The teacher is late. And like most senior classes, when the teacher is late, hell breaks loose. Teenagers are sprawled on every surface talking and everyone seems to be having difficulty controlling their volume. But I can't really say anything. I am currently turned around in my seat, facing my best friend, Jace, and his girlfriend, Clari, trying to decide if we should go clubbing tonight.
Twenty minutes after the forty-five minute class was supposed to start, the door opens. The entire room falls silent as the principle strides into the room. Following close behind her is someone we've never seen before. The stranger stuns every girl in the room with his appearance. He has long, black hair that is styled down his back in a braid. Even braided it reaches his mid-back. Black lines his turquoise eyes and his lips match. He's taller than the principle by at least a foot. His muscular frame is dressed in a black suit that's seems to be from a different era, although I have no idea which one. He's absolutely gorgeous! And I normally don't go for goths, so that's saying something. It doesn't take long for everyone to overcome their shock and to continue their loud conversations.
"Woah" Clari breathes out from her position on Jace's lap. I can only nod in response. Woah is right.
Both the principle and the newcomer stop in the middle, in front of the room. It takes a few more minutes, and a lot of throat clearing before the class even notices Ms. Brown trying to get our attention. When she can't, the stranger decides to take it into his own hands. He claps his hands, once. The resulting sound is so loud that everyone instantly quiets down and goes to their seat.
"Woah," Ms. Brown breathes. Realizing that she finally has our attention, she straightens her jacket and clears her throat. "Guys, Mrs. Gerald has, unfortunately, had an accident and won't be able to come in for the rest of the year. This," She motions towards the newcomer, "Is her replace, Mr. Masters. Now, I know we came in late, but I expect you guys to be on your best behavior for him." She shoots a quick glare to the people she thinks would be a problem, nods at Mr. Masters, then heads out the door.
Mr. Masters glares at us all in silence for a few moments, looking at each person. I'm not sure what his goal is, but by the time he meets my gaze, I am thoroughly scared and turned on at the same time. I bring my hand to my mouth and start chewing on my nails.
"Class is almost over. I'm doing attendance, then you can talk again." Even his voice is sexy! He walks over to the desk and picks up a clipboard. Jace taps my shoulder and I pull my hand from my mouth, I really need to stop biting my nails.
He looks straight at me as he reads, "Anastasia Blut?"
How the hell did he know that was me? I raise my hand. "Here." He goes through almost the entire attendance roster before getting to Clari.
"Clarissa Stonehart?" Clari raises her hand.
"Jace VanHelsing?" He meets Jace's eyes, there's a flash of recognition in them. How would Jace know him? I've known Jace since we were little. Unless it's a connection from where Jace lives, I've only been there a few times, then there's no way for them to know each other without me knowing.
Once through the list, Mr. Masters sits down behind the desk and pulls out a book. The class takes it as cue to start talking again. I instantly turn around to Jace.
"How do you know him?" He looks surprised.
"What makes you think I know him?"
"He looked at you like he recognized you."
He shrugs. "Maybe he knows some VanHelsings? It's more common than you'd think."
I narrow my eyes at him. I guess he could be telling the truth.