I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X

We stood side by side in the arena out behind the main school building. I tried my hardest to ignore Ethan, but he insisted on continuously brushing against me in one way or another. Every stance shift, his arm would ghost across mine. Every time he looked around, he would inch closer when I tried to shuffle away. 

It was beginning to get awkward with how much we were moving around, and the other students were watching us with curious glances. I can’t say that I didn’t understand why they were confused. After all, from what I’d heard, Ethan was the most sought after Dragon. Anyone in their right mind would be over the moon with being paired with him.

And not only that, to be his Tether. Since, of course, he let it the cat out of the bag too early. 

Once more, he shifted closer to me while Delli spoke, her Dragon standing beside her an ever-present sentinel. Finally, I realized that we were getting too close to the other pair beside us. I glared at Ethan, gently pushing him back to where we had started this whole intricate dance.

He did nothing but smirk and let himself be situated. I caught Delli’s eyes, and she just nodded good-naturedly. I couldn’t stop the sigh that escaped my lips, and Ethan just crossed his arms over his chest.

“Now then, do we all understand the exercise? Anyone confused about what we’re trying to do here?” Delli looked over the student’s present, and no one raised their hands. It was then that I realized I hadn’t listened to a word she’d said. Being too preoccupied with the jerk next to me, I’d completely zoned out through her entire explanation. Of course, I would never let anyone else know that and decided to keep my mistake to myself. 

Delli nodded and motioned for us to begin. All of the others that currently had their Dragons walked off to their own little spaces. I looked up to the stands where those who didn’t have a Dragon yet watched. The hoped to pick up some of what we were learning down here.

Ethan turned to me and tilted his head. “So?”

I jumped and looked up into his piercing gaze. “So what?”

He smirked, “You weren’t listening, were you?”

I glared at him for what seemed like the ten millionth time since we’d met. “I’ll have you know that I heard every word that Delli said. But ya know, what did she say? Just so I know you heard her.”

I knew my face was beet red. I could feel the heat it was putting off, and I knew he knew that I didn’t know what Delli said. Ethan took a step forward, an inch or less now remaining between our bodies. “Well, now, let me see what did she say? I was hoping you had been paying attention because, honestly, classes bore me.” He waved his hand in a circle and yawned overly loudly. Some of the students turned our way to scowl.

I slapped him on the arm, “Stop that.”

“Oh come on, just admit you weren’t listening. It’s not that hard.” He leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I’ll be nice and cooperate.”

“Cooperate, how?” I forced my body to remain where it stood.

“I’ll stop badgering you for the remainder of this class, and we can get on with the activity.” He stood up and stared me down.

Was it worth it? Admitting it to him? My mind went back to all of the games he liked to play with me. 

Yes, it was.

I sighed and nodded, “Fine, I wasn’t listening, alright? But it was because you wouldn’t stop touching me and bothering me.”

He placed a hand on his chest and feigned hurt. “Me? Oh, whatever shall I do? I was trying to touch my one. True. Soul. mate.” He punctuated every word at the end, leaning ever closer as he did until our noses almost touched. Before I could open my mouth, however, Delli skipped over and yanked on Ethan’s collar, bringing him to heel effectively.

She smiled and looked over at me, “It helps if you pull some of the ears as well. Very sensitive spot for Dragons.” I watched in amazement as Ethan was utterly silent and still. His eyes the only things that dared to move.

“Now then, I’m interested in how you two do with this activity.” Delli let go of Ethan, and he grumbled softly while moving to my side.

“I’m going to be honest; I wasn’t listening. Someone was distracting me too much.” I looked at the ground and fussed with my shirt.

“That’s alright since I think you two will need some special attention anyways.” She waved away my wrong and took my hand.

“What are we doing?” I asked softly.

“We’re beginning your attempts at bonding with your Dragon. Something tells me that it’ll be quite the site with you two.”

I looked up at Ethan and gulped. His eyes were boring into me, completely serious. I’d never seen him that intense.

Yeah, this was going to be interesting for sure.