Page 15 of The Vampire Trap

Without meaning to, my gaze briefly flicks in the direction of the table where my charcoal and notebook sit. He catches it.

“I will let you get back to your studies then,” he says. His expression hasn’t noticeably changed, though now his carefree smile looks like a mask to hide disappointment.

But why is he disappointed? Because he wants to lure me into an alley to feed, or because he likes me?

Inwardly I scold myself for such unimportant thoughts.

I walk backward a few steps and say, “I’ll be here again tomorrow around noon.”

He blinks twice, then brightens at the implied invitation. Then before he can say anything more, I hurry to the table then open the book as I sit down. I only catch a slight movement from Thomas as he turns. The world melts away as I am instantly engrossed in the book. I take brief notes as I make my way through the first part of the book.

Not entirely sure what I’m looking for, I decide on first gaining a basic understanding of the human body. Once I have that, I can narrow down what I’m looking for until I find it.

* * *

For the rest of the week, Wallace and Oscar take turns pretending to be our family footman. The three of us agreed that Benjamin should keep his distance. He argued but, in the end, gave in after we began listing examples of his overprotective nature.

On the fourth day, I arrive at noon. Thomas is already waiting for me at a table with a stack of books on injuries and healing. All week, he sat quietly reading across from me.

Though much of our time was spent in silence, anytime my forehead would wrinkle in confusion, he encouraged me to explain what I was stuck on. He never handed me an answer but instead asked questions and suggested passages in other books so I could find my own understanding of the subject.

And when I grew frustrated, he had me get up and stroll the library with him to clear my head. When we did a full round, he would gauge how I felt to see if I was ready to get back to work. It started with a few simple questions, and the time spent standing between the shelves gradually grew longer and longer.

By the end of the day, I am sure that what I’m looking for is so close I can almost sense it tingling at my fingertips. I glower at every page I finish that doesn’t have the answer.

“You look about ready to shred that book apart. Is there something I can help you with?” Thomas asks, not even looking up from the paper he’s reading.

“No… I’m not even sure what I’m looking for—I just know that I haven’t found it.”

Folding the newspaper, he leans forward and gives me his undivided attention. “If you continue while you’re this frustrated—” he presses a finger between my brows and smooths it over the furrow. “—you’ll only end up thinking about that instead of what you hope to find. Take the weekend to look over your notes and rest. Then you can come back with a fresh mind.”

He’s right… too bad it isn’t an option today.

“I want to stay for a little while longer,” I say with more enthusiasm than I feel. “You should go on without me. I need to finish my notes, so I don’t forget anything important.”

Thomas nods in understanding. He rises and stretches his back, then hovers as if wanting to say something.

I lift both brows in silent question.

“You should leave with enough time to make it home before evening—if you’re unsure if you’ll make it. then have your driver take you through the city.”

I smile at his silly concern. Everyone learns how to avoid the demons that come out at night before they can speak a full sentence. They thrive in the shadows, pushing against the boundaries, looking for any human foolish enough to step far enough from the light.

“I promise not to let a demon make a meal of me.”

He doesn’t laugh or tease back, instead looking at me with grave seriousness. “No, Zadie, that’s not what I meant.”

I hold my breath; a half dozen questions ready on my tongue.

Thomas lowers his voice further. “I know you are aware of the murders that have happened recently. Just… please, be careful when you leave here.” Thomas looks away as if he’s suddenly unable to look me in the eye. “I have grown fond of our study sessions. I’ve grown rather fond of you.”

The confession is so unexpected, I’m unsure how to respond. Before I can figure it out, he bows his head and leaves.

I drop into my chair, utterly bewildered by his words. All thoughts of studying have vanished. My stomach twists.

A week ago, I would have thought it a twisted threat that I would soon be another of his victims, if not the very next one. Not even a monster could admit to possessing feelings for someone with that much tenderness in their voice and not mean it…

Could they?

---