Page 11 of The Howl
“It does get a little crazy in here at times. If you ever need to step out, you know you can.”
I nodded and turned my gaze to the clock.
“Hey, Eliana,” Eugene said, sliding into the desk beside mine a few minutes later.
“Since when do you need to take Human Studies?” I asked with a frown.
“Since this morning. Adira said she’d be changing up my schedule so that I can get to know the students and faculty before settling me into a human schedule.”
“Ah.” I doubted very much that Adira was changing his schedule for his benefit. After rejecting the opportunity to feed from him last night then coming home hungry afterward, Eugene was likely here to tempt me.
“Would you happen to have Self-paced Science and Algebra after this?” I asked.
“Nope. I aced out of both of those. I’m in Self-Discovery next. Sounds fun, right?”
I sighed and leaned toward him as more students entered the room.
“No, Eugene. Nothing here is fun. It’s dangerous.”
“Adira said that while I’m on school grounds, nothing can kill me.”
“She’s right about that, but there are things worse than death, Eugene. Don’t forget that.”
He paled a little and nodded as Belemina, two desks up, laughed and flashed her fangs back at us.
“Worse than death? Don’t be dramatic, Eliana. Your little human would exist in a constant state of bliss with some of us.”
“And without any thoughts of his own. A slave to compulsions he wouldn’t be able to fight.”
“He wouldn’t want to fight them.” Her gaze shifted to Eugene. “I’ll give you a taste if you want.”
“Uh…no, thanks,” Eugene said, looking right at her.
I pinched his arm.
“Ow!” He scowled at me. “I thought you were the nice one.”
“First rule to ensuring you’re not being compelled is to avoid eye-contact,” I reminded him. “You need to spend more time with Ashlyn.”
“We’re hanging out after school.”
“Can I come?” Belemina asked.
I frowned at her.
“No.”
She pouted and turned toward Lucas as he closed the door.
For the remainder of class, Eugene called attention to himself by asking every question imaginable. He’d insulted or annoyed at least half the class by the time the bell rang.
“I better walk you to your next class,” I said, standing.
As soon as I did, his gaze swept down my length.
“Wow. You look really nice today.”
While I knew he meant his words as a sincere compliment, my hunger took them as an invitation. My vision sharpened, and I quickly looked at the floor while trying my best not to notice how amazing Eugene smelled.
