Academy for misfit witches books 1 3 1st edition tara west

Academy for Misfit Witches Books 1-3 1st Edition Tara West

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AcademyforMisfitWitches

AReverse-HaremFantasyRomance

TaraWest

PublishedbyShiftingSandsPublishing

Firstedition,publishedOctober,2019

Allrightsreserved. ThisbookisprotectedunderthecopyrightlawsoftheUnitedStatesof America.Anyreproductionorotherunauthorizeduseofthematerialor artworkhereinisprohibited.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidentsanddialogueare productsoftheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.

EditedbyTheoFenraven. ArtworkbyVanesaGarkova.

Seraphina Goldenwand, heiress to the largest fortune in all four magical realms, isn’t really a bad girl. At least she tries not to be. A small indiscretion with her professor shouldn’t have resulted in the major scandal that got Serah kicked out of her posh private school and sent to Dame Doublewart’s Academy for Misfit Witches. Her new school is a dungeon literally. Luckily, three sexy dragon shifters save her from a miserable and lonely detention, and they enjoy a night that will forever alter the course of their lives

Draque, Teju, and Ladon Firesbreath, wayward dragon princes and masters of mischief, can’t believe their good fortune when they rescue the beautiful witch from a night of fright, then discover she is just as turned on by them as they are by her. Little do they know that while they’re locked away in their protective magical cocoon, someone will raze the school to the ground and frame them for the crime.

Left with no choice but to flee, Serah and the dragon princes are forced to rely on one another. But when their trust in each other is shaken, they must learn to overcome their fears before their enemies find them.

AcademyforMisfitWitches,BookOne

Dedication

Thisbookisdedicatedtomybeautiful andlovingmom.Thankyoufor all ofthosebookclub subscriptionswhenIwasakidandfor designatedreadingtimeeveryevening.Thankyoufor believinginmeandfor inspiringmetobecomeawriter.IhopeI’mmakingyouproud.Istill can’t believeyou’regone.Imissyoueveryday.Iloveyou.

SpecialThanksTo

ToGinelle,thanksfor alwaysfindingmyoopsies.

ToSheri,thanksfor beingtherewhenIneedabeta.

Laura,Ialwaysappreciateyour suggestions.

Pamela,your feedbackwasphenomenal.I’msogladour pathscrossed.

“How longwill theymakeuswait?”MissPrattwhined,checkingthetimeonher wandwhileshe hoveredabovethefloor acrosstheroom,her wingsangrilybuzzinglikeshewasahummingbirdon crack.

Serahfiddledwithagemstoneonher gaudyemeraldbraceletandignoredher annoying chaperone,AKAthefive-footclumsyhummingbird.Shewasn’tlookingforwardtostartinganew school,butshecouldn’twaittogetridofMissPratt.Thatpixiehadbeenathorninher sidesince Grandfather orderedher outofhisoffice,refusingtohear her versionofthestoryandthreateningto disinherither ifshebroughtanymoreshametotheir familyname.

Serahcheckedthebackingsonher earringstomakesuretheyweresecure anervoushabit and recalledher grandfather’sdarkscowl.Shefeltlikeanutter failurefor disappointinghim,butdidthat meanshehadtoattendtheworstschool inthethirdrealm?Ithadbeenonetinytransgression.

Shelookedatthecobwebsinthecorners,theblackmoldexposedbeneaththepeelingwallpaper, andthedust-coveredtrophycasedisplayingawardsfromtheDepartmentofMagical Correctionsfor strictdisciplinaryaction.Apparentlythisshitholewasher lasthope.Noneoftheother magical schoolswouldtakeasirenwithapenchantfor seducingprofessors.Actually,ithadbeenonlyone professor,andhe’dseducedher,buttryasshemight,shecouldn’tdispel therumorsthathadspread faster thanadragon’sinferno.

Slumpinginher seat,shepickedimaginarygrimeoutofher fingernailsandavoidedeyecontact withthefemaletroll sittingbehindtheadmissionsdesk.Atleastshewasfairlycertainthetroll wasa woman.Thebigpinkbow coveringthatbaldpatchonher headmighthavebeenagoodindicator.Or maybethebrightredlipstickleachingintoher upper liphairs.Steampouredoutofthetroll’swide nostrilsassheglaredatSerahfromunder aunibrow thatlookedlikesomeonehadgluedastripof shagcarpettoher forehead.TheadmissionsclerkattheDameDoublewart’sSchool for Misfit Witcheshadtobetheugliesttroll inall four realms,andthatwassayingsomething,consideringthe lastoneshe’dhadthemisfortuneofencounteringhadhadathumb-sizedbrownwarthangingoutof her nostril.

Theplaqueonher deskannouncedher namewasLadyHoofenmouth.Sheworeahugerockonher bloatedweddingfinger.Serahdidn’tknow ifshewasmoreshockedthatLadyHoofenmouthwasa member ofthegentryor thattherewasanother Hoofenmouth.

WhentheancientblackphoneonLadyH’sdeskrangobnoxiously,soundinglikeableating,sick cow,thetroll pickedupthereceiver,nostrilsflaring,andlistenedtoashrill voiceontheother end.

Grunting,shehungupandgaveSerahtheonce-over.“SeraphinaGoldenwand,theheadmistress will seeyounow.”

Serahjumpedtoher feet,fingeringthewandinher pocketandclutchingher purse.“Thankyou.” Turningupher nose,shewalkedhaughtilypastthetroll,ignoringtheannoyingbuzzingofMissPratt’s wings,whoprecededher,asshebangedintofurniture,tryingtokeepup.

Oncetheyreachedadark,mustyhall,Serahcoveredher mouth,breathingintoher palmwhile pickingupthepaceenoughtozippastthepixie.Thisplacesmelledfouler thanarottingcrypt.

“Waitup,”MissPrattcalled,coughingandchokingbehindher.“Oh,my.Thisplacesmellslike dragonfarts.”

Serahstrodestraighttowardatall slender womanwithalongbeaknoseandhair pulledbackin anausterebun,whoglaredatthemfromadoorwayattheendofthehall.

ChapterOne

“Hello.”Shesmiledatthewoman,notsurprisedwhenshedidn’tsmileback.“It’sapleasureto meetyou.”Serahinfusedabitofsirencharmintoher words,hopingher seductivevoicewouldbe hardtoresist,thenarchedbackwhenthewoman’slipstwistedintoascowl.

“I’mDameDoublewart.”Her facewasamaskofstone.“Sirencharmsdon’tworkonme.”She heldtheofficedoor openandmotionedtoachair infrontofawide,graydesk.“Comein.”

Serah’seyeswidenedasshewalkedpastDameDoublewart.Inthemagical world,sometimes one’snamewasanindicationofone’sappearance.DameDoublewarthadnovisiblewartsonher face,butthatdidn’tmeanshedidn’thavethemsomewhere.Her imaginationracedwithpossibilities, mostofwhichmadeher stomachchurn.

“Thankyousomuchfor seeingus.”MissPratt’srapidlybuzzingwingsgroundtoahaltwhen DameDoublewartheldoutastayinghand.Shedroppedtothefloor withasqueakandacurseand juttedtinyhandsonher hips,glaringattheformidableheadmistress.

DameDoublewartarchedathinbrow andscowleddownatthepurple-hairedpixie.“Andyou are?”

“PenelopePixiefeather Pratt.”MissPrattpulledbacknarrow shoulders,flashingatriumphant grin.“I’mLordGoldenwand’spersonal assistant.”

Serahfoughtaneyeroll.Shesuspectedher grandfather’snamedidn’tcarrymuchweightwith DameDoublewart.

“MissPratt,Idon’tbelieveyour namewascalled.”DameDoublewartcrossedher armsand impatientlytappedher foot.

MissPratt’sjaw dropped.“ButSerah’sgrandfather ”

“Hasnoinfluencehere.”DameDoublewartshooedMissPrattawayasifshewasswattingabug. “Now,ifyou’dexcuseus.”

“Fine,”MissPratthuffed,eyescrossing.

