Chapter 178: Friends and Foes
In a cosy nook by the crackling fireplace, two figures were engaged in a fervent exchange of words, their discussion weaving through the air like smoke rising from the embers.
CLINK
The tranquil ambience of the inn was momentarily interrupted by the arrival of a third individual, making a distinctive entrance—Jeanine, her presence marked by the soft click of the door shutting behind her.
Lorcan, positioned nearby with a congenial countenance, acknowledged her arrival with a warm smile and offered his cordial salutations, breaking the hush that had settled in the room.
"Professor Jeanine, or simply should I just call Jeanine?" inquired Lorcan, extending the invitation of formality.
Taking her seat opposite him, she responded with an air of nonchalance, "Whichever suits you best."
Her recognition of his princely status loomed but didn't deter her demeanour.
Meanwhile, Ethan cast his gaze upon her, a gaze tainted with an unmistakable desire, yet Jeanine remained unperturbed, choosing to ignore the blatant exhibition.
"I summoned you here with regard to my brother," Lorcan began, embarking upon the purpose behind his request.
Jeanine's eyes narrowed inquisitively as he continued, "I am simply inquiring about his whereabouts in the realm of humans." Jeanine, visibly intrigued, questioned, "And why, pray tell, do you seek this information?"
To her knowledge, Lorcan wasn't on good terms with Jaegar, and Jaegar too didn't show any interest in wanting to know about Lorcan, if any, Jaegar had told them to prefer not to call him by his father's surname. And now he was calling him brother, which he never did in his entire time at the academy.
She had her suspicions, but she didn't care about them as she was no longer associated with Jaegar.
Lorcan, veiling his intentions, stated, "Merely a desire to locate my brother. He has withdrawn from the academy, and I yearn to visit him."
Jeanine pondered for a fleeting moment before responding, "The details of his stay elude me. It was Ms. Brogton who managed his transition. Therefore, even I remain oblivious to his exact location."
Lorcan, upon hearing this, exhaled a resigned sigh, "I see. That is regrettable."
Expressing his gratitude, he made a gesture, "How may I thank you, Jeanine?"
In a humble tone, she declined his offer, stating, "Your gratitude is unnecessary. It was a simple matter."
As she prepared to take her leave, she found herself face-to-face with Ethan, stationed near the doorway, a mischievous grin adorning his features.
Lorcan, compelled by a sense of obligation, interjected, "But it is only fitting that I express my gratitude. You responded promptly to my summons." Advancing towards her, he spoke with a calculated measure, "Rumours have reached me regarding your undertakings within the academy and your alleged association with my brother." This declaration led Jeanine to furrow her brow deeply in confusion.
"What in the hell of a nonsense are you spouting?"
Dismissing Lorcan's claim, Ethan derisively scoffed at her.
Ethan sneered, "You're just a cock-hungry whore."
Jeanine shot Ethan a sharp glare and retorted, "Be mindful of your words, Mr. Baxter."
Ethan cackled in response, "Oh, look at this minx, pretending to be a noble bitch of a professor."
Lorcan was aware of her history with Jaegar from their academy days, but he chose not to interfere at that time. However, now he was considering making her his own to see Jaegar's reaction.
He also knew that she was no longer associated with him, and that's why he called her to see if he could use her for his bidding.
"Now, now, Mr. Baxter, you shouldn't talk to your professor like that," said Lorcan with a hidden emotion. But he was trying very hard not to laugh at seeing her.
She suddenly moved back.
Jeanine's sudden action sent a jolt through the room as she swiftly retrieved her wand, the polished wood glinting in the soft glow of the firelight.
With a decisive motion, she directed it towards them, her tone edged with authority, "Lorcan, do not presume that your princely status grants you immunity. Should any further horseshit spill from your lips, repercussions will follow, and I shall not heed the consequences."
A charged silence hung in the air as Ethan and Lorcan exchanged a knowing glance, the tension palpable.
