Page 93 of In Prey We Trust

“You are the one who killed that science geek, not Heather M. They should have carted you off in handcuffs, you freak. Now Heather H’s parents are making her marry Todd because the Maclachlans can’t fulfill their contract. You ruin everything and have since the moment you popped your cherry at Prom!”

That’s… a lot of dumbshit assumptions for one screeching speech.

“I didn’t kill anyone, E. They ran tests—two separate, independent ones—and found out the hairs on Kinsley’s body were that new Heather’s. I don’t know shit about contracts except mine was voided when that douche…,” she snarls, pointing at a wimpy looking canine in a double popped collar polo and salmon shorts, “...tried to eat me instead of mate with me!”

The leader of the pack tosses her hair over her shoulder as she lets out a dark laugh. “Wouldn’t we all have been better off if he had, little bunny?”

My dragon roars inside of me and I shove my way through the crowd. My wings and tail knock students over until I get into the middle of their semi-circle, facing the mob with iridescent eyes. “I wouldn’t be better off, nor would quite a few others who aren’t present. It’s interesting how you chose to pick this fight in a place where Dolly wouldn’t have any support, little Erickson. Cowardice is a family trait, I hear.”

“Just like being a pathetic loser who destroys historical treasure shit runs in yours, I’d imagine,” the twit shoots back.

The stupidity of youth never ceases to amaze me.

Before I can correct the girl, Dolly steps forward and gives her a knowing look. “He was a child, E. You remember that, right? Doing stupid stuff because you don’t know better? I mean, I know you do because you tried to French kiss a wall socket when we were in kindergarten. Your hair looked like something out of Dragonball for months.”

I can’t help it; I burst into laughter. The image is priceless and she’s turning an amazing shade of purple. The other girls move into place behind her and my humor screeches to halt. This is prep for an offensive and I’m not going to allow it. Stretching my wings above me until I’m filling the space menacingly, I blow two smoke rings from my nose as I smirk at them. “You have two minutes to vacate this room before I show you why dragons aren’t allowed in the Games. I’ll give you a hint: it has to do with fire.”

The crowd scrambles, leaving the four blond girls looking at me with angry glares. When I don’t move, the three minions scatter to grab their things, leaving their leader to pretend she’s holding her ground. Dolly walks around me, heading to her desk to get her things, but I keep my eyes on Erickson. She’s the truly dangerous one because she has no fear—no one has ever successfully told this girl ‘no’ and meant it. That means she’s fine with staring down an angry dragon because she has no idea what I’ll do if she doesn’t stop threatening my mate.

“Let’s go, Aubrey.” The soft hand on my arm gets my attention and I fold my wings in as I look at her. “She’s not worth it and I’m not giving her the satisfaction. Being left to stand here alone should be enough of a message.”

No, it’s not, my dragon argues.

“The animal inside me doesn’t agree, but if you think it’s time to go, we will.” I hold my arm out, intending to walk her to the ridiculous ‘therapy’ appointment to ensure no one messes with her on the way. “But I’d be happy to fricassee this nuisance anytime, lunchable.”

“Excuse me, but who gave you permission to dismiss my class?”

My head turns slowly as the professor up front finally seems to check-in. “I don’t need permission from the likes of you, Blitzen. Your students were almost in a brawl when I came in and you were reading the fucking newspaper!”

The bearded man looks confused, his eyes darting around the classroom in confusion. “They were? Are you sure? I didn’t see a thing.”

This is not good.

Dolly and I share a glance, then I look at the bear shifter. “Yes. That student had an entire mob of preds surrounding Miss Drew and they were ready to attack. You really don’t remember that?”

“Absolutely not! You’re out of your mind. Of course I would know if the students were that unruly. I do not permit shenanigans in my classroom!” The professor huffs and slams his briefcase on his desk, shoving papers into it as he gives me a dirty look. “I am offended by your insinuation and will be speaking with the Heads about it. Good day!”

I watch in shock as he bustles out, followed by the bully herself, and then I turn to Dolly. “What the hell just happened, nibblet?”

Her expression changes to a frown as she shakes her head. “I don’t know, Aubrey. But it was really fucking weird and we need to talk to Rennie soon. There is literally no other explanation for that shit if it isn’t magic and if it is? They’re not just kidnapping people on their way on and off campus—they’ve found a way to bespell people.”

Not the way I saw my day going today at all and I am not happy.

It’s time to talk to my family about mating again.

Don’t Blame Me

Delores

The last appointment of the week with Rockland was a nightmare. The Heathers obviously told her about the fight before I got there because she spent half the time chastising me about anger management and the rest of the time not-so-subtly grilling me about sex with a dragon. It took an enormous amount of self-control not to lose my temper with her, but I knew that was what she wanted. If I flew off the handle after getting into a public fight in my history class, she could suggest I need more therapy or even something worse. I refuse to give the bitch that satisfaction.

But I did text Farley about her behavior, including a few audio clips for his files.

I spent the next two days buried in studying for the upcoming exams with Rufus and Cori to stay distracted. The guys plied me with food and snuggles, allowing me to stew in my unabated fury while I processed. But by Saturday, I knew it was time to get out of the house and do something not related to my shitty ex-friends and snotty counselor. Otherwise, I’d sink into frustration and not come out—a luxury I can’t afford with exams next week and mysteries to solve.

“Maybe we could go out tonight?” I look over at Aubrey and Rennie sprawled out in their tasty weekend sweats with a small smile. “It’s probably time for me to quit sulking.”

The dragon looks amused as he pauses, sifting through another pile of old records. “The rumpled, angry college student look was just starting to suit you.”

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