Shoo,Serahmouthed,wavingMissPrattintothemustyhall,her grinwideningwhenDame Doublewartslammedthedoor inthepixie’sface.She’dnever likedMissPratt,andnotjustbecause shewasawhiny,impatientlittlemouse.MissPratthadahabitofshadowingSerahatthemost inopportunetimesandreportingeverythingbacktoGrandfather,includingtherumorsthatSerahhad sleptwitheveryprofessor ather former school.MissPrattwasashortsnitchwithadragon-sized grudgewedgedupher twat.

Lookingher over withanassessingglare,DameDoublewartmotionedfor Serahtosit.

Shesatinaslick,squeakychair,cringingwhenitwobbledbeneathher.Shewasn’tsurprisedthis school couldn’tafforddecentfurniture,giventheconditionoftheplace.Theoutsidehadbeenjustas decrepit,acrumbling,graybuildinglocatedintheheartofanoldcemetery.Thiswasafar cryfrom her lastschool,whichwaslocatedattheedgeofthebeautiful cityofSawran,overlookingatropical beach.Thatschool hadbeenbeyondluxurious.Ifonlyher former headmistresshadn’tbelievedthose stupidrumors.

“SerahGoldenwand?”DameDoublewart’slipstwistedintoatighter scowl,asifshe’djust finishedsuckingonarottenlemonor thetimer onher fifteen-minuteenemahadexpired.

Refusingtobeintimidated,shebrushedastrandofher wavyauburnhair behindher ear and turnedupher chin.“Yes.”

Ifitwasatall possibleDameDoublewart’sdisapprovingexpressiondeepened.“Thecorrect responseis‘Yes, ma ’ am. ’”

Shefoughtbackacurse.Grindingher teeth,shespitoutthewords.“Yes,ma’am.”

ShehadnochoicebuttokissDoublewart’sass.Thisschool washer onlyhope.One-hundredand-fiftybillionmerlinswereatstake,thankstoGrandfather’sridiculousrule.Nodiploma,no inheritance.Sheenjoyeddesigner pursesandshoestoomuchtoenduppoor.

DameDoublewartperusedafileasthickasatomb,shakingher head.“Letmegetthisstraight. Youseducedeveryoneofyour professorsatyour previousschool,ruiningnolessthanfive marriages.”

Shetensed.“Onlyoneprofessor,andhewasn’tmarriedasfar asIknow.”

Her facecontortedwithdistaste,her gazepracticallyboringholesinSerah’sskull.“One professor isbadenough.”

UnnervedbyDameDoublewart’spenetrating,blackeyes,shepretendedtoadmireoneofthe manyoldcuckooclocksinasmall collectionhangingbehindDoublewart’sdesk.Itwascoveredin cobwebs.“Irealizethatnow.”

“Your disciplinaryreportsaysyousleptwithall themaleprofessors.”Thematron’svoicerosein pitchwitheachword,makingher soundlikeasquawkinghen.“Theywerefoundguiltyofgivingyou passinggradesinexchangefor sexual favors.”

Thoughsheshouldn’thavebeensurprisedtheexaggeratedtalesofher exploitshadprecededher, sheresentedthejudgmental toneinDameDoublewart’svoice.ShewasaGoldenwand,thesole heiresstothelargestfortuneinthethirdrealm probablyinall four realms.Shedidn’thaveto tolerateDoublewart’sself-righteousattitude.“Believethereportifyouwant,butIonlysleptwith oneprofessor.”Therestsheboughtoff,thankstoGrandfather’sgenerousallowance.

SherepressedasighwhenshethoughtofProfessor PrometheusPeriwinkle’scalm,deepvoice, wavyblondhair,andblessedlylargewand.He’dbeensokindduringtheir earlytutoringsessions.So attentive.Thatfirstkisshadbeenthenextnatural progressionafter monthsofmutual flirting.Bythe timetheyrippedoffeachother’sclothesandhedrapedher acrossthetopofhisdesk,she’dbeenso horny,shecouldn’tseestraight.After repressingher sireninstinctsfor solong,she’dlostit.And she’dcertainlypaidfor her transgressiontentimesover.

“Doesn’tmatter ifyousleptwithoneprofessor or adozen.”DameDoublewartfoldedher hands andglaredatSerahlikeahawkzeroinginonamouse.“Itseemsnoother magical school inour realm will takeyou.”

Tensionstiffenedher spine.“Correct.”

“Weareyour lasthope.”

DameDoublewart’slipstwistedsotight,Serahthoughttheywouldsnap. “Yes.”

“MissGoldenwand,”DameDoublewartsaidandsighed,“youarealreadyeighteen,ayear older thanmostother highschool twelfthyears.Whydon’tyoujustdropout?”

Ifonly.Shefoughttomaintainaneutral expression.“IwouldifIcould.”It’snotlikesheneeded aneducation.Potionandspell classeswerenow obsolete,thankstotheGoldenwand2050.Whydid sheneedtomemorizespellswhentheGoldenwanddidall theworkfor her?

DameDoublewarteyedher expectantly.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Sherefusedtoanswer.WhygiveDoublewartammunitionthatshecoulduseagainsther together tobehave?Shestudiedthewoman’sface,wonderingexactlywherethosetwowartswerehiding. Thematronhadanassessinglookinher eyes.“Your silenceconfirmsthatother rumorsaretrue. Youwill bedisinheritedwithoutadiploma.”

ShefoundthenervetomakeeyecontactwithDameDoublewartfor amoment.“Areyougoingto acceptmeor not?”

DameDoublewartliftedathin,grayingbrow.“Areyouawareofour academy’srigorouscourse load?”

Shethoughtofahalfdozendifferentspellsshe’dliketouseonDoublewart.“I’veheardit.”

“Eachstudentisresponsiblefor hisor her ownwork.”Shepointedher beaknoseatSerah,eyes narrowingtoslits.“Youcan’tsuckyour wayintopassinggradeshere.”

HeatflamedSerah’scheeks.“I’ll manage.”Sheswallowedanangryretortandclutchedher wand sohard,her knucklesached.

“You’reawareofour disciplinarypolicy?”

Serahshrugged.“Ihearditwasstrict.”

“Strict?”DameDoublewartletoutagratinglaughthatsoundedliketworabidcatsmating.“Oh, MissGoldenwand.Ipromisethatwhenyoufindyourselfonyour kneesatmyschool,youwon’tbe beggingfor more.”Shadowsfell acrossher featuresandawickedgleamshoneinher eyes.“You’ll bebeggingfor mercy.”

Well,fuck.Sheswallowedalumpofbile.“Noted.”

“You’reokaywiththis?”Laughter ranginDoublewart’swords.

Serahbitbackacurse.“Idon’thaveachoice.”

“No,youdon’t.”Thematron’seyeslitlikefireworks.“HereatDameDoublewart’s,weliketo getajumpondiscipline.”Shepickedupanold,gnarledwandthatwasaslongasayardstickand slappeditacrossher palm.“Our studentsspendtheir firstnightinthedungeontogetatasteofour disciplinaryprocedures.Wegenerallyfindthatafter thatfirstnight,our studentsaremuchmore receptivetoour rules.”

Dragonballs!Thiswomanwasmental.“Soyou’rethrowingmeindetention,andIhaven’teven doneanythingyet?”

“That’sright.”Her smilewidened,revealingsharpincisors.“Ifyouaccepttheseterms,Iwill grantyouadmission.Ifnot....”DameDoublewartslappedher palminrhythmwiththetickingcuckoo clocksbehindher.

Serahreleasedashakybreath.“Iaccept.”

“Excellent.”DameDoublewartsetdownthewandandstood.Turning,shethumbedthrougha stackofpapers.“Letmejustfindthecontract.”

Sittingasstiffasastatue,shewatchedDoublewartlocatethepapersthatwouldseal her doom. Sheonlyhadonesemester leftuntil graduation roughlyfour monthswithholidays.Shedidn’t believefor asecondthather gradescouldn’tbebought.Thisschool waspracticallyfallingapartat theseams.Ifitsconditionwasanyindication,theteacherswerelikelyunderpaid,too.

Ifsheandher potionsprofessor hadbeenmorediscreet,she’dstill beather poshschool,dining attheir customsushi bar for supper andsuckingthecreamoutofPeriwinkle’séclair for dessert.

