The new classroom was in the more modern section of the building, but the walk was farther from Quentin’s teleport location.He didn’t know if this was an upgrade or if Rendell chose the farthest spot from where Quentin usually flashed in.A glance at the classroom number in his email led him to the end of the hall.
Braed opened the door, did a cursory check, then stepped back out.
“I’ll wait here,” Braed pointed to a spot to the right of the door.
“All right.”If there were any dangers inside, Braed wouldn’t have found them with that token examination.
Deciding he didn’t have the energy to make an issue of it, Quentin entered the classroom.
Heads snapped in his direction, and a cheer rang out!
Quentin waved, feeling like a celebrity on a parade float.“Thank you, everyone.I appreciate all your support.”Rumors were flying through the department that his students had stormed the administration building.Between them and Jaks’s intervention, the school caved to the pressure and brought him back.He wasn’t sure whether to thank them or give them all failing grades.He was both happy for the support and sad about having to take time away from his research to teach.
A box of chalk sat on the desk with a big bow.Their first order of business was to test it.When it came back with the appropriate ash content, the entire class let out sighs of relief.
“Looks like we’re off to a good start,” he said to cheers and laughter.
Two hours later, he left the room smelling slightly of ash and herbs.The students had wanted an example of how burning different herbs affected a ritual.He might have created a group of scientific ritual masters.This could be either a fantastic evolution of magic or the most frightening generation imaginable.
CHAPTER12
Jaks was waiting for him outside the classroom when he came out.
“Did Braed ditch me?”Quentin asked, relieved.As much as he tried to like the other vampire, the itch in the back of his head told him not to trust him.
“I told him his services weren’t needed for the rest of the day.”The tight line of Jaks’s mouth indicated his displeasure louder than any words.
“Is everything all right?I thought you were busy today.”Not that he didn’t want to hang out with his boyfriend, but he also didn’t want to interrupt his work.Leading a vampire clan was challenging, or at least it looked that way.
Jaks shrugged.“I wrapped up early, and I wanted to see you.”
“Thank you.I think Braed might see me as a rival for Mother’s affection.He doesn’t seem overly fond of me.”Which was ridiculous.His mother had more than enough love to go around.
“It’s been a while since he was in a relationship.Maybe he just needs an adjustment period."
Quentin bumped shoulders with Jaks as they walked down the hall.“Maybe.What does he usually do for you when he’s not babysitting me?”He hated to give Braed the benefit of the doubt, but to be fair, the vampire hadn’t done anything other than send him a few dirty looks.
“Not so much that watching over my beloved shouldn’t be seen as a privilege.I should tell your mother on him.”
Quentin had to hold back laughter at the thought of Jaks tattling to his mother.“And what would you accuse him of?”
“Not adoring you, as you deserve.”
“To be fair, he hasn’t done anything.”
“When I called, he told me he didn’t appreciate babysitter duty.He should see it as the privilege it is to watch over my beloved.”
“All that says is that he isn’t very smart to complain to you.I promise if he ever does anything I don’t like, I’ll tell you right away.”
He was done making excuses for people being shitty.Sometimes people were just assholes, vampires were no exception.
Jaks continued his rant.“He’s been a good clan member for over thirty years.I’m not sure what’s changed.”
“Maybe nothing like you said.It could just be jealousy.”A thought flitted through Quentin’s head.“Was he close to Vlad?”Maybe there was more to Braed’s disdain than he previously suspected.
Jaks clasped Quentin’s right hand in his left.“He was one of his enforcers, but I couldn’t tell you what sort of relationship they had.Vlad wasn’t close to any of his people.He might grant them one or two special favors if they performed well, but he considered everyone beneath him.”
“Hmm, there goes my idea that they were secret lovers.”
