Page 13 of Ruined Wolfsbane

“Have a seat.” Indicating one of the dark blue chairs, Malachi Grimm walks behind his desk. He sits in a leather executive chair, eyeing my form, frozen in the doorway.

Shaking myself out of my staring contest with the bookshelves, I do as he orders. Sitting down makes my ridiculous skirt even shorter. I tug at the stupid uniform, trying in vain to make it cover more of my pale thighs.

“Is something wrong with your skirt?”

“No.” As my denial leaves my lips, I want to take it back. I know he’ll be able to tell I’m lying. I may want to push his buttons, but now’s not the time. Not when I’m feeling so drained from being around people again all day.

“Want to try that again, Briar?” Malachi’s voice takes on a dangerous edge.

I clench my jaw and stare down at my lap. I really don’t want to talk about my skirt with my advisor, but I know he’s not going to let it go. “It’s too short.”

“You can purchase a different one at the bookshop.” He frowns at me as he speaks.

Yeah, I know that. The problem is my stepfather doesn’t give me any spending money. This is the one uniform he ordered for me, so it’s what I’m stuck with.

Glancing at the door, I debate whether I can make it out of the room before he catches me. I don’t want to talk about this with him or anyone. Sighing, I realize answering him is the only way to end this miserable conversation. “I don’t have any money.”

“Have you tried getting a job?” he says, his tone dripping with judgement.

Like I wouldn’t trade almost anything to have the bit of freedom working would give me. “I’m not allowed to work.” I whip my gaze up to his as I grind out my answer. I want him to see the fury burning in my eyes.

How dare he judge me for my screwed-up situation without all the facts. He pretends to care in the classroom and then makes a snap judgement like everyone else. If I had a dime for every time people have decided I’m just a spoiled brat, I’d have enough money to leave this shithole town. No one ever bothers to look beyond the fancy house and wealthy stepfather. Money can hide the darkest sins.

I can see a muscle ticking in his jaw at my response. His eyes soften momentarily in regret before flicking to his computer. After messing around on his laptop for a minute, he turns back to me. “I can order you a different one.” Before I can object again, he continues. “The cost will be added to your tuition expenses for next semester.”

I weigh my options. I can accept his help, even though he’s been a grade-A asshole about it, or I can suffer through the semester with a skirt that’s way too short. Closing my eyes and blowing out a breath, I know it’s not even a competition. “Fine. I need the tall size.”

“Done. It will be here tomorrow. I need to talk with my brothers tonight to get a plan together for accommodations. Can you meet me after your class tomorrow to discuss it? I’ll be free at noon.”

“Sure. Is that all for today?” I bite out. I’m so done with him today. Malachi Grimm has yanked me through the whole gamut of emotions—interest, fear, safety, judgement, and anger.

At his nod, I jump up and stomp toward the door. When I reach his open office door, he calls my name. I pretend I can’t hear him and flee down the stairs.

Bursting out into the early September air, I practically sprint out the gates of the school. Once I’m free of WHU, I feel like I can breathe again, even though the air is thick and syrupy with an incoming storm.

While my first day wasn’t all bad, WHU is just another fancy prison. The only time I’m really free is when I’m outside. The wind in my hair and the sunshine on my face is the ultimate freedom. Walking among the trees, flowers, shrubs, birds, and insects gives me peace unlike anything else.

I wish I had time to wander the forest this afternoon, but I have to do homework and call Ava.

Sighing, I start the trek back to the house. It’s about six miles each way. Luckily, I love running, and I’m fast. Otherwise, it would take a couple hours to get to and from WHU. Putting my earbuds in, I play the acoustic version of “Unsteady.” If that doesn’t describe my mood, I don’t know what does.

I tighten my satchel so it lies against my back and start running. During my run, I can’t stop thinking about my professors.

Why am I so drawn to them?

I wish I knew.

I almost run past my house, I’m so preoccupied with my thoughts. Luckily, I spot the white and gray monstrosity before I pass it. Loosening my bag to hang down by my side, I pass through the gates leading to the property.

Behind the wrought iron gates is a towering mansion with white limestone walls and a slate roof. The loosely federal style structure has grand Corinthian columns framing tall double doors. Black-rimmed windows and dual chimneys complete the front wing of the house. The other two wrap around behind.

The grounds are landscaped meticulously. Not even a single blade of grass is out of place. Cheery fountains bubble in the late-summer heat, tempting the local wildlife to sneak a drink.

As I walk up the curving driveway, I stare at the three separate wings of my stepfather’s ostentatious house. Who even needs nine bedrooms, multiple kitchens, a home theater, and a Roman spa?

My stepfather, apparently.

Shaking my head at his over-the-top display of wealth, I ease one of the two eight-foot, wood-and-glass doors open. Stepping inside, I mentally go through the homework I need to complete. So lost in my thoughts, I don’t notice anyone in my way until I collide with a hard body.

---