Chapter 5 A Night of Revelry

A few days had drifted by since my last encounter with Rendall Raul. Or should I say Professor Raul? Maybe just Rendall? Damn, what was I supposed to call him? The first class, which happened on Monday, lingered in my memory as today, Wednesday, approached. For some reason, I was eagerly anticipating it, unsure why. His voice resonated in my mind like a melody, and his face invaded my dreams. Thoughts of his jet-black hair and lips on mine persisted, distracting me from reality.

Okay, I need to focus and regain control of my thoughts. With two classes a week, today would be the day to see him again. Despite the mundane content he taught, the view was anything but boring. Ugh, I sounded like a giddy schoolgirl with a crush. But, maybe that was accurate.

~

Entering the classroom with newfound confidence, I opted for a seat in the middle, a safe distance to admire without embarrassing myself. Most students arrived simultaneously, leaving me next to a random guy and, unexpectedly, Maya once more. Despite our awkward last encounter, she approached, and we resumed chatting as if nothing happened. Any doubts about her vanished; her red hair bounced in sync with her light personality. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and her small jokes kept me laughing.

As the class settled, a strong presence entered, instantly hushing conversations. Though I didn't need to look up to know who caused it, I felt an irresistible pull to do so. Our eyes met almost instantly, his gaze darkening under my heated stare. I forced my eyes down to my laptop, attempting to be productive.

Be still, my beating heart.

My heart raced, and I couldn't fathom why he affected me this way. Looking up again, I was relieved to find him beginning the lecture.

Throughout the three-hour session, I found myself captivated by his passionate words. His eloquence was strangely alluring. Glancing around, I noticed a few females sharing my thoughts, their gazes fixed on him. I frowned but kept silent. He wasn't mine, after all.

However, my fingers fidgeted whenever his eyes briefly met mine. Was he avoiding me? Dread washed over me with the thought.

As the lecture concluded, the room emptied, but he singled me out, asking me to stay behind for a discussion. Grudgingly, I approached, taking a seat beside his desk.

"May I ask what this is about?" I inquired softly, eager to escape his intense gaze.

"This isn't my first year at Gilgamesh University, and I've been in this town for a long time. I wanted to check on the new girl. How are you settling?" he teased. There was a hint of truth in his words, evident from the way people slightly cowered around him. His imposing figure contributed to the effect.

"I'm doing great, actually. Met some people, and I'm happy," I replied, biting my lip. His eyes honed in on my lips, darkening slightly. I swallowed, his gaze lingering on my throat. Did this take a sexual turn?

No, I'm just overthinking.

Abruptly standing, he turned around, taking a deep breath. Sensing my eyes on him, he turned back with a smile.

"That's great to hear. If you ever need to talk, I'm just an email away."

"What, can't I get your number?" I teased, and the atmosphere shifted. I cringed at my own mistake. This wasn't a stranger to flirt with; he was my teacher!

"Uh, well," he stumbled, looking uncomfortable. "That wouldn't be appropriate, Ulrica. I'm your teacher."

He seemed pained to say it. Frowning, I apologized, understanding his perspective. Unimpressed, he walked away, bidding me a good day and reminding me to do my Lycanthropy homework. Alone in the classroom, I was left stunned, my mind buzzing with a million thoughts, the most prominent being the melodic way he uttered my name. Shaking off those thoughts, I decided to call Tala and hang out.

Exiting the classroom, I reached for my iPhone, calling Tala after finding her contact. She answered enthusiastically, and we planned to explore Gilgamesh together. After storing my belongings at my apartment, I headed to hers. Before I could knock, she opened the door, as if sensing my arrival. Smiling, we left the building and started walking at a brisk pace, heading towards the path where I had encountered him.

"Are you okay?" Tala asked, seeing my grim expression. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"It kind of feels that way," I replied with a hint of discomfort. She decided not to press further, and we continued our walk, reminiscing the eerily familiar forest where I had puked and blacked out.

~

Tala provided a thorough tour of Gilgamesh, pointing out regular bars, stores, and the local library. Immersed in her narration, I absorbed every detail to familiarize myself with my new home. The tour wasn't extensive, as Gilgamesh was relatively small. Afterward, we decided to visit the local bar, known as "Claws," for a couple of beers.

Entering the bar, the chime of the bell announced our arrival. Noticing Dacia and Holden near a pool table, Tala and I walked over.

"Well, well, well. Look what the dog dragged in," Dacia joked, shooting us a smile. I smiled back, but thoughts of their previous encounter lingered awkwardly. However, my smile didn't waver. As if sensing my thoughts, Dacia winked and offered to buy me a beer. Grateful, I accepted, and we all started playing pool together.

Amidst the jokes and camaraderie, I realized I only wanted friendship with Dacia. Being new here, I wasn't about to jeopardize budding relationships for a fling. Dacia and Holden introduced me to their friends, revealing they all lived in the "Pack House," a term I suspected was a fancier name for the mansion we had partied at. It seemed more like a fraternity house to me.

Meeting various people, we exchanged introductions and handshakes. Several guys stared at my neck, which puzzled me. When I asked one named Kaden, he chuckled, explaining they were checking if I was taken. I laughed, thinking it was a joke.

Some men had girls glued to their sides, looking infatuated. I averted my gaze, fearing my jealousy might show.

Later in the night, Dacia approached me, wrapping his arms around my waist. Leaning in, he whispered in my ear, "Want something like that?" His suggestive wagging eyebrows prompted a disgusted scrunch of my nose. Reading between the lines, his insinuation felt gross. Turning around, I faced him, escaping his grasp.

"You're so gross," I said with a smile and a small shake of my head. "But you love it. Okay, come on," he insisted, tugging me toward a group of men playing pool. Pushed in their direction, I decided to have some fun. After all, this was university, and I was an adult now.

Deciding to let loose for the night, I made eye contact with Kaden, who smirked, blatantly checking me out.

Here goes nothing.

~

In the bathroom with Kaden, I found myself pushed against the wall, trying to contain my moans. His hands explored under my shirt, kissing intensely from my face to my neck, hitting my weak spot.

Moving upward, he nibbled on my ear, giving my breasts a full squeeze. Biting my lip, I brought his face to mine, crushing our lips together. However, his aggressive tongue shoved into my mouth, making me recoil. The attempt to reach down my throat wasn't hot. About to push him away, someone forcefully barged into the bathroom.

I swear the door almost broke open, with the amount of force used to open it. Breathing almost as heavy as I was, I turn to face the one person I had least expected to be at Claws.

Professor Rendall Raul.

And if looks could kill, I would be six feet under.