Shade Academy

Chapter 4

You talk about sleeping like a rock, Elana slept like a damn bear in hibernation. It took me twenty minutes to wake her up. After shaking her and calling her name didn't work I finally just sort of pushed her off the bed. It worked though, it woke her up. And I, well I was rolling on the floor in laughter at her reaction. She jumped up off that floor so fast the vampires would be proud. Her mouth was open, her eyes were droopy and sleepy. She looked like so wonky, I couldn't help laughing. After I explained what happened, she ended up laughing too before she showered and got ready for class. 

To say I was nervous was an understatement. We went through the dinner line and I was so tore up with anxiety that I couldn't eat. I didn't know what to expect, didn't know how the professors were or anything. My fist class was with Professor Samuel Griffin. He taught us how to enhance our mental magic. Which I am assuming the reading thoughts, compelling people to forget certain things, ect. I was already pretty good at getting in peoples head to either make them do something or make them forget it. I didn't however like the thought of anyone else being in my head. 

"You ready for class?" Alex asked as he plopped down in the seat beside me. "Honestly? I'm not sure. I'm nervous. I'm not really a fan of allowing someone into my head." Alex looked stunned. "You don't have to allow them in. You can put up a mental block to block them out. That's actually part of the class too, learning how to notice someone if prowling around in your head and pushing and blocking them out." 

Oh, thank God. I already know how to keep people out, but could I fight off mental attacks by other supernaturals? I don't know, I've never tried, but I am determined to keep anyone and everyone out. As we walked to professor Griffin's class I was in better spirits knowing that I didn't have to allow people in. I was happy to have Elana and Alex, they seemed like they would be great friends, if I allowed myself to get close. They have already helped me more than anyone else, they have hardly left my side, which I am more than grateful for. 

As we took our seat in class, we all sat together chatting and laughing about things I had done in my old school. All the pranks I'd pull on students with my magic. Looking back, ya I guess I shouldn't have done it, but it was still funny. 

When I heard the door to the office open and close I looked up. Leaning on the desk with his hands clasped in front of him and his ankles crossed was the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen. His skin was flawless, and his blue eyes were so intense they blazed with emotion. His chocolate brown hair was slicked back, but a strand fell from its place and into his eyes. I had to use all my will power to keep my hands beside me and not reach out to tuck it back into place. His smile, lord his smile just about melted me. 

I was so drawn to this man, I had to physically stop myself from going to him. My hands were grasped so tightly to the table my knuckles were turning white, my jaw was clenched uncomfortably tight as I struggled to move my eyes away from him. Why did this man call to me so intensely? And why does he look so familiar? I swear I know him, I don't know from where but I know him. 

I was so deep in thought I hadn't noticed he had moved beside me. His scent was strong, musk mixed with rain. It calmed my nerves in ways I never knew was possible. "Welcome to mental magic enhancement Anna Ashford. I am Professor Samuel Griffin, but everyone calls me Samuel." I didn't respond, I just stared at him. His voice was as smooth as honey as it washed over me. I had to fight off the shiver that wanted to run through me. "Have we met?" I blurted before I could stop myself. Samuel's face scrunched in confusion. "Pardon me?" I closed my eyes and shook. "Nothing, I'm sorry. Forget about it." 

Samuel nodded but still regarded me with curiosity. As he turned to walk away, I felt prickles in my head. Almost like pop rocks were going off in my head. The presence was female, I don't know how I knew but I did. I immediately threw up and mental black and glared at Amanda who sat across the room staring at me wide eyed. I however was pissed. How dare she try and get into my head. 

I stood, never taking my eyes off of her, and threw a surge of mental energy at her. She yelled out as she grabbed her head, squeezing her eyes shut. "How dare you try and push your way into my mind?" I seethe at her. I shot another blast her way, strong enough to throw her out of her seat. 

I could easily see her mind. Her block was weak, hardly even there. She was jealous of my power, she was jealous Alex and Axel has shown an interest in me. Her mind was filled with different ways she wanted to attack me. I laughed as I approached her. "You are a shallow, self absorbed girl Amanda. Next time you want to try and get in someone's mind. Be sure your have enough power to do so." I sent another wave at her. It hit her with enough force it pinned her to the wall, and I had no intention of letting her go. 

I could hear the muffled noise in the background, but none of it registered. I was too angry, my focus solely on Amanda. When I felt a hand grab my arm, I was shocked out of my trance as energy surged into me and an image flashed in my mind. I remember now. I remember where I've seen Samuel. I jerked my arm out of his hand and faced him with wide eyes. I saw his blue eyes flashed with anger and curiosity as he looked at me, but my block had crumbled when he touched me and I watched as his eyes went wide as he saw the image that flashed in my mind. 

I took a stumbling step back as I struggled with the pull I had towards him. Right now though fear, took over that pull. I didn't know what else to do, I ran. The image of him covered in blood, blood dripping off his fangs as it ran down the sides of his mouth consumed my mind. I didn't stop running until I reached the court yard. I leaned against the cold stone, trying to shake the image from my head. 

I felt him approach me and my heart rate picked up as I jerked off the wall and faced him. With one hand extended I shook my head. "Don't professor Griffin." I whisper backing away from him. "Anna, what did you see?" His voice was hard as he spoke to me. "Do not speak to me like like that. I don't know what I saw. I thought it was a dream, but then I saw you. I knew I had seen you somewhere. I never wanted to remember that." Samuel reached out to me and grabbed mt gently by my arms. Energy once again shot through me. "Do you have visions?" His voice faltered this time and when I looked at him his voice ran through my mind. She's beautiful. The energy we exchange is remarkable. "Stop, don't touch me please. I don't understand what's going on." I was becoming frantic. I knew I was being unreasonable but the image of him wouldn't go away and he wouldn't let me go. "Sometimes. But I can never tell what's the past or what's the future. Especially when it's about someone I've never met." 

