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mfackenthal · 5 years

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Hello loves! If you’re still following me, may I just say thank you for your patience. I know it has been too long since I have created one of my review posts. I can only apologize. I love you all, but I needed a break. So I was gone for a while. When I came back – the fandom had changed. Mostly, people just changed their names, actually. But it took me a while to find everyone. And, of course, new people had joined the fandom – or at least I was introduced to people – so they’re new to me.

I’m going to organize this by book instead of by love interest because some authors are keeping the pairings a secret and I don’t want to ruin their surprise.

I don’t think I’m back up to reading 80 fics a week … but I do think I’ve read quite a few (too many?) fics this week. Let’s find out how many, shall we?

A few quick reminders:

(1) If you want to find out what I specifically thought about each chapter, that can be found on my blog. To more easily search my blog, search the phrase “mfackenthal reviews ________” and fill in the blank with the blog name. IE “mfackenthal reviews maxattack-powell” to find the work I reblogged specifically by @maxattack-powell.

(2) In case it’s not obvious: I recommend ALL of these fics and ALL of these authors. I cannot say enough about the fabulousness that is these authors.

The Royal Romance

Second Wedding (http://mrswalkers-blog.tumblr.com/post/182240871361/book-the-royal-romance-summary-riley-looks) by @mrswalkers-blog Riley is about to walk down the aisle for a second time. How did she get here? This short story will help you reflect on your own relationships while warming you heart.

The Road Less Traveled (https://ao719.tumblr.com/post/182583348931/the-road-less-traveled-masterlist-summary-6) by @ao719 This delightful series will also warm you heart with its innocence and anticipation. It’s made even more delightful by the fact that you get a chapter every day.

Queen of My Heart (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/173032059318/queen-of-my-heart-master-list) by @walkerismychoice This is not a new series by any means – but it’s not over either. I got caught up because it’s an amazing series and I love it! If you don’t know it already, this is a retelling of the story that has captured our heart but in a universe in which Liam is making his decision on reality TV. Madeleine is still the villain and she’s about to get her comeuppance – or so I hope! Catch up and see what happens next with me!

The Not So Royal Romance series (https://strangerofbraidwood.tumblr.com/post/182742931095/the-not-so-royal-romance-collection) by @strangerofbraidwood What happens with Olivia and Hana after the events of the story as we know it? Find out in this intriguing series.

Something Unexpected (https://hopefulmoonobject.tumblr.com/post/182769220258/something-unexpected) series by @hopefulmoonobject This series follows Liam and Leo as they have fallen in love with two foreigners who don’t yet know they are dating the most powerful men in all of Cordonia. Will this end in true love? Or with the “lies by omission” become a problem? I honestly don’t know yet and can’t wait to find out! When these couples are romantic – they’re adorable. When they’re feisty, I love that too!

One Handsome Devil (https://onehandsomedevil-trr.tumblr.com/post/182558278027/one-handsome-devil-a-novel-by-katherine) by @onehandsomedevil-trr Liam is named Nicholas in this series that is starting to hint at more turmoil to come – with Olivia.

Secrets Unwind (https://whenyourheartskipsabeat.tumblr.com/post/182550912733/the-royal-romance) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat Liam lost Riley. He has found her. Everything seems to be falling in to place. We know it won’t last – but the ride is exquisite! Come join me in reading this series!

Learning to Love Again (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet If you follow me then you know that I binged this whole series this week. That’s right – all 46 chapters of it! This series GAVE ME LIFE! It’s a beautiful telling of the story of Drake, Liam, and Claire (MC) where Liam is immediately supportive of Drake and Claire – like supportive before Drake can even really make a move. The characters in this story are pure, beautiful, supportive, strong, and loving. I have fallen in love with Liam and with Bastien in this story – and I know with certainty that this wasn’t the author’s intention – but I also know she fully supports falling in love with these characters. Of course, if you’re a Drake fan (as I am) this series will make you happy also. It’s not a love triangle and yet I still felt so much of that drama that I love in these stories. This series is drama at it’s BEST. The drama doesn’t come from misunderstandings but from the plot. It’s not over – but it will be soon. So catch up!

