This conversation somehow turned into something I wasn’t expecting. Was Ivor flirting with me? It would be dangerous to come between them. I didn’t know much about vampires, except how to hunt and kill them.
“I doubt that.” I look forward, determined not to look at Ivor again. I lift my chin up, to look more confident. I wouldn’t give in no matter how tempting it would be.
“That’s a challenge I except.” I could hear the smirk forming on those red plump lips.
We walk along for a while, not speaking. The opening to the dorms seems farther away than it had seconds ago. Each step not bringing us any closer. The heat from his body warmed my cheek closest to him. I feel my muscles clench at the thought of Finley and Hunter’s eyes on me from behind.
“Are there any other mixed breeds on campus?” I ask, knowing I was the only one. Dumb question but I had to break this awkwardness.
“Just you.”
I nod and lengthen my steps, I’ve never wanted to be in a dorm more than I did now. I wanted to rip this uniform off and be alone on a comfortable bed binge watching some dumb show and eating ice cream.
A blood-curdling scream from the dorms brings all this play to a halt.
Chapter 6
Ivor beat us back to the dormitories. I come to a screeching stop as soon as I see a body on the ground. Ivor is standing over it, and motions for us to come over. Finley and Hunter don’t hesitate, but I can’t move forward, even if I want too. My feet seem to stick to the ground. My legs are frozen. It’s not like I had never seen death before, or even caused it. I just wasn’t expecting to find it here on the campus.
I watch as the brothers’ talk to other students who had gathered around. There is something about how they are reacting that is different. They don’t seem as scared as the bystanders. Ivor quickly takes control of the scene and begins to push the other students back. Arthur stands next to the body, but he’s searching the crowd for something or someone. Hunter appears detached as he walks back and forth. Finley is staring straight at me. When our eyes meet, he walks over to me.
“Are you okay, Penelope?” Finley asks, as he nears me.
“What’s going on?” I feel the coldness in his hand as he touches my arm.
“There’s something we need to tell you.” Finley avoids my gaze. He stumbles on his words as he looks back to Ivor.
I can almost hear Nelly’s voice in my ear, pointing out the signs that I should be looking for. I can feel my heart begin to pulse harder at the thought that one of the brothers could be involved with the murder. Arthur was here when it happened. Was it him? Were they covering for him? Was this the reason why I was sent here? Why people warned me to stay away from them. I felt dizzy as my thoughts ran rampid.
“Well, there’s no better time than the present. I don’t think any of us are going anywhere soon.” I stand there and unconsciously fold my arms. I’m sure the look on my face isn’t as inviting as he’d wish.
“It’s happened before,” Finley said. His eyebrows lower as his lips form a firm line. His hands fall to his side, and I can’t tell if he’s going to continue or wait for my reaction.
“Penelope.” I hear my name being called, from the direction of the dormitories. At first, I don’t want to look, but whoever it was, is persistent.
As the person gets closer, I smell their scent in the air and know that it’s Clark. I roll my eyes and let out a massive sigh. I’m not in the mood for another lecture about who I can and can’t talk to.
“What are you doing with him?” Clark doesn’t mince his words as he approaches us. His fists are drawn tight, and his shoulders are wide. He’s ready to change within seconds.
“I was just on my way to the dormitory after class. I can’t dictate where everybody else is.” I turn my head away as I can’t control my next colossal eye roll. There are more important things to figure out right now than why I’m standing next to, Finley.
“I’ll leave.” Finley raises his hands in peace, then nods at me just before he walks away. A reminder of his invitation to their den.
I can’t help but feel annoyed at Clark. I barely know him, and now he could interfere with my mission and getting my freedom back. He was clearly jealous of the Stanton brothers. But he would never admit it.
“I told you to stay away from them.” Clark grabs my arm and pulls me off to the side as he glances back to where all the students are.
For once, I’m glad to be around people. I close my eyes for a moment and calm myself, this wasn’t my way. I’ve always been the levelheaded one in my house, something I pride myself on. I had seen where being overconfident can lead you to. Clark was protecting me in his way – even though I didn’t need him too.
“I told you I was going to find my dorm. I can’t make them stay away from me.” I force my arm out of his grip. I didn’t need to answer to anyone, let alone a wolf.
“What do you mean them?” His intenseness was next level, as he steps in closer to me. Then his eyes soften. He’s concerned, not trying to boss me around. “Were they following you?”
I need to choose my words wisely and not cause him to go off on them. He was no match for four vampires even if he thought he was. “Are you not more worried
