Page 32 of A Drop of Anguish
“They’ll revert back to wanting to harm me,” I say dimly.Wonderful. This is great.
“They’ve been keeping their distance for a while because it wasn’t entirely clear where you stood with Jarron after everything. Everyone was afraid he’d show back up, claim you, and anyone who’d shown interest would be on his bad side. The more he ignores you, the more their interest grows.”
“That’s so sick.”
Thompson shrugs. “We’re not human. Sometimes, our instincts push us to desires that make little sense to other species.”
“So, uhh…” I pause, watching the shifters again. My stomach churns. I don’t like this new information at all. And it sounds like it’s only going to get worse. “What do I do? How do I protect myself?”
“You could talk to Jarron. One word from him and they’ll drop the pursuit.”
I twist my lips. “Not an option. He made it clear he doesn’t want me asking for his help.” Sort of. He implied I was weak, that’s enough for my stubborn butt to avoid asking for his help. Even though I’m pretty certain if I mentioned this, he’d be enraged, I’m not going to go begging him for help. Maybe if I get the chance, I’ll drop the hint that the wolves are being weird and he’ll figure it out, but that’s only if we ever actually speak again.
“Well, option number two is to screw one of them and get it over with.”
I throw my hand over my mouth and whisper-shout, “I’m not screwing some random violent shifter just to stop them from hurting me. I’d rather poison them in their sleep.”
Thompson scoffs. “Unless you plan to poison all of the shifters in the school, that won’t help. There’s only a few considering pursuing you right now, but any of the others could change their minds the moment the other competition is out of the way. Besides, you don’t have to sleep with one ofthem.Any wolf would do. Or a vampire for that matter.”
“What about you?” Lola asks with a deep scowl and crossed arms. She’s not pleased with this turn of conversation any more than the rest of us. “Does she have to poison you too?”
My lips twitch into an almost smile. I kind of love that she feels protective of me.
He waves her anger away. “No. You don’t have to worry about me. One, I don’t bow to my baser instincts as freely as some of these fools. And two, I’m not stupid enough to think Jarron is actually through with her.”
“You’re still scared of him.” I narrow my eyes.
“I’m not scared; I’m wary. There’s a difference.”
“Right.”
He shrugs. “Think what you want. Wolves recognize those more powerful, and only the foolish children aren’t willing to bow when necessary.”
I sigh. “So, you wouldn’t sleep with me to save my life?”
Thompson freezes. “Is that you asking?”
I snort. “No, I’m just curious.”
“I’m not sure what I would do. I’m just saying that’s not what I’m after. I didn’t befriend you to get in your pants—or harm you.”
I want to ask him again why he did befriend me, but I leave it be. I’ve barked up that tree enough for the month. “So, my choices are to ask Jarron to verbally claim me again or sleep with a shifter or vampire to get them off my scent.”
“Those are the best solutions, yes. You could also run. Leave the school. It’s unlikely any of them would follow you.”
Unlikely.
“Or you can lay low, never put yourself in a situation to be cornered, and hope it resolves itself.”
“Resolves itself,” I repeat.
“The desire will fade eventually. Or maybe your romantic life will alter in some way to alleviate the issue in a more organic way.”
I frown. “I don’t like this.”
“It’s not a particularly good situation to be in, but being in Minor Hall gives you some protection. Be careful not to walk around the school while the halls are empty, especially at night. I’ll go with you to Under Hall the next time if you want. It’s best not to be alone as much as possible.”
I pull in a long breath. “Yeah. Are you free this afternoon? And tomorrow morning? And the next morning?”
