Chapter 3
TOBIAS
That was too easy.
Tobias had dropped the mask of a bashful boy instantly in lust the moment Alexander strolled out of the Bodleian with a single book in his satchel, going back to his usual straight-faced glower.
From his precisely picked aftershave meant to lure Alexander in, to the slightly oversized knitted cardigan that kept slipping down his shoulder, exposing the smooth skin of his neck, he’d modelled himself after Alexander’s many known mortal conquests over the centuries.
Everything had gone to plan, which Tobias was grateful for.
It was crucial that he lured Alexander in, but it being so simple almost made the anger inside him burn hotter. Secretly, he’d hoped for more of a hunt, something worthy of a revenge quest that had lasted hundreds of years.
A slicing discomfort cut through Tobias’ skull as he opened himself up to the part of his senses that allowed him to read auras. He blinked rapidly, willing his focus to shift, until colours exploded to life before him.
Latching onto his gift was a strain. When he’d first been turned, all he ever saw was the halo of colour around a person, and it had taken years to get it under control. He’d learned in the time since that concealing this strange view of the world wasn’t as strenuous as using it.
Seeing through new eyes, Tobias glanced at his prey.
Alexander Damianos was clearly enamoured, even as he walked away.
He watched as Alexander’s emotional aura shifted to a pulsing, crimson hunger – starvation.
And while Tobias had hoped that he could attract Alexander’s desire – and fascination – it would complicate things if Alexander believed he had someone new to feed from, because of course Tobias couldn’t be that to Alexander, not when the blood pulsing through his veins was stolen, and only good for sustaining Tobias himself.
Tobias knew he looked almost good enough to eat, but that was the problem.
Alexander couldn’t know Tobias was a vampire, because it would elicit some very obvious, highly problematic questions.
And the trouble with questions was that they led to answers, all of which would give away the plan he’d worked so hard to form.
The second Alexander sank his teeth into Tobias, he’d find out the truth.
Death had a strong taste, especially when it lingered in the blood.
Being discovered and unable to pass for human would ruin all of his plans.
Besides, the Damianos coven was rumoured to have the ability to read thoughts through the consumption of blood, which would be the nail in Tobias’ proverbial coffin.
Luckily, patience was a virtue that Tobias had in abundance. He would need to hold off on seducing Alexander until he was sure the vampire heir had fed and wasn’t looking at Tobias like he was a meal.
Tobias’ first shift at the library had barely begun by the time Alexander had walked in.
Ever since he’d first met his supervisor, Kate, Tobias had been on edge, waiting for the professor to arrive.
He knew he’d visit the Old Library sooner rather than later, because in years past, Alexander had always come in the afternoon after his teaching obligations were through for the day.
But he hadn’t expected their meeting to be so soon, so he’d have to put Alexander off.
He should have demurred and said he was busy until he knew the coast was clear, but he’d been faintly dizzy in Alexander’s presence and had lost a bit of sense. It was probably the result of finally putting his plan in motion after so long, but Tobias was still furious at himself for the misstep.
Not even five minutes after Alexander’s exit, Tobias’ phone buzzed in his pocket. He thrust the book he’d been holding back on the shelf, likely damaging the already fragile spine. The screen flashed as it recognised his face, showing a message from an unsaved number.
Unknown Contact (13:56): I hope it doesn’t come across as too forward to admit that I’m looking forward to seeing you later.
Tobias watched the writing bubbles signal another message was to follow. Not a moment later, the phone buzzed again.
Unknown Contact (13:57): And I like that you have your read receipts on. Makes ignoring me impossible.
Attractive and infuriating. Two qualities that Tobias supposed came hand in hand when someone was hundreds of years old with a robust ego.
Tobias stuck the phone back in his pocket, ignoring the message to put Alexander off, maybe even frustrate him enough that he would go and feed on someone right away so Tobias could carry on with his plans.
Alexander would hopefully take it as playing a little hard to get and not abandon his interest in Tobias entirely.
If he did, though, Tobias would figure out how to get him back.
They were strangers, but Tobias likely knew more about Alexander than he did about himself from years of studiously determining every possible route into the Damianos family’s inner circle.
