Ruthless Fae (Zodiac Academy, #2)

by Caroline Peckham

We’d needed to break them. It had to be done. So why does it make me feel like a piece of shit?

Everyone knows, karma’s a bitch. And today her name was Tory Vega.

“Is that what you were doing? Because it looked very much like you destroyed my office door, wrecked a custom-made desk, and then transported us to the top of Aer Tower and threw me off the top of it, Miss Vega.”

Tyler Corbin: I really hope you have that chat with him in public again so that I can watch you get dumped twice. #bitchesbecrazy

“Iron is made stronger in the hottest part of the fire, Seth. You didn't break me, you forged me.”

“Because you're beautiful and every time you're in a room he stares at you. And when you're not there he can't stop looking at that disgusting bracelet of hair he made. He wants you to bow to him, but given half a chance he'd have it both ways and have you under his arm too,”

“But I learned a long time ago that blood doesn't define a person, so I shouldn't have judged you so quickly. You're unlucky to bear the title that you do. And I would never bow to either of you for many reasons. But you aren't bad people. That being said...” His eyes travelled down me, the sensation of a zip opening along the line he cast with his eyes. “I will do whatever it takes to ensure Darius and the other Heirs sit on the throne of Solaria. And I urge you to never underestimate that vow.”

“What in the name of Santa sunbathing in a thong are you up to?”

“Well, that would just be the toad’s pyjamas,”

So go alph-uck yourself,”

“I actually have things to do tonight so if you’re done with your questions and you’re not going to bite me then I’m going to leave.”

“I’m sure you can find a nice Pegasus girl to help you work through some of that frustration,”

“Well if they’re anything like you then they’re obviously a bunch of assholes.”

Looks like we’ll be having dinner with the devil next Saturday night then.

“That's favouritism, sir!” Caleb called. “You're right, how rude of me!” Orion shouted back, lifting a hand and a torrential waterfall poured down on all of the Heirs.

thought he was being polite as he pulled me to my feet, but he didn’t release me, and I felt the brush of his magic flooding inside me a moment later.

“Elysian Mates are the most unpredictable of all the Star Bonds,” Zenith started. “An Elysian Mate is your absolute perfect match. Your other half, your soul mate, your twin flame, your one true love. It has many names. But in Solaria we call it this. Your Elysian Mate is Star Bound to you somewhere in this world. And if you come into contact with each other, the zodiac will draw you together like two ends of a rope bound to a turning wheel. And the more time you spend together, the more you will be pulled magnetically and inescapably toward one another.

“The stars will test you. The longer you are in each other’s company, the more volatile the universe will become. And if you pass all of the tests the stars throw at you, you will be presented with your Divine Moment.”

“Your Divine Moment is the moment the fate between you and your Elysian Mate is decided. You will both be called under the night sky and be presented with the choice to seal your bond forever more. If you choose to stay together, your love will be branded on you, forming a ring of silver around your irises. But if you choose to part...”

“You will be Star Crossed, and a black ring will form around your irises, marking your love as doomed by the stars themselves. From that day forward, every celestial being in the universe will work against you, forcing you apart.”

“Come back,” I said weakly, a whimper leaving my throat as they abandoned me. A hollowness filled my chest as the quiet rang out and the door swung slowly shut. I can't be alone. I hate being alone.

“Forgive my language, your majesties, but ripen my grapes and call me Tallulah, it is an absolute honour to meet you both.”

“Crinkling cucumbers, do forgive me.

“What are you laughing at you overgrown starfish?”

“This is the part where I insult him and he’s right behind me, isn’t it?” Xavier’s eyes sparked with amusement. and he nodded. Far be it from me to disappoint. “In that case, I happen to think he’s a vindictive, pretentious, twat-waffle who really needs to pull the stick out of his ass and let loose more often,” I said. “I thought we were being nice this evening?” Darius murmured behind me, and I stifled a flinch at just how close he was. “You said you’d be nice. I made no such promises,” I pointed out,

I hesitated. I didn’t really want to go anywhere with him, but I couldn’t deny the draw I felt to him either.

“Hmm...a Manhattan?” I teased and he cocked his head. “I'm afraid we're fresh out of bullshit, how about a white wine spritzer with a tiny umbrella in it?”

Caleb groaned against my lips as I began to move my hand up and down, a tingle running along my spine as I felt just how much my touch affected him, my thumb smearing precum over his head while my own wetness built between my thighs.

I’m upset bc I really like Caleb but I feel like she’s going to choose Darius. I like Darius too just feel like she’s going to screw him over

“Mmm... Maybe I’ll let you show me again some time.” Caleb’s eyes twinkled with amusement, and he caught my cheek in his large hand, kissing me again.

“Once we get this done, we can go grab some coffee.” “No, no, no.” She shook her head. “The match isn't until one. So I'm going back to bed for another six hours.”

“Enjoy it while it lasts, whore,” she snarled at me before stalking away. “It’s sex addict, not whore,” I called after her. “And it’s not cool to mock people for medical afflictions.”

“That's insane,” I breathed. “Nope.” Diego leaned out of his chair with a manic gleam in his eyes. “That's Pitball.”

I was maybe one percent rougher with him than the others. But he had cut off Blue's hair and I just couldn't fucking forgive it. End of story.

“I need you to put this aside for the last half. Then if you want to, you can go full Dragon asshole on him later. I'll even bring a flame thrower and help you do it to make sure we get back every item he stole. But your friends need you on point right now. Look at them.” I gestured to Seth who was sticking wet toilet paper to Max's rash as if that would be any help at all, and Caleb who was wiping at the glitter which was still stuck to his crotch no matter what magic he used to try and remove it. It was pathetic.