Revelation: Trinity Part 1 Page 4

  “Rose, right?” he asked, folding his arms on top of his book.

  She smiled tentatively and nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

  “Doing a little late night research?” he gestured to the chair in front of him and, hesitating, she sat.

  “I was taking a walk.” She cleared her dry throat. “I found myself here, and thought I might find something to help with Paradise Lost.” She held his gaze before, realising she was staring, she hastily looked away.

  “Getting ahead of the game? I approve.” His hands clasped the edge of the book as he leaned forward, and Rose’s blood singed at the way his fingers curled – flashing back to the sight of them wrapped around the frame of a car door.

  “What did you have in mind?” he asked, and his tone was so soft, so low, that Rose looked up in surprise. She found him wearing an odd expression, something akin to amusement and frustration, as she shrugged in defeat.

  “I honestly have no idea.”

  He chuckled and sat back in the chair, relaxed and informal. “Need a hand?” he asked.

  “Isn’t that cheating?” She smiled at the stern look he sent her, his blue eyes twinkling.

  “Well, I’m not going to write the essay for you,” he teased, a smile playing on his lips. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t suggest some alternative reading.” He flipped the book in front of him closed and stood, waiting as Rose did the same. “This way.”

  She hurried to keep up as he strode off through the aisles, before he slowed his pace, moving confidently through the vast library. He stopped as he reached a row of bookcases, further back than she’d ventured so far. He pulled a book from one of the shelves and handed it to her as she stepped towards him.

  “Paradise lost in plain English,” she read aloud, and grinned. “Perfect.”

  “You’ll probably find that the most helpful,” he admitted, his brow lifting in amusement. He turned back to the shelf, searching.

  In the relatively close space of the aisle, Rose would normally be feeling uneasy, but the professor filled her senses, leaving no room for panic.

  He was close enough that she could breathe in the scent of him, feel the gentle heat radiating from his body. The faint hint of spice tickled at her memory as she leaned towards him, her body reacting with a demand to be closer, to touch –

  The Professor pulled a final book from the shelf and turned back to her, blinking in surprise as he took in her proximity. Rose blushed and stepped back, berating her body for its betrayal. She waited, but he chose not to comment, placing the book he’d picked on top of the other in her arms.

  “A Students companion,” he explained, quietly. “It gives a bit more insight into Milton’s character which you may find interesting.”

  She glanced up, furtive, and met his gaze. He held it and her world narrowed, her mind whirling with memories.

  The professor was the first to look away, tapping the books lightly. “That should do you, for now.”

  Rose pulled the books to her chest, willing her body to pull itself together.

  “Shall we?” he asked, a kind smile playing on his lips as he raised his arm, gesturing for her to lead the way. She walked through the aisles, conscious of his presence at her back.

  Finding their table, she sat down, flicking Paradise Lost in Plain English open. The professor slid back into the seat opposite.

  “Thank you,” Rose said, embarrassed by her faux-par in the aisle, but he gave no indication of having noticed anything unusual as he nodded.

  “You’re welcome.” With a smile in her direction, he opened the book on the table and began to read.

  Rose, breathing a sigh of relief, settled into her chair, turning her attention to her book.

  They sat together in companionable silence, both engrossed in their reading, until Rose glanced at the clock on the wall and realised how late it was. Regretfully, she shut her book and stood up to leave.

  The professor glanced up from his page. “You’re leaving?” he asked.

  “It’s late.” She nodded at the clock. “And I have an early morning class.”

  “Of course.” He closed his book and stood up, tucking his chair under the table. “I can walk you back?” He moved around the table, resting a hand on the books she’d placed there.

  “There’s no need,” Rose murmured, shrugging into her jacket, but her heart fluttered in satisfaction.

  Christian smiled and scooped up her books with his own. “I know,” he replied, confidently. “But I don’t live far from the undergraduates buildings, so I’m heading that way anyway – and,” he added, with a small glance in her direction, “I’d like the company. If you don’t mind?”

