Chapter 2

Chapter

Two

FLYNN

D ean Jefferson has been talking non-stop since I sat down in this absolutely terrible-looking chair. Is this man legally blind? It would explain the choice of color of, well, everything in this office. What has me somewhat stuck to my seat is the faint, sweet smell that seems to be lingering in this exact spot. Fruity, a bit flowery? Roses, it reminds me of roses. I rub the armrest with my index finger and casually bring it to my nose. I don't understand what it is about the scent that is making me so curious. The tingle that I get goes from my nose to my throat and then straight down to my cock. I shift my legs to hide my uncomfortable situation.

"When I got your email, Mr. Lancaster, I was shocked at how generous your offer was. Are you sure this is okay with you?"

"I know Bear Creek has a research lab working on Da Vinci's life, and if I can help in any possible way, I would like to do just that."

"Ms. Sinopoli's studies are truly fascinating, and Mr. Wagner, the head of the department, will make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. This is a tremendous institution, Mr. Lancaster. Your possessions are going to be in great hands."

"I have no doubts about that," I reply politely. The reality is that I don't really give a shit about what they'll do. They're history nerds. I know they won't ruin anything. What I care about now is that girl. She looked so familiar… Could it be? Same eyes, same facial structure…

Yes, what a fucking delight.

Emil Popescu's daughter in the flesh. Now, this is what I call a fabulous turn of events. The person who interests me is the one who stood beside her though. Cassandra Drusus has an address I need: the address of the witch I came here to find. The one with the cure.

Is this possibly a desperate attempt? Yes, but I'm so tired of this non-life.

That girl's eyes on mine felt like fire, and her smell—intoxicating. The dried blood on her lips was potent. I haven't drunk from a living body in so long, but I was ready to take her right there, in the middle of the day, in public. And this is exactly why I need to stay away from her.

My smirk calms down as I am forced to continue this unbearable nonsense of a chitchat with the dean. And finally, after an hour and a half of agony, he points me toward Mr. Wagner's office. Let's hope he's not as loquacious as this mortal who should stop attaching a toupee to his head with cheap dollar-store glue. Because this might be the day I start biting necks again.

I knock on the office's door and am greeted by my sweet, new obsession.

"You." Her voice feels like silk caressing my skin, and her eyes are the color of the sea, a blue so intense I just want to dive into them.

"I'm looking for Mr. Wagner," I say, looking down at her and trying to decide if her hair resembles more a honey or caramel shade. It's so vibrant and serene. Can a hair color feel that way? Somehow, it does. Her scent is a mix of soft flowers and some sort of fruit—a bit sweet and delicate. It reminds me of spring and warm weather… Strawberries and roses. The same smell I was obsessing over only moments ago in the dean's office. What was she doing there?

"Why?" she asks before a man in his late thirties gets up from his desk and walks toward us.

"Mr. Lancaster, it's a pleasure to meet you," the man says, extending his hand to shake mine. "I'm Eric Wagner, and this is my TA, Talulla Popescu."

"Ah," I start, getting her attention. I was right, indeed. Emil's daughter is standing right in front of me. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Popescu." I extend my hand to hers. "I'm Flynn Lancaster."

As my skin touches hers, a tingle in my chest rises and travels straight to my fangs. I caress my teeth with my tongue to alleviate the sensation. Not just thirst—desire. It's a weird feeling. Her warm essence ignites something within me, something I haven't felt since I was human. I want to embrace her in my arms and mold her to me. Talulla turns my hand, looking at the band around my index finger. "Nice ring."

She's assessing me, just like her father would, yet she seems… different. "Family heirloom," I reply, the corners of my lips lifting into a smirk.

"Of course." Her eyebrow rises, and she releases my hand quickly.

The human behind his desk is frantically searching for something, and as he looks at his watch, he brings his attention back to the other two people in the room. "I believe I forgot some documents in my car. I'll be right back," he explains, making his way to the door.

"Professor, I can go get them for you." Of course, she offers her help because why wouldn't she? Such a good girl, ready to help any chance she gets.

I swallow the growl that builds inside me when I see Mr. Wagner's hand resting on her arm before he replies to her, "Not necessary. I parked right behind the building. It will take me a minute. I'll be right back." And he better take his fingers off her before I bite them off. "Make sure to entertain Mr. Lancaster."

"Yes, please entertain me, Miss Popescu."

She narrows her eyes at me as Eric leaves the office, running. "Is he always so nervous around adults?"

"How do you even have a daylight ring?"

"Straight to the personal questions, I see. You could have offered me a drink first, little hunter."

"I'm going to kill you." Her eyes narrow on me, but mine can't stop looking at her plump lips, bruised by her nibbling.

"Do you always flirt this much with people you've just met?"

She puts her hands on her hips before replying, "What is your problem?"

"I don't have one. I'm perfectly content, actually." I laugh, and as I tilt my head to the side, I ask, "What were you doing in the dean's office earlier? Were you being a bad girl?"

Her jaw tightens, and the sudden change in her mood makes me realize that something did indeed happen to upset her. "None of your business," she replies as Mr. I-Can't-Stop-Touching-My-Assistant returns to the office with a folder in his hands.

"Found them!" He waves the papers in the air, and I take that as my cue to get ready to leave.

"Great. Let's go, then."

Eric simply nods, and Talulla passes him his bag. She even holds his bag for him? Really? God, this is so much to witness. How is it that one of the most powerful vampire hunters is here holding bags to get a little gratification? She clearly can sense my eyes on her because as Eric moves toward the door again, I see her opening her mouth.

"Are you going to be a problem?" she whispers, just so I can hear.

Clever girl.

I inhale her presence once more, and will you look at that—is that what I think it is? My little hunter seems to be liking my company just as much as I like hers. She might be good at hiding her impulses from others, but she certainly can't hide them from me—especially when I can smell exactly how she feels about me.

"It was a pleasure talking to you, Miss Popescu," I say out loud, extending my hand once more. And she takes it.

Eric clears his throat, noticing our hands, which remain interlocked for one too many seconds. "Miss Popescu, you can go back to marking the papers while Mr. Lancaster and I go assess some pieces he's donating to the department. I need them done for Wednesday's class. I can't wait to make some first-years upset."

"Fascinating," she whispers, slowly walking back to her seat and never taking her eyes off me. "I'll have them done by tomorrow, professor." Her voice is loud once more so Eric can hear. She wants me to see her as a predator, and maybe, just maybe, I'll let her believe she is not my prey.

Mr. Wagner leaves the room, and I take a second longer before I follow him outside. "As much as I'd love to feel your hands on my body, no, I won't be your kind of problem. I don't really play the vampire game anymore."

"Sure."

"I'm just here to donate some artifacts, little hunter. Nothing more."

"Don't call me that," she says, her voice sounding almost like a growl. And I like it.

"So feisty."

"Very."

"Please say hi to your father for me." I wink at her and make my way toward the exit, but before I close the door behind me, I pop my head inside one last time. "I do need to ask Cassandra Drusus a question, so I'm sure I'll see you very soon."

Her jaw locks and her nostrils flare at the mention of her friend. She's worried for her—even if she knows exactly how powerful her friend is. Tough exterior but soft soul. A soul I should not be wanting to know, but after spending only a moment in her presence, I almost can't find a good reason not to be around her.

Change of plans. I want Talulla's hands on me. And I always get what I want. At least, before I let myself die. My last wish before my deserved afterlife in hell.