She didn’t’ finish her sentence because Noah got up, grabbed her arms, and seated her on the couch.
“Here, sit beside me and read a book in silence.” He sat back and gave her one of the books on the coffee table.
Grace put the book aside. “You’re not coming?”
Noah remained silent, staring at her.
“I made the popcorn.”
“Your academy has too many extra-curricular activities. How are the teachers supposed to have a private life like this?”
She frowned. “What do you mean? Would you rather go out for drinks and flirt with women?”
Noah blinked at her question. “What?”
“Friday nights are reserved for that. If that’s what you’re missing,” she muttered.
“I’m not following.”
Sighing deeply, she indulged in an explanation. “The guys go out on Friday nights to see their girlfriends, hang out in a pub, and hook up with strangers.”
Grace got up, and Noah caught her arm. “What do you do on Friday nights?”
“I read, study, and sleep,” she answered. Then, she added, “What are you going to do?”
“Finish my book and sleep.”
Her shoulders relaxed, and she leaned forward. Her hands landed on his chest, and Noah lost his breath. “You can do that tomorrow. Come and watch a movie with me tonight.”
Her voice returned to the sweet melody it was before. Noah grinned at the sudden change in the way she acted. He had told himself that he was imagining things between them, but Grace seemed to be flirting with him. It wasn’t his imagination. She had a burst of jealousy a minute ago.
“Last time I watched a movie, I fell asleep,” he shared.
“I’ll elbow you if that happens.”
“You’re being too mean to me. Just be gentle when waking me up. I might stab someone if I wake up with a start,” Noah teased her while his eyes focused on her plump lips. Her hands felt warm on his chest.
Her eyes softened with concern. “Are you still having trouble sleeping?”
“I’m not used to so much comfort and safety.” It was easy to share things with her. She didn’t judge or pry.
“Do you want me to buy you a teddy bear?”
Noah rolled his eyes at her mocking question. There were many ways he could reply to her and make things awkward between them, but he wasn’t going there. He was going to keep things in the friend zone, even if his insides burned with need every time they were near each other.
“When is your grandfather coming back?”
“Are you eager for him to return?”
He took hold of her hands and moved to stand. “Aren’t you?”
“We talked yesterday. He said he needed a couple more days to talk with the other members of the council.”
“Did he say anything about me?”
“He asked if you were doing your job properly and mingling with the rest of us.”
“What did you tell him?”
Grace smirked and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “That I’m a great guardian, and I’m doing everything to make you feel comfortable here. Soon enough, you won’t ever want to leave.”
Noah frowned, and Grace lost her smile.
“When your grandfather comes back, I’m sure he’ll want to teach his classes again. I’m not sure what I’m going to be doing if I stay here.”
Grace adverted her eyes and rubbed her right arm. “Grandpa didn’t say anything about sending you away. Your home is here now. I found you, I saved you, and your place is here with me.”
“I’m not a stray dog, Grace.”
Her eyes filled with indignation. “Of course, you’re not. But you don’t have anyone waiting for you, do you? You’re an orphan like me.” She grasped his arm, her eyes becoming anxious. “Why won’t you stay for a bit longer? Are you planning to leave once Grandpa returns?”
“No, I’m not planning to leave. But I don’t like to idle. I want my life to have a purpose.”
Grace nodded. “Grandpa hired you for a reason. I’m sure he’ll tell you once he returns home.”
Noah pulled her closer to him before she could leave. “Did he tell you anything about what he discussed with the members of the council?”
“He wants them to allow you to stay with us.”
“What else?”
“He’s concerned about my safety because of what I am.”
Noah nodded. “Someone sent those assassins to kill you, Grace.”
Grace looked down. “If they keep attacking, I might need to leave this place, so the other students aren’t harmed.”
Lacing her waist, Noah pulled her against his chest. His voice caressed her cheek. “I’m here to protect you. No one is going to hurt you.”
Grace turned her head. Their breathing mingled together, but it was her look of surprise that caught Noah’s attention.
“I know what it’s like to be pursued for what we are. To be called a monster, an aberration. You’re not an aberration, Grace. Whatever happened to your parents isn’t going to happen to you.”
Grace swallowed hard and nodded.
Noah raised his trembling hand and caressed Grace’s hair, placing a strand behind her ear. She was undeniably pretty, and her skin seemed softer than silk. Her eyes were big and caring, brighter due to the emotions assaulting her. “I didn’t mean to sadden you.”
Her voice quivered when she spoke. “Do you know who I am?”
Her question confused him. His fingertips brushed her cheek. “Does that matter?”
She glanced away and grabbed his hand. “You have no idea of who I am.” Her voice sounded defeated. “I’m going to watch a movie with my friends. Join us or stay here. Do whatever you want.”
Stepping away from him, Grace left without looking back.
