"It took another six months, because he had to get a job and prove he had a stable place for us to live and all that... He fostered us after that. And now we're pack."
"It never would have happened without a few favors I had to call in," Doc said. "We managed. We had to get Ed and Allan away from human foster parents. It really is impressive that they managed to remain undetected. That's why I work at the college, though. Needed a stable job for the process, and I convinced someone at the college to give me one."
"That had to be a pretty big adjustment," I said to Doc.
"For all of us. I tried to get them to let me find a were family for them to join. Ed wanted me, and I guess Allan did too."
I laughed. "I know something about Ed getting what he wants."
Ed grinned at me.
"Yes, when he gets his mind set on something, he usually figures out a way to make it happen," Doc agreed.
We spent the rest of the ride in silence. I couldn't think of anything else to say, and they didn't seem inclined to talk anymore. I hoped I hadn't upset anyone too much.
"Ed, Allan, stay with the truck. I won't be gone too long," Doc ordered when he parked in the student lot near the dorm.
I gave Allan a hug and kissed him deeply. His eyes glinted in the low light, pleased. Then I crawled partway into the front seat and kissed Ed the same. At that point, it was just as easy to slide out the driver's door, since Doc still had it opened. He smiled at me and grabbed my backpack out of the bed of the truck. I took it from him, and I think he only let me because we were on campus and it might look a little strange otherwise.
Doc glanced around while we walked in silence, our arms brushing against each other's as we walked. We didn't speak, though I was pretty sure we were alone.
Once we got close to the door, Doc suddenly faded from view and I could barely keep track of him. He had been hiding both of us last time. I guessed tonight he only hid himself from everyone.
"Nice trick," I said.
"It's handy," he replied quietly.
I scanned my key fob and headed for the stairwell. I needed to get in better shape, so I climbed the stairs, though I regretted it halfway up.
"Must be worn out," I muttered.
"I can't imagine why," Doc whispered wryly.
I jumped, having forgotten he was there. "Really good trick."
He laughed.
When I got to my room, I opened the door a bit then knocked, leaving it partially closed.
"Girl, you don't need to knock."
"Yeah, except I have Doc with me."
"Gottcha. I'm decent."
We slipped in. I gave her a quick hug before tossing my backpack onto my bed.
"What are you two crazy kids up to that has you sneaking into our room? It's not even that late." She laughed.
"I was going to put up a few wards to keep anyone from using magic to get in here."
"So, you are a mage?" Victoria crossed her arms, trying to act annoyed. However, she looked pleased to see him.
"No. It's probably better if that's what people think I am, if it comes down to it," Doc answered.
We should have just told her he was a mage, it would be easier. Oh well.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm not telling anyone Sofia's pack secrets."
Doc arched an eyebrow, and I shrugged, blushing. He grinned. "Let me take care of this, then get Ed and Allan home. It's been a long weekend."
"Do tell," Victoria practically purred.
I smacked my palm into my face and sighed.
Doc laughed quietly before he went into my side of the room. I didn't watch, though I could feel the trickle of magic as he did something. He kept the flow of magic up as he circled our room, making invisible symbols over the doors and windows and in the middle of each wall, until I almost felt a snap as he completed the circle.
"Huh, even I can feel that," Victoria said. "So, we'll be safe?"
"As safe as I can make it from magical attacks," Doc answered. "I'm sure they would be able to break through this eventually, but it would take some work."
"Thanks, Doc," Victoria said.
"You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow, Sofia." He gave me a quick hug and was heading to the door when Victoria stopped him.
"Hey, you know, if you're dating, you should kiss her goodbye." Eyebrows raised, she turned to me. "I can't believe I have to arrange your schedule and train your boys."
I almost choked, cheeks burning.
Doc cleared his throat, not quite to the door. He turned back to look at Victoria, head tilted.
"Just sayin'. It doesn't bother me." She grinned, then purposefully turned her back on us and went over to her side of the room.
Doc shook his head and came back over to me. He pulled me into another hug before kissing me relatively chastely. "See you tomorrow," he said again.
"Sort of looking forward to it, sort of dreading class."
He chuckled and kissed my forehead. "I did..."
I cut him off with a growl. "I told you we're past that."
"I know. Now I'm just giving you a hard time."
"She'd like that," Victoria sing songed.
"Gods, Victoria!" I blurted out.
She burst out laughing.
Doc, also laughing, kissed me one more time before leaving.
"You're killing me, Victoria."
She grinned at me. "Just call me a bad influence."
I sighed, went over to my bed, and flopped down. Victoria followed me, wheeling my office chair over. "Sooo...details."
"What exactly do you want to hear?"
"Oh, you know, everything." She paused, her voice
