Chapter 6 - Isak

When Aidan returned home, visibly flustered by Hana’s resistance, he shared the key moments of their interaction. Unlike Albert’s situation, Aidan managed to engage in a conversation and almost kissed her. He was convinced that her human innocence was the barrier to that kiss. I’m not entirely convinced of that. Nevertheless, Princess Hana Kinsley has piqued my interest. I’ve known Aidan for over three centuries, and seeing a human resist him is rare.

Even though I don’t get involved in such things, I sought this human out. It wasn’t difficult to look up her schedule to find the best time and place to organize a meeting. Albert tried in class, which was a foolish choice as it’s an area in which he has perceived power and authority. Of course, she wouldn’t be receptive to her teacher’s direct approach, especially in front of other students. Then, Aidan had a better approach, but he still pushed too far, too fast, and lost. I’m going for somewhere less intimidating and noisy.

That’s right. I’ve followed Hana to the Sterling Memorial Library at the heart of the campus. The building was just as beautiful as the day I attended the ribbon cutting in 1930. I’ve always loved this library and its ever-expanding collection of books. I couldn’t let myself get distracted by the architecture if I didn’t want to lose Hana in the large building. 

My lips curved into a smile as I observed the petite human struggling with a pile of large books. She’s undeniably attractive, which I’m certain was the initial draw for Albert. He’s quite selective for a vampire when it comes to his prey. Her appearance was certainly a factor for Aidan, but the danger of her father was the main reason he made a move the other night. I’ve convinced myself that my interest is purely due to her resistance to both men, which has sparked my curiosity. 

“Whoa… do you need a hand, Miss?” I asked, taking my opportunity as her stack of books started to topple.

Rich espresso brown eyes went wide over the stack of books. I smiled and carefully took the top five books from Hana’s stack. She was trying to hold back a smile, but I saw the corners of her full lips twitching. I knew I’d taken her by surprise, but even so, the soft blush staining her cheeks was cute. 

“I could handle it.” She protested as I carried the books to the nearest table.

“Virtus tentamine gaudet.” I murmured. “Just because we can handle the heavy load isn’t a reason not to accept help.” I smiled, setting the books down. 

“I’m Isak Espensen.” I offered my hand. 

Hana looked pensive as she set the rest of her books down and looked at me. I arched my brow as it was closing to the point of awkwardness to hold my hand out for a proper introduction. She finally decided it was safe to introduce herself, shaking my hand in a grip that even some men couldn’t muster.

“Hana Yashida.” She said, holding the handshake a little longer than I expected. “Nice to meet you. And thank you for the assist.”

Was she trying to assess me or something? I wouldn’t put it past her.  For all we know, she’s already identified Aidan and Albert. Then again, a call home to her aunt or uncle asking about Albert Weeber, and she’d know what we all are. I suspect she hasn’t sought her family’s help, however. If she had, she’d likely have reacted to my name.

“The pleasure is all mine.” I nodded, pulling a chair out for her. “And you’re welcome. I’m happy to assist a fellow bookworm.”

Hana blushed again but didn’t give me grief as she took the seat. She brushed some of her long black hair behind her ear, shyly glancing at me as she bit the corner of her lower lip. Is she flirting? Or just unaware of her behavior? Both, at least, are in my favor.

“Why did you say strength rejoices in the challenge?” she asked, picking up the hardcover edition of The Complete Works of Homer.

She must be doing some reading assignments for Albert’s class. Either she hasn’t figured out what he is or has and has plans for him. If she does know, will she let him be so long as he doesn’t hurt her, or has she formulated a plan to try and send Albert to the other side? Perhaps I’ll figure that out. 

“Someone knows her Latin.” I smiled as I slipped into the chair across from her. “It seemed fitting. You were challenging yourself to see how many books you could carry. And I saw offering my help to someone who stubbornly wanted to do things herself as a challenge.”

“It has its uses.” She shrugged. “I see. I suppose that’s an interesting way to look at it. Though I don’t think I’m that stubborn. I could have refused your help more assertively.”

I can imagine the uses she’d have for Latin. If her hunter aunt has trained her in the ways of a hunter, many of their tricks require a rudimentary knowledge of Latin and other old and mostly dead languages. As for stubbornness, I suppose I ought to count myself lucky she doesn’t have her father’s famed stubborn streak. 

“You could, but I’m glad you didn’t. If you’d refused my help, I wouldn’t get to sit with you and talk.” I smiled. “So, is this all some light reading, or are your professors already piling on the assignments?”

I nodded to the two stacks of books. While several I knew were for coursework any freshmen would be taking, especially for someone pre-law. But some books were far from anything her teachers would have assigned. These were more in line with someone researching the occult and mythology. She’s doing research like a hunter. Yeah, she’s totally onto us or them.

“A bit of both,” Hana said.

“I see. I will chalk up the Homer collection for Weeber’s class. A few of these others are also on his syllabus. Then I also see some on ethics and politics. But these…” I pointed to the occult books. “Don’t fit.”

