I lean back in my chair, my brows rising. Anti-demon rumors? That’s new. Normally it’s all demon-love, all the time.

Miss Thing sighs. “Demons are poor, misunderstood creatures that are true friends to ghouls. Maybe not so much to quasis.” She taps her chin with her long gray finger. “But since you’re our minions, that means they’re really your friends too!” She glances about the classroom expectantly.

I scan the faces as well. Everyone looks at our teacher with open, accepting stares. My chest tightens with frustration as the word ‘minion’ rattles around my brain. We used to rule ourselves, sistah, and did a damn good job of it too.

Miss Thing gazes at one of the many Oligarchy glamour shots she’s taped to her wall. “Besides, our brave and handsome leaders tell us demons will be our allies forever. And we know the Oligarchy could never lie or make a mistake.” Her eyes flutter as she exhales. “So, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Huh. That was a lot of explaining for something not to worry about.

Miss Thing walks up to the board. Using super-screechy chalk, she starts listing examples of how demons have been trustworthy through the ages. Twenty minutes go by and she’s reached one and a half items.

Zeke shifts his weight; his chair lets out a soft squeak. I turn to him and realize he’s been whispering to me about Cissy this whole time. I smile and pretend I’ve been listening all along.

“It’s been so awesome having Cissy around,” says Zeke. “My parents don’t get a lot of support from the ghouls. Basically, they let us keep our house and that’s it. We have to pay for all the diplomatic events. It adds up.”

“That’s too bad, Zeke. I had no idea.”

“My parents are pretty picky, too. They worry about every little thing. Cissy’s really good about the details, though. Like at dinner, she figured out how to get floral centerpieces that were periwinkle instead of cerulean. Mom was pumped.”

Wow. I have no idea what he just said.

“That’s totally cool, Zeke. I’m happy for you.”

“Anyway, she’s a great girl.” He smiles. “And you’ve done an awesome job adjusting to our relationship. I know it must be hard, seeing us together all the time.” He arches his eyebrow and winks.

Just when you think it’s safe to have a conversation with Zeke Ryder, he turns back into the Lust Monster. My voice drips with a healthy dose of venom. “I’ve adjusted, Zeke. You should too.”

The rest of the day zips by and before I know it, I’m driving my green station wagon over to the Ryder mansion.