The Nature of the Beast

Chapter 28

As she arrived at the library shortly before three, Rudi came rushing over. He looked her over for signs of damage, knowing what her morning entailed and seeing that her body was free of wounds, bent to whisper in her ear.

"Stevan is waiting in your office. Says you'd be expecting him," he rubbed his hands together, "I told him you weren't in until later but he insisted on waiting, kept demanding I produce you."

Her heart sank as she opened her office door and Stevan turned to greet her.

"Why Miss Enid, you do look lovely. Where have you been? We were to meet today for lunch," he crossed his arms, annoyance flashed across his face.

"Stevan. How nice to see you. There was an emergency up at the fortress after the cull and M needed my help. I couldn't get word to cancel, I do hope you'll forgive me," she must remember her manners; he could take all this away from her with a snap of his fingers.

"Hmmmph. Dinner then. Now. I've missed lunch and am ravenous," he licked his lips at her.

She hesitated and then chided herself. Her life didn't stop because Nikola reappeared. If he showed up while she was gone, he would be back.

"Of course, there's nothing I would love more. Just let me fill Rudi in and we can go."

She took his arm as he led her out into the great room. Rudi nodded to her as she explained she would not be in the rest of the day and to lock up at seven. She knew she could trust Rudi to take care. The bells chimed three and the doors opened. Expecting Nadi, Enid gave a startled yelp when Nikola walked through. Stevan tightened his grip on her when Nikola walked straight over to them.

"I was hoping to find you here. How are you feeling?" He looked at her and then noticed Stevan and their arms entwined. He blushed, anger and perhaps jealousy brimming beneath his eyes.

Enid blushed as well, "I'm fine Nikola. This is my friend Stevan. Stevan, this is an old childhood friend of mine, Nikola."

They shook hands, each taking in the other, eyes moving up and down, in quiet assessment of the other.

"Pleasure. Enid, we must be off. Nice to have met you," Stevan pulled on Enids arm.

Nikola stiffened and his jaw tightened.

"One minute, Stevan. I'll meet you out front in a moment," she pulled her arm back and patted his hand in reassurance, giving him her most winning smile.

Whatever he saw there convinced him and he nodded and left. As the door shut behind him Enid turned to smile at Nikola whose eyes were dark.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, embarrassed at having him find her with Stevan.

"I'm sorry. I should have maybe sent a note. I didn't know you were...had...," his voice trailed off.

"Had plans?" She finished for him, "we have a business dinner. He's my patron. I have this library because of him," she reassured him.

"Oh, business dinner. Of course. Can I come by later then? After dinner? Perhaps we could go for a walk?"

Enid hesitated. She knew she wouldn't be back until the morning.

"No, I'm sorry. These meeting usually go rather late. Steven will see me home. How about tomorrow? Come by the library anytime."

The door opened and Stevan was helping to usher her out. Her last view was of Nikola standing in the great room, shoulders slumped.

#

The next morning, Nikola was waiting outside the library when Enid opened the doors. She yelped in surprise when he swooped her up in a big hug.