Page 24 of Forbidden Virgin Mate

Shutting down my computer, I down the cold remnants of the extra-strong coffee I've been drinking all day to stay awake. Earlier, some of my students made jokes about my supposed “big night out,” picking up on the fact that I looked like death. It was easier to let them assume I'd been out partying than the sad truth.

I'll never belong here, and these sick people will never understand the damage they did to my family.

Feeling down this morning, I called my parents. Unfortunately, the conversation didn't have the soothing effect I'd hoped for. And really, what did I expect? My parents aren't able to help themselves, never mind me.

My dad answered, but as usual, he was too out of it to talk to me. My mom came on the line. When I told her what happened, she immediately blamed me for trying to make friends withthose people. I tried to explain that Billie and her friends weren't like that, but that just made my mom angrier. The conversation ended abruptly with a reminder from my mom to keep to the plan and then come home to look after them.

I hung up without answering her. After that call, the only thing I was certain of was that having tasted proper freedom recently, I intended to put some space between myself and my parents.

My phone beeped again almost immediately, and I answered, thinking perhaps my mom had something else to say. Instead, it was Agent Barnes with an update on our latest case.

I was risking everything with the FBI. If they found out about my vendetta here, I knew they might revoke my clearance. Despite how my role with the FBI started, I truly enjoy bringing down the bad guys.

It's not lost on me that I'm one of them now.

I sit at my desk, rubbing my eyes and trying to steel myself to head home. I’m trapped in the middle of my parents, Zack, my pack, and the FBI. What a fucking mess. No wonder I have a headache.

Finally, I push back my chair, grab my bag and head out. The college is pretty quiet today, so I don't bump into many people as I head out to my truck. The less small talk, the better. I put my cup and laptop case on the hood and searched for my keys before glancing up and seeing someone I didn't expect. Saffy wasn't in class today, so I assumed she was sick. But here she is, sitting alone on a bench and not looking well. Her hair is tied up, and she looks much paler than normal.

I know I should just get in my car and head home, but I waver. I never thought I'd be a natural at teaching, but I've really surprised myself by how much I care about my students. They're so enthusiastic to learn, recognizing that this region desperately needs technology to compete in the future. They're a joy, and Saffy's no different—maybe even more enthusiastic than the others. Certainly more gifted.

She also reminds me of myself, which is exactly why I should stay away from her.

"Hey, Saffy, you okay?" I ask, walking over to where she’s sitting.

She looks up in surprise, then plasters on an obviously fake smile. "Yeah, um, hi," she says. "Sorry I missed class today. Um, just came to pick up an assignment."

"Everything okay?” I ask, knowing it's not.

She nods a few times, seemingly trying to stop the inevitable tears, then fails and lets them fall.

"Shush, come here," I say, sitting down beside her and putting my arm around her shoulder.

"Sorry," she says, wiping her eyes on her sleeve. "I'm being silly."

I shake my head. "No, it's fine. Has something happened?"

"This stuff with Zack…I've been getting some messages," she says, and I immediately bristle. "I wasn't sure who sent them at first, but then I figured out they’re from people in my class. So I didn't want to come in today, but I don't want to fall behind, either."

God, kids can be so cruel. "Give me their names, and I'll put a stop to it," I say.

She shakes her head. "No, I don't want to make things worse. Zack says it will be over soon."

I nod, not knowing how to handle this. After a moment, I clear my throat. "You know the situation with my parents," I begin, and Saffy looks at me in surprise. “Well, last night, I was reminded just how much some folks in my pack still hate them for what they think they did. Between you and me, I kind of hate them for that. They shouldn't be blaming me, and no one here should be blaming you for anything Zack does."

Saffy's expression flares. "But he didn't do anything!"

"No, no, I know," I say quickly. "I just mean they shouldn't even be talking to you about it."

"Sorry, yes, I know what you mean," she says, shaking her head. "I know you like Zack. I know you didn't mean that."

Cold dread ices my veins even more as she continues. "Stupid thing is, the messages seem to say I helped him. I'm doing this course, so they're saying everyone thinks it's both of us. So they’re not just talking about him."

I run a hand through my hair, trying to find the words. "They'll see, Saf. They'll see it's not you."

My words feel hollow. I'm about to destroy this girl and the life she knows. My memories from the night before are still so fresh, I don't know how to process my emotions right now.

"Where's your car?" I ask.

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