Hey guys, new story for you! I hope you all enjoy it.
Also, if you like my writing please check out my novels "Darkness Is Rising" and the sequel "Chaos" by C.M. Sipes. Both books are about lesbian vampires but there is a lot of suspense and is a supernatural thriller. The characters are also predominately female.
As always reviews are welcomed and encouraged!
Emma rushed across the campus, her form slightly blurred to anyone that watched the blonde haul ass. She felt like she was riding the wind; her strides long and smooth, even though she was pushing herself as hard as she could.
Today was her first day of Graduate School.
And she was late…
Her alarm had failed to go off in time, forcing her roommate Ruby to wake her ass up and practically throw her out of the apartment.
She barely had time to pull on her skinny jeans and t-shirt, and hastily toss on her converses.
Thankfully for Emma, she was a runner, and her apartment was only a block from campus.
The problem?
The Humanities building was at the other end, forcing her to haul ass across most of the campus to reach it.
Not only that, but she had another huge problem.
Regina Mills…aka, the Evil Queen.
Ruby had filled her in when she had moved there, since Emma was asking questions about the professors she had.
"She's a total hardass. I mean…yeah you learn something, but at what cost! She's a harsh grader and she takes no shit," Ruby had told her.
Emma groaned at the thought, her eyes finally landing on the doors to the building she was trying to reach in time.
The last thing she wanted was to be late to the class of the hardest professor on campus, especially on the first day of classes. It definitely didn't make her look good.
She breezed by the rooms, her eyes skimming over the numbers as she turned a corner and headed up another flight of stairs.
230…
Emma slowed her pace to a jog as she approached the room, decreasing to a walk just as she entered. She was slightly out of breath and she had a cramp in her side.
"This is 505 Renaissance and Reformation with Dr. Mills, right?" Emma asked breathlessly to the room.
There were about 20 students, herself included, in the classroom.
"Yep, have a seat!" a young man called with a smile.
She nodded and collapsed into the first seat in the second row.
The young man looked her over. "You get lost and had to run here?"
Emma shook her head. "My alarm didn't go off in time…and I had to run here," she amended, offering a tired smile.
The young man grinned and offered her a small wave. "I'm August."
"Emma," she replied. Her eyes glanced up at the clock. She had two minutes before the class was to start. She had made it in record time. "So…are you an undergrad or grad student?"
"Grad. You?"
"Same."
August grinned. "Awesome. Thank god I know another grad student in the course. I didn't want to be the only one in the dual-level."
"I know the feeling," Emma replied with a laugh.
The click clack of a pair of heels outside caught her attention. It was just then she noticed that the rest of the room had heard it as well, and a tension blanketed the room.
"She's here," she heard an undergrad whisper in the back.
"Good morning," a sultry voice said, entering the room.
Emma swallowed thickly, her mouth suddenly going dry.
The woman was impeccable.
She wore a red dress that hugged her curves in all the right ways, a dark blue blazer, and a pair of dark blue heels that screamed 'fuck me.' The woman's chestnut hair was short and flipped out at the ends, and her gently shadowed chocolate eyes quickly scanned the room—blood-red painted lips turning upward in a smirk.
"Good morning," Emma replied, finally remembering the professor had greeted the class.
And of course, she was the only one that replied…
Dr. Mills arched an eyebrow in amusement, her chocolate eyes falling on Emma and giving her a once over before looking back to the rest of the class.
"For those of you who do not know me; I am Dr. Regina Mills, professor of Early Modern European history and head of the History Department. My specialization is in the history of early modern European medicine, but I also greatly enjoy the history of ancient civilizations and their medical practices." She scanned the room. "This is 305 Renaissance and Reformation, 505 for those enrolled in the graduate studies program. If you could all pull out your syllabus, I want to begin going over the plan for this semester after I take attendance."
She pulled out a sheet of paper from her folder, chocolate eyes skimming the document and calling out names.
