Shattered Globes: 7th Level Academy, #1

By J. N. Pearce

"Why am I missing the one thing that makes us whole?"

In a world where supernatural beings thrive, Ryss, a succubus, navigates her existence as an outcast. Haunted by her parents' tragic accident and plagued by dreams of their faces, Ryss seeks solace in her daily routine at the academy.

Ryss has a dark secret that no one can know.

...until now.

When Ryss meets four of the most alluring men she has come across, she soon realizes that they are all forced into traversing a realm where identity blurs and desires kindle, now bound by an unbreakable force.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. N. Pearce
• Release date: Oct 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223007517

Book preview

Chapter Two

Ryss

No one knows how empty I am inside.

I wonder what it does feel like to have a globe. Would it feel like an invader inside my own body? Or am I missing out on feeling something brilliant?

I think both are probably true. If I were born with one, then maybe it would be different.

Aunt C tried to figure out what was wrong with me for the longest time when I was first handed over to her, but I think she’s given up on that. She would have never guessed that I was globeless. No one would. There is not a single reported case of a supe without a globe.

I’m convinced that mine shattered when the accident with my parents happened.

I’ve always felt like a shell of a supe walking around. Everyone else had their purpose swirling within them. Me? I had no idea what the fuck I was doing. Especially once I get out of this dumbass academy, where am I supposed to go next?

I suppose I could just live my life as an average human, feeding the succubus when she was starving, it would just be a boring life, and I’d have to move around a lot.

As you all know, supernatural beings such as us age at a much different rate than humans. Our scientists still haven’t found the true reason why as children, we age at the same rate as humans, but as soon as we reach maturity, it slows down. Professor Reyes spoke as she jotted down notes on the blackboard. Mentally, we continue evolving, but physically it becomes stagnant.

It was true, Aunt C was over seven hundred years old and looked like she was only in her late 30’s.

In class, Professor Reyes was going over this information with us. As if we all didn’t know how we’ve gotten this far, what we need to know what to do next. But I guess that’s not what you’d learn in the first month of Supernatural Development.

Every guy in this room had their eyes glued to the professor, I’m not sure they could tell you anything that she was saying though. Let’s just say teaching was not her only ass-et.

Our globes form around 5 or 6, unless you are of demon-kin, then usually it is a little later, she glanced at me, as if I were the only demon blood in this school, once they develop, children will begin to show minor signs of their supe- The loud shrill of the bell drowned out the end of her sentence. I quickly shoved my books into my bag and hurried out before everyone else could escape.

When you’re someone who was treated the way I was, you often learned to get ahead of everyone else and not let them catch up to you. It was the best way to avoid the trouble.

Classes for the day are done and students are scattering through the hallways to get out of here.

Can you blame them?

You could compare the academy to a human university. It has its freedom, but it’s a bitch to get kicked out of. It’s one of the only schools we have for supes on this side of the country. But we have classes, dorms, professors, homework, all the usual college-type shit. The walls had that off-white tinge, and the books still had that stale smell to them. Good ‘ol learning for ya.

Gag me.

I couldn’t help but pick the skin off my fingers as I waited outside the library for pretty boy. Honestly, it’s probably just some prank. No one here is that nice. No one here would openly offer to help me. They all just want to see me fail. Truthfully, I have no idea why I ever stepped foot in this school, and it’s like everyone has been out to get me since. Even the first-year students who come in seem to want to terrorize me. I used to fight it, but honestly, there was no point. Avoiding the whole thing was just way easier.

The hallways were becoming emptier and emptier with each tick of the clock's hand. I’m beginning to think that pretty boy isn’t coming.

Winryss...hey, wasn’t sure you’d be here. Heat pooled in the pit of my stomach at the sound of his voice; it was like an orgasm for my ears. He actually came. Wow.

Ryss. You can call me Ryss. Like Reese but with a Y. When I met his eyes, I could see lust forming behind them. Sorry guy, my pheromones do not play fair. Which sucked; you never knew who was being genuine or who just wanted to get me between the sheets. I was letting this one play out, though, because it’d be a good time either way.

Okay then, Ryss. He cleared his throat and said my name very matter of fact as if he had made the decision to not use my full name ever again.

It’s not that serious...

Why haven’t you asked for my name? His head did that cute-as-hell tilt thing again that had me melting all over again, right where I stood. I was just a puddle in the middle of the hallway, waiting for someone to slip and fall.

