Page 31 of The Howl
“Never mind, I really don’t want to know,” I said even as my mind started conjuring images of tangled sheets and sweaty bodies.
“It was just a kiss,” Eugene said, holding up his hands and taking a healthy step back from me.
I closed my eyes quickly.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He chuckled again.
“You didn’t. I just didn’t want to be an accidental target you’d need to avoid again for days.” When I didn’t open my eyes, he added, “Seriously, Eliana, your eyes are pretty when they go black. With everything I’ve seen and learned since coming here, your eyes are at the bottom of the scary-Uttira-sights-to-see list.”
I peeked at him and saw him standing several feet away, hands in his pockets. He nodded at the letter.
“Adira told me to stick around until you read it. I’m guessing it won’t be good news for either of us, but I want you to know I’m not too worried. If it’s a note saying you need to feed on me, you can tell her I refused. I have Megan on speed dial.”
I smiled at him in relief and unfolded the letter.
Give your jacket to Eugene. No shortcuts.
There wasn’t anything else to the note. Just that. It was enough. No threat was necessary to know I’d pushed her too far.
“I’m supposed to give you my jacket,” I said. “But I need you to close your eyes and hold out your hand. Don’t open them after I hand it over. Just stand here for a few minutes, okay?”
“You got it.”
He closed his eyes and held out his hand. Just to make sure, I walked around him before removing the jacket and handing it over.
“Thanks, Eugene.”
I fled inside before anyone else saw me even though I knew I couldn’t hide forever. The first person I saw, a troll boy just barely old enough to attend the Academy, stopped in his tracks at the sight of my shirt.
“My brother is nuts. This school is great.”
I hurried past him, hoping I wouldn’t accidentally taste his brief infatuation.
The next person, a siren, wolf-whistled at me as her eyes devoured the view.
“Eliana, you need to wear that top every day. The boys are going to be tripping over themselves. Girls, too. And I don’t mind succubus leftovers. No, not at all. Knock ‘em dead, girl.”
I hurried to the first session room and quickly slid into my seat. Belemina was the next person to arrive. She took one look at my misery and took the seat next to mine.
“Did a tampon come with that resting bitch face expression, or is there another occasion you’re celebrating with your braless bad self?”
Not only was I braless, but I was also missing the central part of my shirt. In place of solid material, I had three one-inch bands holding the sides of my silk shirt together. I sunk lower in my chair but refused to cross my arms over my chest.
“Go away, Mina.”
“Not a chance. In fact, I think I have every class with you today.”
I sighed. Thankfully, Belemina’s fascination was only for the spectacle I’d likely make and not because she wanted to worship me. I mentally cringed at the thought and at how many more would be like her.
Adira’s edict was going to mess with a lot of schedules today.
My prediction proved very true when three of my Human Studies classmates followed me to my self-paced studies. Thankfully, Ashlyn turned them away at the door.
“Because of my fragile humanity, only students enrolled in this class are allowed to enter. If you don’t like the rule, take it up with Adira. If you don’t follow the rule and leave, I’ll take it up with Adira and Megan.”
Megan was like Uttira’s very own boogie man with the way her name cleared the room.
