Page 14 of The Vampire Trap

After going two rows past the section, I frown. Thomas isn’t here. I thought for sure he would be.

Outside, the clock tower sounds out the hour. It’s still early in the day, so I open my notebook and begin listing titles, and their location, down. I end up with two and a half pages.

I set my things down at an empty table near a window and massage a cramp out of my hand. Disappointment settles heavily on my shoulders. I tell myself it’s because it’s just one day wasted and not because I didn’t get to see Thomas. At least I’ll have something to show Father when I get home.

I think over the details of the murders Benjamin mentioned and the information in the papers. Though I can’t place what it is, something about it prickles along the edges of my mind, like the sensation of a spider crawling along the back of my neck.

CHAPTER SIX

ZADIE

Returning to the isles, I scan over each title again until I find the one I’m looking for. It’s just high enough that I can only reach it by pushing up on my toes. My fingers barely brush along the bottom inch of the spine. Unfortunately, it’s wedged tightly among the other volumes, making it a tedious process to edge it out.

Pausing to catch my breath, I debate if I should ask the librarian to assist me. But I’ve nearly got it. I jump and grab for it, but my fingers slip. It sits on the edge, crooked like it froze mid-fall, mocking me.

Once more, and I’ll have it.

Glaring, I ready myself. But before I can move, the warm scent of smoke and wood wraps around me a heartbeat before an arm cages me in on one side at eye level. Then a hand effortlessly plucks my book off the shelf.

I whirl, ready to confront whoever snatched the book right out from under my grasp—and find myself staring cross-eyed at a neatly tied cravat and the first few buttons of a man’s shirt. Instinctively I back up, bumping into the shelf.

Lifting my head, I stare at the vampire standing within an inch of embracing me. Thomas leans against the shelf, frowning down at the book open in his palm. I flick my gaze to see what he’s looking at. On one page is a very detailed drawing of a nude man. On the other, a nude woman, showing them from the front, side, and back. Much to my annoyance, I can feel my cheeks warm.

“Are you old enough to be reading such vulgar books?” he asks, widening his deep brown eyes.

“Yes, I am.” I grab for the book, but he lifts it up and out of my reach.

“If this has you turning red, you might want to start with something a little more….” He considers. “Tame. Maybe herbology?”

“I wasn’t—That’s not—” I huff to disguise my need for a lungful of air. “I’m not blushing, I’m just warm because I been jumping, trying to get it for the last several minutes. And there’s nothing vulgar about a body. That was a ridiculous thing to say.”

His perfect mouth tilts up on one side. With a step back, he closes the cover and hands it over. I take the book and wrap my arms around it—not that I think he’ll take it from me again… but it’s always better to err on the safe side.

With space between us, my mind is clearer, allowing me to think again.

“Thank you,” I say with as much genuine feeling as I can manage. “Do you have the power to know when a lady is in need of something out of reach, or did you follow me here?”

Surprise flits over his features before taking the shape of a wide grin. I try not to flinch at the flash of fangs. “Am I dreaming…” Thomas presses a hand to his chest. “Or are you warming up to me?”

My glare loses all power when I try, and fail, to keep the smirk off my face. Against my better judgment, I’m finding it effortless to be at ease around him.

I will need to be diligent about remembering my true purpose.

“Well, you did get save me time getting this off the shelf,” I say with a faux haughty attitude.

Thomas nods, one elbow cupped in a hand as he rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Did you just admit to being so grateful, you feel indebted to me?” He waves his hands dramatically. “It’s similar to a life debt, except not nearly as serious—in case you’re wondering.”

I laugh, slapping a hand over my mouth in time to smother it. “Hardly, Lord Morgan. However, should you find yourself in need a book from a bottom shelf, you may call on me to assist you—but only once. I can’t have you constantly interrupting my studies for such things.”

“We must usually come at different times; I’ve never seen you here before.”

“This is actually the first chance I’ve had to visit.”

Thomas motions to the book in my arms. “Did you come here to study anatomy for scandalous or medicinal reasons?”

“Medicinal.” I choose to ignore the teasing portion of his question. Because I nearly forgot the reason I wanted this book in the first place. “Father offered to hire another tutor, but I want the freedom to switch subjects as I please.”

“That’s admirable of you. This world is a big place with more to learn than possible in several lifetimes.”

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