Page 11 of My Professor is a Demon

The request—so simple, so respectful of boundaries I wasn't accustomed to having acknowledged—undid me. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

Her fingers touched the back of my hand, and the now-familiar energy connection flared between us—stronger than before, a harmony of power that sent warmth spreading through my entire being. But this time, there was new awareness in her eyes as she observed the reaction, a scientist cataloging a fascinating phenomenon.

"Our energies shouldn't be compatible," she noted. "Demons and humans typically create discord, not harmony."

"Which suggests you're not entirely human," I completed her thought.

"Or you're not entirely demonic," she countered. "At least, not anymore."

The insight struck uncomfortably close to truth. My questioning of Hell's methods and my preference for knowledge over destruction had always marked me as different from my brethren.

"These boundary symbols," I said, redirecting the conversation to safer territory as I tried to catch my breath from all her revelations. "If they're indeed a message or a test, we need to understand what response is expected."

Charlotte allowed the change of subject, though her small smile suggested she recognized the evasion. "I think we need to go back to the eastern quadrant. Not just to observe, but to interact with the energy patterns directly."

"Too dangerous," I said immediately.

"Because of the boundary entities or because of Hell?" she asked shrewdly.

I stared at her. "What do you know about Hell's interest in Midnight Creek?"

"Just what I've pieced together," she admitted. "The blood ritual had infernal elements and the ley line corruption benefits chaotic forces rather than balanced ones. Also, you're clearly working for someone you'd rather not be working for."

Her perception was as unnerving as ever. "Hell has... expectations regarding my investigation of the ley line anomalies. And of you."

"Me?" Her eyebrows rose in surprise. "What would Hell want with a graduate student?"

"Your connection to the ley lines makes you valuable," I said carefully. "And potentially threatening to certain agendas."

Understanding dawned in her eyes. "They sent you to investigate me, didn't they? That's why you agreed to supervise my independent study."

I couldn't lie to her, not when she'd seen through so much already. "Initially, yes. My boss ordered me to determine what you are and whether you pose a threat to Hell's interests."

"And your conclusion?" She watched me, surprisingly calm about discovering she'd been under supernatural investigation.

"That you deserve protection, not exploitation," I said. "Whatever your connection to the ley lines or boundary entities might be, Hell has no right to it. Or to you."

Charlotte's expression softened, something warm and dangerous flickering in her eyes. "That's probably not what your boss wanted to hear."

"No," I agreed, the weight of my quiet rebellion suddenly heavy between us. "It won’t be."

"So what happens now?" she asked. "If Hell wants information about me that you're not providing?"

"Eventually, they'll send someone else," I admitted. "Which is why understanding your connection to these boundary symbols is increasingly urgent. Knowledge is protection in the supernatural world."

Charlotte nodded, serious for once. "Then we go back to the east side of campus. Together. Tonight."

I should have refused. Should have insisted on safer methods, on more research before direct engagement. Instead, I found myself agreeing, already calculating what protective measures I could implement.

"After midnight," I stipulated. "When the campus is deserted."

"I'll bring better snacks this time," she promised, her irrepressible optimism returning. "Supernatural investigation requires proper fuel."

As she gathered her research materials, her hand brushed mine again, our energies harmonizing briefly in that impossible, beautiful way. She looked up at me, something unspoken passing between us.

"Whatever happens," she said quietly, "I'm glad it's happening with you. Demon and all."

The simple statement hit me with unexpected force. Few had ever chosen my company willingly, much less expressed gratitude for it. Most who knew my true nature reacted with fearor attempted manipulation. None had ever looked at me with the genuine warmth I saw in Charlotte's eyes.

---