You didn’t offer it, I lifted one shoulder at him. I never really asked for people’s names most of the time, I didn’t need to label someone that was either being a jerk or just looking to fuck. Didn’t need to tarnish the name for anyone else who shared the same calling.

Oh, right, I guess that makes sense. It’s Gabriel, but most people just call me Gabe, he huffed as if he hated his name. I don’t know why. It actually fits him quite well.

Anyways, you ready to go? His dimples made another appearance which had me following his every step. Even when he turned into the stairwell. I hate stairs. I was not an athletic person and not because I was lazy or out of shape, but because I was so clumsy that average, everyday stuff became dangerous.

Put a ball at my feet or in my hands and it was full-on chaos.

Wait, didn’t you say you were on the 8th floor? Why don’t we take the elevator? I eyed the staircase; this would be my demise. I guess if it’s your day to go, it’s your day to go.

Oh right. Sorry, I usually just fly up. His cheeks flushed.

Angel? I cocked my head to the side. I would have never pegged him as Nephilim. I guess he did have that perfect symmetry thing and the white hair going for him, but he was so tall and the mismatched eyes just didn’t quite fit the usual neph M.O. Nephilim were direct descendants of God, they had some holy fucking blood running through their veins.

Fallen. His head dipped low. Shit. I could see his shame in that one singular word. I don’t know why though, following all those rules and being so perfect, just didn’t sound like a great life to me. Breaking the rules was much more fun.

That’s dope, give me a ride then. I winked, not even trying to hide the innuendo. His face flushed clearly picking up on the second meaning and his eyes flashed with desire. He wanted me, he might not want to want me, but he did.

Are you sure? His voice was husky, and my breath caught in return, surprising me. I haven’t been this attracted to anyone in... well, ever. I’ve never had such a physical reaction to another supe. That’s why I stayed away from them. I nodded slowly while my brain still played catch up.

I could feel each muscle in his arms as he scooped them under my legs forcing a squeal from my throat. I hooked my arms around his neck, holding on for dear life. I’d pray for us not to die, but I’m not sure God would take requests from a demon blood in the arms of a fallen angel.

One devilish smirk from him and his wings encapsulated us.

He was the first fallen I’d ever met and so I had no idea that their wings turned into an ashy color. They were beautiful, much like the man. I stared at them, completely stunned, I was not even sure how to form a sentence.

Wow... that was the only thing I could spit out; I was absolutely awestruck. My fingers itched to run along the velvet feathers that surrounded us; they looked so soft and delicate. It almost looked as if a thin layer of smoke floated along their outline. My hand raised and froze, hesitant to feel them. I met Gabe’s gaze asking for permission; he looked worried. I lowered my hand; it seemed I’d have to wait for another time to touch them.

Once I dropped my hand back around his neck, he shot up the center of the staircase. There wasn’t enough time to scream, we were already on his floor and he had me on my feet and backing away so there was a gap between us. I felt like my eyes were frozen, I couldn’t even blink.

Did I do something wrong? I couldn’t help but wonder. He had his body turned towards me, but his face was guarded. I felt like I was missing something.

No, really Ryss, you didn’t. I just...it’s nothing. Come on. He gave me a weak smile and began walking along the hallway.

The floors were lined in an off-putting green carpet that looked as if it had been here for years; it was flattened to the point it felt like we were only walking on concrete. It was evident that the walls were once white but were now stained with God only knows what. It looked comfortable at first glance, but when you really studied it, you could see that it was just dated and had a significant need for cleaning.

Each door was labeled with a letter and he stopped to unlock his dorm.

Room D.

The irony is not lost on me.

Chapter Three

Gabe

Ryss was...something else. She was so incredibly beautiful. Her hair was like fire that licked down to her waist and contrasted against the oceans that were her eyes. They even had a slight violet tinge to them, as if a storm was approaching the shore.

I couldn't believe that she was coming to my room. I had been fighting with my dick since she offered up my dorm as a study place, it made me feel so shitty honestly. Just picturing her in my room, on my bed...

Well are we going in or are we just gonna pow-wow out here in the hallway? She was so snarky, but I could hear the thrum of her heart, she was nervous too. Why is a creature like her nervous?

Mi casa es su casa, I shrugged and opened the door, waving her in before me. I tried to convince myself that I was being a gentleman but that didn’t stop me from watching her ass sway into the room ahead of me.

This isn’t like me, I need to stop.

Now, here’s the thing, I kept my side of the dorm clean, but Suve never picked his things up. The room was as contrasting as we were.

