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Maybe his teeth snapped together too hard because both Gabriel and Shelby turned their heads toward him.

“He does,” Hunter growled because this shit had to be obvious to everyone. “He’s an expert on killers. Why study them so hard if it’s not because you have your own darkness swelling inside?”

Gabriel continued to hold Shelby’s hand. Way too long of a hold. “We all have darkness.” Gabriel’s head turned back to Shelby. “Don’t we?” His thumb brushed along her hand.

Hunter stepped forward.

Shelby pulled her hand free of Gabriel’s hold. “I don’t believe so.” Her flat response. “I happen to think there are plenty of people in this world who don’t go around thinking about murder all the time, Dr. Parker.”

Laughter rolled from the professor. Far too much interest flashed on his face as he beamed at Shelby. “First, call me Gabriel. I insist.”

He’s having this whole chat outside. Why hasn’t he invited us in? Like that wasn’t extremely suspicious.

“Second, there are many kinds of darkness in this world. Not all of it has to do with actually committing murder. I would love to delve into a discussion of darkness with you⁠—”

“Not happening,” Hunter grated.

“—but I believe you are here on other business today.”

More thunder.

Gabriel glanced toward the sound. “I hope the police recovered as much evidence as they could from the fountain and crime scene. We’re predicted to get one hell of a storm soon. Gonna turn that new green space area into a small pond for a while.”

Shelby had tucked her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “Why did Tiffany Blake have a murder board in her dorm room? One dedicated to the Sorority Seven Killer?”

Gabriel’s head dipped back toward her. “Because she was fascinated by the story, of course.”

Hunter eased closer to Shelby. His arm brushed against her.

Gabriel noted the movement, and one eyebrow rose. “It’s not every college that has its own serial killer. I’d say a good half of all the students here are obsessed. Before the Murder House was torn down, kids would go there all the time. Sororities and fraternities made it part of their pledgeship. You had to spend the night out there in order to make it through initiation.” A shrug. “Some people get a little thrill being so close to violence. Even if it’s just the shadow of violence that remains in the aftermath of a crime.” His attention shifted to Hunter. “Tell me, do you get a thrill from violence? There’s something about the way you hold your body…staying at attention, always looking for a threat…” Gabriel snapped his fingers. “Former military, aren’t you?”

“Violence doesn’t thrill me.” Hunter knew the prick was baiting him. “I’m not a psychotic sonofabitch. I don’t get off on hurting anyone who is weaker than I am.”

“But what about someone who is just as physically strong? If you had the Sorority Seven Killer right in front of you now, the man who attacked Shelby and murdered her friends, what would you do? What would you do to him for⁠—”

“I’d kill him.” Shelby’s voice. Still flat. Still controlled. “And, in case you’re curious, no, violence doesn’t thrill me. Quite the opposite.”

Now Gabriel was eye-fucking her again. “Fascinating,” he breathed. “After all these years, you still want Nate dead?”

She kept her hands tucked into the pockets of her jeans. Wind caught a lock of her hair and sent it sliding over her cheek. The movement of her hair showed the faintest bit of her hearing aid as it curled over her ear.

Gabriel’s gaze latched onto the sight.

Hunter did not like the prick. “Did you study the Sorority Seven Killer in your class?”

“Um.” Gabriel’s head cocked. His eyes narrowed as he studied the hearing aid. “Have you adjusted fully to not being able to hear in that ear? What is the last thing you ever remember hearing with both ears?”

“I remember the killer telling me, ‘I see you.’”

Gabriel edged closer to her. Way too close. “I want to know more.”

“Back up.” Hunter’s hand flew up and pressed to Gabriel’s chest.

“Bodyguard.” Gabriel’s gaze met his, and for a moment, the professor’s frustration was clear to see. “You’re going to be a problem, aren’t you?”

Lightning flashed. Hunter smiled at his new enemy. “You have no idea.”

“Were you studying the Sorority Seven Killer in your class?” Shelby bit out the words. Not so calm any longer.