Emma couldn't take her eyes off her.
She was gorgeous.
Her eyes started with her heels, trailing up toned calves to thighs that were shielded by that sinful dress, over her flat stomach to her chest—to her neck and the simple gold necklace she wore. Her eyes stopped on blood-red lips, entranced by the way they moved and pronounced each syllable. They flickered up to her eyes, becoming completely lost in them for a few moments.
"It appears I only have two graduate students in this course," Regina said, a small evil smirk on her face as she glanced toward August. "August Booth."
"Here," August said, raising his hand and offering the professor a small wave.
"Nice to see you again," Regina said before looking back at the list. "And a Miss Emma Swan," Regina called, her eyes immediately going to the blonde with the green eyes.
"Here," Emma replied, finally coming out of her daze.
Regina's eyes gave her a once over, once more, before she sat the paper down and pulled out her copy of the syllabus. "Now, the syllabus is fairly standard. If you have had me in class before, you know my methods do not change."
A small groan came from the back, causing Regina to chuckle.
"You knew what you were getting into, Killian," the professor fired back before continuing with the syllabus. "You will only need to purchase three books for this course. These three books will be for the book essays you will write, which will make up 30% of your grade and worth 100 points each. These must be done a very specific way."
Regina turned to the white board behind her and uncapped a red marker. "Page one, I want the very first paragraph to tell me the overarching thesis of the book. This should be no more than two sentences." She drew out the format. "Then, I want you to go chapter by chapter and tell me the thesis for that chapter and provide one supporting piece of evidence. This should also not exceed two sentences. This section should take up no more than two pages. If it does, points will be taken off. Page three, I want you to tell me what the book taught you that you did not learn from any history course you have taken, and provide examples. This should not exceed one page. Page four," Regina trailed off as she turned to face her class. "I simply want you to tell me whether you liked the book or did not. This should also not exceed one page, and please refrain from telling me that it was, interesting. There is a world of vocabulary out there, please choose another."
"So…this whole thing shouldn't be more than four pages?" one of the girls in the back asked.
"Correct. I want this to be kept short, sweet, and to the point. It will help you in the long run with your analytical writing." Regina sat the marker down and picked up the syllabus once again. "You will also have your mid-term, which is a take home essay and is worth 20% of your grade, 200 points. I also am requiring in-class presentations, with a bibliography attached, also worth 20% of your grade and 200 points. This presentation is a group presentation and should not exceed 15 minutes. Lastly, you have a final, which is also a take home essay, and worth 20% of your grade, 200 points. I also expect you to attend class."
Regina's eyes flickered to someone in the back of the room. "That means you, Killian."
Emma found herself smirking at the glare being directed to the poor young man. She let out a small snort, immediately drawing her professor's eyes to her.
"Something funny, Miss Swan?"
Emma paled. "No, ma'am."
"Good."
Emma caught the brief upturn of the woman's lips, and grinned internally that she amused the woman.
"My graduate students," Regina began, coming around the front of the desk and leaning her ass against it. Her eyes flickered between August and Emma. "In addition to the previously mentioned criteria, you are expected to write me a 10-12 page research paper, on a topic of your choosing, with my approval, that is due the week before finals. This is worth an extra 200 points. I expect you to come to me with suggestions within the next two weeks so we can discuss."
Emma scribbled the information down in her notebook.
"Now, I am sticking to the generally accepted unspoken rule of the first day of classes, and sending you all off. Today was just an overview of the syllabus. However, on Wednesday we will be diving straight into the course. The schedule for topics is in the syllabus. If you, for some reason, have a question about the class, please refer to the syllabus. If the answer cannot be found there, then come and see me. My office hours are in the top right corner on the first page. Be advised though that on Tuesdays' my office hours are at the coffee shop on Main Street, Wonderland." She looked at the room. "Dismissed."
Everyone began packing up their belongings and bolting from the room, including August.
Soon, it was just Emma and her professor left alone as Regina carefully erased the drawing on the board.
