Page 11 of Demon Found

Pure or cross: Cross

Genus: incomplete, results to follow

“Weneverhad a problem sorting students into their genus classes, until we accepted crossbreeds.” The nurse sniffs, making some final adjustments to her computer before printing a schedule and stuffing it into my hand.

Are you kidding me? My nurse is a purist. Great.

“Never in all my days have I seen a harpy with white hair, but your papers say you emerged as one. I’m sure our genetic tests will confirm that when they come through. So, you’ll attend the harpy genus class. Once your results are through, you’ll need to catch up on whatever your other genus class is.”

“Just because I’m a crossbreed I get more work? It’s not like I’m about to transform into anything other than a harpy, it’s just genetics!”

“Some supes can takebothgenera. It’s rare, but . . .” She tuts. “Show some gratitude that you’re here at all. Crossbreeds need to be fully educated in case they develop powers related to whatever nasty little combination of genes they have going on.” The nurse’s lip curls. She’s blatantly got no time for me, now I’m not one of her precious pure breeds.

How long will the stupid test take? I’m behind in classes already. The nurse plonks me in a seat before going to fetch Seth. He chats with her just out of earshot, their heads together, looking far too friendly. He’s a crossbreed too, why is she not bitchy to him? Maybe they’re lovers.

I focus on the wall, to give them some semblance of privacy. This art was either done by a two-year-old or a master. I wouldn’t bet my money either way. Not that I have any. Out the corner of my eye I catch Seth slip a thick brown envelope into the nurse’s starched lab coat, pat the pocket once, turn, and head straight for me. Dodgy as all hell. Whatismy brother up to? I guess you can take the boy out of Venez...

Seth jerks his chin for me to follow and strides off without saying a word.Ugh. So many people with so many issues. What’s his problem? He should be on my side. Sighing, I lug my bag over my shoulder and trot to catch up. Maybe it’s me, maybe I just need to make more of an effort.

“Y’know, Seth, that’s the first time I’ve had blood taken since you went all protective big brother on me. You remember that? Just after . . .” Shit. I didn’t mean to bring this up. Not straight away. Swallowing back the emotion, I force the rest of the sentence out. “Just after my dad and your mom died.”

He just grunts and keeps moving. So much for bonding. Who brings up the day their parents died straight away?

I suck at this.

As we trail down a well-manicured path toward a set of buildings with I-shit-you-not actual battlements and flags, a lanky guy with tight ginger curls drops into step beside Seth. I’m too caught up staring around to catch what he mutters, but Seth nods and turns to me.

“Here. Your induction pack.” He thrusts a file into my hands. “Accommodation for year one is in the last of those buildings ahead. Crack on and get comfortable. Your classes start tomorrow.”

Without a backward glance, he trots off, trailing behind the ginger guy like a faithful dog.

Well, satyr shit! The dean specifically told Seth to make sure I got the full tour and that he took me to my room. I barely know which direction we came from, never mind where my damn classes are. There better be a map in this pack somewhere. I should have known better than to rely on anyone.

I stomp toward the accommodation buildings, scowling. I pass a few students in pristine regulation uniform, huddled together, staring at me. The next group I pass glare and whisper. I stalk away with their mocking laughter following me. My heart sinks, but I pull my shoulders back and keep walking.Assholes.I might look down-at-heel but I’m not a leper. Not one single person returns my forced smile. Snobby jerks.

Sure, I’m the new girl today. They’ll have something else to gossip about tomorrow.

“Well, look what the jinn dragged in!”

I’ve only met her once and I’d already recognize Camille’s nasal voice anywhere. She’s standing blocking the arched entryway to the dorms. Beside her, a blonde Barbie of a girl stands hands on hips, while a little posse titters behind them.

“Hey, scholarship,” the blonde catcalls.

Gritting my teeth, I ignore them.

“You should answer when your superiors talk to you,” the blonde snarls in my ear as I try to pass, her shoulder barging me back a step. What the hell is she made of? Freaking lead?

“I’ll let you know if I spot any.” I grin cheerily in her face.Never let them know they’ve got you rattled.

“I don’t know what your dorm assignment is, gutter trash, but move into my room and I’ll have you expelled.”

Blondie has a spare bed in her room? Interesting. I’d rather sleep rough than share space with this poisonous viper. Feigning causal indifference, I glance at my pack.Please, please, please don’t have put me with her.

“Fifth floor, room 20E,” I say, forcing my face to smile.

“Just as well,” the blonde spits in my ear. “At least the weirdo will have some company. Although, not for long. Scholarship kids never last.”

The girls titter.It’s creepy how they do that in unison.They shuffle out my way.

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