A Court of Rising Starlight

Chapter XIII

Nicole POV:

~Flashback~
I was sitting on one of the benches in the courtyard after school, my legs folded under me. A shadow falls over me. I look up, meeting soft hazel eyes. It hits me in a rush as I take in his other features. Tousled brown hair, tan skin. My mate. I bite my lip nervously. His eyes roam over me and I note the mutual surprise they hold.

"No," he says, voice low. "We can't be mates. I can't accept this bond. We..." He stands, running a hand through his hair. "Just ignore all of this. I don't give a damn about you or this bond. I already have someone. Someone I've known and cared for for a long time now. Since we were children. A mistake the cauldron made is not worth risking that."

He turns to walk away. "Asshole," I mumble. He freezes. "Who the hell do you think you are? You were lucky enough to find a mate, not to mention we're still teenagers, and the first thing you do is reject me? I guess I don't need to ask if you know how to be anything other than a selfish bastard."

~End of flashback~

I hadn't spoken with my mate since the day I met him, instead choosing to avoid him. It was fairly easy as he was a senior and I was a sophomore. It has been two months since he came here and the few times I did see him I would always turn my head. I wouldn't beg him for something he should be grateful for.

"I'm so glad you're finally here. It's been hard without you here."

"I'm happy too," a girl replies. "I've missed you, Garrett."

I stiffen. "What is it, Nicki?" Acacia asks.

"How are they?" I hear the girl ask. "All of them."

He chuckles, making my heart skip a beat. "She's reckless, Gracie. How the hell that guy is keeping her alive-"

"That guy is her mate, Garrett." Gracie laughs. "You're missing the fact that the two of them are exactly alike. Derek and Acacia...Neither one of them would find shame in admitting that they would die for one another. It's always been obvious a mating bond would surface. What about Nicole?"

His reply is swift. "She's fine."

"I need to go back," the girl says sadly. "Take care of Acacia. Please."

"I know, trust me. There are tons of people that want her dead. I know."

"Derek is handling that. I'm talking about future events. The Rising is coming. She's the youngest of the heirs. Starfall-well, the anniversary, is approaching. She'll be eighteen."

I see Acacia stiffen. "The Rising?" she whispers. I shrug.

"I'll see you in a few weeks," Grace says to my mate. "Try to get closer to them."

"I will. I love you." Tears spring to my eyes and I wipe them away.

"I love you too."
---
Acacia POV:

Two Days Later

"Only a month until your birthday," Mor sings.

I look to Nicole. She and I had both agreed to keep quiet for a while about what we had heard from Garrett and whoever Grace was. While The Rising did seem like something to be concerned about, we didn't want to stress everyone.

She had been good about hiding her situation with him, but I could tell it was getting harder to hide. She wanted to be with her mate, as most fae would.

"He said he loved her. He didn't even hesitate. I wish I had a mate that would care. Do you know how jealous I've been of you and Derek?"

That question she had asked me on the way home had pained me. I knew I was lucky to have him, the past now behind us. It was more than shocking to everyone when I returned to school, completely open about our relationship. The rumors were flying about denial of feelings, hidden romance, and a billion other possibilities. Of course he was amused by it all and loved the fact I was embarrassed by every smart comment from our peers and intimate touch he made in public.

"Yeah," I say calmly.

"Aren't you excited? You'll be eighteen."

"I don't want it to be a big deal. It's just another birthday," I say, not truly answering her question. "Let's just forget about it."

I hear a snort from behind me before a hand rests low on my spine. "You know that's never gonna happen, Acacia," my mate says. "Especially since this is the first time in a long time we'll all be together for it."

I roll my eyes. "Whatever."

"Well, we're doing something," Mor says again. "Now. You kids go upstairs. It's late. You've got school tomorrow."

I quickly go to the hall bath to change and brush my teeth before slipping into the bedroom I now share with Derek. He presses his lips to my forehead. I smile slightly before pulling away to lay down on the bed. I wrap my arm around his torso, resting my head on his shoulder when he joins me.

He shifts under me, making me open my eyes again. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course," I lie. "You know I'd tell you if something was wrong."

"I also know that you are protective of people when you think they're-"

I sit up. "What exactly are you accusing me of?" He raises an eyebrow, tucking an arm behind his head. "Derek." He turns his back to me. "Honestly," I mutter. "This is ridiculous. You're so immature."

"I'm sorry. Do you find it unfair, not being given an answer you want?"

"I..." I lay down again. "It's not my place. I made a promise. I have to keep it."

He turns again, kissing my hair. "Why can't I stay mad at you, princess?"

I smirk up at him. "You already have that answer."

"Oh? And what is it?"

"You love me." I don't hesitate. "And I love you."