“I love him! What can’t you just accept that?” Autumn yells at me.

I shake my head. “Autumn, he’s bad news. People don’t talk to vampires in alley ways about breaking people. He’s already changing you. You’ve never yelled at me before. This isn’t you Autumn.” I tell her. I leave out the fact that she can’t love him. She’s only know him for a few months.

“You’re just jealous.” She hisses.

I sigh. She won’t listen to reason anymore. This guy is bad news, and I can’t push her away. Not now. I need to make sure she’s safe, even if she doesn’t want me to protect her anymore.

“I’m not jealous. I just, I don’t know him that well.” I say, trying to work with her. “What if you bring him to the Grotto tonight after you grade papers? That way the whole gang can meet him.”

Her personality snaps back to how she normally acts. “Really?” She asks with a smile.

“Yea, really. Bring him on down.” I smile convincingly.

“I’d really like that. We’ll be there.” She hugs me. “I know you will get along if you just give him a chance.”

I hug her back. After a moment she pulls away and smiles.

“I’ll see you later tonight.” She says, turning and walking off.

I sigh as soon as she’s out of ear shot. What the gnome am I getting myself into?

*************

I throw my dart towards the board, aiming for the bulls eye. It misses, straying to the side instead.

“Ohhhh, so close.” Aron laughs.

I groan and turn around. My eyes catch Autumn near our table with Dr. Corban. He’s standing with his arm around her and when he says something she laughs and kisses his cheek.

“Hey.” I say, walking over to them.

“Levi!” Autumn exclaims. “Thanks for inviting us!”

I smile at her then look to Dr. Douche, who’s wearing a smug expression.

“Autumn, you don’t ever need an invitation, you’re always welcome. You know that.” I say. “We do live together after all.”

I see a flash in Dr. Douche’s eyes but in a second it’s gone, replaced with a smile.

“It’s so nice to see you out of class.” He says smoothly.

I smile, turning as I hear Carly call my name. I walk board, Cal passing me.

“Who’s this douche?” He asks. “And why are his hands all over Autumn?”

“Cal, be nice! This is my boyfriend, Adam.” She says.

Cal’s eyes move to mine, catching me as I clench my jaw. Boyfriend. The word sends chills through my veins. I clutch my fists around the dart and chunk it. It hits the board and bounces to the floor. Behind me, Dr. Corban, Adam, lets out a laugh. I try my best to ignore him and hand the dart to Annie.

Dr. Corban smirks as I look over at them and pulls Autumn into a kiss. I hate looking at him and don’t want to take it anymore. Seeing his hands on her makes me sick. It’s not just jealousy, there’s something about him I just can’t place. Ever since that evening I saw him in the alleyway I’ve had a feeling about him I just can’t shake. He kisses her and this time I do feel sick from jealousy. I reach into my pocket and grab my phone.

“Hey, can we meet?” I type in and hit send.

I don’t have to wait long. Within a minute or two my phone buzzes.

Eileen: Sure, Mr. Frosty’s in 5?

I sigh in relief. “Sounds good.” I send.

I say bye to the group and look over to Autumn and Dr. Douche. “I’ll let her know you left.” Annie says with a sad smile.

“Thanks.” I smile at her and walk out, heading down the street to Mr. Frosty’s.