Chapter 0188
Ch
** Josie’s POV **
“Food is being served in the dining hall,” Dot says as she checks the message filling us all with relief. I don’t think any of us can handle another crisis right now.
“Oh good, I’m starving.” I grin.
“Are you sure you want to face everyone? There’s been some crazy rumours flying around since you disappeared,” Theo says nervously.
“She should let them see her, that will put an end to most of the rumours, besides, the gossip mill has been more focused on you and Mace since you put on your little show, Dot laughs.
“What show?” I ask, intrigued.
“Oh, they didn’t tell you?” she asks.
“Dot,” Mason warns.
“What? She’s going to hear it anyway. It’s all everyone has been talking about. Mason was quite the hero. Some of the students were talking shit about Theo, so Mason turns around, grabs him and kisses him in front of the whole dining hall. It was amazing!” she laughs.
“I’m sorry I missed that,” I grin and look at Theo. He smiles at the memory and I am kind of devastated I missed such a big moment for them both.
“I’m proud of you,” I tell Mason privately through the ming link and he doesn’t respond but I see a slight twitch of a smile on his lips.
“I wish I’d have been there to see their faces,” Luke says, getting an arm around Theo’s shoulder.
“They only gossip because they’re jealous. I’ve been watching and listening to them since I started this Academy. Whenever someone seems to be doing well it’s as if they see it as a threat to their reputation and they need to try and drag people back down. It’s pathetic. You’d think at this age they’d know better,” Axel says with a sigh.
“You’re right. I’m all for some juicy gossip, but it’s the fabricated stories I can’t stand,” Dot responds as we make our way towards the dining hall.
We see our first group of students and they look at me in surprise before flashing friendly smiles, which I return. They don’t seem like the gossiping type and I feel a little more confident. At least not everyone here hates me. The next students we see are a mixed bag, some friendly, some uncaring and some intrigued. We almost make it all the way to the dining hall before we encounter our first gossip whores.
“Oh my gosh, she’s back and she’s pregnant. I told you she was banging Mr Collins,” I hear one whisper, loudly.
“Nah, a man like him would reject a bond with the likes of her. She’s not even a real Grey. I bet she’s been screwing humans whilst she was away,” another responds
We all ignore the chatter but my guys close in around me, Theo slips his hand into mine and squeezes it. Luke comes to my other side, taking my hand and I feel Axel’s presence come up behind me as Mason positions himself in front, mostly shielding me from view.
“Where are you?” I ask Deacon through the mind link as my nerves begin to get the better of me. We hadn’t had a chance to discuss how we would act at the academy. I understand he might need to keep a professional front in front of the other students, even though I want them all to know he is mine.
Chapter 0189
+25 BONUS
“Kitchen, where are you? Mason said your bloodwork came back clear, that’s a huge relief,” he responds quickly.
“Yes, the cheese was fine. We are on our way to the dining hall, I need to eat. I miss you,”
“I miss you too. I’m happy to be home but I already miss having so much free time to be with you when we were trapped in the human realm,” he admits.
“I feel the same. You’ll be spending the night at the apartment with us won’t you?”
“I’m
not sure. We will discuss it later. Make sure you eat enough, you’ve barely eaten today and Little Bean needs you strong, headmasters orders,”
“Yes, Sir,” I tell him before closing down the connection. I don’t want him to feel how disappointed I am that he didn’t quickly agree he would be spending the night with our group. He has enough pressure on his shoulders without a needy bond adding to his stress too.
The smell of food hits me and my stomach rumbles angrily. It’s been far too long since I ate anything substantial and my body is definitely suffering for it. More chattering sounds out as we enter the dining hall and I do my best to block it out.
We join the queue for food and Mason pulls me in close to him, keeping an arm around my waist. I know this is more about his overriding urge to protect me and his child but I can’t help the thrill of excitement and pride at this public display of affection. He’s come so far in the last weeks.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0189
Chapter 0189
