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Aiden raised a brow.

“Oh, I know that book!” Riley said as Lukas turned the book over in his hand. “I read paranormal romances too, and this one is like really popular among human women who love the fantasy of vampires but like something more mature than Twilight.”

Riley reached for the book, but he pulled it back from her, forcing her to lean forward over him. What was this, a game of keep away?

Riley got it away from him, and then opened to the page Blaire left off on.

“You’re about to get to the good parts where Garrick and Vivian finally have sex for the first time.” Riley grinned. “Garrick is soooo primal in the scene. You’re going to absolutely love it. It’s mind-blowing.”

“Riley!” Blaire turned wide eyes on Riley, shocked.

Riley looked up from the book. “Oh right, spoilers. Whoops. My bad.”

Aiden rolled his eyes.

Lightning crashed again, and thunder shook the windows, the storm growing more intense outside. Blaire squealed and threw her hands up to protect her face. Lukas was beside her in an instant and pulled her into his arms, flush to his chest.

She froze in his hold, unsure if she did from fear of the storm or the proximity to him. Probably both.

“Are you afraid of the storm?” he whispered softly, staring into her eyes.

Lukas had never spoken to her so tenderly before, even when concerned for her; an underlying tension always echoed in his tone. Her nerves, tightened by the thunder, melted as she relaxed against him.

“So, you… like this sort of book?” Lukas asked, swallowing hard, a hopeful look in his eyes, which returned the tension and resistance to her body and confused the hell out of her.

Blaire frowned and pressed her hands against his chest to gain distance, his question distracting her from the storm outside. “I find it enjoyable. What of it?” She closed her eyes, wishing the floor would open up. She whispered, “Let go.” She didn’t even sound convincing to her own ears.

Lukas was wound tighter than a drum, his breathing shallow, and his gaze locked on her as she returned her attention to his face. He tightened his arms around her.

“Lukas?” Blaire asked nervously as he leaned in. Her breathing quickened. The urge to run tingled in her spine.

“Please…” she whispered, as Lukas got close to her face. His unsteady breathing against her skin made her body betray her by shivering. When he was within mere inches of her lips, she whispered where only he could hear, “…don’t.”

Lukas pulled his head back like he’d been slapped. He stared at Blaire with a pained expression, as if letting her go posed a challenge. But she wasn’t ready for this. He made her feel safe, her attraction to him aside. But she wasn’t ready for physical intimacy with anyone. He closed his eyes and slowly released her, giving her space.

Blaire licked her lips as she stepped back, overcome with a swarm of butterflies in her stomach.

She stuffed her things into her backpack. “I-I need to get to my advisor meeting. I’m gonna be late.” She hurried toward the exit and left the cafeteria, passing Vincent, who stared at her as she made her way to the stairs.

Lukas hit the table. “I lost my composure. Just the mention of Blaire and sex.” He raked a hand through his hair. “The very idea she could be okay with a lover like our kind.” He clenched his jaw, releasing a self-deprecating laugh. “It’s just a damn fantasy book. She thinks I’m a monster, nothing more. Why did I think kissing her was a good idea?” Lukas closed his eyes as Aiden placed a hand on his shoulder in silent support.

Riley sighed. “She’s probably afraid…”

Lukas scoffed. “Of course she’s afraid of the monster with fangs who could suck her dry.” He ran a hand through his hair again.

“No.” Riley glared at him. “Blaire went through something brutal and tragic before coming here, Lukas. Something I could never imagine in all my wildest dreams experiencing and still be as good as she is.”

“Tell me. Now,” Lukas all but growled out at her.

11

DISCOVERY

Lukas took a deep breath to steady his nerves before knocking on the door to Professor Velastra’s office. After a few beats of silence, the door opened, and the professor waved him in.

“I’m surprised it took you this long to come see me, Mr. Virtanen.”

Lukas raised a brow at the professor as he passed her to drop into the leather seat in front of her desk with a heavy sigh. “I saw you the other day.”