  “No,” Rose conceded, unable to help her smile. “Not at all.” He returned it, and she found herself stepping out into the cool night air, the professor holding the door.

  There was a careful distance between them as they walked towards the dorms, but his pace was slow, relaxed, and Rose matched it, grateful to find that her earlier apprehension had passed.

  “So, ” she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her, “how come you live so close to student digs?”

  “They throw better parties,” he deadpanned.

  Rose raised an eyebrow.

  “Is that really so hard to believe?”

  Her expression must have said it all, because he chuckled in defeat.

  She liked him, Rose realised, as they crossed the darkened campus together. She liked his smile, the light in his eyes. She appreciated the ease with which he spoke with her, and the passion for his work. It was becoming much easier to differentiate between fantasy and reality, now that his personality was coming to light.

  She was surprised at how quickly they’d arrived, as they crunched over the gravel courtyard. The professor pulled open the heavy wooden door of her dormitory, waited patiently for her to walk through. She headed up the stairs and, after a moment’s pause, he followed.

  She turned to face him as they reached her door, pulling her key from her pocket.

  “Goodnight, Rose,” he said quietly, the careful distance returned.

  “Goodnight,” Rose smiled. “Thank you for walking me back – and for these,” she added, as he handed over her books.

  “No problem,” he said, easily. “Let me know how you get on.”

  As he turned to go, the next door opened and Ana appeared, hurrying out into the hall. She came to a halt as she noticed them, her gaze flicking between them in surprise.

  “Hey Ana,” Rose greeted her, as she unlocked her door. She turned back to the professor, but he had already gone, striding down the hall.

  “What was that about?” Ana asked. Rose just watched him leave.

  ***

  Christian sighed, hearing the click of Ana’s designer heels following him down the hallway. Reaching the stairwell, he turned to wait.

  “Christian?” she mocked, catching up to him. “Your name is Christian?”

  He sighed. Of course she would find it funny.

  “You do realise that you nearly gave Rose a heart attack earlier?” she continued, as he declined to comment. “The poor girl thought she’d gone mad.”

  He frowned, not understanding.

  “She recognised you,” Ana accused. “Apparently, you’re the spit of the imaginary friend she had when she was younger.” She raised her eyebrows at him. “Her Guardian angel.”

  “Please don’t let me keep you from wherever you were heading,” he said pointedly, turning his back as he stepped onto the stairs.

  “Did you not hear what I just said?” she huffed, following him. “I was coming to find you anyway,” she added. “It appears you’ve been holding out on me.”

  Christian leaned against the stair railing in defeat. “So she had an imaginary friend,” he shrugged, realising she wouldn’t leave him alone until she had an explanation. “Lots of kids do.” Ana stared at him.

  “But he was a gorgeous blond man with white wings,” she exclai
med. “Who glowed. You don’t think that’s a bit strange?” she finished, incredulous.

  Christian’s heart warmed. “She said I was gorgeous?”

  “What on Earth were you thinking?” she continued as if he hadn’t spoken.

  “What was I thinking?” he snapped, unused to being chastised by nephilim. “You mean when I saved her life?” He stepped towards her, pausing as her expression grew timid. “My job is to protect my Ward – what else would I do?” he growled.

  “I wasn’t talking about the accident,” she said, calmer now. “Of course you saved her. That’s not in question.”

  “Then what are you talking about?” he asked, genuinely confused. “That’s the only time she’s ever seen me.”

  “But,” she paused, unsure, “she must have seen you for more than the few minutes it took to get her out of the car?” She looked at him quizzically. “Her memory of you was perfect.”

  “I held her,” Christian admitted, with a shrug. “Just to calm her down. But that was years ago – and she’s not seen me since.”

  “Well,” Ana leaned against the wall opposite, “it seems you made quite the impression.” She crossed her arms, quiet as he struggled with his thoughts.