Noah faced the empty corridor and followed her steps with his enhanced senses. Her smell and her footsteps were descending the stairs. He had no idea what he had said that left her so sad. Did he scare her away by the liberty he had taken by touching her? He had crossed the line. Maybe it was best if they didn’t spend so much time together. It would prevent him from saying irrational things like he had said before. Not that he didn’t mean what he said. He wanted to protect her. However, it was presumptuous of him to think that she wanted his protection. They were worlds apart. Women like her didn’t see him as boyfriend material. They dated someone with money and status. A celestial wouldn’t even look twice at a lesser race like vampires and wolves. Grace was only a half-breed, but surely that meant her mate should be among the angels.
Noah groaned in exasperation. Lately, he was overthinking everything. There wasn’t a lot more on his mind but Grace.
“I’m seriously infatuated with this girl,” he said out loud.
Chapter Fourteen
It was Friday night, and Grace had curled up with a book in her bed. She was avoiding the attic after last night. She didn’t want to disturb Noah’s stoic solitude. It was no use to force things between them. Maybe she was wrong, and they weren’t meant to be. Who said that hybrids could accurately detect their other half? Her radar might be broken.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Who is it?”
No answer.
Another knock.
“Who is it?” she asked again.
No answer and another knock.
Grace groaned. It was probably one of the guys being annoying. She knew they wouldn’t stop if she didn’t do something about it.
She looked at the clock. Night had fallen, although it was only five o’clock. A sidereal day on her planet took twenty hours to complete. The nights were also longer once summer was over. At that time, her friends should have left to party, unless the rain was deterring them from going.
Another knock, but, this time, Grace was ready and opened the door.
“Who is it?” Her bad mood turned into surprise. “Noah?”
He smiled, and her stomach dropped.
“Am I disturbing you?”
“No.”
Another smile. She noticed he was dressed to go out and not stay at home. Maybe he came back from somewhere.
“Do you need anything?” she probed.
“I was just wondering.”
“Yes?”
“It’s Friday night,” Noah said.
“I know.”
“D-do you want to go out with me?”
It took a few moments for his words to register in her brain. Then, a few more moments for her to select the right answer to that question instead of retorting with other questions that would ruin the moment.
“Grace, did you hear me?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have other plans?” He peeked inside the bedroom. “Were you reading?”
Taking control of her emotions, Grace breathed deeply. “Yes, and yes.”
Noah blinked as if he had no idea what she was saying.
“Yes, I want to go out. Yes, I was reading.”
He nodded and grinned, apparently pleased.
“Give me a few minutes to get dressed,” Grace requested and closed the door before he had the time to say anything else.
She rushed to her closet but closed the door after opening it. Speeding to the bedroom door, she opened it and found Noah still there. “Where are we going? What do I need to wear?”
“I going out for a walk and maybe a drink if you want.”
“Okay. I need ten minutes to get ready.”
Noah beamed. “Take your time.” His hand stopped the door before she closed it again. “Dress in something warm. It’s cold outside.”
She bobbed her head, grinned, and closed the door before rushing to her closet.
Grace was having a hard time taking her eyes off Noah. They were on a date, and she was over the moon. Until then, the conversation had revolved around what they could do in town to have fun. Grace wanted to stay away from the places the other students frequented. She didn’t want to see them and lose the chance to be alone with Noah. Therefore, she drove into the city and took Noah to a bar where her college friends used to hang out. No one knew Noah there.
They had chosen a table in a corner, and the drinks had arrived. Grace was playing with her straw while Noah looked around.
“It’s nice here. I like the soft music and the ambiance,” Noah said.
“My friends from college keep talking about this place, but I’ve only come here twice with Andrea.”
“It’s nice,” he repeated and smiled.
Grace’s smile faded, aware that she had to be better at small talk. They had talked about the classes and life in the academy. The subject was running out, and she didn’t want to be caught in awkward silence. Not on a first date.
“Is something wrong?” Noah asked as if detecting the sudden dread that took over her.
“I realized there’s truly not a lot to see at night. There are a few restaurants and pubs, but I’m sure you’d find it more fun with more friends. The other students like to do karaoke and drinking contests.”
“I’m fine with being here with you. We can go out tomorrow after lunch if you want to show me the best places to see during the day.”
“Would you want that?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I’m new in this kingdom. There isn’t much I know. Actually, a rogue hunter doesn’t have time for sightseeing. Now that I’m a legal citizen of Sanabria, I might as well enjoy the daylight.”
Grace’s interest piqued. “A legal citizen? Did Grandpa call with good news?”
“Yes. While you were at college. I tried to find you during dinner, but you didn’t show up.”
“Did he say when he’s coming back?”
“Sunday, I believe.”
“What about the classes, did he say anything?”
Noah offered her a lopsided grin. “I’m going to help him with his teaching duties. Mr. Delacroix is planning on taking some time off to write a book. He needs a substitute teacher until the end of the school year.”
“That’s great news. Maybe you can even take the hunter test and apply to one of our guilds once the school year is over. They pay well.”
