Page 27 of A Taste of Torment
“Great, a supernatural pissing match in my honor. That’ll be great.”
“Whatever you want to call it, it’ll keep you safe.”
“Yeah, from everyone except Jarron.”
13
The Most Powerful Have No Rules—and That’s Exactly the Problem
All day,people gawk at me. Between classes, I simply hold my books tightly against my chest, focused straight ahead.Ignore the whispers. Ignore the sneers.
Lola eats up every second of the attention. Janet is quiet.
She doesn’t believe I’m not going to leave them, but she remains by my side. I guess it’ll just take time to convince her to trust me.
I walk into the cafeteria, and it feels like everyone is watching. The room stills, waiting. My heart thunders in my chest, cheeks warming.
I’m so not ready for this.
But this is my chance to solidify my place with the Elites so I can find the killer. I’m a spy. Playing a part. The demon prince’s girlfriend. I don’t know how to play that part, but I suppose it doesn’t matter. I just have to keep my head up and pretend not to be disgusted by the Elites.
No problem.
“You got this,” Lola says, holding her tiny fist out. I smile and fist bump the pixie as gently as possible.
“Good luck,” Janet whispers.
“Thanks. I’ll see you guys for dinner tonight. In Minor Hall.”
“You sure?” Lola asks. “He might want you to go to Elite Hall for—”
“Don’t care.” Lunch is all I have in me for today. “I’ll be back to hang with you guys after class. Promise.”
“If you say so,” Lola says, fluttering in front of my face. Then, she twirls away, dancing with all attention on her. That is, until I take my first step forward.
I walk with my chin high, toward the demon prince, whose eyes are just for me. His expression is unreadable. As I approach, he stands slowly, carefully, like he’s taking care not to spook me. I would never admit that I appreciate it.
He pulls out the chair next to him, and the breath sticks in my lungs.
I release it as I take the seat.
“Welcome.” Jarron’s chest is puffed out. He’s proud to share his friends, his place, I guess? I look around, and all I see are narrowed, glowing eyes and grim expressions.
Powerful beings sizing up their newest rival.
“It’s about time Jarron gets a girl,” Trevor says with a wink.
I glare at him. At least Trevor, I know. His words seem to break the ice with the table of high-level supernaturals.
“We always welcome a little extra beauty in our circle,” says a boy with silver eyes and a big grin. He’s the only person at the table that seems at ease. “Helps to offset the grisly beasts we spend our time with.” He nudges a demon with short red horns next to him.
“Uh, thanks?”
“Get used to the compliments,” a girl with dark hair says. “Stassi’s shameless flattery has no end.”
“It’s his best quality.” The blond I recognize from yesterday beams at him.
Stassi winks at her. She shifts her gaze back to me, and her frosty blue eyes instantly harden.Would ya look at that? Looks like I have a new president of my fan club.
