Chapter 106: _Vacation Time
Celeste’s POV
*****
Two days later, 8:05 Am. Female Dormitory.
"I still can’t believe the Dean gave you and your boys a vacation," Willow whined for the zillionth time from her bed. "Meanwhile, I’m stuck here. Gods, when will this nightmare of a semester end?"
I held back a chuckle from my bed as I packed the last of my stuff into my bags.
The last two days, I’ve established ground rules with the others. A plan for us all that would ensure we keep the mate bonds secret.
And I’d also taken the liberty of asking my parents for access to one of their private beach houses.
Mom had mentioned wanting to take Silas and me to one of them when she was here anyway.
"Don’t worry, Willow," I zipped the travelling bag, clutching my birkin. "I’ll get you some souvenirs when we get back. Also—try not to talk much about where we went."
When I turned to her she had her eyes squinted. "Much or not at all?"
"Willow..."
"Fine." She giggled, hopping off the bed. "A soul won’t hear about your exciting trip with four hot men. I solemnly swear."
Embarrassment hit me like an unwelcome email. "Willow!"
"What?" Her eyebrows lifted knowingly. "You know it’s true. You’re so lucky. Especially now that you and Luther are on talking terms again."
Right. That.
After the other night, Luther and I had a few other conversations. Both in public and in texts.
As expected, a few students in the academy had noticed and began spreading rumours. Some even said I was sleeping with both brothers at once.
If only they knew—
"Get your mind out of the gutters, Willow." I rolled my eyes, watching her walk to me. "I technically shouldn’t be telling you this, but the Dean said the vacation will be helpful. Make us understand the bonds."
She got in front of me, folding her arms as her green eyes narrowed. "The Dean... And I’m guessing you haven’t told your parents or Caelum about the bonds yet."
My silence made her sigh, her head shaking. "Now that’s not suspicious at all..."
Of course, I knew this whole thing was suspicious. It felt like I was walking blindfolded into a trap. The only reassuring thought was that I wasn’t doing it alone.
Suddenly, a knock resounded on the door, making me whip my head to it. "It’s open!"
The door opened, and a familiar tall young man with messy blonde hair and sharp silver eyes drifted. I smiled while Willow’s breath caught.
Speak of the devil.
"Good morning, Celeste." My brother returned my smile, moving closer with his arms wide open. "You’ve become scarce these past few days."
A relieved breath slipped past my mouth when I buried my face into his shoulder. "I should be telling you that, star student. Did mom and dad tell you about—?"
"Your little vacation?" Caelum pulled out of the embrace, hands tightening on my shoulders. "Yep. Mom tried questioning me—but I suggested maybe it was the Dean’s way of acknowledging your Hybrid trial performance."
At the mention of the hybrid trial, my eyes settled on the blood red pendant around Caelum’s neck. His award. I subconsciously reached for mine, thumb brushing over the pendant’s cold surface.
"Thanks for the cover-up." I ended up whispering, rubbing the back of my neck. "I... Hope you aren’t worried."
He scoffed, shaking his head. "Since it’s from the Dean, I’m not bothered. He has his reasons... Whatever they might be."
Even though he said that, his voice was edged with quiet suspicion. One he masked perfectly from me—or rather, almost perfect.
As twins, neither of us has been perfect in masking emotions from each other.
"H–Hey, Caelum." Willow’s awkward wave interrupted the moment. "I... Like your jacket."
Dear gods, you’ve got to be freaking kidding me.
Caelum side-eyed me before facing my friend with a bright smile. "Why, thank you, Willow. Sorry, for my manners. Good morning."
Sigh. I blame the jerk for being clueless and leading her on her feelings.
"I think I’ll be off now. Gotta catch the flight early," I faked a cough, glancing over my shoulder and giving them a wink. "Bye, guys."
While Caelum looked even more confused, Willow’s cheeks reddened.
Their goodbyes echoed behind me as I slipped into the hallway.
Next stop: The airport.
.
.
Bloodoak Airport, Asheville.
At the airport, I stepped out of an Uber, letting out a nervous breath before taking in the open air space. The clear skies and soft morning sun above.
The walk to my parents’ private jet felt heavier and longer than it should have. Especially with three of my four mates waiting beside it.
Silas. Atlas. And Luther.
No sign of Azrael.
"Good morning, love." Silas’ arm found its way around my shoulders first, his lips meeting my face. "Ready for our flight to—where are we going again?"
I gave him a judgmental look. "I’m pretty sure I said Montecito."
Silas rubbed my shoulder, seeming like he was about to add something.
"There are several influential folks there by the way." Atlas butted in, brushing back his white trenchcoat. "Hopefully, your parents’ beach house is low profile enough."
A nod was all I managed to give him. Until I asked the question that was bothering me. "Where’s Azrael?"
Surprisingly, Luther was the one who responded. "He said he has his own means of getting there. Didn’t bother asking more questions... He probably won’t answer them."
Welp. That sounded just like Azrael.
Just then, a pilot with a polite smile walked up to us, bowing slightly. "Good day. You must be Celeste Bloodoak and her..." He paused, squinting at the others. "... Friends..."
I nodded, quickly taking his outstretched hand. "Yes, nice to meet you. You must be the pilot."
"Indeed." He beamed brighter. "Please, board the craft. We’re leaving any minute."
Drawing in a deep breath, I swerved my head to Silas. His fingers found my hand, curling reassuringly as we advanced up the ramp.
Atlas and Luther followed behind.
It was officially time for the vacation that would either change us. Or break us.
