Chapter 3: The Girl with the Dark Hair

ANDREI

I am just about to step into the coffee shop when a girl with dark hair is backing out, her hands full. I instinctively reach out to steady her, to prevent her from falling. She looks over her shoulder, her green eyes meeting mine, and my stomach tightens.

It has been a long time since I’ve felt such a surge of desire. I am instantly aroused, so much so that it is almost painful. What on earth is happening?

She offers me a small, shy smile and a quiet thank you before moving past me. I try to catch her scent, but all I can smell is her sweat. It is a clean smell, floral with a hint of spice.

Her green eyes are captivating. I find myself wanting to sink my teeth into her neck, to taste her. Where are these thoughts coming from?

Ever since I became a day walker, I’ve turned away from the habit of feeding directly from humans. I get weekly deliveries from the local blood bank. It has been a while since I’ve actually fed from a human.

But this woman, she stirs something primal in me, something that wants to bite and never let go. I move past her, letting the door close behind me, and head to the cashier to get my usual morning coffee. I can feel her eyes on me through the window. She seems as intrigued by me as I am by her.

I collect my coffee and turn to leave, but she is already gone. I sigh and make my way across campus to my classroom. I have a lecture to give and a test to prepare for later in the week.

I am teaching two classes here since I’ve given up my position as vampire king. I’ve written a couple of books and then been offered this teaching position. I have to move around a bit because I never look older than twenty-five, although I could pass for thirty with the right story about good genetics.

My classes are popular. I don’t sugarcoat history. I make sure my students understand that in wars, there are always two sides, and both believe they’re right. But it’s usually the stronger side that wins. That’s just how life works. The strong always come out on top.

I’ve given up my throne because my coven wanted me to share my secret—how I can now walk in the sun without dying. I couldn’t betray the gift the Moon Goddess has given me by telling them it was Lyric’s blood that has granted me this ability. They would try to capture her and drain her dry.

I love her. In my own selfish way, I love her for who she is. The warrior queen. I once had a mate who was a warrior queen too. I lost her, but I’ve never forgotten her, or the love we shared, however briefly.

I was young then. It was centuries ago. But the desire I felt for her… I was foolish to think it wouldn’t work. Me, a vampire, her, a wolf. If only I’d accepted it!

I unlock my lecture hall and set my coffee on the desk, then wait for the students to start arriving. Today’s topic is the Knights Templar and their connection to Friday the thirteenth. Always a good discussion.

With my enhanced hearing, I can hear footsteps approaching. My lectures are particularly popular with the female students. They usually try to sit up front, their cleavage on display and their short skirts hiked up to show a lot of leg. I have to laugh to myself. These girls have no idea how dangerous I am.

“Good morning, Professor Albescu!” one of them greets me enthusiastically.

“Good morning!” I reply.

One by one, the seats up front fill up with young women hoping to catch my attention. I shake my head and chide myself.

“If I were still the jerk I was a few years ago, I’d have had them all for lunch without them even realizing.”

Once everyone is settled, I turn to the dry erase board and write ‘Knights Templar’ in black marker.

“What does anyone know about the Knights Templar?” I ask.

Several answers are shouted out. They were responsible for spreading Christianity throughout Europe and helped abolish pagan rituals that the church deemed witchcraft. They were seen as warriors for the church, professing God as the redeemer and his son as the savior.

All the answers are correct, to a point.

I hear a voice from the back say, “They killed anyone and everyone for the French king and stole the gold and riches from the lands they conquered in the name of the church. Then, when he felt threatened by their popularity, King Philip the Fourth, along with Pope Clement the Fifth, ordered them to be rounded up and imprisoned.

“Many were killed, some were sent to the gallows. They were made public spectacles. Many fled and managed to take with them the treasures the king coveted.”

The voice is melodic.

“Correct, to a certain degree.” I pause. Her voice has struck a chord in me. I try to see who I am speaking to. She is sitting at the back, on the top half circle.

All I can see is dark hair and green eyes. It is the girl from the coffee shop. I feel a familiar stirring in my pants, so I move behind my lectern.

“For homework, I want you all to write a paper about the Friday the thirteenth attack on the Knights Templar. It will count for a significant portion of your grade, so do your research.

“Some historians claim they were ruthless killers. Others hail them as heroes and champions of the church. Both views can be substantiated.

“I’m interested to see how each of you views them. It will be interesting to see how they are perceived in our society today. Your papers are due this Friday. At that time, I’ll choose one or two for us to discuss in class. You can start now if you’d like.”

I sit down at my desk and look up at the girl with the dark hair again. I find her eyes on me.

“The young lady who answered last, could you please come down? I don’t think you’ve been in my class before.”

She stands up and walks down the steps to my desk. She has a soft smile on her face that reaches her eyes. She rummages in her backpack and pulls out a slip of paper, which she hands to me.

I look at it. She is a late admission. Her name is Aspen Willows. I look up at her.

“The girl from the coffee shop this morning.”

Her eyebrows rise and her smile widens.

“Yes.”

“Welcome to my class, Miss Willows.” I take a moment to study her. She’s fit, her body lean and strong. It’s clear she takes care of herself physically.

And from her earlier response, she’s sharp too. Everything about her is intriguing. I flash her a smile.

