CHAPTER FOUR- A PRETTY BOY AND AN ARCH NEMESIS

THALIA

The one on the left was easily six foot two. He looked fit, and lean—an athletic warrior’s build. He had platinum blonde hair, and a book in his hands, and… he looked like he wore his heart on his sleeve. Beautiful was the word to describe this porcelain skinned man. He reeked of Alpha, and his icy blue eyes of softness. 

“Lucian.” He gave me a half-nod, “Congratulations on being selected. I'm sure it didn't come as a surprise.” 

“I….” That sounded more like a whimper. The figure opposite him arched a brow at that, before I could fully slip my leg in, his face came into view. I had definitely seen him before too. Dark hair, piercings on his lips and brows, he seemed to have a subtle goth aesthetic going for him and those eyes…dark amber—almost whiskey coloured. 

"Master Lucian?" The chauffeur's voice came from behind me. "Please, sir. We are getting late, we need to reach the academy before sundown."

Say something. 

Do something Thalia. You're Lucian Ashen, for goddess's sake. Act like it!

“Yeah, it wasn't a surprise. Duh, I'm Lucian Ashen after all.” 

I slid into the car and sat on the right near the dark haired boy with a brooding expression and pursed lips. From the tattoo on his arm I could instantly tell who he was. 

Shit. Shit. Shit. 

Ragnar Norales. 

And not just any Norales. The Norales heir. The one Lucian had mentioned twice in my presence, once while laughing about some territorial dispute, and once while bragging about sleeping with Ragnar's girlfriend in high school.

My brother had thought it was hilarious.

I had a feeling Ragnar had not.

I instantly wanted to change seats, to move literally anywhere else in this confined space when I felt a palm close around my arm.

I froze like dried anchovies.

"Where are you going, golden boy?" Ragnar's voice was a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through his grip. "Don't you want to catch up on old times?"

His amber eyes locked onto mine, and there was something predatory in them. Something that said he had been waiting for this moment. 

"Catch up?" I forced a smirk. "I wasn't aware we had anything to catch up on, Norales. Did something important happen in your life that I should know about? Did you win a ribbon at the county fair or perhaps learn to use silverware?"

“Funny.” Ragnar scoffed. “I could say the same about you. Though I suppose when your greatest achievement is being born with the right last name, there's not much to update anyone on.”

"Gentlemen."

Both Ragnar and I turned to look at the platinum-blonde young man, Caleb Silverveil.

He closed his book with a soft thud.

"Perhaps we could save the territorial posturing for the academy?" 

Ragnar's lips twitched. He released my arm and leaned back in his seat, spreading his legs in a way that took up far more space than necessary.

"Silverveil is right," he muttered, though his eyes never left mine. "Plenty of time to establish hierarchies once we get to the Howling Spire." He locked eyes with me before looking away. "I hope you heal just as fast as you run your mouth, Lucian."

“You wish.”

The comeback was weak as hell, I knew. But my chest was pounding. He would beat me to a pulp and I wouldn't be able to fight back. The moment I got to the academy I had to find a way to manipulate the forbidden arts as fast as possible. I was still lost in thoughts when I felt someone sniff me. My eyes widened as Caleb took a whiff of my neck. 

“Weird. I can't pick up on your scent.”

That got Ragnar's attention, he turned to me and narrowed his eyes. He locked eyes with Caleb and then with me. 

In less than three seconds I had two Alpha’s sniffing down my neck, trying to pick up on a scent I didn't have. These were full blooded Alpha’s, if I didn't do something soon they'd start asking questions. 

I pulled myself away from them with a nervous chuckle. 

“I know I'm hot.” I crossed my arms and played it cool. “But I didn't know I could attract males too. Sorry to burst your bubbles, I don't swing that way.”

A scowl appeared on Ragnar's face and for a moment I was scared he had figured it out. Then he simply turned his face to the side and ignored us completely. Caleb sat back in his seat and murmured an apology. 

“Sorry. I don't know what came over me.”

“Attraction.” I whistled. “Such a strong thing—ouch.”

Something hard hit my head. I turned to Ragnar who sneered.

“You aren't that much of a catch Lucian, so shut the hell up already.” 

It didn't matter whether Lucian was an ass or not at the moment, but I wouldn't stand for having a mini-rock thrown at me. 

“Watch yourself, Norales. Behave civil for once.” 

He chuckled and rose from his seat. Caleb lifted his hand trying to quieten us both, but Ragnar had this dark glint in his eyes. He stood in front of me and lowered his head.

“Civil? The last time we met you fucked my girlfriend. And as if that wasn't enough you pissed all over my clothes in a sick twisted exhibit of whatever pathetic dominance you were trying to prove.” 

I did what? I mean, Lucian did what?!

“About that, could we…any chance that we could get past that. I must've been drunk and not thinking clearly.” 

Caleb arched a brow. 

“Oh, I was there, Ashen. Trust me, you weren't drunk” He opened his book and focused on the pages. “Still Ragnar, don't stoop to his level.”

“Too late.”

His dark amber eyes were fixed on me while his fingers slowly took apart his buckle. My words stuck in my throat. 

He was going to pee all over me in payback?

I tried to stand up but he reached an arm and pushed me back to my seat. 

“Ungf—Mr chauffeur! Mr chauffeur!” 

Was the man deaf or something? I kept on screaming for help. Ragnar scoffed. He gestured around the limo.

“It's sound proof, idiot.” He continued. “What was it you told me? Ah yes. Smile for the golden shower, wolf.” 

I shut my eyes tightly the moment his belt hit the ground.