Page 101 of The Tribrid Princess and the Taste of Chaos
He’s lying.
“Oh yeah? What are you researching? I’ve read most of the books here, so maybe I can help?” I offer, glancing around.
He smirks. “It’s no big deal; it’s just regarding pack territories.”
It isn’t.
I observe him, wondering what the hell he’s hiding. “Everything alright?” I ask.
He nods, shrugging. “Yeah, I guess so. It’s nothing. I was just curious about some of the pack borders for a strategy lesson.”
“Cool. Well, if you need any notes, I have some on all the packs,” I reply as he lies without even batting an eyelid. He’s good, there’s no change to his heartbeat or anything.
“I didn’t ask for your fucking help, Jayce.” He now scoffs. “Why do you always try to fucking act like you’re in charge or that you’re our older brother? We were born minutes apart, remember?”
I cock a brow. “Minutes or years. I’m still the eldest. Maybe if you didn’t act like an asshole the majority of the time, I wouldn’t have to,” I reply coldly.
He smirks. “Right. Sure, whatever. But don’t act like you’re some kind of Mr Perfect.” The way he’s looking at me is as if he knows something I don’t, and I hate it.
“I’m not in the mood to argue with you, Ares. Got a fucking issue? Then let’s battle it out. If not, fuck off,” I say, flipping openthe book I was reading.
He walks towards me. “How many rules have you broken, Jayce? I mean here in the library, and who knows where else?” he asks, about to snatch the book from my hand, but my grip is tight. His eyes flash again as he yanks at it, and this time, I smirk when he fails again.
“What’s the matter? Is your ego bruised because I’m fucking stronger?” I taunt, having had enough of his fucking attitude.
“Fuck off, you dickhead,” Ares says, shoving me instead. I’m ready for it, and don’t budge. He’s always been physical when not getting his way. The fact that I didn’t even stumble makes his irritation rise.
He’s really pissing me off. “You’re the one who approached me, so you fuck off, init. What do you fucking want from me?”
“I don’t know, maybe stop fucking dictating shit for me – for any of us. Mom and Dad can speak for themselves. You don’t need to try to keep us in line just to make them happy,” he snarls.
“Well, I won’t fucking stop. I’m not fucking interested in your insecure bullshit. I’m fed up with having to put up with it. Give me a valid reason, Ares.” My eyes are blazing, and this time I grab him by his collar. “Just remember, Mom and Dad are the reason I haven’t fucking beaten the shit out of you. So, fix your shit, because I’m fed up with you being a fucking wanker.”
He shoves me hard in the chest, knocking the wind from me, his aura surging, but I don’t move, refusing to back down. “Don’t mess with me, Jayce, you’ll fucking regret it.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Threats don’t work on me, Ares. Consider this my last fucking warning.” I let go of him roughly and turn my back on him.
“I fucking hate you, dickhead,” he mutters resentfully.
I tense, my heart skipping a beat as my wolf stirs at that statement. I turn and look back at him sharply, trying to remain indifferent. “Do you really hate me, Ares?”
“Yeah, I fucking do,” he spits back before he turns and storms off, activating the library alarm as he does.
He means it. He fucking means it.
I don’t move, knowing I have mere minutes before someone shows up, but all I can think of is his confirmation that he hates me.
I don’t bother him. It’s rare that I even fucking order any of them to do something. I run my fingers through my hair, suppressing my emotions and schooling my features to cool indifference when Professor Virelia sweeps into the library, her hands glowing.
I step out from behind the shelf, and she looks surprised, her aura vanishing. “Jayce Westwood! Not who I was expecting.”
“I apologise, Professor. I’ve been working on some language research, and I admit I’ve been needing more time at the library,” I say distractedly.I hate you– those are the words that are ringing loudly in my head.
“Well, I will let you off with a warning this time. You may request access after-hours, but there are curfews and rules for a reason. You are the leader of Ninth Division. Please show more caution and respect for rules.
“Understood,” I reply, frowning slightly.
I hate you.
