Feral: Part One (15 page)

I could actually feel the vibrations of his surprised laughter. "Why do I have the feeling telling you she was originally my registrar and handler was a bad idea?” He bent his head, his lips coming incredibly close to the shell of my ear. “You mean the world to me,
cara mia
. I could never, as you say, get out of line where you are concerned. Your happiness ensures my own." He was silent for a moment, though whether it was to let me take in and process his words or if he was simply savoring the moment, I wasn’t sure. "How are you faring, Sofia?"

I hesitated, not wanting to worry him, but apparently my momentary silence was enough to catch his attention, because he immediately inquired as to what was wrong. I exhaled noisily and came clean with him. "I don't why, but I don’t exactly feel comfortable being away from you. I know it’s going to sound melodramatic, but it feels like there’s a chunk of my soul missing."

He sighed, sadness showing in his lavender eyes, and it made my heart ache even more. "I am sorry,
amore mio
. I pondered whether or not today would be difficult for us, but to what potential extent, I could have never guessed. Perhaps, if I had allowed myself to feel as a vampire, in place of trying to experience life as a human, then I would be more prepared to help you through this."

I shook my head. "Simon, I don’t want you to think I’m trying to placate you or excuse you or whatever, but from everything you’ve told me, it seems like you did what you thought was best for you, and that’s all anyone can ever do. You were trying to be better than what you felt you were, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of, just as there is no reason for you to be ashamed of how you're feeling. It's okay. We'll figure it out together, and in the end, everything’ll be fine."

I was glad to see the smile that had disappeared from his face returning, though this time with a slightly sheepish hint to it. "How is it,
mio tesoro
, that someone so young can be so wise, or that I came to be blessed with such a treasure as you?"

I smirked. "I guess you’re just lucky like that! Though as far as my supposed wisdom is concerned, well… that is something that comes and goes.”

I was thrilled I’d made it through the biggest part of the day without any major confrontations with Mads, though there were constant looks of horror, shock, and assumption amongst others—I presumed the knowing looks came from people thinking I had an abusive boyfriend or something, which wasn’t too far off the mark, I guess, considering he was an ex.

Still, even with the continuous, uncomfortable staring, I made it through the day. I had just one lecture remaining, and if I could make it to and from without any run-ins, I’d be home free. I’d see Simon in only a few hours, so I doubted there was anything that could happen that could bring me down.

"Deery!"

I grimaced at the high-pitched voice that trilled from behind me as I walked down the corridor.

Just one hallway! Why couldn’t fate intervene for the length of one single hallway?

"Sofia!" Madison squealed as she all but bounced up beside me, reminding me of a mentally challenged rabbit on speed. "I noticed you were texting someone before class began. Was it Cole? Did he apologize? I know this has got to be hard for you."

I rolled my eyes and picked up my speed, wobbling slightly in my high-heeled boots as I tried to dodge the mass of people in my way. I tried to keep my expression neutral while she chattered on and on about how horrible my life would be without Cole, and I was overjoyed when I made it to the main lobby and saw Brie sitting at one of the large tables. Maybe once it was two against one, she would stop bugging the shit out of me.

I could not make it to the table soon enough, and just as a thrill of hope shot through me that I would be able to get rid of the gossiping parasite, it happened.

I saw it as if it were occurring in slow motion.

In my determination to detach Madison from me, I’d nearly broken into a run, my heel catching on the loose strap of someone’s dropped book bag. I lost and could not regain my balance and plunged face forward onto the square corner of the table. I felt the sudden stinging rip of my flesh at the inner corner of my eyebrow and vaguely realized it was the same side as my already bruised cheek.

I grimaced.
Well, at least it’ll match the rest of my face
.

I quickly forgot about my morbid thoughts as my wrist twisted painfully when I tried to keep the rest of my body from slamming into the seats. I heard gasps from all around me and sensed Brie picking up my books, which had flown in every direction. I ignored Madison’s frantic motioning while I struggled to right myself and felt her following me when I stormed off in a new direction.

It was only when we had made it halfway down the social science hall that I fully began to comprehend what had happened. I frowned at the sticky wetness trickling down into my eye, then blinked and wiped furiously, flinching at the sight of my own blood smeared on my hand.