  “I didn’t realise,” he murmured eventually, not looking up from the square of linoleum he’d been studying. “That she remembered me.” Ana’s eyes softened as he met her gaze, determined to explain. “I knew that her… friend,” he began, his eyes drifting to the floor again, “was based on me.” He shrugged. “But I had no idea that he looked like me – that she’d remember so clearly…” he trailed off, awe rushing through him.

  “Well, it’s done now,” stated Ana matter-of-factly. “Besides,” she added. “I’m not even sure changing your name would have helped. The way she looked at you…” she shook her head. “And that was before she knew your name.

  Christian had known, he realised, the moment she’d seen him during Matriculation. He’d felt her eyes on him, the erratic beat of her heart. He’d had to fight the urge to move to her side, to protect her from what had caused such shock to tremble through her – never guessing for one second that it was him.

  His eyes had met hers automatically, although he’d remembered to look away, but it had been enough to see the shadow in her gaze, the awe that coursed through her, and he cursed himself for not understanding the cause.

  Ana studied him for a moment longer. “How did she know your name?” she asked.

  Pulled from his brooding, he raised his eyes to hers before turning away. “She didn’t,” he muttered, shifting his feet.

  “Well, obviously she did,” Ana prompted.

  Christian felt her eyes on him, but refused to meet her gaze. “She didn’t know my name,” he admitted, finally lifting his gaze, “she created it.” Ana stared blankly at him and he sighed. “I knew it was me,” he said quietly. “Her friend – I knew it was me she spoke to. So when she called me Christian, I…” he exhaled, mortified at having to explain something so personal. “I took it as my own.” he shrugged. “It seemed important.”

  “Really?” Ana grinned. “You thought that was a good idea?”

  He chuckled ruefully at her amused expression, grateful for her lack of judgement.

  “You really care about her, don’t you?”

  Christian watched her smile fade into sympathy before pushing away from the railing. “Are we done?” he asked, quietly.

  Ana shrugged, and he turned to leave.

  “Christian?” He stopped on the stair, and she hesitated. “Be careful.”

  Christian nodded, before continuing on his way, his footsteps heavy, under the weight of her gaze.

  5

  “Okay, we’re done for now,” Professor Howard called, signalling the end of the lecture. Rose stood and stretched, packing up her laptop with a sense of relief; she’d been able to follow along much better today.

  She smiled at the professor as she made her way down the stairs, noticing the way his gaze dropped to the books in her arms. He smiled back, eyes crinkling in warmth. It rushed through her, lighting her up, but he abruptly turned away, already smiling at others, and the glow faded. Shaking her head, she pushed open the door to leave, willing herself to not look back.

  To her surprise, Ben was waiting for her.

  “Hey you.” He reached out to help as she shoved her books into her bag. “Fancy some lunch? I finished early and I think Ana has a break too.”

  “Sure,” Rose smiled, stepping aside as other students left the lecture hall. They walked across campus to meet Ana, chatting idly about their morning’s lectures as they went.

  Ana was just leaving her class as they reached it, waving goodbye to a group of girls. “Hey,” she greeted, patting Ben on the head. He’d stopped to tie up his bright yellow trainers. Ben grinned, and Rose saw him blush as he returned to his task.

  “So how come you were hanging with Professor Christian last night?” Ana wasted no time in asking, poking Rose in the side as they walked.

  “What?” asked Ben, catching their conversation as he caught up.

  “I caught him saying good night at the door,” Ana grinned.

  Rose squirmed as Ben looked over in astonishment. “I bumped into him in the library,” she explained, rolling her eyes. “He helped me choose some books for class and walked me back.” She narrowed her eyes at Ana. “That’s all.”

  “Fast work,” Ben chuckled as Rose glared at him. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

  She huffed good-naturedly, spotting Nate up ahead, the centre of a group of boys. He leaned against a wall, dressed all in black today; the ever present jacket looped over his arm.

  “Morning Rose,” he called as they reached him. He pushed off the wall, waving absently to his friends as she stopped to greet him. “Looking good.”

