Page 98 of Class Studies
Tanwyn went with it. “Whatever you need.”
I hesitated, knowing he wouldn’t be so willing after I asked my question. “Ah, I need to dissect my socket.”
Tanwyn prodded me off his lap. I slipped onto the yoga mat, and he shot to his feet.
He scowled at me and paced.
But he hadn’t said ‘no’ right away. I wrung my hands and stood as well. “My rims are crystal.” I spread out my arms. “No one knows what that means. I have no family to tell me. None of my magic works like it’s supposed to. It’s unnatural.”
Tanwyn’s dark features grew darker. “Transfers are rare, Dot, but not unnatural. If taught, anyone can transfer power. Most don’t because the extra power isn’t worth the drawbacks.”
“My transfers are not a normal transfer.” I clenched my fists. “You’ve no concept of how much power constantly builds inside me.”
Tanwyn’s gaze unfocused, probably remembering the storm Vac inhaled.
I continued, hugging myself. “My Beads of Will, my transfer into the entire student body. None of those are normal, and I think all of it stems from my socket.”
Tanwyn froze in place and turned to me. “You think because I’ve been around so much technology and magic, I can do that for you?”
I nodded slowly. “Or steer me in the direction of someone who can.”
Tanwyn crossed his arms over his chest. “MagicTech destroyed my life.”
“I know.” I clenched my fists. “I’m sorry, but it’s the only thing I can think of that’s different about me.” I swallowed. “And I need help.”
Tanwyn stepped forward, approaching me like he would a wounded animal. Slowly, he untucked my shirt. His freezing cold finger brushed across my socket and fingered my piercing. He raised an eyebrow.
“That’s something else.” Heat flushed my cheeks. “It’s, ah, a hormone regulator. I don’t think they’re connected; Damon liked to see all his work in one place.”
I frowned and looked at the ground.
Tanwyn pulled me into his arms. “Officer Keres wasn’t lying when he said I’m sterile.” He whispered. “We all have things we regret in our past. Things we did but would never go back and change.”
My heart squeezed.
“I can’t dissect your socket.” Tanwyn leaned down and kissed my cheek.
My stomach twisted in disappointment.
He sighed. “However.”
My hopes lifted again.
“I know someone who can. But you have to trust me.” He released me and held my gaze. “Under no circumstances can you laugh or question his conclusions.”
I vigorously nodded. Tanwyn kissed me hard, his long tongue eliciting a moan. Still holding me to his side, he attempted to bend down to rearrange his yoga mats and pillow.
I giggled and wiggled away from him to help. With the mats settled a few feet from the wall and the pillow fluffed on one side, Tanwyn pulled me back to him. He kissed me, and I leaned into his strong arms, breathless by the time he released me.
“I’ll never get tired of that.” He grinned. “Lie down.”
I blinked. “We’re doing this right now?”
“We’re alone in the Sphérique.” Tanwyn gestured around us. “My summons won’t even be noticed with all the other magic tossed around in here every day.” He whistled, and Vac padded over to the door, leaning against it. “We can’t waste this opportunity.”
“The cameras,” I pointed out.
Tanwyn nodded. “Smart.” He snapped. “Vac.”