I had a feeling this was not going to be good and was annoyed that out of all the injuries I could’ve sustained, it was this one. My mate was slowly adjusting to his own natural instincts, and I end up tearing open my face, bleeding my way down his hall. But as much as I was loath to go to Simon for help, I knew going to the second medical hall wouldn’t help—the advanced students were at clinicals, which meant all of the qualified people in that hall were at various hospitals.

Hospitals.

Ugh. I had no problem being on the giving end of medical treatment, but I
really
did not like being on the receiving end, so I refused to go anywhere except Simon, since I knew from past conversations he often kept emergency supplies at both his home and the college.

I still felt a little badly though as Simon was just starting to allow his instincts to surface and was still rather unsure of himself. I’d never think less of him if he gave into his nature and drank from me as soon as he had me in his grasp, but I wanted him to be able to first taste me when he was confident in himself, when he was relaxed and wholly accepting who he was. If he were to drink from me now, I knew he’d feel guilty and ashamed about it later on.

But I refused to go to an emergency room or any clinic. I’d end up with a bill, and Madison would make a big production out of something so trivial. She’d probably call Cole, and then he’d call me, and that was the last thing I wanted. All I probably needed was some rubbing alcohol and some band-aids.

As if knowing he was in my thoughts, but more than likely having heard me fall and smelling my spilled blood, the door opened to reveal the brunette vampire. He was smiling with pleasant professionalism, as if it were not his mate who was striding toward him with a head wound. "Miss Deering." He nodded in my direction before glancing with polite curiousness at Madison and back to me. "Miss Kinley, thank you for accompanying her. Are you… dizzy?"

"It was no problem, Doctor Treviso," Madison replied with a slight giggle. She made no effort to hide the way that her eyes raked over him, obviously appreciating the way his navy slacks hung low on his hips and the pearl-blue shirt stretched across his shoulders. She licked her lips—she actually
licked
her lips!—and batted her eyelashes at him. "Sofia's friends just want to know she's okay."

I couldn’t stop the way my upper lip pulled back from my teeth or my fingers curled into claws as my muscles tensed.

"Sofia?" My mate's voice relaxed me instantly, and I reluctantly turned my gaze to him. "How did this happen?" he asked softly.

"She fell," Madison supplied, smiling as though she had said something incredibly brilliant and utterly hysterical.

"Thank you, Sofia," I retorted sarcastically, my eyes shooting daggers at her when her lips twisted into a sneer. I was astounded that she actually looked at me as if I were the one who had done something wrong by speaking up. I opened my mouth to give her a piece of my mind but was rudely interrupted by my own mate.

"Miss Kinley, thank you very much for walking with Miss Deering. I will make certain she makes it home safely." Despite his polite smile and pleasant tone, it was entirely obvious Simon was dismissing her. As his stance shifted from being completely relaxed to standing perfectly straight, it clear he wasn’t going to allow Madison to stay in his office.

Her expression faltered for a moment before she recovered. "I'll wait for you in the lobby." She smiled brightly. "Brie and I will want to know you’re okay!"

I gave in to the desire to roll my eyes as she closed the door and heard Simon whisper
‘puttana’
in a thoroughly unpleasant tone before he blurred around the room and stopped before me, cotton balls in his hand and a bottle of rubbing alcohol and two tan strips sitting on his desk. "That does mean what I think it means, doesn’t it?" I asked grumpily.

He frowned as he cleaned the wound, the solution stinging like fire. "Mildly speaking? A very loose woman. Being what I am, I am unfortunately used to such reactions from human females. I am quite accustomed to ignoring such conduct, but knowing she affects you as deeply as she did disturbs me beyond words. It was a repulsive display, and I was not going to stand for you being subject to that behavior." He finished disinfecting the gash and picked up both steri-strips. "So,
bella mia
," he murmured, "are you going to tell me what happened?"

My eyes darted to the ceiling.

Honestly, it wasn’t like he didn’t know already.