Noah turned his glass between his fingers. “What are you going to do when the year is over? It’s your last year at the academy, right?”
Grace nodded. “I want to earn field experience. I was hoping to get assigned to one of the teams that leave the world to hunt elsewhere.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Those are dangerous missions. Why are you willing to risk your life when you don’t need to? You could simply teach in your grandfather’s academy or apply for a desk job in one of the guilds. You have the grades for a high-ranking position. Maybe you could be a tactical team coordinator or an evaluator.”
“I need work experience if I plan to be a team leader of one of the guilds one day.”
“You have high dreams,” Noah affirmed.
“What about you? Do you enjoy teaching? Is it something you see yourself doing for a long time? Don’t you miss the lonely life of a rogue hunter?”
“I’m enjoying teaching, especially since I have a gorgeous assistant like you.”
Grace folded her arms on the table with a grin. “Really? Tell me more about that gorgeous assistant of yours.”
“Nothing much to say, really. I’m also enjoying having someone to spend my time with.” His smile faded for a few seconds before he added, “It’s nice to have a place to call home.”
“That’s great. I’m almost tempted to let you use the attic as your bedroom for as long as you want.”
“Oh, is that so?” He paused and leaned back in his chair. “I enjoy my corner. It would be a shame if I had to choose somewhere else to stay.”
Grace sighed. “I guess I need to find a new sanctuary in the mansion.”
“We can share the space. I don’t mind having you there from time to time.”
“I’m sure you want your privacy, and I need a place to keep my weapons and books.”
Noah clutched his drink tighter. “Do you regret saving me?”
“Of course not. I’m teasing you about the attic. I’m okay with letting you stay there.”
He averted his eyes to his glass.
Grace felt a pang in her stomach. “Do you regret being saved? Were you on a suicide mission when you followed the vampires into our territory?”
“I was on a revenge mission. One of the vampires I killed was the one who killed my parents.”
Grace nibbled on her thumb. “You were poisoned.”
“Yes. I would have died if you didn’t find me and took me in. I owe you my life. You and your grandfather gave me a new purpose.”
“The Dark Conclave also ordered my parents’ death,” she shared. “I was twelve. I was lucky to have survived. Not that I remember much about that night. Grandpa says I’ve repressed the memories.”
“It’s best like that. I hate remembering my parents’ death,” Noah said.
“I’m sorry. It must have been awful. How old were you?”
“Six. My Aunt Farah saved me.”
A lump formed in her throat. “How old are you now, Noah?”
“Forty.”
“It’s a long time to nurture revenge thoughts.”
“It’s over now. My parents have been avenged.”
“My father gave his life, so my mother could escape with me. She was mortally wounded but was able to survive long enough to reach a Security Force Station and tell them who they had to call to keep me safe.”
“You don’t need to share that with me if you don’t want to,” Noah assured. “It must be painful. We should talk about more pleasant things.”
“It’s okay. We need to know each other. We have something in common.”
“Being orphans and hybrids?” he asked with a smirk.
“There aren’t many hybrids like us.”
“Indeed. I found a few while traveling along the Alorya continent. I’m not familiar with the mentalities outside this c
ontinent, but here, hybrids are still seen as aberrations.”
“Only because they fear that we can become stronger than them. They fear peace more than war. It’s illogical.”
Noah reached across the table and held her left hand.
Grace sucked in a breath.
His voice was softer than velvet. “Let’s talk about something else. I don’t want us to be sad tonight.”
She nodded and let her shoulders sag.
Grace woke up to someone screaming.
“Get out! What are you doing here?”
She sat up with her eyes closed and tried to understand where the screaming was coming from. It sounded like Lori, her roommate, but too far to be in their bedroom.
“What’s going on?” Grace mumbled and yawned.
“Looks like your roommate is up,” Noah answered.
Grace snapped her eyes open. “What?”
Noah was leaning beside her with ruffled hair and a sleepy face. “Go back to bed. Whatever it is, they can handle it.”
Shaking her head, the memories of their arrival came to her mind. They had fun, and when they came back, Lori had a sock hanging on the doorknob, so Grace couldn’t go in there. She had no place to sleep. Not that Lori bothered to remember that. Now, she was screaming downstairs at the dude she had brought home.
“She’s lucky Vincent isn’t here, or she would be in a lot of trouble,” Grace said to Noah.
He grinned and sat on the bed next to her. He had been kind enough to sleep on the couch and let her occupy his bed. It was a cozy bed with a tantalizing scent. She had slept like a baby once she was able to stop fantasizing about the man on the couch.
“Shoes are flying,” Noah said.
Grace giggled. “I wonder who’s with her.”
“You can always go downstairs to find out.”
“I don’t want to be attacked by a shoe.”
“You’re crazy!” a male voice complained before a door slammed with a bang.
Grace’s mouth opened in shock. “That sounded a lot like … It can’t be.”
“Who?”
Academy of Magic Collection Page 115
