Page 80 of A Taste of Torment
All I’ve gathered after our conversation is that he is not in Minor Hall and he kissed her on the cheek last night. She’s planning to see him again next weekend, and they talk between classes sometimes.
Friend duty established, I ask them something that’s been bothering me about my own boy troubles. “So, tell me about the biting situation,” I say under my breath.
Lola’s resounding giggle is like a tinkling bell, and it’s sickeningly cute. Janet leans in, expression bright and excited. “Honestly, I'm surprised he hasn't bitten you yet,” she whispers. “It's usually a pretty quick development.”
She's been a lot more open with me this week. Maybe she's beginning to trust that I'm really here to stay.
“But you guys have taken things really slow, and that's totally okay. You have history, and he’s obviously into you. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
Yeah, I wasn’t concerned that he hadn’t bitten me yet. I’m really only concerned what other people think about it. No demons will be sinking any teeth into me any time soon. I hope.
31
Violently Protective Boyfriends are… Kinda Hot. Sue Me.
After lunch,I head over to Elite Hall as discussed and pray Jarron isn’t going to be MIA there too. The moment the archways come into view, so do three shifters. Two girls, one boy. Their bright silver eyes pin to me and don’t let go.
I try my best not to act like a scared kitten, but I doubt I achieve it. I’m nervous about walking into Elite Hall alone and worried Jarron won’t be around when I do. I know being alone was part of the plan, but notcompletelyalone.
“Hey,” one of the wolf girls says with a sweet smile. She has short dirty blond hair. “Candice, right?”
I swallow. “Yep, that’s me.”
“I’m Elyse. This is Charlene.” She points to a Middle Eastern girl next to her. Her hair is braided intricately, and she has henna on her hands. “And Tommy.” A tall, lanky boy with clothes that barely fit him.
I wave stupidly.
“You meeting Jarron?”
“Yeah.” I force a smile.
“That sounds a bit uncertain,” Tommy says with a flick of his brow. I don’t like the expression on his face. Like a predator that’s spotted a weakness and is eager to exploit it.
I decide for honesty because I’m not able to hide all of my insecurities right now. “He was supposed to meet me in Under Hall earlier but didn’t show.”
“Damn. Standing you up already,” the boy says and then rubs his jaw in that stupid, arrogant way.
I nearly curl a lip in disgust.
“Is he done with you now? Can I have a turn?” He leans in, a predator sizing me up.
My stomach sinks.
“Shut up,” Charlene says, smacking her hand against his chest. Her voice is low and sultry. “I’m sure it was a misunderstanding.”
“Yeah, definitely,” I say and point to the archway. Is it like Minor Hall, stopping certain people from entering? “I’ve never gone in without him, though. Is there a trick or something?”
Charlene smiles. “Anyone in his inner circle has access to Elite Hall. No trick, just walk through. If you want to send a message, though, just put your hand on the panel on the right column and a phantom will show up to help you out.”
“Really?”
She nods.
“Thanks. That’s helpful.”
“Shouldn’t he have told you all of this?” Tommy takes a step forward. My heart speeds up. The girls are nice, but if Tommy tries something, will they stop him? I don’t know.
The strap over my thigh feels suddenly tight. A reminder that I do have some defense. Even if it’s not much.