Hey Suve, this is Ryss, I gestured towards her. The demon was on his bed, nose stuck in a book. He glanced up long enough to shoot her a glare but then went right back to his book. Vesuvius, or Suve as we all called him, was cold. Plain and simple. I’d like to blame the greater demon in him, but I’ve met plenty of other greater demons and none of them were as grumpy as him.

Hey, she lifted her dainty hand in a half wave. Her voice sounded small, which was a first. He ignored her completely.

You ready to get started? I tried to lighten the mood a bit and change the subject, Suve always knew how to destroy a vibe. She perched up on my bed, just as I imagined, but better. Ryss had this beauty to her that even if you looked away for one second you couldn’t remember just how stunning she was. I mean her eyes alone were this depth of turquoise and violet currents just waiting to suck you in, they could be considered too big for her face, but I thought they were perfect. Her hair was silky yet curly and just begged me to run my fingers through it. She had these curves that any woman would die for, I don’t think a plastic surgeon could mimic her shape. She must have guys lined up trying to get with her.

Well, that thought just punched me right in the gut.

Are you guys going to be in here long? Suve’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I realized I was just standing there staring at her sitting on my bed. I probably looked like such a creep.

Suve still didn’t look up from his book, but his eyebrow raised, he had a way of seeing everything that happened without even looking.

Yeah, probably, I stated. He let out a growl and shot up from his bed. He grabbed his shoes from the floor and stormed out without even putting them on.

He seems pleasant, she let out a giggle. God, it was cute. I could listen to that sound all day on repeat and be a happy man.

What was wrong with me?

Eh, he’s alright sometimes. Loyal to his core though, I shrugged, Suve had always been there. He was there when I was cast from Heaven, he was the one who forced me to get myself together and come to this forsaken school. He had a way of being a great friend to have, but could also be a downer to be around. I’ve tried to figure out what his damage was, but he kept most of himself locked up tight.

I swooped the bag from her shoulder and grabbed her books out, this weighed a ton, I have no idea how she lugged it around all day. I laid out the books that we would need in front of her on the bed and she eyed me like I was some otherworldly creature.

Which I guess I was, but so was she.

What? My curiosity got the better of me. Did I pull out the wrong books or something?

Why are you being so nice to me? Her tone was accusatory.

Why wouldn’t I be? Was she mad about it?

Everyone at this school is an asshole and treats me like trash, why aren’t you? her voice still carried a hard edge to it.

I don’t have any reason to be mean to you...I’m sorry they treat you like that, her eyes looked a little glassy which hurt me more than it should have. I know it was in my supes nature to want to help people, but she wasn’t the one who needed fixing, it was the miserable people who hurt her that needed fixing.

It’s fine. We should just get started. She flipped open her book and I couldn’t help but watch her tongue as it darted out over her lip and the little line that creased in between her brows in concentration, she let her hair fall over her eyes so I couldn’t see them.

Hey, look at me, she was determined to keep her eyes glued to the page she had turned to. I slowly cupped her jaw and tilted her head, so she was forced to meet my eyes. I had to treat her delicately, she was like a glass sculpture that if you pressed too hard, she would crumble.

Do not let them get to you. Stick with me and you won’t have to worry about them treating you like that again, I promised her. Anyone who tried to mess with her in front of me would find out exactly why I had fallen.

I don’t need your protection, I told you it was fine. She jerked out of my grasp. Not gonna lie, the rejection kind of stung. The waves of uncertainty that rolled off of her made me nauseous.

I know, but I’m just trying to be your friend. Friends stick up for each other. Her head turned back my way and she gawked at me.

I don’t know how much you know about succubi, but we give off these pheromones that automatically pull you in, you don’t actually want to be my friend, only your dick does, her cheeks were rosy.

I don’t know how much you know about fallen angels, but that kind of thing doesn’t affect us, I mirrored her words back to her.

She should know how neph blood and demon blood didn’t affect each other unless we allowed it. Her eyes widened, she just kind of sat there blinking at me for a few seconds. She really had no idea, why hasn’t she been taught this already?

So, you’re actually like a good person? Why the fuck did they kick you out of heaven, Gabe? Oh my- she cut off in a belly fit of laughter. Oh my god, you’re a fallen angel named Gabriel. Holy shit! The irony of that!

Great. I went from being an asshole, to a nice guy, and now I’m a joke. Might as well give up now.