Going deep into the ruins of Bastien and Annabelle (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet A little of how Bastien met the love of his life, Annabelle. Come meet the woman who captures Bastien’s heart.

My Girl (https://tmarie82.tumblr.com/post/182792805128/pairing-drake-x-mc-emma-warner-walker-book-the) by @tmarie82 Drake and Emma are married, with children, and celebrating Valentine’s Day. Sit back and enjoy some cuteness in this fluffy fic.

One Night Stand (https://kennaxval.tumblr.com/post/182792808423/one-night-stand-olivia-x-drake-nsfw) by @kennaxval Olivia puts Drake in his place, saves Drake and others from a car accident, and gets a little something from Drake in the process. As it turns out, Drake is a lucky guy.

Their First Valentine’s (Part 1) (https://drakewalkerwhipped.tumblr.com/post/182818195966/their-first-valentines-part-1-drake-x-mc-x) by @drakewalkerwhipped If you haven’t met everyone’s favorite poly couple – you really should look them up as written by @drakewalkerwhipped. This trio is so supportive of each other, so loving, so tender. I call them #relationshipgoals. It’s their first Valentine’s Day where they’re not in hiding and they’ve essentially got the kinks worked out. This chapter is essentially fluff with a little heat – promising much more heat in whatever comes next.

Brave For You (series) (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet As I understand it, this was written and helped inspire Learning to Love Again because fans demanded a story where Drake lives. In this trilogy, Drake does not. Riley has to learn to live without him.

Perfect Match

Missing You (https://queerchoicesblog.tumblr.com/post/182657763715/missing-you-pm-alana-x-fmc) by @queerchoicesblog Long distance relationships are hard, but sometimes the little things you do in such a relationship have deep meaning. Read about how Alana might be in such a relationship.

The Elementalists

When I Taste Tequila (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/182626500588/when-i-taste-tequila) by @walkerismychoice A delightful A/U with Beckett. His nerdiness shines and gets our MC to drop her defenses. Kissing ensues and leaves you wanting more. If you like The Elementalists and you like Gray’s Anatomy – you should read this fic.

Complicated Series (https://darley1101.tumblr.com/post/182575228193/complicated-part-3-it-couple) by @darley1101 In this series, Beckett and Tatiana (MC) start “dating” (quotes are important). They date for show. But will they fall in love for real? This series has a great story crossover, it delves into some difficult situations around bullying, and we’ve just learned that Beckett also has a “real girlfriend.” I need more @darley1101!!!! Quit writing the rest and give me more of this ;)

A Courtesan in Rome

The Words that Went Unsaid (https://wughhumans.tumblr.com/post/182673414478/the-words-that-went-unsaid-marc-antony-x-mc) by @wughhumans Anthony has enemies and that has disastrous consequences. I don’t want to say more as it will give it away … so I’ll just say it’s not a fluffy read but it’s worth it and I can’t wait for more!

Warrior (https://tmarie82.tumblr.com/post/182744621008/pairing-mystery-pairing-mc-arin-book-a) by @tmarie82 A dark fic that gave us what many of us really wanted …

The Death of a Monster (https://wughhumans.tumblr.com/post/182774319428/the-death-of-a-monster-lysandra) by @wughhumans Obviously, many people would like to see Legate Aquila die. Here’s another fic to show how that could happen. This one is even darker, more graphic, but amazingly well written!

The Heist: Monaco

Stress (https://mysteli.tumblr.com/post/182707625378/stress-fabien-x-mc) by @mysteli A bit of an AU – but really just an extension of the story – if the MC took a little break from the masquerade party to join Fabien in the getaway car. Learn a little more about Fabien in this hot fic!

America’s Most Eligible

Bad As Me (http://choicesfanfic.com/content/bad-as-me/) by @lizeboredom I’m still shook by the fact that the MC in this story is not named Minah. They’re all supposed to be named Minah! (If you don’t know what I mean – read ALL of @lizeboredom’s work!) Despite the author being drunk when she wrote this fic and named her character the wrong name – this is a hot story about a much tougher Minah (Myrah) who is flirting with danger when she flirts with Vince.