DameDoublewartfacedSerah,holdingafadedscroll.Tappingitwithher wand,shemumbleda reveal spell,anditcametolife,thewordsjumpingoffthepageandformingintheair infrontofher liketheywerereflectingoffacomputer screen.ShewasimpressedthatDameDoublewart’sold wandcouldconjuresuchamodernspell.

“Signhere,”thematronsaid,pointingatthesignaturelineatthebottomofwhatmusthavebeen thousandsofwordsoffineprint.

Serahfrowned.Nowaywasshereadingthatcontract.Itwouldtakeher all day.Itcouldn’tbetoo terrible.Grandfather wouldn’tsendher toahorribleschool.

Shepulledthewandoutofher pocket.

“Notwiththat,”Doublewartsnapped,awickedgleaminher eyes.“Withyour finger.”

Serahpocketedher wand,bitingbackprofanities,thenleanedtowardthesignatureline,jerking backwhenthecontractcrackled.

“Ihaven’tgotall day.”DameDoublewartturnedher beaknosetotheceiling,rollingher eyes.

Serahreachedtowardthecontractagain,wincingwhenthescreenprickedher finger,usingher bloodastheink.Signinginblood?Grandfather hadalottoanswer for.

Bythetimeshefinished,her finger throbbedandblooddrippeddownher wrist.Shegraspedher wandandsilentlyaskedittoheal her,sighinginreliefwhenthepainstopped.Therewasablood stainonher suedeboot.Thosebootshadcosttwothousandmerlins.Shezappedthestainwithher wand,smilingwhenitdisappeared.

ThematronsnickeredatSerah’swand.“Follow me.”Shetappeddarkchestnutpanelsonawall, anditsplitopen,revealingasecrettunnel.

Serahhesitated.“Butmybags.”

DameDoublewart’seyesbecamecold,unreadable.“Youwon’tneedthem.You’ll beissueda uniformafter detention.”

Auniform?Shemadeaface.Ather oldschool,theonlydresscodewasanunspokenone: dress likeyouhadmoney.Needlesstosay,Serahhadexemplifiedproper dresscode.Shecouldn’timagine beingforcedtowear somestarchypolyester or cotton-blendmonstrosity.

“OfcourseIneedthem.”ShelookedatDameDoublewartasifshe’dgrownasecondhead.“My grandfather justboughtmethosebagsfromElysian.”

Ignoringher distress,thematronimpatientlywaggledher fingers.“Your wand.”

Clutchingher wandtoher side,Serahtookabigstepback.“Mywand?”

“Wedon’tallow GoldenwandsatDoublewart’s.EverystudentisissuedastandardPFWand.”

“APegasusFeather Wand?”Hysterical laughter bubbledfromher throat.“Thosearesolast century.”

“Iknow,whichishow Ilikeit.”Doublewartflashedasmilesotight,her facelookedreadyto crack.“Forcesour studentstothinkfor themselvesinsteadofrelyingontheir wandstodoall the workfor them.”

Serahcockedahandonher hip.Thiswomanhaddefinitelylosther mind.“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”DoublewartlungedforwardandsnatchedSerah’swandbeforeshehadtimetoreact. “You’ll getitbackafter graduation.”

Shethrew upher hands.“Whataloadofcrap.”Shehadnorighttotakeawayher wand, consideringtheresolutionParliamentwasabouttopass,requiringall schoolstousethecurrent Goldenwands.

“Tsk, tsk.Youshould’vereadour wandpolicybeforesigningthecontract.”Doublewartwaggeda finger inSerah’sface,andthat’swhenshenoticedwhatappearedtobetwoblackbugsstucktoher fingernail.Gross.Whyhadn’tshenoticedbefore?Whatahorribleplacetohavewarts.

“I’vechangedmymind.”Holdingupbothhands,shebackedupanother step.NowayinHades wassheattendingaschool thatrefusedtouseher grandfather’swands.He’dunderstandwhyshehad todropout.

“Toolate,”Doublewartshrugged.“Yousigned.”

“Well,unsignit.”Sheheldouther hand.“Andgivemebackmywand.”

Doublewartwavedher biguglywandatSerah’shandsandfeet,bindingher inplace.Shetriedto scream,butthewomansealedher mouthwithanother spell.

Sheflashedanevil grin.“Enjoyyour stayindetention,MissGoldenwand.”

Withoneflickofthewrist,Serahwassweptoffher feetandtravelingalongthecorridor at breakneckspeed.Suddenlythebindingssnappedoffher limbsandmouth,andshescreamedasshe wentover achasmintopitchblack.

Shehitsoftgroundwithathudandgroanedasshespitoutamouthful ofdirt.Sittingup,she wishedshehadher wandfor illumination.Wherever shewas,shecoulddistinctlyhear water.After checkingher earlobestomakesureshehadn’tlostanearring,shestoodandbrusheddirtoffher clothes,thenpickeddebrisoutofher palms.That’swhenshenoticedtheemeraldbracelet Prometheushadgivenher hadfallenoff.Shefell backonher knees,franticallysearchingfor ittono avail.Itwasall shehadleftofhim.Releasingashakybreath,shetoldherselfitwasfor thebest.He wasnever goingtobepartofher lifeagain,sowhykeepmementostopineover?Besides,thegems werefake.Nowaycouldheaffordreal emeraldsonhissalary.Shedidn’tneedthatuglybraceletand wasgladitwasgone.That’swhatshekepttellingherselfanyway.

Shegottoher feet,squintingatapinprickoflightaboveher.Thelightgrew brighter,illuminating theunevencavernwalls.

“Hello!Cananyonehelpme?”shecalled,disappointedwhentheonlyanswer washer ownvoice echoingback.

Stumblingforward,shecametotheedgeofinkyblackwater thatsplashedtherocksunder her feet.Sherubbedwarmthintoher armsasgoosebumpsprickedher flesh.She’dlandedonasmall islandrisingupfromthecavernfloor nomorethantwentyfeetindiameter,andshecouldmakeout theshapesoftriangular dorsal finsmovingincirclesaroundher.Thoughshewasanexpertswimmer, thankstoher sirenblood,nowaywasshegettinginthatwater.

Whatkindoffuckedupdetentionwasthis,andhow inHadeswasshegoingtoescapethis school?

Serahhuggedher kneestoher chest,tryingnottowinceeverytimeasharksplashedher.Theywere magical illusions.Theyhadtobe.Sharksthesizeofelephantsdidn’tswiminshallow water.Notto mentiontheir teethweredisproportionatelylong,makingthemlooklikesabertoothfish.Shehadno ideahow longshewassupposedtoservedetention,butassoonasshegotoutofthere,shewould call her grandfather anddemandhecomegether.Therehadtobeanother school thatwouldtakeher, withenoughfinancial incentive.Nowaycouldshesurviveasemester inthishellhole.

“Hello,there.Youcalledfor help?”

Sheblinkedattheoddestthingshe’dever seen threedrop-deadgorgeousguys,smilingather frominsideagiant,translucentbubblethathoveredaboutthreefeetofftheground.Sherubbedher eyes,thenblinkedagain.Theywerestill there,still gorgeous,withtheir ripplingtannedmuscles, thick,blackhair,andbroadsmiles.TheylookedlikeancientGreekgodswhohaddescendedfrom MountOlympus.

Sheslowlycametoher knees.“Hello?”

Thetallestofthethree,wearingjeanstightenoughtoreveal abeefybulgethatprovedhe definitelydidn’tneedtodriveafastbroomor monster truck,smiledwhilepalmingalongneckbeer. “Youdon’tlooklikeyou’reenjoyingyour detention.”

Shescratchedthebackofher head,squintingathim.“Yathink?”

Hecrossedmuscular arms,slantingaknowinggrin.“Needalift?”

“Inthatthing?”Shejumpedtoher feetandbackedawayfromthebubble.“Whatifitpops?”

***

“Itwon’tpop.”Thestudstandingnexttohim,wearingnothingbutboxer shortsandanunbuttoned dressshirt,jumpedupanddown,hisbarefeetmakingdeepindentationsinthebubble.“See?”He pushedhiswirespectaclesupthebridgeofhisnose,agesturethatremindedher toomuchof Professor Periwinkle.