Understanding the weight of her warning, Lorcan exhaled wearily and raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture, "Very well, Professor. You may take your leave. However, know that I am always available, unlike my brother." His tone, a blend of resignation and subtle respect, signalled an end to the brewing confrontation.
Jeanine was one of the most beautiful women on campus, and thinking that Jaegar got his hands on her made Lorcan resent him more. As his lustful side fought against his better judgment, he wanted to try to get his hands on her at least once.
Jeanine, her authority unchallenged, made her swift exit, leaving behind an atmosphere laced with unspoken tension.
Both Ethan and Lorcan watched her departure, each harbouring their own thoughts on the encounter.
Ethan, ever eager for dominance, sidled up beside Lorcan, expressing his predatory desire, "Why not spirit her away to the mansion? We could bend her to our will there." A devious glint in his eye accompanied his words, a sign of his twisted fascination.
Lorcan, however, remained composed, striding over to the window to observe Jeanine's departure. As he watched her figure recede into the distance, he muttered, "For now, she must remain within the confines of the academy." His gaze fixed on the lone figure disappearing down the road, harbouring a determination that held more secrets than he cared to reveal.
Lorcan knew that Jeanine's departure was only temporary, as he had plans to bring her back to the mansion once she had fulfilled her purpose at the academy. He was well aware of the power he held over her, and the thought of having her under his control again sent a shiver down his spine. With a sinister smile, he turned away from the window, already plotting his next move.
Jeanine, after leaving the town, thought about what Lorcan said. And the past few days have been tough on her, as the professor has been neglecting her. She'd always been a little more of a lustful woman, and if it was possible, she'd prefer her pleasure over anything else. And that was the reason she had given easily to Jaegar on that night, and he was the best she had till now.
But Jaegar seemed different. Every single time she tried, she found it easy to make men drop to her feet. Jaegar wasn't like the rest, when he caught her with Heath, his reaction really surprised her.
She was angry for some reason and didn't have the time to dwell on it. She had seen him several times, but he didn't even bat an eye at her. Seeing him as he didn't care about her, she got angry and wanted to back at him but wondered how she would do it.
And the opportunity presented itself in front of her. She thought long and hard about Lorcan and his intentions, he definitely had malicious intent towards Jaegar, and she could guess he would do something to Jaegar.
Two days had passed since their last encounter, and with her thoughts firmly fixed, she would proceed further. First, she prioritized herself and thought about what to do.
*
The corridors leading to Lorcan's quarters were dimly lit, echoing with the distant sounds of muffled conversations. As she arrived, the door slightly ajar, she paused briefly before stepping inside.
The room was illuminated by the soft glow of flickering candles, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Lorcan sat in an ornate armchair, a book in hand, engrossed in its contents. He looked up, a welcoming smile gracing his features as Jeanine entered.
Without a preamble, Jeanine's expression took on a more sombre and direct air. "What do you plan on doing to Jaegar?"
Lorcan, cloaking his intentions, responded, "What exactly do you mean?"
Jeanine offered a knowing smirk and retorted, "You're not fooling anyone. Your inquiries about him, calling him brother... I'm well aware of my students."
Lorcan, still smiling, observed her closely, sensing he had perhaps underestimated her. "I assure you," he confessed, "he's merely causing some disturbance, and I aim to put him in his place."
He awaited her reaction. Jeanine's smirk grew wider as she leaned in, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, Lorcan!"
Jeanine, unfazed, replied, "I expected more from you. Nevertheless, about your offer to always be available, do you mean it?"
Lorcan's smile widened as he affirmed, "Absolutely."
"Prove it," she challenged, moving closer to him.
Lorcan, taken aback by her directness, responded, "Certainly."
As their intentions intertwined, they closed the physical gap between them. The ambience shifted—crackling fire and distant thunder intermingled as the rain commenced, punctuating the charged atmosphere.