“I’m eager to read your paper.” The chimes ring, signaling the end of class, and everyone begins to pack up. She turns and heads up the stairs toward the exit, and I can’t help but notice the way her jeans hug her figure.

Damn. I subtly adjust myself, trying to keep it inconspicuous. I feel my incisors start to descend and quickly grab my cold coffee, taking a gulp.

Another student approaches my desk, leaning in to give me a generous view of her cleavage.

“Professor, can we use the campus library for our research?” She gazes up at me with adoring eyes.

“Our campus library is quite comprehensive. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of resources there to write a solid paper, Miss…?” I trail off, not knowing her name. And frankly, not caring.

“It’s Chamberline. I’m the Dean’s daughter,” she says, smiling.

“Oh, well then, you should already know how excellent our library is,” I reply, a hint of irritation in my voice.

She looks taken aback and steps away.

“Yes, of course. How silly of me.”

I glance up just in time to see Aspen pause at the door and look back. Her eyes flash green.

“Wait. What was that?” I wonder to myself.

Willow

I glance back over my shoulder to see a girl practically throwing herself at him. He’s polite, but it’s clear he’s not interested.

She stands up, flipping her blonde hair and striking a pose. I roll my eyes and continue up the stairs, weaving through my classmates.

Just as I reach the door, my wolf insists on one more look, and our eyes meet. I feel her flash. I tell her to calm down and we leave.

There’s no need to reveal ourselves to him yet. Outside, I find Jenna and Rueben.

“Are the boys checking out the campus?” I ask as I join them.

“Logan’s in the parking garage. We’re installing small cameras to monitor the darker areas. Even if the professor doesn’t drive, we can at least keep the campus safe while we’re here. Victor is touching base with some of the others alpha sent. He’s also getting an address so we can keep an eye on the professor’s house,” Rueben explains, shifting on his feet.

“How was class?” he asks, grinning.

“He lectured about the Knights Templar. I have a paper due on Friday. I’m starving! Let’s grab something to eat and then we can plan out our evening. We might have to tail the professor. Most vampires sleep during the day and prowl at night, but with this one, I’m not sure what his schedule is, so we’ll need to be on our toes.”

“There he is now. He just stepped out of the building,” Rueben observes, watching him cross the campus toward the admin building.

“He’s cute,” Jenna comments.

Genesis growls lowly.

“Did Genesis just growl at me?”

“Yes. Apparently, the former vampire king is my mate. Or so Genesis informed me,” I explain.

Jenna’s eyes widen. “Oh shit! Are you sure?”

I shrug. “She seems to think so. I haven’t touched him yet, so I’m not entirely sure, but he does smell good.”

“This won’t interfere with the mission, will it?” Rueben asks.

“I don’t see how. I’m a ghost warrior first, Rueben. It’s my job. If anything, it will make Genesis extra alert. The mate bond and all that.”

“Have you reported it to alpha yet?” Jenna inquires.

“No, I’m team leader. It’s my call. If it becomes a problem, I’ll inform him and have someone else assigned. Until then, we stay on the perimeter, keep watch, and eliminate any encroaching vampires trying to snatch him.”

Rueben nods just as Logan approaches. “Cameras are installed. We just need to check with the laptop to make sure they’re working and recording. Do you want it set up in your dorms?”

“Yes, that would be best. Let’s grab a bite and then we’ll head back to the dorm and get them set up.”

We head to a small diner across the street from campus and slide into a booth. After ordering our food and drinks, we discuss taking shifts among the five of us to keep a watchful eye on our professor.

The other wolves my brother sent are to monitor potential threats that make it to campus and either attack human students or lie in wait for the professor.

The bell above the door rings and I can smell the scent of the mountains. Without turning, I know it’s him. He walks past our booth and glances down at the four of us.

He knows I’m sitting with wolves, but Genesis has my scent covered. He takes a table not far from us, and the waitress brings him a glass of water. He orders the soup of the day and a sandwich.

I mind-link my team and tell them we won’t discuss our mission any further. He could overhear. So, we start talking about mundane things.

Jenna and I discuss maybe going to the mall for shopping, and the guys talk about a soccer game they want to watch on TV.

“Hey, Aspen, let’s catch a movie tonight. You want to?” Jenna suggests.

“What’s playing?” I ask, popping a fry into my mouth.

“I don’t know. When we get back to the dorm, we can look it up online.”

“I’ll follow you so I can help you download that upgrade to your computer you asked me about. That way it’s done, and you girls can get on with your day,” Logan offers.

“Sounds good.” I signal for the waitress to bring the check, and when she does, we stand up to leave.

I let them go ahead of me, and as I pass the professor’s table, I drop the receipt. We both reach for it at the same time. Our hands touch, and it feels like a jolt of electricity, but not in a bad way!

My heart leaps in my chest, and Genesis howls in my mind. “Oh, thank you, Professor Albescu,” I murmur.

He sits back and stares at me. He looks confused and glances at my chest as if he can hear my heart beating faster.

“Not at all, Miss Willows,” he says. His voice is mesmerizing, almost as if he’s trying to enchant me.

I grin. Then, I wink at him, turn to my team, pay for our food, and leave.