“Whereareyougoing?”sheasked.

Thetalleststudnoddedatthecavewall.“Tothenextdungeonover.We’vegotdetention,too.”

Theyhaddetention?Theydidn’tlooklikehighschool boys.Theylookedtobeintheir early twenties.Tall studevenhadafull beard.

Itdidn’tmatter how oldtheywere.Floatinginabubblewiththreegood-lookingguyswasafar crybetter thanher currentsituation.Unless,ofcourse,Grandfather foundout.“Whatifweget caught?”

“Wewon’t,”theonewearingnavysweatssaid,hischeeksflushing,makinghimlookadorably sexy.“They’renotcomingfor usuntil morning.”

ThatDoublewartbitchwasmoresadisticthanSerahhadrealized.“Ihavetospendall night here?”

“Notifyoucomewithus.”BeardedGuyhelduphisbeer.“We’vegotmusicanddrinks.”

Please say yes! thesireninsideher begged.

“Comeon,”Boxer Shortssaid.“Youdon’twanttospendall nightthere,doyou?”

Serahgrimaced.Shefearedtheseguyscouldbeatrickoftheimagination,atemptingillusionsent byDameDoublewarttomakeher hellishstayindetentionevenmoremiserable.WhenBoxer Shorts pokedthroughthebubble,holdingoutahand,shedrew back,apprehensiontwistingaknotinher gut.

“Wewon’tbite,”hesaidwithawink.

“Unlessyouwantusto,”BeardedGuyadded.

Fuckyeah,shewantedthemto,andthatwastheproblem.She’drepressedher sirenuntil Periwinklehadrevealedher inner goddess,introducingher tothecarnal pleasuresshe’ddenied herselftoolong.Now thather sirenwasawakened,Serahdidn’tknow how toputher backor evenif shewantedto.Grandfather wouldbesodisappointed.

Go to them, Serah,her sirenhissed,releasingawaveofpheromonesthatnearlyswepther under lust’stide.Grittingher teeth,shereachedfor her savior’shand,prayingtothegoddessthesemen weren’tanillusion.Ifshedidendupsleepingwiththem,shehopedGrandfather never foundout.

DorisDoublewartdidn’tknow ifshewasmoreworriedor relieved.Apprehensive,definitely.Why hadsheadmittedthisgirl intoher school?

Half a million merlins, that’s why.

Shepressedtheintercombuttononher ancientlandline.“LadyHoofenmouth,will youplease cometomyoffice?”Shewaitedanxiously,listeningfor theheavyfootstepsoftheonewomanwhose opinionmatteredmost.Clenchingher teeth,shegrabbedher coffeecupwhenthunderousstomping rattledher desk.

Thedoor swungopen,slammingintothewall withathud.AthenaHoofenmouthlookedlikeabull readytochargeasshestaredher down.“Whattookyousolong?”

Dorisslowlystood,smoothinginvisiblewrinklesoutofher gray,polyester slacks.“Iwas showingour new studenttothedungeon.”

***

SteampouredfromAthena’sflarednostrils,andher pupilsturnedred.“Ithoughtyouweren’t goingtoadmither.”

Trollswerenotoriousfor their shorttempers,andthoughDorislovedAthena,shealsofearedher ever-changingmoods.Sheinsteadpulledoutthedepositslipshe’dbeenkeepinginher desksince thismorningandwaveditinAthena’sface.

Doris’sbreathhitchedwhenAthenasnatcheditfromher hands,gloweringattheslipofpaper attachedtoacarboncopyofthecheckwithNathaniel Goldenwand’ssignaturescrawledacrossthe bottom.

Athenafrowned.“What’sthis?”

Dorisclearedher throat,summoningthecouragetofaceher lover.“Halfamillionmerlinsfrom LordGoldenwand.”

“Greatgoblingonads!”Athenashrieked,droppingthepaper onthefloor.

Dorissnatchedher wandandusedittoretrievethereceipt,zappingitbackintothesafeunder her desk.She’dbeanervouswreckuntil themoneyclearedthebank.

“Nowonder youadmittedher.”Athenarubbedher handstogether andlickedher lips.“Wecould retiretoElysian.”

Dorissighed.“Or buildabigger andbetter school.”

Athena’seyesglazedover asifshewaslostinadream.“Or travel all four realms.”

Dorisclearedher throat.“Or remodel thegymnasium.”

“Doris,”Athenasaidwithagroan,stompingher footsohard,thecuckooclocksrattledagainstthe wall.“I’mtiredofschool life.”

AheavyweightsettledonDoris’schest.Athenaknew how muchtheschool meanttoher.How couldsheexpecther tojustwalkaway?Shefoughttokeeptheedgeofpanicfromher voice.“Butthis hasbeenmydream.”

AlookofpityflashedinAthena’seyes,makingDoris’sheartsinktothepitofher second stomach.

Athenashookher head,snickering.“Evenafter Resolution424passes?”

Dorisgrittedher teeth.“Itwon’tpass.”Anaggingvoiceinthebackofher headtoldher itwould, though,andthenwhat?Wouldsheshutdownher school rather thanviolateher onegoldenrule? MandatoryGoldenwandsfor all studentsassuredher they’dnever learnanother thing.

Athena’sblackeyeshardened.“Goldenwandownseveryone.Now heownsyou.”

Dorisstiffened.“Nobodyownsme.Hetoldmehisgranddaughter wasnottospendher firstnight indetention,butdidIlisten?”EvenGoldenwand’sgoonwho’ddeliveredthecheckhadinsistedthat theheiresswasn’ttoservedetention.Dorissimplyscowledathimbutrefusedtogivehimananswer.

Athenatiltedher head,thatridiculouspinkbow floppingsidewayslikeanextrasetofears. “Really?”

“It’sjustasemester.”Doris’svoicesoundedsmall eventoher ears.

Athenacockedabrow.“Shemustpass.”

“Shewill.”Shehadto.Doriswasnotpreparedtogivebackthatcheck.

Athena’sheavybrow loweredover her eyes.“Agirl thatprettydoesn’tcareabouteducation.”

AsurgeofjealousyfloodedDoris’schest.“Youthinkshe’spretty?”shesnapped,unabletokeep thehurtfromher voice.

Athenarolledher eyes.“I’mnotblind.”

Dorishadknownwhenshe’dfallenfor Athenathatthetroll hadawanderingeye.How couldshe not,after her relationshipwiththebeautiful MissBubblebosom,whosecurvesandwavyhair

remindedDorissomuchofSeraphinaGoldenwand?

Aslow smilespreadacrossDoris’sfacewhenanideaoccurredtoher.Withaflickofthewrist, shemovedher wandover her body,recitingthetransformationspell.Shegaspedwhensheshrunka goodfootandhadtolookupather lover.Whenthepearl buttonspoppedoffher shirt,shesmiledat her generouscleavageandsmoothedher handsover curvaceoussirenhips.Nowonder thelittle trampcouldn’tkeepher legsclosed.Shehadabodymadefor loving.

Athenaarchedabushybrow.“Whatareyoudoing?”

Doriszappedthelockonthedoor.Sheshruggedoutofher jacketandthrew itacrossthedesk. Athena’seyeswidenedwhensheslippedoffher shoesandunzippedher pants.WhenAthenabroke intoalustygrin,steampouringoutofher nostrils,Dorishopedshe’dwon.Ifnot,therewasnothingto bedone.Theschool camefirst.Athenahadknownthiswhentheystarteddating.

Serahwaspulledthroughthethin,slightlystickyfilmthatmadethebubble.Itlookednothinglike whatshe’dseenfromtheoutside.Itwastentimesbigger andatotal bachelor pad,withatiki bar at oneend,aflat-screentelevisionontheother,andaround,crimsonvelvetsofainthesunkencenter of theroom.

“I’mTeju.”Boxer Shortsadjustedhiswireglassesandslappedhischest.“Andthisismybrother, Draque.”HegesturedtoBeardedGuy,whowascasuallyleaningagainstthetranslucentwall,sipping abeer.

