The first clasp on my dress released, but I was so lost in my lusty haze I didn’t remember my marks until it was too late.

His body went rigid against mine, and then he pulled back, his gaze fixed on my chest. “What’s that?”

Frick. Frick. Frick.

My fire mark. Right between my breasts where he had just been kissing.

I pushed him away. “Nothing.”

He growled. “Don’t lie to me.”

Oh, no you did not. Lying was your middle name—it might still be.

I swallowed hard but said nothing.

He frowned, and his gaze darted deeper down into my dress, where my water mark was.

I yanked the top part up and refastened the clasp.

“Nai…” His voice was low and tinged with panic. “How many marks do you have?”

“What does it matter?” I snapped defensively.

His eyes widened, and he swallowed hard.

“I see we’re back to you not sharing things once again,” I laughed, a sarcastic and biting sound. Then I spun and lifted my hair to show him the mark at the base of my neck. “There you go. Now you’ve seen them all.”

I pivoted to face him again, but instead of a smug or haughty expression … Rage looked terrified.

Not quite what I’d expected.

“What are you?” he whispered, his voice filled with awe and fear—his wide-eyed expression emphasizing his emotions.

His words slammed into me, shaking me to my core. What am I?

Not once had I seen the marks in that light … in a way that made me different. How could he ask that? As if I were a … creature, not a fellow wolf shifter and alpha heir.

Tears filled my eyes, blurring my vision, and I raced away from him, through the grass, and into the woods. The back of my heel snapped, but I didn’t care. I needed to get the hell out of here.

“No!” Rage yelled after me. “I’m sorry!”

But this time, his apology came too late.

Chapter 21

The morning sunlight filtered through the window, brushing against my skin like an unwanted lover. I wasn’t ready for today. Or any day. How could this be reality?

Rage is my mate.

Hot tears pricked my eyelids, and I blinked them away. As I sat up, the memories of last night roiled through me, and my stomach clenched. That beautiful moment with Rage, my mate, dancing, kissing, trusting … he confessed his love. We both wore our mate marks out and proud … but then, all of it was destroyed because of these strange marks.

Even now, I heard his voice echoing in my mind.

What are you?

I stared at the elemental marks on my chest like hideous scars that declared me different. I didn’t want them.

But what were these? None of the other students had them; my dad didn’t have them.

I’m a freak.

After tying my hair into a top knot, I brushed my teeth and focused on the day ahead.

I needed to survive the midyear games tonight or I’d flunk out of Alpha Academy. If that happened, I wouldn’t be allowed to lead Crescent Clan. Nolan would take over. None of that was an option.

I spat into the sink with an angry snarl.

Screw Rage.

Screw Nolan.

Screw these marks!

I dabbed some concealer over my mate mark just in case Nolan was in the kitchen. The last thing I needed was for him to know I was one-half of the fated mate-pair. My plan: breakfast, and then head over to Harvest Dorm to run drills with my friends for tonight.

I slipped into yoga pants before pulling on a tight tank top and my sneakers. Popping into the kitchen, I skidded to a stop. Yep. Nolan sat at the island, eating my food. His eyebrows dipped into a scowl when he spotted me.

“Think you’re ready for tonight?” he growled.

I sighed. So not in the mood for his crap. I’d cried myself to sleep last night. Why couldn’t I have a peaceful breakfast before fighting for my life in front of all the teachers?

“Absolutely.” I gave him my back and opened a cupboard for oatmeal. “Are you?”

He hissed, a sharp intake of breath.

Ha! Maybe the universe had served him with a nick or cut to his hand. Total comeuppance.

But when I spun around, he stood inches from me, his face in front of mine. Glaring down on me, Nolan flared his nostrils, and his eyes were wide.

I jumped back, startled, and banged into the cabinet. Placing my hand over my chest, I tried to slow my thundering heart. “Geeze, psycho. You scared me!”

His eyes turned yellow as he slowly reached for me.

“What. Is. That?” He pointed toward my neck, curling his finger as if to touch the back.

Frick.

My mark. I’d forgotten about the one at the base of my neck and tied my hair too high.

I smacked his outstretched hand away then pulled my hair down, letting it cover my neck as I stepped past him. “Nell was practicing mark-forgery on me.”

Was that a thing? I didn’t know, but hopefully, he’d buy it.

He chuckled and shook his head. “You better be careful. If they catch you or her trying to pass for a high mage—that would only spell trouble.”

My eyes widened, nearly falling out of my head, and my throat went dry. After forcing a swallow, I glanced over at him. “What do you mean?”

Nolan shook his head like I was an idiot. “See you tonight, cousin.”

I sat at the island countertop, blinking at my cold oatmeal.

High mage? Why would he think that? Unless…

I swallowed, and a stone sank into my stomach.

Did the high mages have marks like these?

Just then, Kaja’s voice rang in through the front hall. “Hello? It’s unlocked. I’m coming in.”

I pushed the freaky marks to the back of my mind. First things first. I needed to get through the midyear games. Tomorrow, I’d go back to the library and find something about these marks. Maybe the lady behind the black door could help me again.

“In here!” I shouted to my bestie.

Kaja popped into view, wearing a thick black swatch of paint under each eye like an American football player or a warrior going into battle.

I burst into laughter, all of my problems forgotten at the sight of her.

“Too much?” she asked, frowning.

Grinning, I shook my head. “No, it’s perfect.”

She placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. “Damn right. We’re going to kick ass and take names.”

I nodded, knowing how high the stakes were.

“Hey, I never found you last night. Why did you bail early?” she asked, sidling up next to me with a frown.

My eyes flicked to the hallway, and she gave me a knowing look of understanding. Nolan could be listening.

“Let’s go practice at my place,” she said. “The games don’t start until sundown. Plenty of time to chat about who you hooked up with.”

I nodded and grabbed my cold oatmeal. Then, we shuffled over to Harvest Dorm.

This place was like my second home. The burnt orange curtains, Fiona with her face in a book, quiet Rue either reading or writing. Even the maid staff. Everyone knew me.

But this time was different.

As soon as we crossed the threshold, fear prickled my skin and charged the air. Nerves churned in my gut, and I froze.

“You need to look UP!” Fiona barked, standing over Nell, who lay on her back on the living room rug. “Your enemy can be in the trees, and you won’t see them until it’s too late.”