Page 24 of Embracing Darkness

“I can understand that,” he says, and we both look at her.

“I should get back,” I say. There’s nothing I want less than to spend the night in the same room as Ayden. We’re actually managing to behave normally right now, but that doesn’t change the fact that I want to get away from him as soon as possible.

“You know you’re welcome to stay too,” Ayden says. “It’s a long way back to school, and there are no buses at this time.”

“I’ll be okay.”

I’m turning to go when Max groans, “Teresa, I feel sick. Do something.”

I go to her and rub her back as she starts retching again. Ayden wastes no time handing me the trash can, which I hold in front of her.

I hold back Max’s hair and talk to her softly until she finally slumps back in the bed. She’s such a pitiful sight.

I weigh up whether I can leave her alone here and then sigh. “I can’t just palm her off on you in that state.” I have a feeling this is a bad idea, but I don’t want to ditch Max. “I guess I’ll stay.”

We’re supposed to be avoiding each other, and now we’resleeping in the same room? This is not ideal.

“Do you want to share the bed with her? I’ll take the couch if that’s okay.”

I nod, go to the bed, lift the covers, and slip in beside Max, who’s sleeping again. Ayden pulls his shirt over his head. His rippling muscles take my breath away, and I wonder if the sight of him will ever lose its effect on me. I quickly look away and rest my head on the pillow. But I can’t help glancing over at him again. He’s lying with his long, muscular legs stretched out on the couch. The blanket only partially covers his torso, and memories surface – of how his skin felt, his warmth against me, his muscles moving under my hands. I turn away. What’s wrong with me? I look at Max, who’s snoring softly and twitching in her sleep.

Although it’s late, I keep tossing and turning and can’t sleep. At least this room doesn’t smell of Ayden. But I can’t relax.

At some point, my eyes finally close... and then I hear a sudden noise. I’m instantly wide awake. I look over at Max, who’s sound asleep. Ayden’s not moving either. I consider waking him, then I shake my head, and I’m about to lie back down when I hear noises again, and this time they’re unmistakable. I creep quietly out of the bed and go to the door.

I hear a door click shut and a voice say, “Yes, you’re right, of course. We can’t waste any time.” It’s the principal’s voice, and it sounds as if he’s on a call. “I’m glad you got to meet her at the charity dinner. I really think we need to find out more about her gift. She could be immensely valuable to us, but first we need to find out how much she can control it. I’ll keep my eye on her. And we should sit down with the Council soon and discuss it.”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Is Mr. Collins talking about me? About my gift? He can’t be talking about Kate, because he doesn’t know about her gift – or does he?

“And regarding contact with the Noctu. I honestly can’t imagineit. I trust all of my students and hunters. But we should obviously look into it and follow up on those leads; I absolutely agree with you. I’m in my apartment now, picking up the most recent transcripts. I check them for anything suspicious.” He pauses, presumably listening to the other caller. “Of course. I’ll stop by before classes begin, Albert.”

A shiver runs up my spine. Is the principal talking about me and Noah? I have to assume so because how many other Tempes would secretly maintain contact with a Noctu? I’m stunned. How does he know? And who’s he talking to? He said the name Albert... oh, Albert Cunningham. My heart races and panic grips me. Damn it. If I’m right, then Noah and I have a big problem. If they intend to investigate...

“A traitor in our midst – that’s more than just a scandal. It’s a crime, which won’t go unpunished.”

Mr. Collins falls silent again, pacing up and down the hallway as he listens to Mr. Cunningham. His footsteps get fainter, then louder again.

“I’ll take care of it. Yes, see you later.”

With that, he ends the call, opens the front door to the apartment, and closes it again behind him. I stand rooted to the spot for a few moments, a sense of horror flooding through me. What do I do?

Chapter 13

Ican’t sleep. I keep thinking about what Mr. Collins’ said. How much does he know? Did someone see me with Noah? Was he really talking about us?

My eyes wander to Ayden, who’s still asleep on the couch. I know he’d never forgive me for being a traitor. I’ve been meeting with his arch enemy behind his back. Worse than that – we care for each other, we’re close.

I take out my phone and reread the message I sent to Noah just after Mr. Collins leaves the apartment:

“We need to talk. Something’s happened. Please. It’s urgent.”

Noah hasn’t replied, and my patience eventually wears thin.

“Fine. Then I’ll just go to the hospital every day until you show up. Then you’ll have to talk to me.”

I’m not bluffing. But it’s a huge risk. If we really are being monitored, then we can’t just meet like that. But he can’t avoid me forever.

“Where are you right now?” Noah suddenly asks.