He knew Alexander always got what he wanted, which was usually to charm his way into someone’s pants, especially when that someone was a vulnerable mortal.
The rest of his shift dragged. Luckily, Tobias rather enjoyed being surrounded by books.
Kate eventually arrived, tapping him on the shoulder to let him know that she had the HR training queued up for him, then took him into a back room and sat him at a computer.
Another three hours and six cups of coffee later, the training videos were over and his first day as archive librarian had come to an end.
Tobias’ love for literature wasn’t enough to outweigh his fading tolerance for Alexander acting like he was entitled to Tobias’ attention.
As he’d sat watching the training videos, Alexander had tried to text him another three times.
He went so far as to leave a voicemail when he called.
The voicemail’s transcription, when Tobias peeked at it, warned that Alexander would be waiting for Tobias when he was done with his shift.
Tobias snorted. Arrogant prick. Good luck to Alexander, sitting around in the autumn chill, with no clue when Tobias’ shift would actually finish.
By the time seven in the evening came around, Tobias was already contemplating all the ways he would kill Alexander.
He had always been the obvious stepping stone to get to Vladimir, a conclusion that Tobias had come to after thoroughly examining all the other options.
It wasn’t like the heir to the Damianos family was easy to get an in with, so he’d have to tread carefully and ensure he didn’t piss Alexander off too much – but the man was so infuriating with his persistent texts that a little daydreaming about how Tobias would eventually murder him before killing his father made the barrage of messages bearable.
“See you tomorrow morning,” Kate said, donning her coat and scarf as they prepared to leave.
“I’ll see you then,” Tobias replied, noticing a beat-up copy of Twilight in Kate’s hands. He jerked his chin towards it. “Eclipse was better, you know.”
“Oh, absolutely not.” Kate looked down and smiled. Her aura flashed the bright yellow of excitement. “But don’t get me started. I could give a seminar on the perfection of the series. This is my sixteenth read through.”
“Well, I’m impressed. I’m less a fan of vampires than I am of angels. Have you read anything by Lauren Kate?”
“The Fallen series was my favourite,” Kate replied, her eyes widening.
Tobias determined, in that moment, that he liked her.
In fact, with Vladimir’s death soon to follow, Tobias wondered if he would finally begin creating relationships that didn’t end in feeding from the mortal he’d been chatting up.
He and Kate clearly shared interests and tastes.
Once his entire life wasn’t centring around revenge, maybe he’d have more space in his brain for others.
“Fallen was top tier paranormal romance,” he said.
“Be warned. Keep talking paranormal romance, Tobias, and I’ll have you pass your probation right here, right now, just so I can be sure I’ll have a book fan to talk to around this place.”
He smiled back. “I live to please.”
“Good work today, by the way. Hopefully, by the end of tomorrow, you’ll be making your way around the shelves like you’ve been here for a hundred years.” She gave him an off-kilter grin, toying with the crumpled cover of her book.
“Here’s to hoping,” Tobias said, following Kate to the door and ignoring that he’d been doing just that for far longer than a century.
It was easy for Tobias to forget how ancient he was when everything surrounding him didn’t predate his birth.
Kate switched the office light off, checked behind her for anyone lingering in the now-darkened staff room, and then moved for the door. If only she knew the true threat in the dark was following right at her side.
“Oh, and Tobias,” Kate added, as she stuck the key into the lock. “I saw you speaking with Professor Damianos earlier.”
Tobias stiffened. “You did?”
Kate looked at him seriously. “Be careful with him. The professor is a bit notorious for ruining careers. If I was you, I wouldn’t consider touching him with a ten-foot pole.”
“Sounds like you’re speaking from personal experience?” “Let’s just say, he was a problem for us over the summer.” Tobias feigned ignorance. “I don’t know what you’re
saying.”
“What I’m saying is that it would be best if you keep your distance. Aubrey didn’t heed the same warning, and he was kicked to the curb for breaking the HR code on fraternisation and beginning to shirk his duties. Don’t make the same mistakes as him.”
“I need this job.” Tobias swallowed hard, making sure his expression was completely sincere. “Don’t worry, your warning has been received loud and clear.”