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Now that she graduated, I was planning to spend the next week with her in bed with me and Donovan while Brenden was working. I was going to let him join us when he wasn’t, but if this is the path she chooses to take, there won’t be a week of sex in my future.

With me not supporting her on this, I might not be having sex with her for a long while.

That’s a punishment I’m willing to take if it keeps her safe, but if she doesn’t give up her quest for vengeance, then I can’t guarantee her safety. I can’t guarantee a damn thing, and I think that’s what’s bothering me the most.

I’m used to being the one in control. I’m used to everything running just the way I like it to, but since mating with Audrey, everything has changed.

I’m not saying that’s a bad thing—it’s not. Change is good, but change is hard for me when it doesn’t happen often in my world. Or it’s small changes over a long period of time so I don’t notice them.

Audrey appearing in my life hadn’t been gradual. She’d crashed into it on the night of her arrival—questioning me after I gave my welcome speech.

She’s good at questioning me, and I love that about her—except in this case.

Fuck. I really hope he can convince her to veer off this path because if she’s set on it, I know I’ll need to support her—no matter how much I don’t want to.

Chapter Five

Nex

I’djustfallenasleepafter leading my group of new students to their dorm when my phone rang. I wish it didn’t happen as often as it did—being woken up by my phone, I mean—but I’m fairly used to it by now.

I wasn’t surprised when it was Wraith calling me. Iwassurprised by his request to come and speak with Audrey. I get why he wants me to.

My story is one that would make most people give up their path to vengeance, but Audrey? I highly doubt I can change her mind now that she’s decided on it.

I’ve never met a more stubborn woman in my life than Audrey Maddox.

Or more beautiful.

No. I can’t think about how beautiful she is or how desirable she is.

Shaking my head, I quickly pull on a pair of sweats before making my way to Wraith’s house.

This is the last thing I want to be doing in the middle of the night when I have a class in the morning, but it’s not like I’m going to say no to Wraith. Not just because he’s my boss but because he’s my friend.

He’s freaking out—as he should be—and he doesn’t know what to do. I still don’t think I’m going to change Audrey’s mind, but if it’ll make Wraith feel better, then I’m willing to rip off that particular bandage.

Who knows? Maybe she’ll use my story as the cautionary tale it is.

Unlikely, but maybe.

Once I’m outside, I let my demon form out and flap my wings, lifting into the air. I don’t spend enough time in my demon form since Wraith thinks it’ll scare the students. He’s probably right, but I need to start making time outside of class to do so. It’s been entirely too long.

It doesn’t take long for me to make it to his house, lowering myself to the ground. Before I land, my ears pick up on a quiet sound from the porch. My head snaps toward it, and my night vision reveals Audrey staring at me in shock and awe.

Right. She’s probably never seen a demon in this form before. Hell, she probably doesn’t even know it’s me.

“Miss Maddox,” I say with a tilt of my head as I climb the stairs.

“Professor Novak?” Her eyes are wide as they rove over my body, and I have to fight from preening beneath her gaze. “I’ve never seen a demon in this form before.”

I shrug. “Most haven’t, and how about we drop the ‘professor’ title? You’re no longer a student, so I’m no longer your professor. My name is Nex.”

“Oh, umm…Nex. Got it.” Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and I can’t help following the movement. “What are you doing here?”

“Wraith called me,” is all I tell her, stepping past her and into the house.

She trails behind me. “Seriously, how did I forget you were a demon?”