Desire and Decorum

Only the First of Many (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/182799720138/only-the-first-of-many-ernest-sinclaire-x-mc) by @walkerismychoice As the author says – this is a retelling of the diamond scene from book 2 chapter 9 but from Ernest’s POV. This is a sweet, hot, tender, and a beautiful rendition. If you didn’t buy that chapter – this is a great way to read it. If you did – this is an even better way to relive it.

Red Carpet Diaries

Simply Between Us Series (http://angstymarshmallow.tumblr.com/post/182229096884/simply-between-us-part-6-thomas-hunt-x-mc) by @angstymarshmallow Hunt and Tatum are just about to say “I love you” when Priya storms back in to Hunt’s life. Is he truly over her? What will Hunt do when he’s not the most mature one in his relationship with Tatum? Come read this beautiful written story of love, heart ache, angst, poor decisions, traffic, and (I hope) love conquering all!

Bloodbound

Against the Rules (http://choicesbyjade.tumblr.com/post/178304360927/bloodbound-fanfiction) by @choicesbyjade Adrian is flirting with his own rules. This drives both Samantha (MC) and himself to some sexual acts. Will there be consequences? Read to find out!

Artwork Drake by @maxattack-powell

https://maxattack-powell.tumblr.com/post/182780797714/he-wanted-to-surprise-you-when-you-woke-up-did

Adrian by @maxattack-powell

https://maxattack-powell.tumblr.com/post/182815538556/he-says-youre-all-the-sunshine-he-needs

Oh shit! I read 89 fics this week! Granted 46 of them were one series, but I still! I commented and reblogged 89 fics. I guess I have to say – I’m back baby!

But seriously – I probably will not be able to maintain this pace. I have to actually read a book next week. LOL

Also, this time around if I read a series – I didn’t include a link to each chapter – I included a link to a masterlist. I included the masterlist link as often as I could. If I couldn’t find one, I linked to the last chapter.

I hope you found something you hadn’t read yet. This community is amazingly talented.

If you know someone I should be reading – send them my way! I’m always looking for new authors to highlight while I continue to read everyone I’ve already learned to love. I’m still behind and catching up with many who I have highlighted in the past – but hit me up if there is something you want me to read ASAP.

So much love to all of you!

~MFack~

PS. Even though she’s not here anymore, big thanks to @drivenbyfantasy for creating the graphic.

PPS. Last, but not least, on the off chance that I missed a fic that you know I reblogged, my apologies! It was unintentional and is not a reflection on you, but upon my inability to maintain my own blog. Also, if a link or a tag doesn’t work - I am sorry!

#mfackenthal reviews #7 I think #89 fics #and I didn't think I had read that much #haha #her name is Minah lizeboredom #who should I read next?#this fandom is talented AF #I usually hate hashtags #but I'm having fun

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darling-cas · 7 years

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We Are Young: Chapter 1

Throne of Glass High School AU

Summary: Senior Rowan Whitethorn is new to town. It doesn’t take him long to get use to a new school, make new friends, even join the local hockey team. But it also doesn’t take him long to meet sophomore and figure skater Aelin Galathynius. And it doesn’t take him long to realize one thing; he can’t stand her.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Masterlist

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“Coach is going to kill you.”

Aelin had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. She glanced over at Nehemia, but the dark skinned beauty was too busy backing into a parking spot of the school parking lot to pay her any attention.

“Uncle Orlon,” The car came to a stop and Aelin sent Nehemia another pointed look - “Isn’t going to kill me for added a little extra sugar in my coffee.” A pause. “Uncle Weylan might though.”

“There are several things wrong with your statement,” Lysandra spoke up from the back of the car. She leant forward to look at herself in the rearview mirror, fixing her hair as she spoke. “One, you got a gingerbread latte and added three extra packets of sugar. I wouldn’t call that ‘a little’. And two,” Lysandra turned, sending Aelin a deadly smile. “Coach Weylan will definitely kill you when he finds out.”

