LOGINProfessor Evans is one of the youngest lecturers in the academy. And that makes it easier to be able to confide in him. He understands young adults and sees things from our own point of view.
And that’s one of the reasons he is my best history lecturer to ever exist. He turns sharply from the pulpit. He had just finished scrubbing some things down on the board. “That will be the end of the class for today.” He announces with his usual friendly smile that always has a cute dimple. “Kieran, wait behind after class.” He adds immediately. I nod. The last of the students, with exhaustion oozing out of them, trickle out with tired expressions on their faces. Same as me still sitted here. Professor Evans turns towards me and frowns with concern. “Have you got any news recently? Tell me if anything is going on?” I looked back at him sharply. “There is absolutely nothing going on.” He leans back against the desk and nods at my wrist. A handsome stubble runs along his jaw. His brown hair is brushed to the side and his blue eyes study me with gentle kindness. I approach the main desk and sit beside him. Then I sigh dejectedly. “It didn't go well.” I shrug. “We met at some place in the woods. He walked in and out. And that was it.” “He?” He asks, shock written all over his features. “Yeah. His name is Caius.” “And he didn't feed?” Evans asks gently. “I said earlier that he just walked in and why.” I say but I decided against mentioning the emails exchanged between me and Caius. “He seemed pretty much disinterested because in the few minutes we saw each other, I was rejected.” He nods briefly. “That’s nothing to worry about. It’s normal for him to be like that since he’s just got a new consort and his previous consort must have just died.” “His kind does not have sympathy.” I yawn. “Come on, Kieran.” He pats my shoulder. “He’ll adjust over time.” “If you say so.” “The only thing that baffles me is why you’re assigned to a male vampire instead of a female vampire.” “Exactly!” I bang my fist on the table. “You’re the only one who understands me. This still feels like a dream. In fact, it’s impossible. Why would I get assigned to a male vampire?” “I have never heard or read about that. This is the first time it’s happening.” He breathes. Then he laughs softly. “It’s just quite sad it’s happening to you instead of Beau.” My jaw drops. “Now, you’re mocking me?” I ask. “Nope. I’m just happy your name will be in the history books.” He laughs again. “My dearest student. You made us famous.” “Can we please change the subject of discussion? This one sucks.” “Agreed.” Professor Evans says. “I should let you go anyways. I'm sure your friends are waiting for you.” I nod. “Yes, they are. I can't keep them waiting much longer.” And true to his words, I met Beau and Rebecca by the door. They both looked at me like they weren't eavesdropping. I look at them and let out a deep breath. I hesitate a little before I can request this: “Guys, can I treat you to lunch?” “As long as we'll get burgers,” Beau says. I smirk and walk towards the cafeteria. I placed an order for some coffee and sandwiches for all of us. After a few minutes, I cleared my throat awkwardly. “So, guys, I wanted to apologize for how I reacted yesterday. I shouldn't have gone off on you like that.” I say, looking at them apologetically. Rebecca speaks up first because Beau is busy munching the burger fillings he wouldn't be able to speak even if he tried. “Are you sure that was all that really happened? Are you sure he didn't hurt you?” She asks again. “Yes… yes, I'm sure. I know my reaction made it look like I was hurt in some way but I'm fine.” Beau decides to speak and, “you know it's not the end of the world if he's a male right. Is it that you hate him or that he's not attractive enough? Or is it the usual “I can’t be with a man”?” I sputter. “What the fuck, Beau? Why would you say that? I'm not like that. It’s just- just weird to me. And it’s not like it’s something I’ve ever wanted.” “Well… let's hope he'll get hungry soon and get back to his senses and then call you back.” Beau spits. “And if he doesn't,” Rebecca pauses dramatically, “fuck him! No one is gonna mess with my homeboy.” “It doesn't matter anyways. He rejected me and I've also rejected him. There's no point in hoping.” I respond, a smile tugging at my lips. Their jaws drop. “You what?” “I rejected him too.” “Wow!” Rebecca chimes. “I love your aura. This feels like watching a TV show from the 1900’s. What say, Beau?” “Honestly, I’m not sure about that. Rejecting a vampire?” He nods. “Feels a little bit anxious. Not something to get excited about.” I lean forward, my eyes glazing. “He says he is getting a new consort. It might take too long but I'll also be reassigned anyways. Hopefully this time it'll be a woman.” “Don't worry about it, bro.” Beau says. I nod. My phone buzzes on the table and I pick it up. I had received an email notification. Only one person texts me through my mail like a psycho. I didn't bother opening the text. I swiped away the email pop up and I shoved my phone in my pocket. I'm not going to let this shit mess with my mental health. “Is that him?” Rebecca suddenly asks and I flinch. “What?” “I mean you look like you just saw a ghost and it can only mean one thing.” she retorts. “It's no one. It's just a stupid notification” I said quickly while I shoved my chair back and I stood up. “Alright guys, we'll meet in the hostel.” “I think we're also done. Right, Beau?” Rebecca whispers, standing up also. “Yeah… let's go.” Beau adds and we all match out of the cafeteria. But my mind goes back to the earlier notification. I should have opened it. Maybe, the idiot finally gets assigned to a new consort?Kieran’s POV The next few minutes are unadulterated chaos. Caius manages to keep Bonnie from escaping, but with Evans’ quickly deteriorating state, we end up needing her help.He’s unconscious and rapidly losing blood. Even his pulse is slowing. Caius’ red eyes sear me as I suggest letting her go.“She’ll kill you, human,” he mutters. “Letting her go is out of the question.”“We need her help!”Bonnie stares defiantly.ahead. Even though she’s a Secondary, she has the same sense of pride as vampires. She’s not angry that she’s being held captive. She’s angry she slipped up enough to get in that predicament in the first place.Caius shakes his head. “Enough.”Evans is curled into a small heap beside me. I've switched out the clothing in front of his stomach, twice. His paleness takes on a sickly hue, and I know he doesn’t have much longer. Caius has made it clear time and time again that he doesn’t care whether Evans lives or dies, but I do.And I know if the roles were reversed, h
