A Court of Rising Starlight

Chapter II

The next evening I sit in Megan's living room, watching a romantic comedy. I bite my lip, wondering if I should tell her what happened last night. Of course I would. She is my best friend. I could trust her with anything. We grew up in the same court. She knew I was supposed to be a High Lady, and I was worried about a much smaller secret.

She pauses the movie. "What's wrong with you?"

"I didn't come home last night. I lied and told my parents I was with you when they asked this morning."

"Where were you?"

"I don't know what hit me at that party. One moment he was teasing me like he always does and the next he was kissing me."

She rolls her eyes. "Tons of guys tease you. Who was the lucky one to steal your first kiss?"

I huff. "I slept with Hawking." She chokes on her popcorn at my confession. I bite my lip. "Look, it was a slip up. That is it."

"Acacia, a slip up, would be a quick kiss. You slept with him. What I'm wondering is why it has taken you over three years to figure out-"

"He is not my mate. I think you're forgetting everything about him is just screaming mortal guy. He can't be my mate."

"Are you forgetting what happened with your own birth parents? Rhys knew your mom was his mate when Amarantha was killing her. Not after the High Lords made her a High Fae. She was still an innocent, breakable, vulnerable girl when he found out."

I run my hands through my hair. But I didn't feel anything. Then again, my mother didn't either. My father hid it for months and let her hate him, even after he stopped the Spring wedding, even after she left Tamlin and joined the Night Court. If it weren't for the Suriel I don't know when she would have found out.

I hated even considering the possibility of what she was suggesting, but it was a solid fact. No. There was no other match between a fae and human that was known.

"I just have one question," she says, playing the movie. "I am well aware I have a mate, but is he any good in bed?"

"Meg!"

-----

Derek POV:

"Have a bit of a wild night?" Logan asks.

"What makes you ask that?"

He shrugs. "Maybe as your best friend I can just tell, or maybe you are sporting obvious nail marks on the back of your neck. Who knows?" I slam my locker shut after grabbing my English book. He chuckles at my small action of frustration. "Who's the lucky girl?"

I run a hand over my face. "Ac-" What, first I am stupid enough to do anything more than keep on hating her and now I am using her given name? I must be going absolutely insane. "Andrews."

He pales. I know what he is thinking. "Do you know what the hell this could get you into? Derek, what are you going to do when she comes up saying that the-"

"Let's just pray that doesn't happen."

I clench my jaw, walking into home room. Megan and Acacia were already seated at their normal neighboring desks. Meg turns around as we enter, obviously sensing her mate approaching. Sometimes I wonder how it feels, having your mate at your side. Every time you look their way, no matter how much you piss them off, they will always love you.

I often notice how the two mated couples I knew would share secret glances here and there. My parents were extremely guilty of it, though I didn't mind, knowing someday I would have that. Acacia suddenly stiffens. I can only assume it is because of what happened on Friday. Though she hadn't even looked my way, she knew I always came in with Logan.

After whispering something in Megan's ear, too low for me to hear, even being a fae, she walks over to the instructors desk. "I'm sorry, Mrs, Erickson," I hear her say. "I've been feeling dizzy all morning. May I have a pass to the nurses office please?"

"Of course, dear."

That little teaches pet, I think. "Hey, Meg," I greet her. "Everything alright with Andrews?"

"What the hell were you thinking? If she finds out about-"

"I know. She won't."