Legacy of Shadows (Supernaturals of Castle Academy, #1)

by Tessa Hale

A hand wrapped around mine, squeezing, and I jerked at the familiar buzz that lit in my palm. That buzz had only ever come from one person. My gaze snapped to the side. The tears almost came then. Colt. The boy who I’d spent every summer with from before I could walk. The son of my father’s best friend. He was my true refuge. He always had been.

His absence was just as raw now as it had been eight years ago. No, it was worse. As if time had intensified that burn of his loss.

His eyes were fixed on my side, as if he could still see the marks. The gold in his irises glowed like fire. “Who. Hurt. You?”

Colt and I when we were younger, playing in a creek near my old house, him splashing me with a wild laugh. Then another image. Us, middle-aged, dressed in evening wear and dancing across a ballroom, the gold in his eyes glowing. “I love you, LeeLee.”

and heat hit my cheeks as I realized Colt and Ronan were both staring at me intently.

visions filled my mind. A younger version of Ronan covered in gashes and his eye swollen shut. Pain filled his expression as he shifted on a cot. Then an entirely different vision. He looked as he did now, but his face was different somehow. There was none of the pain and darkness that lived in his eyes currently. They were filled with peace, joy…love. And he was looking at me.

The moment our hands connected, I was lost to a sea of visions.

He studied me as if making sure I was telling the truth. “Thank you. I don’t think I could handle if anything happened to you.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured them. “I’m good at fading into the background.” Ronan stared at me. “The last thing that you are is invisible.”

she revealed a tattoo of a compass on the back of her neck. I blinked, taking in the beautiful artwork. Something about it pulled at me.

The moment his skin touched mine, I was assailed with images.

Someone not in their group?! 👀👀👀👀

“What are you doing?” Ronan gritted out. Declan locked gazes with him. “I guess I’m eating lunch. Unless you’re going to try to steal that from me, too.”

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN

the Lost Boys don’t take girls under their wing.”

“Sam,” a deep voice bellowed. She shrieked as thick arms closed around her, lifting her off the floor. The massive guy nuzzled her neck. “You’re late.” Sam grinned as she shook her head. “Class has been out for approximately one minute.” Another guy leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. “We were worried.” She melted into his kiss. “I’m here now.” A third guy grunted. “Let’s go.”

He leaned forward, his hand sliding along my jaw to the back of my neck. “You’re wanted, Leighton. I want you here. And nothing will ever change that.”

Those amber eyes sparked with gold flecks. “Pretty sure I’d do anything for you.”

“Yeah, Colt,” Trace ground out. “See any dogs while you were on your run?

Alright so they must be wolf shifters or something, and is she a seer?

what The Assembly was. Colt had given some answer about it overseeing his father’s company, but I wasn’t sure he’d given me the entire truth.

“Just family drama.” My brows pulled together. “Family?” Declan nodded. “Didn’t they tell you? Ronan’s my twin.”

THATS WHAT I GUESSED 😂

“What. The. Hell. Happened. To. You?”

“How do you feel?” His voice was a husky whisper, and suddenly, Dash was shifting behind me, sitting up so that he could see my face. Ronan pushed up from his spot across the foot of my bed, letting go of my ankle. But it was Trace that had my jaw dropping. He sat propped in a chair near my bed, Briar curled in his lap…purring.

Four growls filled the vehicle, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

It was me who closed the distance, my lips finding his in desperate need. Declan’s tongue slid inside, stroking mine. It was an explosion of sensation. The bite of mint. The spark of fire. It all swirled around me as I lost myself in everything that was Declan. It didn’t matter that what I felt for him wasn’t logical. All that mattered was that this feeling never left. I pressed myself into Declan, seeking more, seeking everything. He growled low, his hands fisting in my hair.

“Trust me when I say, you’re the only one that I want. Always.”

“When people mess with you, I get grumpy.”

Baldwin clasped his hands under his chin. “You look beautiful, Leighton.” I smiled. “Thanks.” “Do you want some help with your hair and makeup?” My brows rose at that. “You can do that?” He tossed invisible locks over his shoulder. “Girl, I was made for this mission.” I laughed. “Good, because I am definitely not.”

This man is MF adorable 😭

Light danced across my vision as an invisible cord pulled tight inside me.

“Deep breaths, Little Bird. Deep breaths,” Trace crooned in my ear. “I’ve got you.”

Bro they’re pissibg me off with all the lying and gaslighting. This is MF ridiculous. She better be goddamn PISSED when she finds out whatever tf is going on

“Anchor…”

I shoved off his lap, needing space. “I don’t get it. If I don’t have any abilities, why did you bring me here?” It was only risking exposure for them when they didn’t need to. The guys all shared a look, but it was Ronan who finally spoke. “Because you’re our mate.”

I glanced at Dash, and he grinned. “I feel it here.” He circled his sternum. “It’s like a deep tug the moment you walk into the room. Like my heart is trying to get to yours.”

But now you’ve crossed the line. You’ve hurt what’s ours. Our most sacred gift. I should gut you where you stand.”

No one goes after my mate like that.”

“Oh, shit,” Declan muttered. “Is he imprinting already?” Colt slowly approached us. “You need to let her go, Trace.” Trace’s chest heaved beneath me. “I can’t.”

Mac frowned. “He’s gonna be pissed.” The driver shrugged. “Maybe he shouldn’t have kept so many secrets.”

FACTS DRIVER FACTS