"You are a first-year grad student, correct?" Regina asked, her back turned to the blonde.
Emma's head shot up from her book bag, eyes wide as they looked at Regina's back. "Yes."
Her professor turned and eyed her curiously. "What is your schedule like today?"
Emma's brow furrowed. "Just this class."
Regina nodded. "Come with me, Miss Swan."
Emma gulped as she stood and slung her backpack over her shoulder, diligently following Regina from the room and toward the elevator at the end.
Emma wanted to ask where they were going, but decided against it. She was currently just happy to be spending a little extra time with her professor, who smelled like apples and…cinnamon.
Holy shit, Swan. Get yourself together, you just met this woman AND she's your professor… she thought to herself.
The elevator doors pinged open and the two women stepped inside, Regina pressing the button for the fifth floor a moment after.
"Do you think you will be able to remain undistracted throughout the duration of this course?" Regina asked as the doors closed.
Emma turned to look at her, confusion evident on her face. "What do you mean?"
Regina smirked and then glanced at her student. "You were gawking at me the entire time."
Emma felt her face go red. "I wasn't gawking."
"Ogling then," Regina amended simply.
"I—look to be honest when you first came in I was shocked because I was expecting some sixty-year-old woman with a stick up her ass, based on what I've heard. Instead, in walked this gorgeous young professor," Emma rambled. Her face turned heated when she realized just what she said. Her eyes quickly flickered to her professor's face, noting that a light pink hue had coated her cheeks.
Regina turned to examine Emma. "I appreciate the compliment."
The doors opened and Regina stepped through, her hand coming up and gesturing for the blonde to follow her.
History Department offices…of course.
Emma followed her through the doors and toward a large office at the end of the hallway.
She eyed the lettering that covered the smoky glassed window.
Dr. Regina Mills
Professor of Early Modern European Studies
History Department Head
Regina unlocked her door and flicked on the light, gesturing for Emma to enter. She shut the door behind her before moving to her mahogany desk and telling Emma to have a seat in one of the comfortable leather chairs on the opposite side of the desk.
"The reason why I want to meet with you, is because you are a graduate student and I make it a point to know the graduate students in the department. I know that I am not your advisor, but I take on that role in a way." Regina opened a file on her desk, her eyes skimming the document. "You did your Bachelor's at the University of Maine, majoring in History with a minor in Women's Gender, and Sexuality Studies. And now, you are here at Boston University to receive your Master's degree."
"Yeah," Emma responded, a hand running through her blonde tresses nervously.
Regina looked up at her and sat back in her seat. Her eyes roamed over Emma curiously. She had to admit, she was immediately intrigued by the younger woman when she had seen her in class. Something about her just drew her in.
Regina quickly shook herself from her trance and focused back on the matter at hand. "So, tell me, Miss Swan, what are you looking to pursue here in your studies?"
Emma cleared her throat, suddenly nervous by the way Regina was studying her. Her skin felt flushed and she pushed the feeling down before speaking, "Well, I want to do a concentration in Early Modern European History with a specialization in history of medicine."
Regina's lips turned up in a smile. "So you're pursuing the same course as I."
Emma nodded and chuckled. "Yeah, I guess so. But I guess within that specialization I would want to focus on women and their history within medicine."
Regina's eyebrows rose, intrigued. "Focusing on the role of women in medicine, or women's health and the ways that medicine impacted it?"
Emma shifted in her seat. "That I haven't given much thought too…" she trailed off. "I'm not sure. I like both…but I don't know which I would rather pursue."
Regina nodded. She had to admit, she was pleased that the young woman had the same interest in history as herself…it gave them something extra in common.
Regina realized where that line of thought was taking her, and she mentally scolded herself for entertaining such a thing. Miss Swan was a student, not a potential mate.
She scolded herself again for using a barbaric term.
