Talk about boring.
Oakman’s feline familiar sat on top of a bookcase grooming herself while he droned on about alchemical research from two hundred years ago. Honestly, I didn’t care whether some random dude had spent fifty years trying to turn copper into gold. The fact he died before he managed it told us all we needed to know: alchemy was bullshit.
From the faint snores coming from the back row, I wasn’t the only student in this class suffering the effects of extreme boredom.
“And for your homework this week, I’d like you all to write a report on the alchemist mages from the last century and how they changed the way we mages and witches conduct laboratory experiments.”
Having just learned Ebenezer Cedar had died a hideous death from mercury poisoning, adhering to basic health and safety was probably the answer Oakman was looking for. And if not, it should be.
I yawned as I shoved my notebook into my bag. Thank the stars it was Friday. I now had two days away from classes. This semester was already kicking my ass, and we’d only been back a fortnight.
“Miss Blackstone, if you could spare me a few minutes of your time?” Professor Oakman’s request reached me as I was about to dart away.Damn it.I’d hoped he might have forgotten he wanted to talk.
“Wonder what he wants?” Glynda whispered.
“Probably a blowjob,” Demelza said in a loud voice, having overheard Glynda because her interest in my life knew no bounds. “I mean, she’s already fucking the PT instructor, so it’s hardly a surprise if she’s blowing all the academic professors. Goddess knows she can’t make the grades any other way.”
Is that what everyone thought?
Before I could come back with a smart retort, Demelza sashayed away.
“Ignore her.” Glynda patted my arm sympathetically. “She’s jealous. You have three soul-bonded mates—that she knows of—plus a cool familiar, and she has nothing.”
To my rational brain, Glynda’s words made perfect sense. Instead of letting Demelza upset me, I should feel sorry for her. It sucked to be such a bigot, and being mean was not the pathway to happiness and spiritual enlightenment.
Her words still stung, however, because I was a sensitive little flower.
Somewhat reluctantly, I made my way to the front of the classroom as everyone else filed out. Stacks of books and messy piles of paperscovered Professor Oakman’s desk, along with at least three empty coffee mugs.
A slim, red-leather volume decorated with a gold dragon rested on top of a notebook.
Dragons had disappeared long ago, which saddened me. Unicorns too. If only wolf shifters had died out. Nobody would miss those assholes.
“I could do with a research assistant,” Oakman grumbled as he sifted through the disorganized mess. “I don’t suppose you’d be interested in earning extra credit, Miss Blackstone?”
Arranging my mouth into what I hoped resembled a sad but appreciative smile, I shook my head. “Um, I’d love to, but I’m still behind in some of my subjects, so I don’t really have any spare time.”
Oakman chuckled.
“And two more soul-bonded mates to get to know!” My smile slipped slightly. I was well and truly over people sticking their noses into my personal life, but I didn’t want to piss off Oakman. Not when he had the power to fail me and tank my overall grade average.
“That too!” I forced another smile.
Oakman carried on grumbling while moving stacks of papers from one side of his desk to another. His elegant familiar watched us from a chair, where she’d curled up into a cute little ball.
If only Kenji were as cute as Angelica.
“Hey! I heard that!”
“Ah, finally.” Oakman retrieved a dusty-looking book from beneath a clipped stack of stained papers. He brushed off some crumbs and beamed at me. “As you may recall, I’ve been conducting a minor research project into unusual familiars. Specifically, the more powerful ones, such as phoenixes and kitsunes. And in the case of witches whopracticed dark magic back in the day, imps.” He grinned as if the use of dark magic was cool, not horrifying and potentially deadly.
But because I was a nice, respectful witch, I did my best to show polite interest.
“That sounds amazing. So, um, what did you need to talk to me about specifically?”
Curfew was less than an hour away, and I needed to pick up some books from the library for my paper on the Shifter Treaties of 1936 .
“Is your kitsune around, perchance?” The professor pushed his glasses back up his nose and peered over my shoulder hopefully.