“If he finds out.” Aelin smirked, taking a big sip of her over sugared drink.

Nehemia couldn't help but snort as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Of course he’s going to find out. Coach Weylan finds out everything.”

Lysandra nodded in agreement. “I hope you’re ready for all those on-ice push-ups.”

“Oh, will you two shut up?” This time, Aelin did roll her eyes. “You’re being overdramatic.”

“You’re not seriously calling us overdramatic right now.” Lysandra let out a barking laugh. “Have you met yourself?”

“We are talking about the same Uncle and coach, right? The one Aedion calls a ‘cold, hard bastard?’ The one who made you do twenty minutes of stroking around the rink because you ate a chocolate bar before practice?” Nehemia raised an eyebrow.

“Okay fine,” Aelin pushed opened the car door. She stepped out into the crowded parking lot with Nehemia following her lead. “Uncle Weylan is going to kill me when he finds out. But at least I’ll die with my stomach happy and full of sugary goodness.”

Nehemia rolled her eyes in good nature, a laugh leaving her lips. She reached into the car, grabbing her bag as Lysandra stepped out of the back seat.

“God,” She stretched her arms over her head, ponytail swaying. “Having a month off this summer ruined me. We’re already over a month into the season and I still feel out of shape.”

“One would think all the time you and Aedion spend together would keep you fit.” Nehemia stated bluntly, raising an eyebrow.

A smirk started to form on Lysandra’s lips as the girls made their way across the parking lot, towards the school.

“Oh, you have no idea. We can literally go for hours. And he does this thing, with his tongue, where-”

“Stop right there,” Aelin groaned, causing Lysandra and Nehemia to laugh. “I do not need to hear this about my cousin. Especially when it’s with my best friend.”

Lysandra throw an arm around Aelin’s shoulders. “Listen. You left me this summer to run around in Italy. And Nehemia,” She nodded her head in the girl’s direction, “Worked all summer. So I needed someone to hang out with.”

The look on Nehemiah's face was devilish. “And instead you got someone to make out with.”

Aelin laughed, taking a sip of her drink. Lysandra dropped her arm before turning to Nehemia with a playful stern look on her face.

“Someone thinks they’re funny this morning.”

“I’m always funny.”

Lysandra rolled her eyes as another laugh left Aelin’s lips. She started to say something when someone strutted past her, just barely missing her shoulder.

“Oh Aelin,” Kaltain stopped just before the steps of the school, turning to face the trio, her black hair flying behind her. “I didn’t see you there.”

“Oh Kaltain,” Aelin crooned, giving her a sickly sweet smile, “Go away.”

Kaltain made a show of looking Aelin up and down. “I see you still haven’t gotten rid of all the italian food you ate this summer.”

“Aren’t you just extra bitchy this morning,” Lysandra crossed her arms over her chest, eyes narrowed.

But Aelin wasn’t falling into the trap. Instead, the grin on her face widened.

“And I see all the extra practice you did this summer paid off. I heard you can now land your triple toe.”

Kaltain blinked, taken aback by Aelin’s comment. But the look of confusion quickly vanished and was replaced by a smug one instead.

“I did. That’s what happens when you practice instead of taking fancy trips around the world.”

“Well, I’m proud of you,” Aelin’s grin turned deadly. “Though, if you were having that much trouble, I would have gladly helped you. Y’know, since I’ve been landing that jump for over a year now.”

Kaltain’s gaze turned murderous. Aelin could see Lysandra biting back a laugh out of the corner of her eye.

“Though it’s really nice that Coach Perrington practiced with you all summer,” Nehemia spoke up. Her voice friendly but holding a cold, hard tone to it. “Some of us just need more practice than others.”

The dark haired girl narrowed her eyes. She took a step forward, but before she could say anything, someone called her name. She looked over her shoulder, a smile forming on her lips at the sight of her friends at the top of the stairs. She turned back around, casting Aelin one last dirty look before stomping up the stairs.