"Well, Miss Swan, you have time to figure it out. However, not a whole lot. You are expected to complete a thesis during this two year program and will have to choose an advisor before the end of the school year and submit your thesis proposal to the school for approval."
"Well, I mean…" Emma trailed off before offering Regina a small smile. "I would most likely ask you to be my advisor since we are in the same area…it seems silly to pick anyone else."
Regina offered a tight smile, something that Emma immediately noticed.
"I mean, unless you don't want to, then I can choose another professor," Emma backpedaled. "I just don't know who else. I'm not very familiar with the history faculty and know who specializes in what and I have no clue what I would even write on for the thesis and—"
Regina cut her off, "Miss Swan, I'm not telling you no. I am just surprised."
Emma's eyebrows rose. "Why does that surprise you?"
Regina sighed. She shouldn't discuss this with a student, let alone a student she just met. But for some reason she couldn't help the words spill from her lips. "The majority of my students…do not care for me. I've only been asked to be a thesis advisor once in my 3 years of teaching here, and that student stopped being my advisee when the workload became too much for her to handle. She complained to everyone about my feedback."
Emma listened intently. She watched as Regina finished her speech. Her eyes widened slightly when she watched as Regina's impeccable mask slid back into place, replacing the sliver of vulnerability she just witnessed.
"Are you trying to scare me off?" Emma asked then, offering the older woman a smile to try and ease her mood.
Regina watched the genuine look on Emma's face, forcing herself to calm down and will her heart to stop fluttering in her chest. She kept her expression neutral as she responded, "Perhaps, Miss Swan. I wouldn't want either of us to be disappointed."
Emma's face fell slightly, realizing that the brief moment Regina had afforded her had disappeared. "I see."
"Take a few months. You have time. See how you fair in my class and then decide if you still want me as your advisor," Regina recommended. She sat up in her chair a little. "What do you hope to do after you receive your Master's degree from here?"
Emma realized that they were all business once again. "I was hoping to go on for my Ph.D. I want to teach college."
Regina couldn't help the look of surprise that flashed across her face. She hadn't pegged the younger woman for the professor type. "Do you mind if I ask why?"
Emma shifted. "Well, I had originally wanted to go into social work to help kids go through the system, like I did. But then as I went through school, even though I was bouncing around a lot, I fell in love with education and decided I wanted to be a teacher. But then as I went through college I just loved it so much that I decided I wanted to pursue a career teaching college classes. I figured I could volunteer and help out with some of the group homes in the meantime if I want to…it just brings up a lot of memories that I would rather forget, you know?"
Regina eyed her with surprise and, if Emma wasn't mistaken, a hint of admiration.
Emma watched as a few cracks appeared in the mask.
"May I ask why you chose History?"
Emma beamed. "I've loved it ever since I was a kid. I just was drawn to it. My favorite movie of all time is The Mummy, the 1999 version with Brendan Fraser. It just sucked me in. I've always had a fascination for Egyptian history, and then as I went through classes my interest just expanded."
Regina offered a small smile. "I am actually quite fond of that movie as well."
Emma watched then as the mask slid back into place, once again shutting her out of the brief moments of vulnerability she had witnessed.
Regina cleared her throat, attempting to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. "Well, Miss Swan. I believe that will be all. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me and allow me to understand your goals for your future. I will see you in class on Wednesday, and if you have any questions about the class, you know my office hours."
Emma stood and nodded before offering a small smile. "I actually will see you tomorrow night for your seminar class, Medicine in Early Modern England."
Regina's eyebrows rose. "You're taking two classes with me in one semester?"
Emma shifted on her feet, her hand coming to rub the back of her neck nervously. "Is that unusual?"
"Incredibly," Regina deadpanned. "I haven't decided if that is brave or stupid for you." She offered a small smile to show Emma that she was teasing.
The blonde returned the smile. "Well, I will see you tomorrow night and we will find out. Have a good rest of your day, Dr. Mills."
