I have to continually remind myself that they’re not going to disappear on me.

“Thank you,” I murmur. “What are you doing tonight, Samael?”

He’s wearing a pair of sweats and looks very comfortable.

“I have some department meetings to prepare for,” he explains. “I’m going to work on that from bed. If you need me, call please.”

I have my phone in a clutch, and I hold it up to show that I understand.

“Will do,” I promise.

Walking out of the apartment together, Phenex and I hold hands as we chat.

“Professor Gorsch?” a shrill voice calls out, heels clicking behind us.

“I hate that she lives in this apartment building,” I groan softly.

Phenex blows out a breath as we continue on, as if he’s hoping she’ll just give up. Valaria doesn’t seem like someone who will do so easily.

“Don’t worry, she wasn’t invited to the charity event tonight,” he says.

Apparently, the university is raising money for one of their research labs. They need better equipment as they branch out into experimental areas for both monster and human health.

I’m surprised that they’d bother with humans when the majority of their student and faculty body are monsters, but Phenex said that their fundraising dollars come from both, which means they need to spend their energy to expand for both races’ health care.

“I’m speaking to you, Professor Gorsch!” Valaria yells.

“I’m sure that in my advanced age, I didn’t just hear you raise your voice at me,” he growls, turning aggressively as he pushes me behind him.

Valaria hides her snarl, but just barely, shaking her head.

“No, sir. Merely making sure you’re able to hear me,” she says.

This bitch. I really dislike her.

“I heard you, but my girlfriend and I are on our way out. I’m sure that whatever you need from me can be communicated through email,” he says.

My heart flip flops as I listen to him claim me. This is really happening!

“You have a girlfriend?” Valaria asks. “I don’t see her. Is she a tiny monster that you put in your pocket?”

I fucking hate her. She’s got the mean girl energy of a twunt and the brain of an ostrich.

“Don’t be silly,” Phenex says haughtily. The male has big dick, cultured energy like no one else I’ve ever met. He can insult you and make you want him to do it again in the same breath.

I don’t blame Valaria for being attracted to him, but I am also petty enough to want her to fuck off.

“She’s right here,” he says, pretending he doesn’t know about the first time we met. “This is Lorelei Rose.”

His claw crooks in my direction, and his words slide through the bond effortlessly. “Head up, give her hell, Baby Girl.”

Smiling, I step out from behind Phenex to face Valaria.

“Hello, I believe you’ve played apartment police with me a couple of times. I’m not really into role play, but whatever floats your boat,” I say with a toss of my carefully curled hair.

I know my makeup is on point, the dress is beautiful, and all I can do is believe that I am too.

Phenex hides his smile as he holds my hand, inclining his head toward Valaria.