“I hate to admit it, but I agree with the professor,” Tate commented from the bedroom door. “I don’t like you staying here either. I’d offer for you to come back to the dorm room—”
“But it’s even less secure than here,” I interjected before she could agree to the idea.
“They didn’t hurt me,” Jack huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s just a bit of blood. Not anything I’m not used to.”
I shoved the items I’d gathered into a bag, holding it out to her as I gave her a hard stare. “Either you move in with me, or I’m calling President Fleming and pulling this mission.”
She snorted, readjusting the bundle in her arms. “Do you really think Tristen is going to pull this mission for this?”
“No,” I looked down at her, my arms over my chest, “but he’ll pull you off it. He cares more about your safety than this mission and, just like me, he doesn’t want to see you get hurt because you’re being stubborn.”
“I still don’t think I need to move in with you,” Jack growled, hitting the bag with more aggression than needed. “I could just commute from the house if I can’t stay here.”
I arched a brow at her. “Are you really going to want to go back and forth from campus? We still don’t know who the peopleare who are threatening you and your family. It’ll be easier to keep an eye on you if you’re staying with me.”
“And,” the wolf jumped in, “I’ll walk you to all your classes and meals.”
“This is a bit overboard,” Jack grunted. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
Placing a hand on her shoulder, I softened my gaze. “Don’t see it as being babysat. Look at it as us having your back.”
Jack’s eyes lingered on me before shifting to the wolf. Her shoulders sagged as she sighed. “Fine. I guess if I don’t have any choice in the matter.”
“You don’t,” I reiterated, ushering her toward the door. “Did you need anything else?”
Jack peered into the bag I’d given her and frowned. Without answering, she stalked into the bathroom for a minute before coming back out and throwing the bag toward Tate. As the wolf caught it, she proceeded to walk around the room and pull out half a dozen daggers and two more guns. Then she reached under her bed, making me grimace as she kneeled in the blood, before pulling out another bag.
“Geez, think you’ve got enough weapons there?” Tate cocked his head to the side, a startled look mixed with awe filling his face.
“Can’t be too prepared.” Jack smirked.
“Done?” I asked.
“Yes, I’m done. Take me to my prison.” She gestured forward with an exaggerated wave of her arm.
Ignoring her jab, I walked us through the halls, shooting a warning glare at anyone who dared think to ask about the dried blood on our clothes. Once we reached the teacher’s quarters, I led us to my apartment door.
Where Abigail waited.
Great.
“Julian,” she cried out happily and then saw who was with me. Her lips turned down into a frown, her eyes moving over us. “What happened? Is someone hurt?”
“Abigail,” I said, stopping in the hallway. “Just a prank gone wrong. Don’t worry yourself about it.” I tried to brush past her, but she placed a hand on my arm.
“Julian.” She blinked up at me, a flirty expression on her face. “I thought maybe we could have that dinner together tonight. Then maybe...” She trailed off, her eyes flicking to where Tate and Jack stood before lowering her voice and stepping in closer. “We could have some dessert back at my apartment.”
Tate snorted.
I didn’t bother looking over at him, but I was very aware that Jack was watching this interaction very closely. Even if we weren’t together, I didn’t want her to think there was or had been anything going on between me and the other professor.
“I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression.” I shifted away from her. “But I do not think it would be appropriate for us to have dessert. I would be happy to meet to discuss anything regarding our classes or work, but I do not think you should come to my apartment anymore.”
Abigail pulled back, her hand dropping. “I... um... I’m sorry I misunderstood. I’ll just... go.” She glanced over at Tate and Jack before ducking her head and walking quickly away.
Tate walked toward me with a small smile on his lips.
“Don’t,” I quipped, unlocking the door.