“It amazes me that she can skate with that stick so far up her ass.” Lysandra sighed as they made their way up the stairs of the school.

“Does she bother you even the slightest bit?” Nehemia glanced over at Aelin, who couldn’t help but laugh.

“Not even a little bit,” she grinned. “She’s a determined bitch, but that’s not enough to make it in figure skating. You need to have fun with it. Which is something she lacks.”

“That was very deep. I’m impressed.” Lysandra teased, but Aelin just sent her a lazy smirk.

“Wise words from World’s Champion Orlon Galathynius.” She smiled. “Plus, she could use some sugar in her diet. It might absorb some of that ego.” Aelin tipped her drink before taking a big sip.

Nehemia rolled her eyes, a smile on her lips, as Lysandra laughed.

The girls finally walked through the main doors of the school. The crowd grew thicker once they were inside. Students were chatting and laughing, making their way to their lockers and classrooms.

“Look who it is,” Nehemia teased as they turned down the hallway. “Lover boy.”

Aelin followed her gaze, and sure enough, Aedion was standing at his locker. His golden hair was pulled back in a small, messy pony tail. He placed some books in his bag before closing his locker and looking up. A smile broke out on his face when he found the girls making their way towards them.

“Good morning, ladies.” He said to them all before pulling Lysandra in, giving her a kiss.

Aelin groaned half-heartedly as she propped her hip against the lockers. “Great. Now I can puke up my drink. At least Uncle Weylan won’t have a problem anymore.”

“Oh shut up.” Aedion wrapped an arm around Lysandra's waist, turning to his cousin. “You love the fact that we’re dating.”

“I can’t even lie right now. Because I actually do.” A broad smile stretched across Aelin’s lips. “I’d love it more if I didn’t have to witness the kissing, though.”

Aedion rolled his eyes, laughter leaving his lips. Then suddenly, as if a light bulb went off in his head, he turned to Lysandra.

“Speaking of kissing,” he winked, “We’ll have to postpone our date. Coach added an extra practice tonight because of the big game next week. So I’m going over to Rowan’s after school for an hour or so before heading to the rink.”

“Rowan as in new guy Rowan?” Lysandra raised a teasing eyebrow. “Should I be jealous?”

“Nah. He’s hot, but I only have eyes for you, Lys.” He pressed a kiss onto her forehead, pulling her closer.

Lysandra rolled her green eyes, a small smile pulling on her lips. “Damn right.”

“And what about me?” Aelin raised an eyebrow. “You were supposed to be my ride home.”

Aedion stared at her for a moment before turning his pleading gaze to Nehemia.

“Can’t,” Nehemia shook her head. “I have work after school.”

Aedion swore softly under his breath. He bit his lip, looking around the crowded hallway as if he could pull someone random student aside and get them to bring her home. A few desperate moments later he sighed.

“I’ll bring you home, I guess.” He sounded so defeated that Aelin couldn't help but huff and roll her eyes.

“Don’t sound too excited.” Her voice was laced with sarcasm. “Sorry I’m cutting into your Rowan time.”

Aedion rolled his eyes, his lips moving to say something when the warning bell for first period rang throughout the school.

“Saved by the bell,” He threw Aelin a smirk before turning to Lysandra. “Can I walk you to your first class?”

“I think I can make it there myself, asshole.” She teased before tossing her bag over his shoulder. “But it you must, you can carry my bag while you're at it.”

Aedion mumbled something under his breath as Lysandra flipped her hair over her shoulder. Aelin couldn't help but laugh as he followed her best friend down the hallway like a lost puppy.

“So,” Nehemia spoke up as she and Aelin started down the hallway in the opposite direction. “Have you met him yet?”

Aelin glanced over at Nehemia with a raised eyebrow. “Who?”

“Rowan.”

“No. But Aedion talks about him enough that I feel like I have,” Aelin stepped around a group of freshman before continuing. “Aedion practically worships him. Says he’s the best center they’ve ever had on the team.”

“Better than Lorcan?”