WhenDraquetiltedhisbottletowardSerahwithawink,shethoughther kneeswouldbuckle.He wassinfullysexy.Somethingaboutthewayhementallyundressedher withhiseyestoldher he’dbe anamazingfuck.

Tejupointedtothecrimson-facedguyinsweats,whowasgoingaroundtheroom,shovingempty beer bottlesintoabag.“Andour other brother,Ladon.”

Ladon’scheeksflushedevenbrighter.“Sorryaboutthemess,”hesaid.“Weweren’texpecting company.”

“Idon’tmind.”Sheshrugged.“Beatsthathellishisland.”Sherubbedher armswhenchillsraced acrossher skin.

Ladondroppedhisbag,snatchedablanketoffthesofa,andwrappeditaroundher.“Comesit down,”hesaidandledher downshallow stepstothesunkenarea.

Shehuggedtheblankettightlyandsmiledathimasshesat.Whenhisfingersbrushedher skin,her chilledfleshburstintofire.“Thanks.”Shelookedintogoldeneyesthatsparkledlikegems,thenwas drawntohisfull,sensual lips.

Heflashedadimpledgrin.Hehadthelongest,thickestblacklashesshe’dever seen.“My pleasure.Wedidn’tcatchyour name.”

“Serah,”sheanswered.

“Apleasuretomeetyou,Serah.”

Helickedhislipsasifthesoundofher namemadehimhungry,andtherewasnomistakingthe forkinhistongue.Witchesdidn’thaveforkedtongues.Washeashifter?Shewrackedher brain, tryingtoremember whichoneshadforkedtonguesandwishingshe’dpaidmoreattentioninher AnatomyofMagical Creaturesclasses.Her mindwanderedtoall thenaughtythingshecoulddowith thattongue.

“Wouldyoulikeahotcupoftea?”heasked.

Hisirisescontractedintolong,narrow slitsbeforechangingbackagain,andshehadnodoubthe wasashifter,whichmeanthisbrotherswere,too.

Sheeagerlynodded.“Yes,please.”

“Okay.Berightback.”

Lickingher lips,shesighedwhenLadondisappearedbehindthetiki bar.Shecould’vegottenlost inthosegoldeneyesofhis.Whenhisbrotherssatbesideher,shescootedbackagainsttheplush cushions,castingacursoryglanceatthepileofpillowsonthefloor.Hadtheybroughtother girlsto their bubbleor wasshethefirst?

Thethoughtofbeinginashifters’densentajoltupher spine.Shifterswereconsideredtheblack sheepofthemagical world,andthemoredangerousthebeast,themoretabootheimmortal.Tejuand Draquealsohadgoldenirises.Sheclosedher eyesastheimageofagolden-eyeddragonwitha

ChapterTwo

forkedtongueflashedacrossher mind. Her grandfather loathedall shifters,butheespeciallyhated thedragonrace,whichmadeher wantthemmore.

Moisturefloodedher underwear atthethoughtofall thefabulousthingsthreeforked-tongued shifterscoulddotoher.Merlin’sballs!

You can’t take them home to dear old Granddad, but you can have some fun, her sirenhissed.

ThoughSerah’ssirenwasconsideredpartofher,shehadconversationswiththatpartofherself. Thelix,asher sirenpreferredtobecalled,wasshortfor Thelxinoe,anancientancestral name,since inner-sirenswerebasicallyrecycledancestors.

Shut up, shewhisperedtoThelix,unnervedwhenshewasansweredwithalaugh.

Shepeeredover Teju’sshoulder;their bubblehoveredintheair asifitwassuspendedona string.Shemadethemistakeoflookingdown.Theearthmovedbeneaththemastheyfloatedtothetop ofthecavern,over awall,andintoanother cavern.“Youguyssurethisissafe?”

“Relax.”Draquechuckled.“Wedothiseverydetention.”

“How manydetentionshaveyouhad?”

“Meh.”Heshrugged.“Usuallyoneamonth.”

“Andyouusethattimetopartyinabubble?”

Tejupoppedthetoponabeer.“Prettymuch.”

“How manygirlshaveyoubroughtinherewithyou?”Serahcouldn’tdenythejealouslythat twistedabladeinher heartatthethoughtofother girlssharingthedragons’den.

Theyfrozelikedeer inabroomstick’shighbeams.Whentheyshareddarklooks,sheknew they weretelepathicallyspeakingtooneanother,aswasthewaywithmostshiftersiftheywereinthe samefamily.Sheandher sirenmother andgrandmother hadbeenabletotelepathicallyspeak,too.

“Onlyoneother,”Tejuanswered,avertinghiseyesandpushinguphisglasses.

Liar.Oh,well.Sheshouldn’thavecaredanyway.It’snotlikeshewasinterestedinanythingmore thanagoodtimefromthesethreestuds.

No, Serah, shechidedherself. You can’t sleep with them.

Yes, you can, Thelixargued.

Draquebrushedhisdenim-cladlegagainsthers.“Butshewasn’tnearlyasprettyasyou.”

“Oh.”Shebither lip,battingher lashesandfeigninginnocence.Carefullycultivatedexpression drovemenwild.

Whatwaswrongwithher?Whywasshecapitulatingtoher sirensoeasily?

Because you need to get fucked, Thelixchuckled.

“WhatbringsyoutotheAcademyfor MisfitWitches?”Draqueasked,ashenot-so-slylydraped anarmbehindher.

Sheturnedintohim,“accidentally”brushingher kneeacrosshisthigh,thoughsheknew shewas playingwithfire.“Igotexpelledfrommyother school.”

Draque’sfull lipspulledbackinaferal smile.“Us,too.”

“Whatdidyoudo?”Ladenaskedashereturnedandhandedher asteamingcupoftea.

Shewaspleasantlysurprisedthathe’dalsoincludedtwosugar packetsonthechipped,porcelain saucer.Hewasn’tsuchabrute,especiallyfor adragon.Her grandfather hadtoldher theywereall fireandnofinesse.

“Gotcaughtinacompromisingposition.”Sheblew steamacrossher tea,lookingupathimwith aninnocentair.“You?”

Hisnostrilsflaredandhisgazeflickeredtoher breasts.“Burneddowntheboy’sbathroom.”

“Notonpurpose,”Tejusaid.“Draquewastryingtosmitearat.”

Ladonnodded.“Theschool wasinfested.”

“Whyareyouallowedtobringyour wandstodetention?”Sheglancedatthelongstickpokingout ofDraque’sjeans.

“We’renot.”Draqueslippedawandfromhispocketwithagrin.“Tejuknowseveryconcealment andenchantmentspell thereis.”

“He’sthesmartbrother.”Ladontappedhisforehead.“HismindislikeaGoldenwand.”

“Nice.”Sheshifteduncomfortablyatthereferencetoher grandfather’sinvention.Peoplewere alwaystalkingabouttherevolutionarywandthathadthefeaturesofacellphone(anelectronic communicationdeviceusedinthehumanrealm) andthememoryofaseasonedwitch.Itwasthe perfectblendoftechnologyandmagic.Itwasalsoseldomusedbyshifters,andshedidn’tknow if thatwasduetotheir animositytowardtheGoldenwandor thewand’shatredofthem.Either way,she hadasinkingfeelingtheseshifterswouldn’tbeimpressediftheyfoundoutshewastheGoldenwand heiress.

“Whatkindofcompromisingposition?”Draqueaskedwithahintofmirth.

Shewatchedthesteamrisingfromher cup,feelingasifhecouldseeintoher soul withhis penetratingeyes.Smilingsoftlyatthememory,shesaid,“Mebentover myprofessor’sdeskandhim bentover behindme.”

Pantingheavily,Thelixperkeduptoseetheir reactions.

“Youscrewedyour professor?”All threebrotherssaidsimultaneously,their jawsdropping.

“Justone,butifyoulistentotherumors,I’vefuckedbetweentenandtenthousand.”Thoughshe wasasiren,andnaturallysexual,shedidhavestandards.Eventhoughhe’doffered,shewasn’tabout tosleepwithProfessor Slugstackfor apassinggrade.Periwinklehadbeentootemptingtoresist, though.Itwasalmostasifhe’dcastaspell onher libido.

“Whydidyousleepwithhim?”Tejuasked.

