Noah raised his head and studied her. Squinting, he added, “I was told to pick a place to sleep. I didn’t know this was a girl’s bedroom. Where’s the bed, though? I was planning to sleep on the couch. If there was a bed here somewhere, I’d assume the space was taken.”
“There are plenty of free beds in the male dorms. Get your stuff and go there. You can’t stay here. Plus, you’re wearing my clothes.”
“I need to wash mine. They have blood all over, and I didn’t have time to get my things. Actually, Vincent doesn’t want me to leave the Academy without my assigned guardian. I also used your shampoo and body wash. Vincent said I could stay here and wear the school’s training equipment.”
“What?” Grace turned to the door and left to search for her grandfather.
One minute later, she entered his office and stopped in front of his desk. “Why is Noah in the attic saying that you told him to stay there, and you’re leaving for a few days to take care of business?”
“I see you two have met,” Vincent said, entwining his fingers over the desk. “You saved him. He’s your responsibility now.”
“She saved me?” Noah’s voice alerted Grace of his presence.
She glanced back and saw him, resting a shoulder against the door frame.
“This is Grace, my granddaughter. She’ll help you settle in and will escort you around. She’s a student but also my assistant. She’ll fill you in about what you need to teach in your classes. I’ll leave tomorrow to talk with the council about your staying here. In the meantime, Grace will make sure that you feel welcome and have everything you need. Won’t you, Grace?”
Grace was unable to answer since her mouth was agape. After processing all the information, she, eventually, nodded.
Vincent reached for his wallet and removed a black credit card. “Grace, Mr. Keith needs new clothes.”
“I have my belongings at a pension nearby. I also need to get my clothes and bike. When can I meet my guardian and leave?” Noah asked.
“You are looking at her,” Vincent replied.
Noah frowned. “Aren’t you afraid I might escape from such an … inoffensive guardian?”
“She might look harmless, but you don’t want to annoy her,” Vincent warned. With a smile, he added, “If anything happens to her, I’ll have your head after I make sure to chop you into pieces and cause you the most excruciating pain before you die.”
“You should threaten someone with something they might care about. I don’t care if I live or die,” Noah said, walking toward Grace. “Since you’re my guardian, do you mind if I sleep on the floor of your room?”
Grace was going to nod but shook her head instead. “Are you crazy? There’s no need for you to sleep on the floor.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time.”
Sighing, she rubbed her right temple. “I have my own room. You can use the coach and sleep in the attic. I’ll get you some blankets and a pillow. It’s chilly at night.”
“That’s settled.” Vincent rose to his feet. “Tomorrow, Grace will go with you to grab your belongings. Tonight, she’ll show you where you can have your meals. Do you eat meat, or are you only on a blood diet?”
“I eat meat,” Noah replied.
“Good. Now, could you both leave? I’m writing an important missive.”
Grace nodded and signaled Noah to follow her. Her hands shook, and her legs trembled with the notion that she had to take care of Noah. Not that it would be that bad. Despite her outburst, she liked to look at him, but Noah seemed to be oblivious to their bond.
At least, he appeared cured, and color had returned to his cheeks.
“Sorry about wearing your clothes. They smelled clean and were the only ones that seemed to fit. Why do you wear baggy clothes? They are obviously too big for your size and from the men’s clothing section.”
“I like comfy outfits, and men’s t-shirts don’t cling to my—” She stopped talking and bit her lower lip. “You can keep them. I have more.”
“Can we go out to get my stuff?”
“Tomorrow. It’s getting dark, and we need to familiarize you with the building. Also, I’m hungry. Aren’t you?”
Noah shrugged.
Grace’s eyes traveled down his slim and muscular figure to his feet. He was wearing her slippers, but they seemed too small for his feet. “Let’s get you a pair of sneakers and socks.”