Page 36 of Twilight of Embers
A group of guys approached us on the sidewalk, and one dipped his head in greeting.
Cáel let out a low growl, and the guy’s eyes widened as he stumbled out of our path.
I turned to my giant friend. “What was that about?”
“They were too close,” he gritted out.
I reached up, resting a hand on his arm. “He was just being friendly. I’m perfectly fine. I promise. And I know how to protect myself if someone wasn’t friendly.”
Cáel’s nostrils flared, his breathing growing more ragged.
Crap. Maybe that had been the wrong thing to say.
He moved then, pulling me into his arms and holding me tight, almost sending my hot chocolate flying. “Nothing can happen to you, Little One.”
Those words curled around me, comforting somehow.
I hugged Cáel back, sensing he needed it. “Nothing’s going to happen to me.”
“No,” he growled. “It’s not. Because I won’t let it.”
19
HAYDEN
I took a seat in the middle of the small lecture hall. There were more than a few familiar faces dotting the space. But none of them had gotten to even what I’d call acquaintance status. It seemed like a lot of students were keeping their distance from me. But that didn’t stop their staring.
Opening my notebook, I jotted down the date and Psychology 101. I’d just focus on taking the world’s best notes.
A chair squeaked on the opposite side of the aisle, and my gaze flicked in that direction. Green eyes met mine. They were guarded, but there was also anger there. Anger I didn’t understand.
As much as I’d hoped Easton’s warning to the guys in the diner had meant a softening toward me, that clearly wasn’t the case. It was also obvious that he’d left any and all science requirements for the end of his school years if he was stuck in my classes.
His eyes narrowed on me. So, I did the only thing a mature person would do. I flipped him off.
Someone down my row choked on a laugh, which only made Easton glare harder.
Whatever. Mr. Grumpy Cat could scowl until his face froze like that, for all I cared.
“Everyone, find your seats,” Professor Brent said as he crossed to the podium. His eyes scanned the room and paused on me, something flashing in his hazel gaze.
“This is Psychology 101. While it’s a beginner class, I am going to expect a lot from you. If you were hoping for an easy A, I suggest heading to the registrar and transferring to another class. There are other professors who would take it easier on you.”
There were a few grumbles from the seats around me, and I heard a muttered curse, but no one made a move to leave.
“All right, then, let’s get started.”
Professor Brent moved quickly through the syllabus and expectations. There was going to be a lot of reading, quite a few papers, and a couple of massive group projects. This would be one of my toughest classes, for sure. Not something I’d expected when planning for my semester.
Throughout the class, Professor Brent’s eyes would land on me. Each time, they made me shiver, and not in a pleasant way. By the time the bell rang, my stomach was in knots. After this semester, I’d simply switch advisors and make sure I didn’t take another class with Brent. I just had to make it through this term.
Closing my notebook, I shoved my belongings into my backpack and struggled to close the broken zipper. I slipped it over my shoulder and headed down the steps.
“Hayden, a moment please,” Professor Brent said.
That twisting sensation was back in my stomach. “Yes, Professor?”
He watched as students filed out behind me. “I thought you were taking your studies seriously?”