Thoughshewasn’talwaysattractedtomeninglasses,shecouldn’tdenyTejulookedadorably sophisticated.Theroundlenseskeptslidingdownhisnose.Shestudiedhiseyesandsaw nojudgment there,justasenseofwonder.

“Itwasalotmorefunthanstudying.”Shebither thumbnail.“Professor Periwinklewasn’tjustmy teacher;hewasmytutor,andwespentalotoftimetogether after school.”

“Periwinkle,huh?”Draquechuckled.

Shesupposedhisnamewasodd.TherewasonceaninfamouswitchnamedPressyPeriwinkle, who’dbeenaccusedofshrinkingher former lovers’testicles.

SheeyedDraquecoollyandthencaughtthethickscentoftheir desire.Thelixclawedather, demandingtobesated.Serahrefusedtosurrender toher siren,nomatter how badlyshewantedto bangtheshifters.

Tejuclearedhisthroat,shiftinghislegsandnot-so-inconspicuouslyadjustingthebulgeinhis jeans.“Theteachersareall womenhere.”

Sheinstinctivelylickedher lower lip,instantlyregrettingher action.BeforeGrandfather had takenher fromSiren’sCove,she’denjoyedthesexual companyoftwogirlsher age.They’dhelped Serahunlockthesecretsofher body.Butshewasn’tabouttosleepwithaprofessor again,even thoughthegirlsshe’dbeenwithhadpleasuredher far better thanProfessor Periwinkle.

“Mostofthemaretrolls,”Tejuadded.

Sheblinkedathim,thinkingofLadyHoofenmouthwiththeunibrow,widenose,andafacethat hadbeenstruckafew timesbyareallybiguglystick.Nooffensetotrolls,buttheywerethemost unattractiveraceinthemagical world.“Really?Mostofthem?”

“Everyoneexceptfor MissBubblebosom.”Ladonchuckled.“Andthey’reall loyal to Doublewart.”

Holydragondong!Shedidn’tthinkshecouldstomachsleepingwithatroll.Nowonder Grandfather hadinsistedsheattendthisschool.

“Ifyouneedtutoring,”Tejusaid,“I’mhappytohelp.”

“Thanks,Teju.”Heatflamedher cheekswhenshelookedintohispiercingeyes.Shehadafeeling hisideaoftutoringwouldbemuchlikePeriwinkle’s.“Butassoonasmydetention’sover,I’mcalling mygrandfather tocomegetme.”Hewouldn’twanther tostayhereafter helearnedGoldenwands wereforbidden.Sure,hewasoftenhardonher andnotveryaffectionate,buthecaredenoughtosee thatshegotadecenteducation,didn’the?

“Yousignedthecontract,right?”Tejuasked.

“Yeah.”Sheshrugged,butGrandfather couldgether outofit.

Draquegaveher aforlornlookasifhe’daccidentallyeatenher puppy.“Itcan’tberevoked.”

Shesatupstraighter.“Excuseme?”

“DameDoublewartownsyour assuntil graduation,”hesaid. Shetossedlong,wavyhair behindher shoulder.“I’msureIcangetoutofit.”

“I’msureyoucan’t.”Draquesnickered.“Doublewart’snever lostastudent.Shepridesherselfon her record.”

Sheslumpedinher seat.“Fuck.”

Ladongaveher asympatheticlook.“Whatyear areyou?”

“Twelfth.”Sheshould’vefinishedschool lastyear,butshe’dgottenalatestart.

“Youonlyhaveasemester togo.”Teju’senthusiasmsoundedforced.“You’ll getthroughit.” “How longhaveyoubeenhere?”sheaskedthem.

“Threeyears,”theyansweredsimultaneously.

“We’retwelfthyears,too,”Ladonsaid.

Merlin’sdirtybuttplug!“How haveyousurvivedthatlong?”

Thebrotherssharedslylooks.

“We’vemanaged,”Tejusaid.

Andby“managed”shesuspectedthey’dseducedeverywaywardwitchintheschool. “Wehadnochoice,”Ladonsaid.“Weshould’vegraduatedtwoyearsago,butnoother schools wouldtakeus.”

“How oldareyou?”sheasked.

“Justturnedtwenty.”

Hmmm.Triplets.Shethoughtshe’dreadoncedragoneggshatchedinthrees.Theylookedolder. Thenagain,she’dhearddragonswereusuallymaturebeyondtheir years.Theseguysdidn’tacttoo mature,though.

“You?”Ladonasked.

Thelixpurredwhenheflashedthosesexydimples.Hotdamn,hewascute.Shewonderedifhe’d meanttoturnher onor ifhewasgenuinelysweetandsexy.

“Almostnineteen,”shesaid.“I’mayear behind.”Notthatshewasadummy.Grandfather hadn’t takenher fromSiren’sCoveuntil shewassixteen.

Tejupuffeduphischest,lookingfar toosophisticatedandsexyashepushedhisglassesupthe bridgeofhisRomannose.“We’ll helpyougetall caughtup.”

Yesss, please, Thelixbegged. More tutoring sessions.

“Thanks.”Shedidn’thavethehearttotell himshewasn’tstaying.Contractscouldalwaysbe brokenwithenoughpayoff.

“Our pleasure,”Ladonanswered,hischeeksflushingsored,shefearedhe’dcatchfire.

“Whatisit,Ladon?”sheasked.

Helookedather withbigdoeeyes,andher heartmelted.“You’retheprettiestgirl I’veever seen.”

ShesworesheheardThelixfaint.“Uh,thanks.”Sheforcedherselftolookaway.

“Sorry.”Heleanedintoher,gettingsocloseshecouldsmell him,ablendofheat,magic,and temptingpheromonesall hisown.“IhopeI’mnotmakingyouuncomfortable.”

Shefoughtandthedesirethatcoursedthroughher whenshespiedthebulgeinhisjeans.

Grab it! Thelixcommanded.

“I’mquitecomfortable,thanks,”sheansweredhimwhileignoringThelix.Sheknew shewas attractive,withher wavy,auburnhair,luminousvioleteyes,andgenerouscurves.Shewasbuiltlikea siren,after all.Butevensheknew thepower ofthesiren’scall.Her mesmerizingvoicewasmeantto luresailorstotheir deaths,trickingthemtofall somadlyinlove,theycompletelyforgottheir imminentdanger.Kindofsuckedfor her attimes,becauseshenever knew ifmenwereattractedto her or simplybewitched.

“I’msureyougetloadsofcompliments,”Tejusaid,leaningcloser,too.

Rip off their clothes! Thelixwailed. Or let them rip off yours.

Sheshould’vebeenalarmedthatshewasbeingsquishedintoastudsandwich,butshegloriedin it.

“Ido,”shesaid,“andI’msureyou’vemetprettier girls.”

“Wehaven’t,”theysaidinunison.

They want you Spread your legs, already Shewould’vebeenflatteredifnotfor thefactthather pheromonesweresostrong.Shewipeda beadofsweatoffher brow,knowingher glandswerereactingtothescentofthreevirilemen. “Listen,”shesaid,clenchingher handsintofistsasshebracedfor their reaction.“Ihavetobe honestwithyou.I’mpartsiren.You’rereactingtomypheromones.All mendo.”

Don’t tell them that! Thelixscolded.

Theyfrozelikegnomescaughtinatrapper’snet.

Draquesharedwide-eyedlookswithhisbrothers.“Seriously?”

“Yeah.”Shetwistedtheendofher beltinher fingers.“Mygrandmother isthesirenqueen.”

Draque’sjaw dropped.“Noshit.”

“D-doyoueatguysafter youhavesexwiththem?”Ladonstammered.

Shestiffened.Eventhoughsirenshadstoppedeatingmenafter thecursehadbeenbrokentwo thousandyearsago,their reputationasman-eaterspersisted.“No,Idon’t.”Shegavethemeacha directlook.“Sirensdon’teatpeopleanymore.Getwiththismillennium.”

But we swallow, Thelixgiggled.

All threebrotherssimultaneouslysighed.

“Thankthestars.”Ladonclaspedhishandsinaprayer pose,lickinghislipslikeakidinanice creamparlor.“Notthatwe’reafraidofyoueatingus.We’redragonshifters.”