"By the way dear," Regina began, causing the blonde to turn and look at her. "I expect my graduate students to dress the part, and while your skinny jeans and t-shirt are flattering to your physique, perhaps you could dress up a little for tomorrow night."
Emma flushed, her mind reeling from what she took as a compliment. "Okay."
Regina smirked. "Have a good day, dear."
As soon as the blonde exited her office, Regina let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
She cursed herself for even experiencing a flutter. The young woman was a student. Regina tried to reason with herself that Miss Swan was, in fact, a graduate student, and therefore far above legal age. Not to mention drinking age.
She scolded herself for trying to justify it then.
A knock sounded on her door.
"Enter," Regina called, surprised when her mother stepped through the door. "You're earlier than usual."
Cora Mills' eyebrows rose and she gestured to the clock on the wall. "It is my normal time, dear."
Regina looked to the clock, realizing that her mother was, in fact, on time as always. More time had passed with Miss Swan than she had realized. "I see."
"You seem distracted, dear. Is your first day back going unwell?" Cora asked, her eyes grazing over her daughter's face. She could see Regina was struggling with something.
"It is nothing, mother," Regina said with a sigh. "Nothing I am unable to handle."
"If you're sure…" Cora trailed off, not wanting to push her. "So, where did you want to go for lunch today?"
"I was thinking that Thai place on Main?"
Cora beamed. "You read my mind!"
Regina let out a laugh and stood from her desk, grabbing her purse on the way out.
The Humanities building wasn't far from the restaurant, only a few blocks and easy to walk to.
They chatted on the way, mainly about her mother's day and how she had so much to get done this year. They had more students enrolled than previous years and it was adding a greater workload to her mother's plate. After all, Cora Mills was the President of the University.
They entered the restaurant and took a seat, quickly placing their usual orders.
"So, how was your first class?" Cora asked as she sipped her iced tea.
Regina sighed. "Uneventful. I have a few students who I have previously had. Granted, they are all repeating the course…"
Cora hummed in understanding. "What of your graduate students? I know you have two this time."
"I have August Booth again. He performed well last semester and I hope that what he learned then has stuck."
"He is taking another class with you, so I would assume that he is capable, otherwise he would avoid it altogether," Cora reasoned.
"True," Regina said with a sigh. "And I have a new graduate student, Emma Swan." Her lip turned up in a smile.
Cora noticed immediately, even more intrigued when it seemed her daughter was completely unaware of the gesture.
"I spoke with her after class, and asked her about her plans and course of study. It turns out that she is in my field. Her niche needs refined though for her to write her thesis, but I told her she can wait to make a decision on that for the time being."
Cora examined her daughter while she spoke, her voice carried an air of fondness that Cora found surprising. "You just met this, Miss Swan, correct?" Cora asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yes, she's a new graduate student," Regina continued on, oblivious to her mother's motive, "she asked me to be her thesis advisor." Regina laughed. "She had one class with me, which only lasted 30 minutes because it was the first day, and she told me she would ask me to be her advisor."
Cora smiled. "Well, your areas are the same. It would make sense for her to choose you."
"Yes, but you know my track record with thesis candidates." Regina sat back in her chair, staring at her water thoughtfully. "I just do not want to have a repeat performance. I told her that she has time to make that decision and she should wait until she has established a grade in my class."
Cora hummed, still watching her daughter's expression. She was amused when Regina appeared to get a wistful look in her eye and a soft smile played on her mouth.
"She is also taking two classes of mine in one semester."
Cora let out a laugh. "She is in for a real treat then."
Regina found herself joining in. "Indeed. I told her as much."
The bell jingled to the restaurant as a few more patrons entered, beginning the rush hour.
Regina immediately turned her head when she heard a familiar voice flitter through the small restaurant.
"Cut it out, Ruby," Emma growled at her roommate as they took their seats at the table just over from Regina and her mother.
"You've got it bad, Swan," Ruby sing-songed.