“You know Professor Weeber?” Hana perked up. 

“Yes, I know many of my fellow professors.” I shrugged.

“You’re a professor?” Hana blinked.

“Yes. I teach Latin 432b, Seneca: Letters on Ethics.” I confirmed. “So, the occult books. A hobby?”

“Something like that.” Hana sighed. “My roommate is very big into the occult.”

“Ah, so you are looking for common ground. I can understand that. It’s never easy to be thrown into living with strangers and needing to forge bonds. Though as a first year, you may not even have the same roommate next year unless you request it.” I said, picking up one of the occult books.

I don’t know much about her roommate beyond the fact that she’s in Aidan’s archaeology class. She’s how he knew Hana would be at Toad’s Place the other night. He’d overheard her talking to some classmates about meeting there and that she’d bring her roommate Hana. She’d talked Hana up to one bloke in particular—a real arsehole, according to Aidan. 

“Yes. Something like that.” She shrugged, focusing on her reading.

“Though, as a professor, I’m sure it’s been a long time since you’ve had to share living quarters with others. Unless there is a Mrs. Espensen.” Hana shyly glanced at me over her book. 

Albert and Aidan will be miffed with me when I tell them Hana flirted with me. It would serve them right. They are the ones that spend nights with nameless and faceless women all the time to satiate their hunger. Just because we angels don’t require a human’s blood or life force through their sexual desires doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. And I must admit it’s flattering that she’s flirting first.

“While I have roommates, I can assure you none are women nor of romantic or sexual interest to me.” I smiled, lowering her book. “Does that ease your concerns about my relationship status?”

“My concerns?” Hana innocently blinked at me.

If not for the soft smile tugging at the corner of those kissable lips, I’d believe she was innocent. She might be pure, but I can only say she’s never committed a crime. But she knows exactly what she’s doing. I cannot believe any member of the Kinsley family could be that naive. 

“Let’s not start being deliberately obtuse, Miss Yashida.” I teased. “I’m not one of your professors, so there’s nothing inappropriate about us talking or flirting.”

“Is this how you flirt, Mister Espensen?” Hana set her book down, arching her brow.

“So much for not getting the smooth gene. Though Aidan was right about the wit.” I thought.

Shit! I didn’t think it, I said it! The way the color faded from Hana’s face and the soft gasp was a dead giveaway I’d just fucked up. Her lips parted then closed to a thin line as she shook her head.

“Miss Yashida… Hana. I can explain.” I tried to clear the air, but she wasn’t having it.

“Save it, Professor Espensen.” Hana held her hand up. “I don’t want to hear it. I’ll be taking my studies elsewhere. I recommend not following me or offering your assistance.”

As she pushed back her chair, I stood. I know she said not to help, but I was born in an era when men were expected to be gentlemen. As I reached to carry her books, she slapped my hands and snatched the books away. 

“Do not make me cause a scene in a library.” Hana practically growled before she stormed away.

Up till that point, I’d not have believed wolves raised her. That growl… if she had a wolf, it’d be more impressive, but for a human, it was damned impressive. I couldn’t believe I was so stupid. I know how to keep my thoughts out of my mouth, yet it slipped out. Now she knows that I know Aidan at least well enough to know what happened between them the other night. 

“Bugger!” I shouted as I hit the table.

“Shhh!!!” Several people hissed as they glared at me.

I ignored them and grabbed her remaining books. I know she abandoned them for a quick exit, but I will take them and find a way to get them to her. I now understood why both my friends came home frustrated by this girl. I slammed the door when I got home, her books under my arm.

“Isak?” Albert sleepily asked as he came downstairs, the sun only recently having set.

“What’s gotten into you?” Aidan asked, poking his head out of the den.

“Hana Bloody Kinsley.” I declared, slamming the stack of books on the foyer table.

“Oh? How did the girl manage to ruffle your feathers?” Albert chucked.

“This is certainly a first. No one has ruffled your feathers in centuries.” Aidan chuckled. “But now you see and feel what we did.”

“Indeed, I do. And lord knows my mother would have my head for even thinking, let alone saying this.” I sighed.

“Oh, now I must know.” Albert snorted.

“She’s gotten under each of our skins. As a Kinsley and likely someone trained as a hunter, getting closer is a dangerous gamble.” I tried to rationalize the crazy thought in my head.

“Uh huh…” My friends nodded, waiting for me to get to the point.

“I say we make a bet. A bet to do what no man, least of all no member of the supernatural, would dare. A bet to seduce the Bloodmoon Princess.” I declared. 

“Yes. I’m in. Losers must cover all the winner’s expenses for the next…” Albert quickly agreed and started to set the terms. 

“Century! The losers cover the winner’s expenses for a century.” Aidan declared, holding his hand out. 

“Agreed.” Albert and I placed our hands over Aidan’s to seal the bet.

This could be the dumbest thing the three of us have done in the centuries we’ve been friends. But none of us are going to back down. One of us is going to win this bet. It was only a matter of who.