A Class of Conjuring

"Thank you," I said and returned Oliver's kisses. "I really enjoyed that." I waited a second to see if he would do it again, feeling both his and Kyler's anticipation. I glanced at Kyler, and he rolled his eyes. He wanted to stay and watch the fun. I shook my head.

"I'll wait outside," Kyler said and left before Oliver could stop him, though I was certain Kyler would have his ear pinned against the door to listen. For a moment I wondered how Kyler felt about being the lone guy of the four yet to kiss me. He didn't seem bothered in the least, and I hoped it would remain that way. But this also made the mysterious Kyler even more interesting. I wondered if I were saving the best for last.

"I want to," Oliver said shyly. "I really do. Lord knows I've dreamed about it ever since you stepped foot on campus. And you wouldn't believe some of the dreams." He caught my gaze. "Dreams about you I'm embarrassed to admit to." "Actually, I would believe your dreams," I said and sensed his relief. "I've had dreams about you guys. And believe me, mine are probably a lot more graphic than yours." It was my turn to blush.

"About me by myself too?" he asked, surprised but pleased. "I didn't think girls thought of me like that."

I shrugged. "I do. I have ever since I got here," I said and put my hand on his arm. "I think we're supposed to be together in that way."

"Yeah." He glanced around the room and chuckled. "I know this isn't the place to do anything. Aurelius wouldn't approve. Plus, it's not very romantic. We could maybe go to dinner in one of the villages and then see a movie."

I giggled and moved back his hair again. "It's not the right place. We'll know when it's time."

"I need a haircut," he said nervously. "Sorry, I'm a little nervous."

"It's okay, Oliver,” I said. "You just need to loosen up a little. Maybe a little less time on your computer and a little more time with me." I looked away to make him feel better, hoping to take some of the pressure off what was probably his most awkward moment in life. "You know, your intelligence is a very nice quality to have. The other guys aren't smart like you."

His eyes grew wide, and he nodded emphatically. "I agree one hundred percent," he said, and we both laughed.

I couldn't help but have the same longing to do exactly what he wanted to do. But getting it on, on top of Aurelius' desk seemed like the wrong thing to do. We could have used the floor, but the way things were going at the moment a crisis could occur at any moment. I didn't think either of us wanted to be in the throes of passion and then have to stop or have Kyler and Aurelius walk in. That was something I wasn't sure Oliver could ever recover from. We still needed to find Dash and Braeden. Having sex with Oliver while we were trying to figure out where they were was just wrong. We both owed them our undivided attention.

"You and I want the same thing," I said and touched his face. "We both know the time will come. It'll be more private, and we won't have Kyler listening at the door." Oliver laughed and his entire body relaxed. "But I think we have time for one more kiss."

Oliver tried to kiss me again but stopped when Kyler and Aurelius entered the office. He laid the computer over his bulge, but it balanced unevenly. He glanced up at me, and I winked. "Slow down, lover boy," Kyler said. "We've got work to do."

Aurelius rolled his eyes and made his way to his desk. He sat and rested his arms atop the desk. "What's your computer thing telling you now?" he asked Oliver. "Are they any closer?"

Oliver shook his head. "I think they're stationary now." He pointed at the screen. "There hasn't been much movement at all. But at least we still see their glow." He looked up grimly. None of us wanted to even consider the alternative. "You're not going to beat Challis with one of those things," Aurelius said. "It's going to take guts and determination." We all glanced at each other. Aurelius was about to give us a pep talk. "Remember to concentrate. It's not all about the element. It's about the concentration." He stood. "Challis will be looking for any kink in your armor. She'll study your mannerisms during battle. She'll seek out your weaknesses!"

The computer chimed, and Oliver grabbed the small device. "They're moving," he said and pointed at the screen. "Slowly, but they are."

Aurelius and Kyler joined us, and the four of us watched the screen, though I let my attention waft to Oliver for a moment. The kiss had been clunky but incredibly kind. I imagined sex with him would be the same way. I didn't necessarily like Kyler making fun of him, but I figured that was what kept them friends. Given the opportunity, I was sure Oliver would do the same to Kyler. I missed Dash and Braeden. I missed Dash's tough guy act and Braeden's protective concern. I also missed what they were able to do in bed. If I closed my eyes and let my imagination run, I could feel Braeden's tongue lapping between my legs. It made me wet just thinking about those two guys.

"So, all I have to do is follow these two glows?" I asked and pointed at the screen. As soon as Oliver nodded, I slipped the screen from his hands.

"Hey, wait, what're you doing?" He tried to grab the screen back, but I jerked it away.

I looked at everyone in the room. "I'm going after them." I took a step back and glanced at the door. Kyler crossed his arms and smiled.

"It's not happening," he said.

"I'll turn you into a frog."

"Funny, but you're not leaving here alone," he said.

"You guys are being difficult. I'm leaving."

"Not alone you're not," Oliver said. He stood, his bulge gone, and his face became stern.

Kyler put his hand on my arm. "You're not going anywhere alone, Cassandra," he said and nodded at Oliver. "Give him back the computer." Aurelius nodded in agreement with Kyler. He noticed my hesitation. "I'm serious. You're not going out there alone. Besides it being a dumb idea, Dash and Braeden would kill us if you showed up alone." He motioned at Oliver. "We're not dying because you like solo."

"You're right," I said. I handed the computer back to Oliver, and for a moment I thought he might come back at me with his lips. I smiled at the thought, and he turned away. "Time's wasting, guys."

We started toward the door, and Aurelius stopped us with his gruff voice. "Though I wish I could go and help, I'm afraid my ass is too old to tussle with a bunch of young folks," he said. "He reached into his robe pocket. "I do have some help for each of you." He opened his hand. Five rings rested in his palm. "The rings will prevent anyone from stealing your powers." We each took a ring and slid them on. He handed me the two extra rings. "Those are for Braeden and Dash. They'll need those as soon as possible. The sooner the better. The rings will also assist in getting their powers back."

"I'll make sure they get them," I said. "I'm glad you've been around to help us. We couldn't do this without your help."

"We'll make sure," Kyler added. He raised his eyebrows at me and then winked. I admired him for waiting back while Braeden and Dash made their moves. I liked his patience. I imagined it would be the same way in bed. Ruby had been right. I did have the option of all four men. The anticipation was killing me.

"Cassandra," Oliver said, bringing me back to reality. He studied the computer screen.

"Sorry, let's go," I said, and we started toward the door before Aurelius called us back again.

"You love drama," Kyler said to Aurelius. I could tell the two had really become close as mentor and student. "You should go into acting. Be a big movie star."

Aurelius laughed. "True that," he said. "I'd do better than that sponge and starfish." He reached into his other robe pocket and pulled out a white wand. "It was forged from the horn of a magical unicorn," he said and handed me the wand. It had no weight. "As long as you have the white wand your magical powers will have a boost sure to challenge Challis." He placed his hand over his heart and raised his other hand. "Bring her head back and show Headmaster Eliphas that you, Cassandra Clarke, are the greatest witch of all!"

"Wow," Kyler said.

"Thank you, Aurelius," I said.

"I've rounded up another dozen students who are willing to go and fight by your side," Aurelius said, but I shook my head.

"We have to do this on our own," I replied and looked at Kyler and Oliver. They agreed. I kissed Aurelius on the cheek and hugged him, not knowing if we would ever see him again.

We left Aurelius' office and snuck from campus, the three of us taking one look back before heading into the forest toward the two glowing dots on Oliver's computer. I also looked at the stronger glowing dot next to them. Challis. She knew I would come.