Mischief filled me, and I quickly concocted my quip. "The table and I have a long history together. It started during my first semester here, and it was a happy relationship until today, when I walked in and found it cheating with my best friend. It had it coming!" The hand holding the sticky strip paused in midair, and his lips twitched. "Really, Simon, what sort of table does that to a girl?" I grinned as he bowed and shook his head bemusedly. "It's okay, though. I think it learned its lesson."

"Mio tesoro
," he chuckled, "you truly are a delight."

I remained silent for a few minutes while he tenderly pinched the flesh together, taking care not to brush the purple bruising just below, and gently pressed on the two bandages. "Are you okay?" I finally asked, sucking my lower lip between my teeth and nibbling on it.

He looked at me, bewilderment apparent in his eyes. "Of course,
cara mia.
Why would I not be?" When I explained my fears to him, he bowed his head to nuzzle my neck. "As you can tell, I am quite in control of myself and my urges without suppressing them entirely." He ended with a soft purr, assuring me he was not denying every instinct.

I began fingering the collar of his lab coat and moaned when he nipped at my pulse. "Doctor Treviso."

He jerked back, his eyes having deepened to a plum hue. "Naughty girl." He growled and leaned in toward me again, his lips slowly lowering to mine before he suddenly straightened. I was surprised and a little hurt by his behavior, until he gave me a meaningful look. "Your
friend
—” his voice dripped with sarcasm—“is making her way here. I can only presume I have kept you longer than her liking."

I groaned. "I’d say she can bite me, but I doubt you'd share." I smiled when he dipped his head, licked the skin over a vein in my neck and rumbled 'mine'. "Remember that next time I'm in your bed." With a mischievous chuckle, I traipsed out of the room, only to come face to face with Madison Kinley.

Well, shit!

TEN

"You were in there
forever!”

I glowered, muttering darkly, "Stop being so damn dramatic. It wasn’t even fifteen minutes." My eyes darted to Simon when he calmly made his way around us, his briefcase clutched in his hand, but to my ever-growing aggravation, I wasn’t the only one watching him as he strode confidently down the emptying hall.

"Y'know, it’s odd you went straight to Doctor Treviso, instead of going to the second med hall."

“Y’know, it’s odd you can’t remember the med and nursing students do their clinicals on Mondays. No one’s in that hall.”

"Jesus, it wasn’t like I was accusing you.” Her huffy tone showed her chagrin clearly. “And I can’t blame you either. Doctor Treviso’s even better looking than Cole, don’t you think? It’s unbelievable he isn’t married."

From my place behind his moving form, I could see Simon's shoulders tensing. "Mads, he’s a professor here," I argued.

"So?" She rolled her eyes at me, then began mentally undressing the vampire as he was suddenly caught up in conversation with another student. "Look at him! I mean, really. He's gorgeous! Do you know how many girls in this college would love to get him alone for some
private tutoring?"

Her tone was absolutely lascivious, and I grew angry at what she was implying. "Give it a rest," Isnarl ed, feeling my hands clenching and unclenching. "Doctor Treviso is a respected figure in his field, has had multiple articles published
and
he’s a
professor
here! He deserves more respect than what you give him. Can you
please
talk about something other than how hot you think Doctor Treviso is?" I knew she had better, because I was becoming inexplicably furious and wanted to do her bodily harm.

"Oh, c’mon! It’s not like I’m disrespecting him to his face. He’s hot as sin, single, and loaded! What the fuck isn’t there to talk about?"

"Oh, my god!" I hissed furiously at her, pausing in the middle of the hall. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" I snapped.

After nearly a decade of having to deal with her inanities, false friendship, back-biting and pretentiousness, I finally had it.

"What in the actual hell is wrong with you? Are you completely brainless, or do you just enjoy being an utter bitch? Do you have
any
idea how disgustingly shallow you really are?" I watched her eyes go wide in shock. "Do you? When we were kids, you were my best friend. You were a sweet girl, but you’ve grown up to be the most self-absorbed, rude, obnoxious bitch I‘ve ever had the misfortune of meeting! That you seem to think you can gain anyone's attention and approval with your half-ass attempts at pretending to be a friend is absolutely astounding."