I SAT AT ONE OF the library tables while Theo paced the length of the room. Finally, he stopped in front of me.

“There’s a lot I need to teach you.”

“I figured that,” I said sarcastically.

“I need to teach you not only how to use defensive and offensive magic but how to fight in a battle.”

I kept quiet while he mused to himself.

He grabbed a chair and flipped it backward before settling into it. He crossed his arms and said, “I think it would be best to teach you hand-to-hand combat before the magic. You’re still not entirely in control of your magic yet and, frankly, I don’t want you to mess up my pretty face.” He rubbed his jaw. I narrowed my eyes and he raised his hands in defense. “Hey, it’s the truth. You’re new to all of this.”

I shook my head. “But haven’t I already been learning how to fight?”

Theo rolled his eyes. “Beauregard doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

“And you do? You’ve already confessed that the only time you’ve left the manor was to get me; I don’t see how you can know more than he does.”

“Don’t push my buttons, doll face.” His eyes narrowed, promising pain in my future if I didn’t shut up.

I laughed. “Let’s not talk about buttons anymore. Show me how to fight.”

He grinned and stood, indicating that I should do the same. With an exhalation, I stood with my arms crossed over my chest.

Theo closed his eyes and pushed his arms out away from his body. As he did, all the tables and chairs in the room slid across and settled against the wall, leaving the middle of the room empty.

“Ready?” He grinned, turning his head to the side to assess me.

“Bring it.”

He shook his head and his lip ring glimmered in the changing light.

“The reason you need to learn hand-to-hand combat is in case one of The Iniquitous finds you in the day time. They usually don’t venture out during that time because they can’t use magic, but if they do, you need to be prepared.”

“But can’t I use my own magic?”

“You can, but in a moment of panic, you may not be able to center yourself enough to tap into it. But that’s something we’ll go over another time. Plus, the bastards would take you by surprise and most likely try to grab you.”

I nodded.

“Keep in mind,” Theo began, “that I am not trained in any area of fighting. But I do know how to fight dirty.” He looked me up and down and smirked.

Yeah, this whole friends thing was going to be easier said than done.

“The Iniquitous are usually skilled fighters, so we have to be more skilled.”

“Great,” I mumbled. “Not only are they evil powerful beings, they can also whoop my butt in a battle.”

He laughed. “That’s why I’m teaching you. After you master hand-to-hand combat, I’ll train you with a sword.”

I suppressed a laugh. “A sword?” I couldn’t picture myself holding a sword, let alone fighting with one.

“Yes, a sword.” He shook his head, fighting a smile. “It’s easier than you think.”

“All right, let’s get on with it. I know you’re going to whoop my butt so we might as well not delay the inevitable.”

His gray eyes sparkled. “Mara, are you asking me to spank you?”

My cheeks flooded red. “No way, bud. Keep your hands to yourself.” I held my hands out shooing him away.

“You got me all excited for nothing.” He grinned playfully.

I pulled an elastic band off my wrist and twisted my hair up and away from my face. I was dressed in a pair of yoga pants with mesh and a loose tank—perfect for what we were about to do.

“Ready?” he asked, but before I could answer, he was already charging me.

I ducked and rolled across the ground in the opposite direction before jumping cat-like onto Theo’s back.

“What the—” he exclaimed.

“Gotcha.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. I had the sudden urge to kiss him there but I shook off the thought as quickly as it came.

“You sure about that?”

He removed my arms from his neck and my legs from his waist, faster than I could react. I dropped to the floor and a very undignified “oomph” escaped my lips.

Theo turned and laughed at me sprawled across the floor. I tried to kick his foot but he danced away.

“I’d really prefer to be learning magic right now,” I grumbled as I stood.

“I’m sure you would.” He chuckled. “But for now, this is more important.”

“You already pummeled me in Beauregard’s class; I don’t see why you need to do it again.” I brought my hands up in tightly knotted fists.

“Strength of body transfers to strength of mind, which you need in order to control magic.”

I rolled my eyes and then immediately scolded myself. I would not roll my eyes like Theo.

* * *

Theo kicked, punched, and jabbed at my body until every inch of my skin was covered in bruises. I finally collapsed onto the floor, threw my arm over my eyes, and cried, “No more.”

He sat down beside me, drew his knees up to his chest, and draped his arms over his legs. His chest rose and fell heavily. “Okay,” he agreed easily—he must’ve been tired too or else he would’ve fought me on the topic.

I silently thanked God that he hadn’t argued with me. I didn’t think my poor body could take another minute.

“I’m hungry,” he finally said.

In response, my stomach rumbled loudly. I laughed and Theo smiled. “I think my stomach is agreeing with you.”

“Come on.” He hopped up and offered me a hand. “We missed dinner but they usually leave some snack food out.”

I stretched my stiff muscles. “Lead the way,” I told him.

He smirked and started down the spiral staircase. “Come on then, doll face.”

My lips quirked at the nickname as I descended the stairs. The hallway was dark and empty, eerily quiet.

I began to worry that there wouldn’t be any food but when we reached the dining hall I was pleasantly surprised. Just as Theo had promised there were snacks galore and, to my delight, hot chocolate. Even though I knew I needed to eat actual food I headed straight for the hot chocolate with a big smile plastered on my face.

I grabbed a white mug and poured the liquid in. The smell was heavenly, and I found myself closing my eyes as the scent of chocolate filled the air. I used the tongs to add two large marshmallows to the top, and just because I could, I added a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkled cocoa powder on top. Perfection.

I grabbed a chocolate chip muffin and headed toward a table. Theo joined me seconds later taking the seat across from me.

“You need food, not—” he motioned to the mug of steaming liquid “—that.” He wrinkled his nose.

“Hot chocolate is delicious.” I raised an eyebrow, daring him to contradict me, and took a sip. The liquid seared my tongue but it tasted so good I didn’t even mind. I took another sip. Mmm, definitely homemade.

Theo made a face of disgust. “Hot chocolate is gross.”

I gasped and nearly dropped the cup. “Are you crazy? Hot chocolate is the best.”

“It smells weird.”

I peeled the wrapper off the muffin and took a bite. Crumbs sprinkled the table, and I brushed them off onto the floor.

“Do you like anything?” I asked, raising a brow as I fought an amused smile. As long as I’d known Theo I hadn’t really heard him talk about anything he loved.

I mean, I knew he loved his sister, his cat, and apparently me, but I meant something not living. Like a sport, or a candy, a book, something.

He grinned. “I like you.”

“Ha-ha,” I chortled sarcastically.

Suddenly he leaned in closer. The look on his face was almost … predatory. He grinned like he knew exactly what I was thinking. “In fact, you taste pretty delicious.” He looked pointedly at my lips.

My eyes widened, and I flushed all the way to my toes.

He smirked and leaned back. Winking, he took a bite out of a peanut butter sandwich.

My mouth opened and closed but no words came out. Finally, I stuffed the last of the muffin in my mouth.

Theo wore a very self-satisfied smirk the rest of the evening.