Yeah, my parents did a great job of naming me for success, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

Clearly, she let out another chuckle and then met my gaze, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you. She placed her hand on my shoulder, her eyes were earnest, her aura was radiating honesty. I could tell she was genuine in her apology.

It’s okay Ryss, it’s not the first time I’ve heard it, most likely won’t be the last. I shrugged and threw her a grin. It perked her back up. It was so easy to make her happy, that worried me...what had been done to her that just a smile could make her so content.

Huh, so you really want to be friends...gotta say, that’s a first for me. Well, alright. Her smile put me in a daze, I couldn’t seem to breathe.

Now, who’s the one that’s being swayed by a smile?

Knock, knock! The door swung open, revealing Brax and Elias.

Great.

Ooooh, look at this snack, Elias licked his fangs way too dramatically. What do you say, can I have a bite? He waggled his eyebrows at her which had her falling over laughing again.

Elias, the snack is Ryss, Ryss this is Elias and Brax. I sighed, gesturing to each of my friends.

Oh, so you think I’m a snack too? she winked at me, I couldn’t help but smirk back even though I could feel all the blood rushing to my face...and other areas.

Chapter Four

Ryss

Damn, Gabe had some hot ass friends!

The moody roommate was majorly sculpted, though I wasn’t able to get a decent look because he left too fast. Something about him made him seem familiar, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

And now, these two are...phew, somebody fan me off.

Brax flopped down on the bed and practically lifted me with one arm onto his lap. His arms were like tree trunks, thick and hard but somehow, he was still gentle when moving me around. He had chocolate brown hair that fell into his eyes but was shaved tight on the side of his head. I grabbed onto his shoulders and shrilled at the movement; his shoulders were just as built as his arms and I could see tattoos peeking out from his shirt.

I don’t know about a snack, but you are definitely a sight to behold, his smile was warm, and he had the brightest green eyes I think I’ve ever seen. His arms locked around my waist and held me there, I let out another laugh. It was oddly not uncomfortable to be in this stranger’s lap. I wonder if that had something to do with his supe.

Come on fae, you’re not allowed to have all of the fun! Elias perched on the bed next to us and his eyes were all over my body. Elias had a smooth influx to his voice, sounded like maybe a British accent? I was never good at guessing those things though. His coal black hair was slicked back, he pulled off that bad boy look. Where Brax was built, Elias was lean, he had a swimmer’s body. He was very toned, but he just wasn’t bulky. He was tall as hell too, probably towered over most people in this school.

Eyes up here, buddy, I shoved my shoulder into his. It was like shoulder checking a damn steel wall.

Ouch. That was gonna bruise.

What are you, snack? He actually made eye contact this time, his eyes were solid black, they had a thin rim of red around his iris but that was the only color. I felt like I was spiraling into them, it took me a second to snap out of it. They were creepy and yet enticing all at the same time, as if I knew if I let them suck me in, I’d be a goner, but I still wanted it.

You can’t just ask someone what they are Elias, cut it out, Gabe chided him. I couldn’t help but glance over at Gabe, his light aura contrasted against the two darker aura’s next to me. It was almost startling.  His lips were soft and pouty, totally kissable, but I had to shake that thought right out of my head. I don’t know why my mind was reacting this way to total strangers.

No, it’s fine, I’m a succubus, I presume you’re a blood sucker? I threw a smirk at him; I could already tell he was not the type to get offended at the dig.

The one and only here at the academy of Hell, Brax here is a little fairy boy, and I really hope Gabe has filled you in on his fallen stature, he winked at Gabe receiving a glare in return.

This was starting to sound like a joke. A fairy, a vampire, and an angel walk into a bar...

Fairy boy, my ass. Listen, Cupcake, I have fae blood in my veins, but I can promise you there are some enticing perks of that, he winked at me and tilted his hips up, letting me feel precisely what one of those very big perks were. I couldn’t help the blood that rushed to my cheeks. If I wasn’t still sitting on his lap, I would have sworn I had caught fire.

"Damn Brax, you made the succubus blush," Elias said playfully which led my cheeks to redden further, Elias definitely got a kick out of that.

I said I was a succubus, I never said I was a good one.

The guys continued to carry on and joke together like this for a while, and it was odd because it felt right. They were a proper group of friends; however, the more I sat here and watched them, the lonelier I felt. I’d never had a group of friends like this. Shit, my only friend was employed by my aunt, so she had to be nice to me. These guys, though, just got along with such ease. It seemed like they had been friends their whole life. It must be nice to know you have people