Sheglaredathim.“WhosaidIwashavingsexwithyou?”Sothey’dalreadyassumedshewould spreadher legs?Didtheythinkher awhore?Wasthatwhythey’drescuedher fromthedungeon? They’dalreadyplannedongettinglaid?Theymadeher horny,buttheydidn’thavetobesocrass. “Sorry.”Ladondraggedahanddownhisfacewithagroan.“Idon’tknow what’scomeover me.”

“We’renotusuallylikethis,”Draquesaid.“Youmustthinkwe’recads.”

Shepretendedtobeoffended,butthenaggingsireninthebackofher headurgedher tojump them,tellingher shewanteditasmuchastheydid.Shesmoothedtremblinghandsdownher jeans. Sheneededawaytoshutthesirenup.Either that,or giveher whatshewanted.

“That’sokay.”Shefrownedather tea,coolingonthecoffeetable.“Doyouhaveanythingstronger thanbeer andtea?”

Ladonjumpedtohisfeet.“Whatwouldyoulike?”

Tejuarchedabrow.“How aboutasirensangria?”

Somethingwasgoingonhere.“Never hadit,”sheanswered.

Theyall frozeagain.“Really?”Tejuasked,lookinglikeakidwho’dgottenhishandcaughtinthe cookiejar.

Sheshothimanaccusatoryglare.“I’mguessingitmakesyouhorny.”

Let’s drink it, Thelixsquealed.

Asifsheneededanythingelsetomakehepussythrobandher nipplesache.

Hescratchedthebackofhishead,avertinghisgaze.“Uh...maybe.”

“Whatthehell,Teju?”DraquesnappedandturnedtoLadon.“Makeher apixiepunch.”

“Okay,”Ladonsaid,castingawaryglanceather.

You want the sangria, her inner sirenpurred. Then you’ll have a good excuse for capitulating to their many charms.

“That’sokay,”sheblurted.“I’ll tryasirensangria.”Sheshould’veregrettedthewordsthat slippedoffher tongue,butshewaswell onher waypastregrets.

“Okay,”Ladonpracticallyroared,“sirensangriasfor everyone.”

Hisbrothersgrowledtheir approval,eyeingher liketheywerestarvinglions,andshewasa choicecutofprimebeef.

Ladonhurriedtothetiki bar,butnotbeforeshesaw thebigbulgeinhissweats.Hisbrotherswere alsosportingerections.Theheatradiatingfromtheir skinsaidtheywerereadyfor anightofprimal passion.

Shefoughttheurgetoreachfor themandfreetheir fleshwandsfromtheir pants.That’swhenshe knew therewasagoodchanceshewasgettinglaidthatnight.Notbyone,butbythreedragonshifters. She’dregretitcomemorning,especiallyifGrandfather foundout,buttherewasnothingtobedone. Shewassodamnedhorny,shecouldn’tconjureupaspell strongenoughtosuppressher libido, especiallyasher wandwascurrentlylockedaway.Goddesssaveher.

LadonFiresbreathcouldhardlybelievetheir goodluck.Heandhisbrothershadn’texpectedto rescueabeautiful sirenwhentheywereassigneddetention.Honestly,they’ddeliberatelygotten kickedoutofclassbecausetheyneededabreakfromboringlecturesandatrociouscafeteriafood.

Heinhaledher intoxicatingscentfromacrosstheroom,sendinghislibidointoatailspin.She smelledlikehoneysuckleandsomethingelse,strangeyetfamiliar.Heaccidentallypouredtoomuch punchintheglassandsworewhenitoverflowed.Heknew sirenpheromonesweretempting,buther scentwasfar tooalluring.Couldshebetheir destinedmate?Goddess,heprayedshewas.

Withher luminousvioleteyes,wavyauburnhair,mile-highlegs,andalluringcurves,shewasthe definitionoftemptationandhewantedatasteofher forbiddenfruit.

***

Helookedathisbrothers,whowerecrowdingher onthesofa.Whentheymadeeyecontact,he sentthematelepathicmessage. You smell what I smell?

Tejugaveacurtnod. I’ve never wanted a girl so much in my damn life.

We have to have her, Draquegrowled.

TejushotSerahasidewayslook. Don’t worry brothers. She wants us, too.

Satedandspent,Dorislayinher lover’sarms,cooingwhileAthenastrokedher backandheldher on thewornrugbythefireplace.Logscrackledinthehearth,thelightfromthefireflickeringacrossthe walls,creatingfor theloverstheperfectambiancefor amagical evening.Ifonlyitcouldbelikethis always.PerhapsAthenawasright.PerhapsDorisshouldretirewiththemoneyandclosetheschool. Thethoughtwastemptingbuther teachersandstudentsneededDoublewart’sAcademy,andsodid she.Ithadbeenher passionthesepasttwenty-fiveyears,transformingmisfitwitchesintoproductive membersofsociety.How couldshewalkaway?

Witharesignedsigh,shesatupandkissedAthena’sforeheadbeforeslippingonher clothes.

Athenareachedfor her withalanguidsmile.“Don’tgoyet.”

DoristookAthena’slargehandinhersandkissedher callousedknuckles.“Ihaveto,mylove.”It wasalmosttimefor light’sout.Dorisalwayswishedher studentsagoodnight.

Dorisshookwavybrownhair over her shoulder andbuttonedher blouse.How muchshe’d enjoyedthissiren’sbodyshe’dtemporarilyadopted.Shewasyoungandflexible,nottomention orgasmsweresointense,shesaw stars.Nowonder sirenswerepromiscuous.Dorisadmiredher perkybreastsoncemorebeforefasteningthelastbutton,regrettingshe’dhavetotransformbackinto her oldbodybeforeshewasdiscovered.

Kneelingover her lover,shekissedAthenaoncemore,thenreachedfor her wand.Whenaloud crashfilledher ears,shescreamed,hittingthefloor sohard,her headspun.

Shegaggedonacridsmokeandshieldedher facewithher hands.Dragon’sbreath!Those mischievousFiresbreathbrothersmusthaveescapeddetention.Shewouldmakethempay!

“Athena!”sherasped,sittingupandrubbingher dizzyhead.“Areyouokay?”

Her lover answeredwithagroan.

Doris’sheartseized.“Athena!”shecried,fanningher face.“Ican’tseeyou!”

Peeringintothesmoke,shesaw thatthewall withthefireplacehadcrumbled,exposingthemto theelementsandgivingher aglimpseofthenearbygraveyard,illuminatedbythinshardsof moonlight.Shemadeouttheshadowyfiguresofthreewingeddragons.“Youmiscreants!”Sheshooka fistatthem.“Lookwhatyou’vedone!I’ll haveyouinthedungeonfor therestoftheyear.”

Whenthetallestofthedragonsmovedforward,snarling,her breathcaughtinher throat.He lookedfamiliar,buthewasn’toneofher students notoneofher currentstudentsanyway.

“Wh-whoareyou?”shedemanded,wishingshehadher wand.

Thedragon’supper liplifted,revealingrowsofrazor sharpteeth.“Never mindwhoweare.”The serpent’sheadweaved,followingher likeasnakecorneringarabbit.“You’retheGoldenwand heiress.”

Sheopenedher mouthtocontradicthimbutthoughtbetter ofit.Thiswasakidnapping,andshe’d bedamnedifsheletthemtakeoneofher students.

Steppingback,shenearlytrippedover her wand.Withaquickflickofthewrist,shebroughtitto her hand,thenyelledinpainwhenitwaszappedawaywithashocksopowerful,shewasdrivento

***

her knees.

“Didyouthinkyoucouldbestme?”hepurred,nuzzlingher hair.

Shebackedupuntil shewaspressedagainstthedoor or whatwasleftofit.Cryingout,she shieldedher eyeswhenadragonlungedfor her,her kneesbucklingassheslumpedintohisopen jowls.

Thestudentshadjustfinishedtheir supper whenBodiceaBubblebosomnoticedthechangeinthe nightsky.Inamatter ofseconds,thedarkcloudshadturnedabrickishhue,asifilluminatedbyafire within.Bodicea’sveinssolidifiedwithfear.ItwasjustasDorishadpredicted.War hadcometotheir school.

