Page 7 of Zodiac Hybrids

I entered the classroom, only to find an empty room with little more than a sign-up sheet and a flyer on a table nearest the door. On the teacher’s desk up front, a small name plate for a “Professor Chase King” faced the class, and various star charts and astrology fun facts were displayed through the posters on the walls.

I approached the table and read over the flyer that offered a quick rundown of the club. It was a bland write-up, and I gathered this Chase King liked people about as little as I did, considering he didn’t care enough to even attempt a real sales pitch.

Meetings are on Thursdays at 6:00 PM, occasional star watching field trips on weekends. That’s not so bad.

Great. Easy. I’m in.

I signed my name on the dotted line right under a Marcus Emery, wondering if that was the guy who approached me in the courtyard, while also feeling a little bit like I’d just signed a contract in blood.

But… a club is a club, and this probably wouldn’t be the worst option. I returned to my dorm feeling absolutely exhausted.

I collapsed on my bed, grateful I didn’t have to share my room and entertain small talk and casual greetings, then I closed eyes that were burning with a desire for sleep.

My phone chimed, and I begrudgingly rolled over to check my messages.

Mom: So what did you learn on your first day?

I pursed my lips to one side. What did I learn? I learned that I freeze up when I see hot guys, and I have no social skills. Oh, and apparently I have a weird smell and an “I’m a virgin” billboard painted on my forehead.

Me: I joined the Astrology Club.

I responded flatly, not really wanting to talk about the rest.

Mom: That’s great, honey!!!!!! I can’t wait to hear about the journey!!!!

No one needs that many exclamation marks.

Me: Yeah, I’m super excited.

I hoped the fact that I ended my message with a period instead of an emoji would clearly communicate my sarcasm, but Mom probably wouldn’t pick up on that.

I puffed up my cheeks, and plugged my phone into its charger, not wanting to see it for the rest of the night. I had enough on my mind without having to entertain Mom’s obsession with star signs anyway. Between Professor Adrian and the guy in the courtyard, I was already starting to lose my focus on why I was here, and I couldn’t have that.

I had a mission, and I was going to accomplish it no matter what.

Chapter 4

Physics wasn’t nearly as threatening the second lesson. Professor Karras went about class with professionalism and poise, and he was actually quite upbeat and enthusiastic about the whole thing. I’d always liked science, but the charming smiles made physics almost seem genuinely fun. He was a good teacher despite his… unconventional way of greeting people. I wondered if he’d sniffed everyone who came through the door, or if he really saved his nose for ‘the special ones.’ Whatever that meant.

By Thursday, I’d completed my full rotation of first semester classes, and I was starting to feel like a real college student. Physics on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Calculus on Tuesday and Thursday, Thermodynamics and Structural Engineering took up Tuesdays and Fridays, and my mandatory elective requirements fit into Wednesday’s spare minutes.

All that was left of my college experience was my first day of club activities, and then I could confidently say I had it all handled. I straightened my skirt as I approached the hall for Astrology Club. When I turned the corner, I found myself ensnared in those golden eyes again.

“You came.” He said, his lips revealing his teeth in an attractive half smile. I did a double take, nearly thinking those teeth looked more like fangs, but a few quick blinks banished any such craziness. “I knew you would.”

The delight in his tone had me blushing instantly. “It sounded like an easy credit.” I said to cover up my embarrassment. Showing too much enthusiasm would make me look dorky, and I wanted him to think I was at least a little bit cool.

“Easy?” He chuckled softly. His voice was so smooth and inviting. “I suppose everything is easy when you’re beautiful.”

Was he talking to someone behind me or something?

“I never caught your name.” I said, forcing myself to be composed and not the melted puddle of goo I actually was. “I’m Lila.”

“Marcus.” He confirmed the name I’d suspected, before he approached me steadily. He bowed down to grab my hand, hiding his expression behind that shaggy blond hair, then he interlaced our fingers and lifted my knuckles to his lips. “And I’m a Leo, if you were wondering.”

I wasn’t. “I was.” My attempt to flirt back wasn’t the best, but it was something. Though being obsessed with astrology wasn’t really a good look on anyone, in my opinion. Still, I could let it slide since we were literally in an Astrology Club together, so it was actively relevant.

“I have a feeling this is going to be a very fun year, Lila.” He rolled my name around his tongue like he enjoyed the way it tasted, and I wasn’t certain how long my body could safely keep pumping all of my blood into my cheeks before the rest of it became starved for life.