Page 43 of Black Hollow: Awakening

“What field do you plan to graduate in?”

“I was thinking about psychology,” Will blurted out, as it was the first thing that came to mind.

“Excellent. I’m sure you’ll be able to develop your aptitudes with us.”

“Really?” Will was still having trouble believing any of this.

“Of course. Our organization isn’t just built on scientific minds. We employ people with a variety of talents, and I believe you will be a good fit.”

Will smiled, stunned by the honor.

“Thank you.”

“We’ll take care of all the formalities during your first visit to the company. How about tomorrow at four? You’ll be done with classes by then?”

“Yes,” Will assured him excitedly. “I’ll be there.”

“Excellent.” Kubrick gave him a smile, then pulled a business card from his jacket pocket and handed it to him. “If you have any doubts, please don’t hesitate to call.”

“Of course.”

They said their goodbyes. Kubrick walked on, and Will stood right where he was, shocked by what had just happened. He was grinning happily, thinking about how lucky he was. His smile faded, however, when he looked up and saw Blake standing nearby. Alden was staring at him icily, and when their eyes met, he growled, “Get over here.”

Seeing Will move, Blake stepped into a nearby classroom. Will joined him a moment later. Alden closed the door.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he seethed.

“What are you talking about?” Will shot back, confused.

“Why did you agree to that internship?”

“And why wouldn’t I? It’s KC.”

“Yes, it’s KC,” Blake repeated mockingly. “The place where they experiment on people. Are you really that stupid?”

Will froze for a brief moment, then snorted in disbelief. It sounded like some idiotic conspiracy theory.

“That’s absurd.”

“Sure, absurd. Just like vampires, werewolves, and a wannabe-wizard who messes with electricity,” Alden retorted, giving him a disdainful look. “Not so long ago, you had no idea about any of this, so spare me your absurd and just accept what I’m saying, because I, unlike you, know the situation.”

“So what? In your opinion, they offered me an internship to experiment on me?”

“What other reason could they have? What great talent did Nathaniel Kubrick discover in you that he decided to come down here personally? Enlighten me, because I don’t recall you distinguishing yourself with anything other than causing short circuits. Are you really such an idiot that you couldn’t figure it out?”

The words stung.

“Yes, I’m an idiot!” Will snarled uncontrollably. “I’m an idiot because I agreed to an internship at fucking KC. Forgive me for not being able to match the intelligence of a spoiled vampire who could buy half the mall and not even feel it. You don’t have to worry about your future. I do.”

“Then you’d better not work there, because it won’t be rosy,” Blake replied dryly.

Will had a sincere urge to scream at Blake what he thought of him, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that somewhere in the middle of it he would start crying from anger, which would be an exceptionally pathetic sight. So he threw on the jacket he’d been holding and ran out of the classroom, slamming into Liam, who was standing right outside the door. He gave him a critical look, then bolted for the exit.

A moment later, he was outside, and if he hadn’t grabbed the nearby railing, he’d be tumbling down the stairs—he had slipped on his untied shoelaces. He took a sharp breath of the cold air and sat on the first step to tie his shoe. His hands were shaking, so much so that he couldn’t do it properly and ended up creating an impressively large knot. Cursing quietly, he yanked at it in frustration.

He heard someone come out of the school.

“Hey,” Liam said, stopping beside him.