Page 8 of Snitches and Serpents

“Kill you?” A cruel smile slides across his lips. “That seems entirely too merciful. I have something far worse in mind for you.”

My brain malfunctions and my lungs stop working. Because I can tell that he means every word. He hates me with every fiber of his being.

And I still don’t understand entirely why.

Before I can stop myself, I have asked that question.

Staring up into those rage-filled eyes, I breathe, “Why?”

For a moment, he seems genuinely surprised by the question. Then he blinks, recovering, and scoffs.

“You know why,” he says.

Before I can respond, he releases my wrists and gets to his feet in one smooth motion. I sit up, and then quickly scramble to my feet as well.

“If you try to run again, I will break your kneecaps,” Tristan warns.

I flick a glance at him, and I can tell that he means that too, so I just straighten my clothes and then fix my ponytail.

A vicious laugh, full of bitter poison, rips from his chest as he looks at me.

It sets my teeth on edge, and the flash of fury momentarily blocks out my fear.

“What?” I snap as I toss my hair back behind my shoulder.

He shoots me a mocking smile. “Always so perfect.”

He says that as if it’s an insult. Which makes no sense. But I decide not to comment on it. Since he seems less likely to murder me now, I decide to ask him another question instead.

“Why did you bring me here?” I ask, motioning at the darkening forest around us.

For a moment, he says nothing. As if he is considering whether or not to answer.

Leaves rustle as a warm evening wind sweeps through the trees. Somewhere to my left, a bird flaps away.

At last, Tristan speaks.

“I brought you here to show you that you’re on my turf now,” he says, that cruel smile returning to his lips.

It takes all of my self-control not to scoff. His turf? Bercester U is not his turf. It’s a university with thousands of students. Half of whom have probably never even heard of Tristan Kane.

“Back in our hometown,” he continues. “You might’ve had your father the mayor and the rest of your little posse to protect you. But here?” He spreads his arms wide as if to motion at the entire state around us. “You’re at my mercy.”

My heart pounds in my chest. But I just hold his gaze, saying nothing.

He cocks his head while a mocking smile tilts his lips. “Have you finally learned when to keep your mouth shut?” A harsh huff of laughter escapes his lungs. “Too bad it’s two and a half years too late.”

“So this is about that day.”

“Of course it is.”

Frustration crackles through me, and I throw my arms out in an annoyed gesture. “What was I supposed to do? They asked me if I had seen anyone leave the science lab. And I obviously saw you.”

Fury burns in his eyes. “You should’ve kept your fucking mouth shut.”

“But you were stealing!” I stare at him, shaking my head in complete confusion. “You were stealing lab equipment.”

“So?”

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