Page 16 of Made in Malice

“Oh, does he teach here?”

“The founding families each have a regent on the board. Rory is the current president, but he will relinquish his role to the next family in succession in a few years. It’s the way it has always been done.” She sighs out the last part, but I can’t tell if his time coming to an end soon is a relief or if she’s unhappy about it.

Her mention of the other families makes me think of the encounter we had with a Morningstar yesterday. It’s easy to assume there isn’t any love lost between the families. I bet that makes board meetings awkward.

“So there’s a predetermined order and a term each family is in charge?” This is pretty darn interesting stuff.

“Yes.” Her lips curl like the Cheshire Cat, and I feel like there’s something I’m missing. “It’s such an amazing legacy to be a part of.”

“I bet,” I reply, feeling uncomfortable, but not really sure why.

“Sorry I can’t stay longer. I have a few things I need to take care of.” Astrid’s features soften, and I wonder if I imagined the eerie grin.

“Sure. Do you mind if I walk back? I’d like to explore the campus a little more.

“Just send for a car when you’re ready.” She waves off my suggestion of walking while holding the door open for me to exit the library ahead of her.

“When you come in to get your schedule sorted, you’ll head right over there.” She points across the hall.

“Thanks,” I tell her, grateful for all the info.

“Nova wants to explore a little.” Astrid relays the information, and Alden nods in acknowledgement. “Just send for someone when she’s ready.” With those parting words, she sashays toward the exit, and the driver opens the door for her before following her out.

“Sorry,” I say the moment Alden and I are alone.

“For?”

“I wasn’t thinking that if I chose to stick around, you would have to as well.”

“It’s my job to be where you are. Don’t apologize,” he dismisses flatly, making me think that what he said and how he feels are at odds.

“Mind if I check out the upstairs? I won’t be long.”

Instead of answering me, Alden leans his shoulders back against the stone wall and crosses his arms over his barrel chest in a pose that implies a lack of patience, but he doesn’t object. He sure seems to be in a bad mood today.

I take the staircase on the left, feeling the smooth polished wood under my hand, but my eyes are busy roaming. The second floor is much smaller to accommodate the high ceilings below it, but I see a few closed doors near the back wall and a hall I’m assuming leads to the other wing. I’m going to need a map of this place, especially after I get my schedule. There’s no way I’m going to wander around like an idiot my first few days.

My eyes are already taking in the beautiful stone arches as I reach the third floor. It’s a little daunting to think about all that weight suspended over my head, but to say I’m in awe would be an understatement.

It’s darker up here. Either the lights aren’t turned on, or there’s just less. It feels abandoned, or maybe it just seems that way since the place is nearly empty right now. There’s a small sitting area with three high-back upholstered chairs grouped together over in the far corner. If Alden weren’t waiting, I would sink into the deep green velvety one and claim it as my own.

When I turn to head back downstairs, I yelp and cover my mouth to stifle the sound. “Holy crap, you scared me,” I hiss at Alden once I can breathe.

He’s completely unaffected by my outburst. In fact, he looks bored. “Holy crap?” he mocks with that single lifted eyebrow.

I don’t bother defending myself, it’s not like I should have to anyway. “I thought I didn’t need an escort in the school?”

“You do today,” he counters.

“Let’s just go.” I start down the stairs. I can’t hear him behind me, but I can sure feel him. He’s like this looming presence that makes me feel edgy, like he might elbow me down the stairs at any moment, but I know that thought is only in my head. That would get him fired for sure, and he takes his job way too seriously for that.

I squint my eyes once I shove through the heavy wooden doors. It’s too bright, too green, too everything. The muted interior felt comforting, but the sunshine feels out of place. “You can call the car,” I say over my shoulder, not bothering to look if he’s with me.

“I thought you wanted to explore?” He makes it sound like a bad word.

“I’ll do it on my own time.” I let him know that I’m aware he thinks I’m an inconvenience. I wish I could relieve him of the burden just as much as he does. Besides, I’m sure my grandparents will lighten up when they realize I’m not going to run away like my mom did. I already know what it’s like to be broke and struggle to pay bills, which is a heck of a lot harder than dealing with a couple of overprotective grandparents who mean well.

“Nov—shit.” He turns what I think is about to be my name into a curse. Before I realize what’s happening, Alden is standing in front of me, so close I can’t even see around him.

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