10

Dove

"What happened? Is it a fear of blood?" Kairos asked.

I shook my head. "No. Just bad memories."

"Maybe you should eat in here for a while, at least until things settle down. You attract trouble," Kairos said as he set down a fresh slice of lasagna on the coffee table in front of me, the smell of the delicious steam luring me forward.

"No," Enko growled. He had been pacing since we got back to the dorm. "That's exactly what they want. Mel was challenging Dove's place today, and I have no doubt she will again."

"She's jealous that I'm Fated to you guys. If there's a history, it's to be expected."

Enko's jaw dropped. "You're defending her? Are you a saint?"

"No, I'm trying to curb this intense hatred of her, actually." I said, her insults lingering in my head as I grabbed a forkful of the lasagna, ready to have the most delicious first bite—

"You have such strong feelings already?" Seven's drawl came from behind me, causing me to scream and jump a foot off the couch, lasagna flying and plopping red sauce all over the wall behind him. A few of the splatters landed dangerously close to the devilish rogue. He glanced at the red mess with disinterest. His eyes rolled in an arc at Enko and Kairos, jabbing his thumb in my direction. "Guts of steel, this one. I can tell she's going to be a great addition."

I hadn't seen him come in. Shadow kitsune could nearly turn invisible in the shadows. Was it possible that he was following us, clinging and dashing shadow to shadow? Or was that just my own wishful thinking?

"Glad you could finally join us," Kairos spat spitefully. "Could have used some backup in the cafeteria. Everyone needs to know where Dove stands with us. What will happen to anyone who fucks with her."

Seven narrowed his eyes. "Enko could have handled it alone without even throwing a punch. Though I don't know if you two should have intervened. Maybe getting her ass kicked would have taught her how far behind she is."

Enko nodded. "She needs training. Badly. There's no way she's going to keep up with us."

"I am a first-year, remember? I'll learn," I murmured, but the trio remained locked in conversation.

"You train her before Skirmish practice, Enko, and I'll work with her after you," Kairos ordered, acting as the alpha among the men. He turned to Seven. "And you'll train her evenings—"

Seven snorted as he shook his head. "I leave it to you two. Don't fucking involve me with her, I have some scores to settle tonight."

"Killing demons?" I asked, expecting to go ignored, but the three of them looked at me.

Seven smirked. "Why? Want to come?"

"Yeah," I said instantly, anxious to add to my low killcount. One of the other first-years must have already had their first real kill by now.

"No," Kairos and Enko said at the same time, causing Seven's smirk to morph into a full-blown grin.

"Ah, well, too bad. Maybe next time," Seven said with mock sympathy as he sauntered to the door. "Because you really thought I would want to hunt demons with you?"

The insult stabbed at my heart unnaturally. Something inside me kept allowing me to get my hopes up about him only to be smacked down. Seven closed the door behind him.

Kairos placed a hand on my shoulder and I met his ocean blue eyes, comfort radiating from his touch. "Don't listen to him, he doesn't mean it. Don't let him push you away."

His arms wrapped around me, eclipsing me into a hug, offering genuine remorse for Seven's actions, as though it was his fault I was Fated to him.

Enko's phone rang and he looked at the screen for half a second before spurring into motion.

"I'm late for practice." He collected a gym bag, jogging up to Kairos and me. He leaned down, depositing an unexpected kiss on my cheek. His lips ignited against my skin like a warm summer breeze. "See you, Dove."

When we were alone, I gazed up at Kairos, "Is it just us again tonight?"

He frowned, releasing his arm from around my shoulder blades, the cool air hitting where his warmth had held me. "I have to go too, actually. I'm meeting with my father tonight." He glanced toward the door like an escape route. It was clear he didn't want me to meet him.

I tried to stuff down the unnatural rejection. We had barely met, of course he wasn't ready for me to meet his family yet. "Have fun."

An emotionless smile crossed his lips. "Call or text if you need anything. You can reach me at any time. Don't get yourself into trouble."

"I really don't get myself into trouble."

He raised his eyebrows skeptically. "If you don't cause it, then it's attracted to you. Especially being Fated to us now." Kairos shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, his blue eyes like a raging storm as he contemplated silently. "I'm sorry about Mel."

In a flash, his arms were around me again, encasing me in his warmth, inhaling his electric rain scent. His lips pressed onto the top of my head. His hands held lightly, allowing me to get away if I wanted to. But I didn't want to. I wanted to stay there forever, smell him and hold him and feel him forever.

Kairos pulled back enough to stare down at me. "You can sleep in my bed tonight and I'll take the couch." I nodded slowly before he added, "If you want."

We stared into each other's eyes for a long time, me searching for answers within his. I'd known him a couple days, and I wondered what darkness lurked within him.

"Did you beat up Caleb?" I demanded, hating that I had to ruin our first good moment together, but I needed to know.

"Whatever happened, he got what he deserved, choosing such an easy opponent on the first day. Besides, it's how things work around here, Dove. You better get used to people challenging you, especially when you don't have any real kills yet. And anyone who challenges you is challenging all of us."

I nodded as I watched him edge to the door.

"I'll be back late." Kairos closed the door behind him and I was left alone in the dorm. I pulled out the phone, opening the contacts.

Kairos had entered Enko and Seven's numbers as well. A twisted chortle escaped at the thought of calling Seven. Why would I ever need his number?

My eyes shifted to his untouched bed, then out the window to ponder where he'd gone.

My dagger and knives glinted against the light, the bleak twilight skies, the night drawing the demons out of their caves and hovels, sewers and brothels.

The darkness called me to hunt the creatures that had begun to prowl. To hunt the archdemon who haunted me.