Sheblew her whistlethreetimes,wavingher wandaboveher head.“Students,thisisnotadrill. Wandsattheready!”

Her chargessnappedtheir wandsoutoftheir robesandfell totheir knees,duckingunder the tablesasthey’dpracticedindrills.

Adragon’sroar wasBodicea’sonlywarningbeforethewallswentupinflames.Bodiceathrew a protectiveshieldaroundher studentsastheother professorsaimedtheir wandsatthefivemassive dragonshoveringover thecharredremainsofwhathadoncebeentheir school.Theyfoughtfirewith fire,until thescorchedair wassostifling,ithurttobreathe.

Theywouldnotsurvivethisbattlemuchlonger.

DameDoublewartandLadyHoofenmouthwerenowhereinsight,soBodiceachantedtheillusion spell,creatingwhatappearedtobeapowerful explosion.Thenshewhisperedthesecretpasswordto unlockthedungeon.Bodiceastifledascreamwhenthefloor buckledandsheandher studentsfell to thebottomofthepit.

After hittingthedirt,sheblinkedupatthegraybricks,whichshiftedbackintoplaceabovethem. Her chargesweredeadquiet,knowingtheslightestsoundcouldgiveawaytheir hidingplace. Goddesssavethemiftheyhadn’tfooledthebeasts.

***

“Whatkindofwandisthis?Itlookslikesomethingfromlastcentury.”Serahknew shewasturningon Draqueasshefondledhiswand,butshejustcouldn’thelpherself.Maybeshewasabadgirl after all.

“Probably.”Heworkedatickinhisjaw,hiseyesturningtostoneashescootedcloser toher.“We getleftover suppliesfromother schools.”

“I’venever seenawandsothick,”shecooed,takingonasultry,sirentone.GreatGoddess! Thelixwastakingover.Sonotgood.Thelasttimeshesurrenderedtoher siren,she’dbeenkickedout ofschool.

“Theolder onesarethicker,”Tejurasped,hisvoicecrackingashewipedsweatoffhisbrow. “Doyoulikethickwands?”Draqueasked,hisvoicelow anddark.

Yes, we do, Thelixpurred.

Sheinhaledthescentofhispheromones.“Areyoubeingbad?”sheteased,battingher lashes. “Tryingtobe.”Heranahandthroughhisbeard.“Areyou?”

Shehandedbackhiswand.“Maybe.”

“I’vegotathickwand,too,ifyouwanttoseeit.”Ladonbowedhishead,lookingather intensely. We want to see all the wands,Thelixcried, making messes across our breasts

Her sirenwatchedtoomanyporns.

Ladon’sboyishcharmmadeher creamher panties.Hewassodamncute.Sheknew she’dbe dominantiftheyever hadsex,ridingher dragonuntil theywerebothroaringwithpleasure.

“Letmesee.”Shewaggledher fingers,andheplacedhiswandinher hand.Itwasthick,likehis brother’s.Judgingbythebulgesintheir pants,their wandswereagoodindicationoftheir anatomy.

Crossingonelegover theother,shefoughttopushwaywardthoughtsoutofher mindandtook another sipofher sirensangria.Ittastednothinglikeshe’dexpected.Fruityandsweet,witha salty/sour aftertaste,sortoflikesexwithasiren.Blissful andsweetuntil shefinishedwithher lover andtossedhimaside,whichshesupposedwasbetter thanwhentheyusedtoeatthem.Her mother and grandmother hadexpectedher tobelikethem lovemenandthensendthemontheir way butsadly, shehadawitch’sheart.How shewishedshecouldbeasindifferentastherestofher kind.Maybe thenshewouldn’tstill benursingabrokenheart.

SheshovedthoughtsofPeriwinkleaside.Hedidn’tdeserveher attention,anyway.

Thelixtoldher todipLadon’swandinher drinkandsuckitdry,butsheresisted,knowingher dragonswouldloseall control ifshedidthat.

Admit it, you want them to lose control.

ShesilentlyadmonishedThelixandhandedLadonbackhiswand.“It’sverynice,”shesaid, forcingherselftolookawayfromhisbig,sweeteyes.

“Lookwhatminecando,”Tejusaidwithawink,handingher hiswand.

Itvibratedinher hand,andthetipbulged,makingitappear tobeasextoy.

Ask him to slide it into your pussy, Thelixdemanded.

“Onedrink,andyou’realreadytryingtogetinmypants.”

Heblushed.“Sorry.”

Cluckingher tongue,shehandeditbacktohim,abuzzgoingthroughher whentheir fingers touched.GreatGoddess,shewasinsomuchtrouble.How couldsheresistthesethreetempting brothersall night?

ChapterThree

Maybesheshouldn’t.Maybeatrystwiththemwasexactlywhatsheneededtoheal her shattered heartafter Periwinkle’srejection.

Tejuandhisbrotherslookednervouslyateachother,eachwithahopelesslookthattoldher they wereall outoftricks.Maybetheyweren’tthepracticedflirtsshe’dassumedthemtobe.

“Tell memoreaboutthisschool,”shesaid,changingthesubjectandhopingtoputthematease.

Draque’seyesturnedfrombrowntogoldandbackagain,whichmeanthewasprobablywarring withhisshifter’sdesires,too.“DameDoublewartisahardass.”

Sherolledher eyes.“Igatheredthat.”

“Butshecaresabouther students,”Ladonsaid.

ShewasbeginningtosuspectLadondidn’thaveanunkindboneinhisbody,whichmadeher want tofuckhimevenmore.

Shetookseveral deepswallowsofher sangria,finishingitoffandwipingher mouthwiththe backofher hand.“Could’vefooledme.”Sheaccidentallyslammedher glassonthetableandwas relievedwhenitdidn’tshatter.

Draqueflashedamockingpout.“You’restill hurtover beingsenttothedungeon?”

Shecrossedher arms,scowling.“Areyoumakingfunofme?”Draquewasthemostmischievous ofthebrothers,judgingbyhisattitude.Maybeeventhereasontheywerealwaysintrouble.

“Everystudentgetssenttothedungeontheir firstnight,”Tejusaid,leaningintoher andgivingher asympatheticsmile.

“Usuallyonenightisall ittakestopreventusfromactingup.”Ladonblinkedather,clearly missingtheironyinhisstatement.

Shelaughed.“Didn’tseemtoworkonyou.”

TwinfiresbrewedinDraque’seyes.“We’rea special kindofbad.”

Oh, goddess! Thelixyelled. Just fuck them already!

Shescootedawayfromhim,theheatfromhisnearnesssettingher skinaflame.“Ipromisedmy grandfather Iwouldn’tgonear badboysagain.”

He’ll never know, Thelixpleaded.

Draque’sbrowsraisedashegaveher alonglook.“Didyoulovehim?”

“Who?”Shewrappedher armsaroundherself,feelingasifhisgazewasboringholesthroughher soul.

“Your professor.”Hetookalongdrinkofbeer beforesettingthebottleonthetable.He’dbeenthe onlybrother torefuseasangria,butsomethingtoldher hedidn’tneedamagical drinktostokehis libido.

Shebrokeeyecontactwithhim,unabletohandlehispenetratinggazeamomentlonger.“Ithought Idid.”

He didn’t know how to lick pussy, Thelixspat. We didn’t love him.

Heleanedsoclose,shecouldsmell thebarleyonhisbreath.“Whatmadeyouchangeyour mind?”

Serahreleasedashakybreath,hatingthathewasmakingher relivethatawful daybutalso knowingsheneededtoacknowledgetheuglytruthifshewastoheal her brokenheart.“Hedidn’t fightfor us.”

There,she’dsaidit,thoughthetruthstunglikeathousandvenomouscobrabites.Periwinkle’s rejectionhadhurtfar worsethanwhenher grandmother andmother triedtokill her.Worsethanwhen Grandfather calledher awhoreafter she’dbeencaughtwithPrometheus.

Prometheushadtoldher helovedher,thathewantedtospendeternitywithher,buthe’dlether go tooeasilyafter theheadmistressdiscoveredtheir affair,refusingtoevenlookather whentheywere

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