"Anna, listen to me. I need you to never tell anyone what you've seen." My eyes grew wide. "What?" I demand. "That is not exactly an image easily forgotten. What the hell was it?" I ask him, pulling my arms out of his grasp. And believe me when I tell you, I immediately wanted his hands back on me. I shook my head hard as I pictured his hands roaming my body as I ran my hands down the perfectly sculpted abs I knew he had. No, no, no. This can't be happening, he was my professor. 

"Anna, that was the past. Many, many years ago. Come back to class. After class, come to my office and I'll explain." Samuel ran a hand down his face and sighed. "I can't believe this is happening after so many years." I knew he was speaking more to himself than to me so I didn't answer. 

I went back to class with him. We walked side by side, his arm brushing mine. I wrapped my arms around myself in attempt to stop myself from reaching out to him. What the hell was happening to me? All eyes were on us as we entered the room. Amanda made sure not to make eyes contact but her hatred was clear on her face. Alex and Elana tried to ask what happened as I took my seat but I just shook my head at them. 

I really didn't want to talk about it. In all honesty I wanted to completely forget. So what I did was focus on the before image, the one where he stood in his suit, with the buttons undone. His beautiful smile and blazing blue eyes. Samuel was the ideal man. He was tall and muscular, he carried himself with confidence and poise. He was so sure of himself and comfortable in his own skin. I concentrated on his soothing voice as I let it wash over and calm my racing heart and nerves. 

I was amazed at the affect just his voice had on me. "Anna." Samuel's voice tore me from my thoughts. "Yes Professor?" I ask. "You want to tell the class how you did what you did to Amanda?" I snorted a laugh."Seriously? You ask the only one here that has never been taught, to teach a class full of student that's been learning magic their whole life?" I didn't hide the amusement in my voice. He has got to be kidding. 'I assure you I'm not' his voice said in my mind. I c****d my head at him and raised my brows. 'So you want to get into my head now? You really think that is a good idea?' I reply sending the words to his mind. Samuel's eyes widened slightly before a smile crossed his face. "Please, humor me." He said aloud this time. I was shaking my head with a smile as I stood. "You can feel your mental energy. It kind of feels like a ball of energy in your mind. The intensity of the energy, tells you how much mental magic you have. Concentrate on that energy, and force it out towards the target you have in mind. Anyone want another demonstration?" I muse. 

No one volunteered and I chuckled. I did feel several attempts of people forcing their magic on me. "Maybe try your magic on someone a little weaker than I am." I laugh as I force my energy into everyone in the room except Alex, Elana and Samuel. The students were all thrown back into their chairs with the force of my mental attack. Samuel had his hand in front of his mouth to stifle his laugh. "You all may practice finding and concentrating on your mental energy. Get a feel for it, get to know it. That energy is a part of you." 

Everyone closed their eyes and focused on their mental magic. I felt the magic as it sparked across the room. A lot of them had strong mental energy, if they'd learn to hone in on that energy and use it properly they would become strong. What is the point of this class if Samuel didn't help them strengthen their energy? 

"Class is dismissed. Miss. Ashford, can you stay behind please?" I tensed, I knew what he wanted and I'd been spending all class to forget. Alex and Elana were hesitant to leave, but I nodded to let them know it was alright. I slowly gathered my things into my bag and followed Samuel into his office. "Professor Griffin, I'm not sure I want to discuss this." I tell him honestly. Believe me, I don't either. His thoughts drifted through my mind and I wondered if he'd meant to let me hear it. 

"Anna, I've not had the best past and I made mistakes. I was young and inexperienced. There was a fight at the local club where I lived and often went to. I found whiskey helps curb the cravings. Well that day, a fight broke out and the four men involved had beaten each other pretty good. There was so much blood, and I lost control." I pressed myself against the door to his office. Not sure if it was because of my fear or I was doing my damndest to resist the pull I had to him. "Why are you telling me this Professor?" 

Samuel sighed as he turned to me. "Please call me Samuel. And because you saw my past, you needed an explanation. Otherwise you would no doubt be consumed by your fear of me." His voice sounded hoarse as if he were fighting back his emotions. "Samuel, what is this energy, this pull between us?" He pinched the bridge of his nose as he took a haggard breath. "I honestly don't know. I can feel the intensity of your confusion, your fear, your longing and how hard you're fighting it and I appreciate your effort. The strength of your emotions is staggering. I can help if you'll allow me." 

"What do you mean? You're a lamia vampire, I've seen it. Only the succubus vampires feed on s*x and emotion. Alex explained that to me." Samuel's mind filled with images of us intertwined in the throws of passion raced through his mind and I had to fight to keep my face impassive. "I am a hybrid Anna, and I was not referring to s*x. If you'll allow me to touch you I can lessen your emotional load." I couldn't fight the small smile that slipped. His hands on me? Uh, hell yes. Wait what? No, he is a professor, that's inappropriate. "I don't know Samuel." I made sure I kept my distance, staying pressed up against the door. "I promise, I'll just help." 

Finally, I nodded. He approached me slowly and I watched him. His amazing blue eyes flashed with an emotion I couldn't place. Samuel gently placed his hand on my cheek. Energy surged through me and his soft touch caressed my face and I closed my eyes leaning into his touch involuntarily. My overpowering emotions quickly faded and when I opened my eyes Samuel was across the room. I shook the daze from my head. What the hell is going on? "Thank you." I said, before walking out the door more confused than when I walked in.