Page 13 of Beauty's Monstrous Demons

“Don’t mention it. I’m off,” he says with a nod, turning to walk away.

As one of the other bedroom doors creaks open, I realize I’m still naked underneath my robe and shut the door quickly,making sure to lock it. I had the oddest dreams last night, which is another reason I slept like shit.

Hurrying to drop my robe, I turn on the water to the shower and slip behind the curtain. I wasn’t even going to bring my robe because I typically change in the bathroom. For some reason, I noticed my sleeping t-shirt was really see-through and my nipples could cut glass, so I chose to throw it over my pajamas.

The universe works in mysterious ways.

Working quickly through my washing ritual, I make the decision to visit the chemistry laboratory in between classes. I have a chem class today, and the department head told me I could use the lab as needed. Just to make sure, I’ll swing by his office later.

I’d like to keep down the amount of time that I get yelled at for a misunderstanding or a dickless alpha demon choosing to exert his dominance on me. Remembering Professor Gorsch, I shudder between equal parts annoyance and arousal.

For the most part, my first three classes are uneventful, making my Tuesday less stressful. No one looks at me funny, there aren’t any scent matches banging their fists on their chests to get my attention, and my lotion is working despite how hot it is today.

I’m wearing a pair of shorts, boots, and a tank top today in the spirit of how damn hot it is. I looked up the weather and found that there should be cooler weather soon as we’re getting a cold front that’s expected to stay awhile. January has simply been unnaturally hot. I need to make it till next week.

Catching a glimpse of my hair as I open the doors to the science building, I try not to worry about the tight and wild curls. Maybe I’ll also make a serum for my hair if I have time. It couldn’t hurt. Either way, it’ll go up on a messy bun to keep it out of my face while I’m in the lab.

My chemistry professor this semester is nice, and made a point of speaking with me quickly after class. He asked about my interests in the field, and was seemingly impressed when I explained that it’s always been a fun hobby for me.

At least the week is looking up so far. This building has recently been renovated with tall ceilings and doesn’t smell musty at all. While there are lots of windows, there’s a film on the inside that keeps the sun from filtering through freely as well as keeps the heat out.

I take a full breath now that the humidity isn’t trying to drown me in its wet heat and begin to climb the stairs to where both the labs and the department head’s office lie. Unfortunately, he isn’t in when I knock on his door, and my lips twist in disappointment.

Well, he said it was fine, all I can hope is that it continues to be true. A professor glances up as I step into the lab, her body appearing to be five foot six, her skin a beautiful olive color. I can’t believe what my eyes see because I recently learned more about shifters who can appear in human form.

“Are you here for the free laboratory time?” she asks with a smile.

“Yes,” I reply. “I wanted to make sure I didn’t mix up the time or something.”

That’s a lie, and a bad one at that. I checked the website several times, my anxiety insisting that I make sure it was correct.

“No worries,” she says. “Be sure to follow the rules posted on the wall and wear proper safety gear.”

Nodding, I pull my hair up as I find a station I like and begin the process of creating my descenting spray. I researched it online, putting together my own recipe to make it work. I spend the next few hours working, smiling when I have a cooledproduct in a glass jar. When I get home, I’ll transfer it into a spray bottle.

Cleaning up excitedly, I put everything away where it needs to be. There are a few other people in the room, and I give them all a wide berth. I’m on a mission to leave the lab without any issues.

Pulling the hair tie from my curls, I grin happily as I put it away. I have what I need on hand, and now I need to head to my last class of the day.

“You look proud of yourself,” a voice says. There’s no one around, and I glance around me with my eyes narrowed.

Is this the same creature who was in the elevator with me yesterday?

“It’s rude not to reveal yourself and have me speak to the air,” I say severely. “If you wish to have an audience with me, I suggest showing a modicum of respect.”

My feet are already moving toward the stairs, and the air next to me changes, growing heavier before a blue skinned demon pops into existence to calmly match my strides. He’s wearing a pair of slacks, buttoned up shirt and vest, surprising me the most by how put together he looks.

“You’re feisty this afternoon,” he says, his voice deep with rich tones. His violet eyes appear amused as he shortens his steps to match mine. His electric blue hair is arranged in perfectly tussled waves, and I wonder if it’s done purposefully.

I didn’t have enough time to make myself a hair serum today, but I have to say I’m jealous of his hair.

“Since we don’t know each other, I don’t believe you can make assumptions like that,” I say, glancing at him before continuing to walk down the stairs.

The door downstairs to the building opens, and a breeze brings his scent to me. He smells like fresh rain and the ozone of thunder and my foot slips on the stair as my eyes widen.

That’s not fucking possible.

The demon catches me easily, a frown on his face as he sweeps me into his arms.

---