Page 64 of The Bleak Beginning

I change course, heading toward the Whitlock dorms instead of my own. The additional steps give me time to simmer, my irritation building with each step. By the time I reach Cam’s room, I’m practically seething.

“What happened to you?” he asks from his spot on the couch, taking in my disgruntled expression.

“O’Donnelly,” I offer, knowing it’s not the entire reason.

Cam nods in perfect understanding. This professor may appreciate the male students around her, but everyone understood she had a special appreciation for us Legacies.

A fresh shudder races its way down my spine.

I flop down next to my friend, letting out a frustrated groan. “She’s insisting on ‘checking in’ on my sessions with Alex. Meaning she’s really just looking for any excuse to meet with me alone.”

Cam grimaces. “Gross. That woman gives me the creeps.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter. “I need to make sure Alex shows up on Thursday, or I’m screwed.”

He lifts an eyebrow. “And how exactly do you plan on doing that?”

I lean my head back against the couch, closing my eyes. “I don’t know. But I’ll figure something out.” I don't really have a choice unless I want to spend more time with O'Donnelly, which I definitely do not want.

“Why don't you use your charms on Alex to get what you want? It's not like it's a new tactic for you, right? Besides, we agreed that your tutoring sessions would be great forgathering additional information.” Cam suggests, knowing that my reputation for being persuasive extends beyond just casual flirting. My talents in the bedroom are well-known across campus, but my friend is being modest.

“That would only work if she actually decided to show up,” I grumble.

Cam shrugs nonchalantly. “Then make sure she does.”

I let out a groan. This girl has only been here a hot minute and is already screwing everything up for us all.

There’s a moment of silence before I speak again. “Where’s Bishop? I thought you guys were going into town for pizza after my meet.”

Cam shoots me a knowing look and I click my tongue in disapproval.

“You know how he is,” he says.

“I know, I know. Leave no stone unturned, and all that. It’ll be helpful if he shares what he finds with us, when it happens,” I complain, still annoyed about this morning. Because, seriously, what was that? We’re on the same team. Team exterminate the threat.

“Yeah, well, you know Bishop,” Cam says. “He’s like a dog with a bone when he’s on to something.”

I nod, still annoyed, but understanding. Bishop’s thoroughness is usually an asset, even if it’s frustrating right now.

“Speaking of Bishop,” he says, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Before he ditched me for the old you-know-who’s, he said he might have found out something interesting about our little problem child.”

My head snaps up, suddenly alert. “What did he find?”

Cam shrugs, but there’s a glint in his eye. “He didn’t say much, just that he’d tell us when he got back.”

A spark of hope ignites in my chest. Maybe this is it. Maybe Bishop has found the key to getting rid of Alex once and for all.

“When’s he supposed to be back?” I ask, trying to keep the eagerness out of my voice.

“Dunno,” he replies glancing at the clock on the opposite wall. “But it’s been a few hours, so probably soon.”

“Good.” I nod, settling back into the couch, and kicking up my feet on his coffee table. My mind races with hopeful possibilities. We needed this girl gone. Stat.

Just then, the door swings open and Bishop strides in, kicking my feet from the table and dropping a pizza box between us in way of apology. His face is set in a grim expression.

“Speak of the devil,” Cam mutters, already digging in while I ignore the way my stomach growls. The delicious aroma of garlic, pepperoni, and melted cheese is making my mouth water.

I study Bishop’s face. “You found something?”

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