this. He stepped towards me, then almost fell flat on his face when he tripped on an empty beer can someone had left on the floor. I caught him just in time.

“I think I should take you home before you do some real damage,” I said with a chuckle. “I have a feeling you don’t normally drink this much.”

“Grace has been very generous with the alcohol,” he said, confirming my suspicions.

I guided Nic downstairs and through the front door. Once outside, I linked my arm through his and walked him over to his house. He fumbled in his pocket before finally locating his keys and opening the door.

I peered inside. The hallway was tidy, the house quiet. His parents were probably in bed. “Do you want to come in?” Nic offered, his eyes bleary.

“What about your parents?” I asked.

“They’re working late. I can make us some coffee.”