“That’s what Aedion says. And anyone who can out do Lorcan Salvaterre gets points in my book.” Aelin cast Nehemia a knowing smirk before shaking her head. “But honestly, I could care less about meeting Rowan.”

A look over confusion took over Nehemiah's face. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Aelin shrugged as they walked into their math class. “I mean, have you seen him? He walks around the school like he’s above everyone else. The only people he talks to are the hockey boys.”

The confused look fell from Nehemiah's face, her eyes now shining. “Is that so?”

“Yes!” The two girls sat down in their normal seats towards the back. “And I haven’t even said two words to the guy, but he looks at me in the hallway like I killed his puppy. Like, just seeing him at this point makes me so mad – and what are you smiling at?”

Aelin glared at Nehemia. She had a broad grin on her face, her dark eyes shining with laughter.

“Nothing,” she shrugged, pulling a textbook out of her bag. “I just feel like there’s more there than you’re actually seeing.”

“Oh God, is this one of your feelings?”

“All I’m saying is you don’t even know him,” Nehemia shrugged. “Get to know him before you judge him. He may surprise you.”

Aelin shook her head, pulling out her own books. Her mind flashed to the looks icy looks of complete hatred Rowan gave her whenever she was around. It was the same look he’d given her every time their eyes met since that first time in the lunchroom the first week of school. She had no idea what she’d done to him, but it seemed he already hated her. Then again, he was friends with Lorcan Salvaterre. Lord only knows what that asshole had said about her.

But if he was so quick to judge her, why couldn't she do the same? He was just another senior who walked around like he was too good for everyone else here.

“He doesn’t seem like a very surprising or exciting guy,” Aelin said as their math teacher walked in. Her gaze moved over to Nehemia. “Besides, I’m staying away from him. He seems like he’s more trouble than he’s worth.”

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Rowan sighed as he stood on the front steps of the school.

It was only the first week of October, but the leaves were already starting to change color. There was a bitterness in the air that could only mean fall was fast approaching. But the sun was warm as it shined down on them.

Students ran out the main doors after the end of a long school day, forming irritating clumps in the parking lot. Everyone was anxious and ready to get home or go about their afternoon.

Rowan stood there, leaning against the railing as he watched them. This was normally the moment where the new guy felt the most distant from everyone else. But he didn’t feel like that at all. In fact, the past month of school couldn't have gone better, really. He knew his way around, he actually liked most of his classes, and got along with the teachers. He made the hockey team - he couldn't remember the last time he saw his mother smile as big as she did when he told her – and he even considered himself pretty good friends with the other guys on the team at this point. Some more than others, but still.

He considered himself lucky. He was doing well for being the new kid.

“So. Slight change in plans.”

Rowan turned at the sound of the voice. He found Aedion walking towards him, an apologetic look on his face.

Rowan only raised in eyebrow in response. “Whats up?”

“You can either come with me, as originally planned, or ride to your house with Lorcan,” Aedion explained, coming to a stop next to Rowan. “I forgot I have to bring Aelin home.”

It took everything in him not to groan at her name.

Aelin.

It wasn’t really fair of him honestly, to already have an opinion on her. He hadn’t even said a single word to her. He’d only seen her at school, passing her in the hallways or in the cafeteria. And at the rink. Turns out, she was a figure skater. Just the thought made Rowan want to groan even more. Not because he hated figure skaters, but because the rink was just another place he’d have to see Aelin flitting around.

The opinion he did have of her, wasn’t a good one. He’d pieced it together from what he’d heard. Not just from Lorcan - who, he’d admit, did exaggerate a nice bit - but from pieces of conversations around him. From a comment Fenrys would make here and there. From stories Aedion would tell him about him and his cousin growing up. From conversations in the hallways or class. Even from their goalie on the team - Dorian - and one of their defenders - Chaol. In fact, there seemed to be a nice bit of bad blood between Aelin and Chaol.

But the stories weren’t the only thing Rowan went by. He saw the way she prowled down the hallway. The smirk that was constantly present on her lips. The way she flipped her hair to get what she wanted. The raise of her perfectly-shaped eyebrow she always gave him when their gazes locked.