"Miss Swan," Regina stated in greeting, causing both woman to look at her like she caught them with their hands in the cookie jar.
"Dr. Mills," Emma squeaked, praying to all the deities on the planet that she hadn't heard what she and Ruby were discussing.
Because it was definitely about her, and the major crush that Emma had developed on her.
Cora Mills turned and examined the blonde, finding her attractive. Her eyes flickered to her daughter, watching carefully as the younger woman appeared to be soaking her in.
Cora had to force herself to keep from rolling her eyes. Instead, she cleared her throat and spoke to the blonde. "Miss Swan, allow me to introduce myself since my daughter has forgotten her manners. I'm Cora Mills, President of Boston University."
Emma's eyes widened as they flickered back and forth between Cora and Regina. "Wow, so both Mills women work at the school. That is…well, forgive my language, but that is badass."
Regina found herself chuckling, earning an arched eyebrow from her mother.
Cora was amused regardless. "I hope that your first day has been eventful thus far. My daughter and I were actually just discussing you."
"You were?" Emma asked, surprised.
"Well well," Ruby whispered behind her hand, earning a swift kick from Emma underneath the table. She let out a yelp.
Regina had heard what the blonde's brunette and red streaked friend had whispered, and she felt her cheeks flush. She yelled at herself in her head, needing to get a grip.
"Indeed. My daughter is intrigued that there is a graduate student interested in the same field of study as herself. Which, I might add, is impressive to me as well, considering my daughter picked such a small niche to position herself in."
"What is your niche, by the way?" Emma asked her professor, realizing they hadn't covered it earlier.
"Old age and disease in Early Modern England," Regina replied smoothly, allowing her mask to fall back in place.
Cora examined her daughter's face, knowing her well enough to see what she was suppressing exactly. She wouldn't comment on it though. She figured that if it continued, then she would have to say something. But for now, to spare her daughter any mortification, she would leave it be.
Emma whistled. "Wow."
"I'm surrounded by nerds," Ruby joked, flashing a wolfish grin.
Just then, Regina and Cora's lunch arrived, and they dug in, going back to their own conversation.
Emma couldn't help but keep stealing glances of her professor though. She was entranced by the woman's mouth, unable to help it. She also enjoyed the way she worked her jaw whenever her mother made a teasing remark, causing the blonde to smirk in amusement at the mother daughter banter.
Ruby got up to use the restroom as Cora stood to refill her iced tea, leaving Emma and Regina sitting alone at their tables.
"You do know that staring is rude, dear," Regina commented, a smirk on her face when Emma's head whipped to look at her, cheeks beet red. "I thought that perhaps your distraction would be a problem in class, but it appears that it will be outside of class as well."
"And going back to my statement from earlier, Dr. Mills, you're gorgeous," Emma fired back, boldly.
She was taken back though by the heated look that crossed her professor's features. At first she thought she was furious with her, but then her eyes quickly took in the slightly darkened chocolate eyes, and the soft flush that seemed to appear…
Holy shit…is…is she aroused? Emma thought.
Just then, Cora returned to the table, interrupting the staring contest the two women were engaged in.
"Are you alright, dear?" Cora asked, examining her daughter's features. "You're looking a little flushed."
Emma watched curiously as the mask slid back in place.
She couldn't help but think that Regina was probably an excellent poker player with a face mask like that.
"I feel as though it became a tad warmer in here," Regina explained before sipping her water.
As Emma and Ruby's food arrived, her roommate appearing as it did, the other two women received their check.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Swan," Cora said as she stood, taking the bill with her.
"It was a pleasure meeting you as well, President Mills."
Regina looked to her student. "I will see you tomorrow night."
"Absolutely," Emma replied, flashing her professor with a charming smile.
Cora eyed the interaction, suppressing her smirk as she turned to pay the bill, her daughter in tow.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and like the story! Don't forget to drop a review!
Also PLEASE check out my novels. The 3rd should be dropping in a few months! Get yourselves ready!