Kieran’s POV Her words sound muffled, muted even against the blood rushing against my ears. I try to respond but my speech sounds garbled. Or maybe that’s just the noise it’s making in my brain, because I don’t think I actually manage to make a sound. “Inside that duffle bag, there is a picture,” Caius answers. “It is tucked beneath two sweaters. We believe it’s a member of my family. A fellow Secondary.” Bonnie tilts her chin up in defiance. “And who might this family member be?” “According to the picture, it's Archer Robbins.” “According to the picture?” she questions and narrows her eyes. “His name is written on the back. I lost my memory when I turned,” Caius responds in a clipped tone. “I obviously can’t be sure if the name is an accurate reflection of the person.” Caius is never afraid, and in moments like this, it becomes apparent. Sometimes I envy him for not feeling emotion. Bonnie’s gaze slides over to the duffle bag. She jerks the end of her gun to the side and
Kieran’s POV The woman shifts her gaze to Evans. He slowly lowers the map before raising his hands in the same fashion as me. Her eyes spark with approval before she slowly moves her focus to Caius.“That applies to you too, vamp,” she snarls.I keep my eyes on her, but I can feel Caius stiffen beside me. He could easily attack this woman and take her down. No question. But there’s no way he can outrun a bullet. If she shoots me, he won’t be able to do anything to stop it. And if he steps in front of me, that’ll make me even more of a target.I may not be able to hear Caius’ thoughts, but I’ve been with him long enough to start to understand his line of thinking.“Don’t test me,” she growls. “These bullets will kill the humans on impact. But they’re made of something potent enough to kill you, too.”Poison.The bullets are made of poison. I start trembling with fear. Realistically I know Caius will be fine. He says my blood is strong enough to protect him. But what if there’s a
Kieran’s POV I clutch the duffle bag to my chest as Caius races through the endless, frigid terrain. Cold wind slaps against my face, its fingernails of ice scraping against the soft flesh of my cheeks. Everything burns. I try to cover myself more with my jacket, but it just as quickly falls again. My eyes water when I try to spot Evans behind us. He’s barely keeping up with his electronic motorcycle. He must have done work on it before he started using it in the war, though. The bike that used to have a soft purr has now dissipated to silence. No wonder Caius never heard him approaching. I close my eyes and lean into Caius’ chest. This is the fastest we’ve ever traveled. Granted, he has a slightly smaller load since Evans offered to take the tent on the back of his bike, but to me it feels like we’re moving way too fast. The cool shadows of the evening give way to morning and eventually the soft hues of morning change into the deep, rich tones of the evening
Kieran’s POV Nightmares seep into my mind. Each scene acts like its own hand of darkness, spindly fingers curling around my thoughts and pushing them to a pit of quicksand. Since the war began, they’ve become a constant companion, holding me in their clutches until I find the courage to fight myself awake. My eyes pop open. My heart pounds against my chest like a wild bird against its metal cage. No hints of sunlight have broken through the darkness, and I force myself into a sitting position. Caius’ red gaze immediately meets mine from the other side of the tent. Instead of lying beside me while I sleep, he’s taken it upon himself to keep watch over Evans. My history professor’s light snores ricochet through the silence of the small tent. For some reason, the sound is soothing. My muscles relax enough for my shoulders to sag with relief. “Another nightmare, human?” Caius whispers. I nod. “Worst one I've had in a while.” The cadence of Evans’ snores become interrupted at
Kieran’s POV The next morning is as awkward as it could get. I could not look Evans in the eye, knowing what we did right beside him.He must have noticed how weird I was but he decided against asking me questions.The map Caius and I were studying yesterday is still splayed across the floor. Evans’ light eyes dance over its surface. His gaze catches on the various marks made by Caius and me over the past few months. He looks far too interested in it, and I have a sliver of doubt that I may have trusted him too quickly.Evans rubs his hands together to create enough friction to spread heat through his fingertips. I haven’t seen this man in so long. And I’ll admit it. There have been many times I’ve imagined seeing him again. I even rehearsed all the words I’d say to him for the various scenarios my imagination drummed to life.Except this one.“Are you hungry?” I ask after a stretch of silence.Evans’ gaze flickers up to me. Every one of his features is saying yes, but he shakes hi
Caius’ POV The presence of his breathing rattles me, it's a constant reminder of the presence of his essence. I watched as he filled his lungs with air for survival. I watch as he breathes in my essence, filling himself like an appetizer after a long meal. The drop of blood slipping down his bot
Kieran’s POV.Three days later, sliding my finger lazily across the carpet in search of my drink, I frown as I bring it to my lips. There's not so much left, so I'm forced to lap the froth caked around the rim. Beau plays his piano in the background and once in a while, he scribbles down notes acr
Kieran’s POV.A male. My vampire is a male. My limbs tremble as I stare at him. He takes a step forward, gracefully. He has long fingers that are perfectly slender. His colour matches the flakes of snow. I lick my dry lips and hope he doesn't smell the fear through my veins. He lifts his hands
Kieran’s POV.Two weeks ago, I turned twenty years old. But my vampire hasn’t shown up. And since then I’ve been pondering on why she hasn't reached out to me.The intermediaries between humans and vampires send the details of every human consort to their vampires once they are of age. So, what co