  “You know,” she greeted with a smile, “it’s generally custom that you attend the lectures for the course you’ve chosen.”

  “Is that so?” Nate gasped, feigning innocence. “Thank goodness you told me – I would have never guessed.” He offered his elbow for her to take, all chivalry and charm, and she looped her arm through.

  “So, what did I miss?” he asked, as he led her away from his friends, “Other than the company of course.” He threw her a wink.

  “Not much actually,” she admitted. “We’re getting to grips with Paradise Lost.” she shrugged.

  “How thrilling.”

  “It’s interesting,” she insisted. “It’s beginning to make sense, so –”

  “I’m surplus to requirements?” he teased.

  Rose grinned. “Only if you don’t show up.”

  He sighed good-naturedly as she pulled him over to her waiting friends.

  “Nate, meet my best-friend, Ben,” she introduced. Ben took Nate’s outstretched hand, shaking it firmly. “And this is my new neighbour, Ana.”

  Nate smiled, hand raised, but Ana ignored it, staring at Nate in surprise.

  “Nate is in my class,” she added, shooting Nate an apologetic glance. He smiled back easily, not seeming to notice.

  “What are you up to?” he asked.

  “Nothing really – just lunch.” Her eyes were still on Ana.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  Rose looked to Ben, who shrugged in agreement. Ana frowned, but said nothing.

  “Sure,” Rose agreed. Nate smiled and gestured for her to lead the way.

  ***

  Nate focussed on Rose as they collected sandwiches from the dining hall, making light conversation as they headed to the Backs to eat. The blonde – Ana – sulked the whole way, and Nate could feel her eyes on him when she thought he couldn’t see

  When they reached the grassy bank of the river, she pulled a pair of enormous sunglasses out of her bag, and lay back on the grass; content, it seemed, to sunbathe and ignore them all. Ben leaned against her raised knees as he sat.

  Rose passed her sandwich to Ben as she settled onto the grass, who dutif
ully pulled back the plastic wrapping. Nate took the moment to observe her properly, assessing with a critical eye as he sat beside her. He’d already noticed her eyes, of course – a pale grey-blue that brought to mind the briny waters of Scotland shores; the one redeeming feature of an otherwise average face. The rest of her was much the same – slim, but not skinny, curves in all the required places – exactly what Nate had come to expect from an entirely ordinary mortal.

  It had been simple, he reflected, watching her smile as she sipped her smoothie, to integrate himself into her world. He flashed a grin, watching the blush rise on her cheeks in satisfaction. It had been so simple, that he’d questioned his source, unable to believe that this silly, innocent little thing was the one they’d been waiting for, the one to tip the Balance.

  She laughed with her friend as they discussed their classes, the boy, Ben, explaining how he’d repeated the health and safety test five times before he’d been allowed into the physics lab. The whole idea was so dull that Nate sighed inwardly.

  He had never fathomed how mortals could be content with their trivial, short little lives. He watched them wink in and out of existence, barely causing a ripple, but seemingly so satisfied with their short span. It bewildered him, even now.

  Bored, he rolled onto his stomach, closer to Rose, and smirked when Ana frowned, barely noticeable behind her glasses. Reaching out, he toyed with the ends of the grass against Rose’s thigh, his knuckles barely brushing against the denim of her jeans.

  He looked up at her from under his lashes, entirely pleased when she held his gaze.

  “So, Rose,” Ana said, interrupting his coquetry. “Have you spent any more time with Professor Howard?” She flashed a pointed look in his direction, pushing Ben off her legs as she turned to face her friend.

  Nate thought of the Guardian posing as a lecturer. He’d called himself Christian, showing that he, at least, had a sense of humour.

  Rose shot Ana a look, a light blush staining her cheeks. “We don’t have another class with the professor until tomorrow,” Rose replied. Ana raised a knowing eyebrow, letting Nate know his inclusion was entirely deliberate.