Page 90 of Monster's Baby

“I was transported toyour office,” he clarified.“Because you’re always on my mind.”

I put my hand over my heart.

“But why?”Niamh asked.

“Because I regret not fighting for us after graduation,” he whispered.

“I regret it, too,” she said softly.“Do you want to try again?”

“Yes,” he said fervently.

She joined their mouths with a groan that made my eyes widen in surprise.

Aiden coughed slightly.“We’re going to...”He pointed at the door as he got to his feet, “...head out now.”

Niamh released Professor Reynolds and hopped off his lap like it was a hot coal.“Oh God.I’m sorry!You’re at work!You’re with students!”

He grabbed her hand, preventing her from leaving.“Don’t go,” he told her.“Siobhan, what was it that we needed to do?”

I blinked at him, trying to recall my thoughts from a few minutes ago.“Oh!Right.We need to get Grain back here.”

“Grain?”Niamh interrupted.“He was brought in for thieving.”

I shook my head.“But he didn’t do it.”

She pursed her lips, frowning.

“I know what it looks like, but he was framed,” I insisted.“It’s not like it’s a pattern for him.”

“He had no idea about the stolen items,” Aiden agreed.

Niamh tapped her chin thoughtfully.“I think I have an idea.”

CHAPTER23

“Oh,you havegotto be kidding me!”I exclaimed suddenly, following Niamh’s train of thought.“What was Edgar in jail for?”

“Identity theft, among others.”She grinned.“And petty larceny.”

“It washim?”Aiden gasped.“I thought we were watching him!”

“He’s a slippery fellow.You thought you were dealing with an infant professor, not a shapeshifter thief.”Niamh shrugged.“At least you got everything back.”

“Hang on,” I said with a frown.“We didn’t.Everything was accounted forexceptmy grimoire and ring.”A thought hit me.“Oh no.Oh nononono.This is bad.”

“I thought your grandfather said nobody but your bloodline could use it,” Aiden said.

“Edgar could shift like you,” I said, whirling on him.“What could prevent him from shifting to be likeme?”

“Once he’s cuffed, he won’t be able to shift completely,” Niamh reassured me.

“What if he already accessed the grimoire as me, and then shifted into himself?”I asked.“That might be enough to circumvent the magical process.”

Niamh grimaced.“It depends on the level of power the grimoire has.We’d better deal with this.”

“I’m coming, too,” Professor Reynolds said firmly.“Not only are these students under my protection, but I’m not ready to leave you just yet.”

“Me?”Niamh said, eyes wide.

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