Aelin Galathynius was an annoying, spoiled little princess that he wanted nothing to do with.

But he wasn’t about to say this to Aedion. So he simply gave him a nod.

“I’ll catch a ride with Lorcan.” He said. “I have to be at my house anyways to let everyone in, so it makes more sense.”

He did not want to ride in a car with Aelin if he didn’t have to.

“Sweet,” A broad grin appeared on Aedion’s face. “She’s only about a 10 or 15 minute drive from your house anyways. So it won't take me long. She lives next door to me actually.”

Rowan blinked back his surprise. “Really?”

“Old houses. They’ve been in our families forever. The Galathynius, Ashryvers, and Havilliards have lived in this town forever.”

Rowan nodded. He understood this. For as long as he could remember, the Whitethorns lived in Doranelle. Even now, his Uncles and cousins were still there. Old families loved their hometowns.

“Anyways,” Aedion said. “You can head on home. I’m just waiting for Aelin-”

“You rang?”

Rowan couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly at the sound of her voice. He looked up over Aedion’s shoulder and found Aelin Galathynius making her way towards them. Her hips swayed with every step, the corner of her lips turned up as she stopped next to her cousin.

This was the closest he’d even seen her. Her blonde hair was half pulled back, falling in curls. Those turquoise-gold eyes shined in the sunlight. As Rowan took in her average height and honed, curvy body - most likely achieved because of her constant training - he couldn't help but glare a bit harder. Even just standing there, it felt like she was the queen and they were merely her court.

With a raised eyebrow, Aelin propped her arm on Aedion’s shoulder. She made a show of looking him up and down. Her eyes slowly trailed from his sneaker-clad feet to his short, white hair, taking him in. Rowan felt the slightest bit of anger and annoyance start to hum to life under his skin.

The tension around them grew thicker as Aelin’s smirk grew wider.

“Have you two met before?” Aedion cast a weary glance between them. But Rowan could have sworn he saw some amusement shining through.

“I don’t think we have,” She drawled, a wicked look in her eyes. “Aelin. But I have a feeling you knew that already.”

Rowan’s lips thinned. This girl… This girl pushed his buttons. Hard. But he wouldn’t let her get under his skin.

“And you are?” She pushed, dropping her arm and crossing over her chest.

He couldn't help but narrow his eyes. He knew she knew his name. Everyone did. Plus, he did not like her tone one bit.

“Rowan.” He tried to sound bored, though his tone held a cold edge.

“Well, Rowan,” She rolled his name around her tongue, trying it out for the first time. Her voice was sickly sweet as she spoke, as if she were mocking him in some way. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Are you going to be riding with us?”

“He's going with Lorcan,” Aedion stepped in. A playful glare appeared on his face as he looked at his cousin. “Seeing as I have to bring your annoying ass home.”

“Annoying, beautiful ass.” Aelin smiled broadly. “Get it right.”

Aedion rolled his eyes, a chuckle leaving his lips. “How you can skate with that ego-filled head of yours amazes me.”

Rowan couldn’t resist the eye roll at this point, or the slight snort he let out. It wasn’t loud, but it was loud enough for Aelin to hear. Her hard gaze snapped in his direction. The smirk was gone and a glare took it’s place. Annoyance shined in her eyes.

Good. He was glad that he annoyed her just as much as she annoyed him.

Before she could speak, Rowan turned to Aedion, ignoring Aelin completely as he spoke.

“I’ll see you at the house,” He nodded, giving Aedion a quick fist bump.

He turned on his heel without even a glance at Aelin, making his way down the front steps of the school and towards Lorcan’s car. He knew he’d still be here. Lorcan always chilled by his car for a good ten minutes after classes ended, chatting up one girl or another.

He’d barely made it down the steps, when Aelin’s voice called after him. “I’ll see you around, Rowan.”

He didn’t bother turning around.

There was a hardness to her tone that wasn’t there before. A bitterness. Almost as if she hoped she wouldn’t.

And honestly, he hoped so too.

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