Page 33 of A Drop of Anguish
Thompson groans. “You really go that often?”
I nod. “When you’re brewing seven potions at once, they require a lot of babysitting.”
“I guess I just volunteered to be your personal bodyguard for a while.”
15
A Stun-Gun Could Never
The set of wolves watching from the end of the hall has grown to four. The same four silver-eyed fools that watch me during lunch. I pretend their presence doesn’t unnerve me, but more and more, it’s making me physically ill.
It’s only a matter of time before they act on this sick obsession of theirs.
The redhead licks his lips and winks at me before I slip into my potion’s chamber.
“So,” Thompson says the moment the door shuts behind him. He rocks back on his heels casually. “Do you keep any of these potions on you regularly?”
I sigh, dropping my bag on the back counter. “Yeah, but I don’t have much yet. I only have one finished nullifier left over from my last batch. I have a couple smoke bombs. After that, I have a couple I brewed in class and kept. A blood clotter, a noise amplifier, and a weak floating potion.” None of those things will be very good for defending myself against wolves. “I should have a few more ready by the weekend.”
Thompson nods. “You should keep as much on you as possible. Wolves aren’t fans of potions usually. Messes with our noses.”
“And yet, you’re a wolf studying potions.” I tilt my head. The mystery of Thompson continues.
He smirks and leans back on the table behind him. “My pack is certainly unusual. We’re small in population and low on standard strength, but our lands are highly sought after. We’ve only survived because of our witch blood. We use what we must to keep our advantages.”
“You don’t seem like a weak wolf.”
He’s not particularly large, but he’s fit and confident, with bright silver eyes. And considering he’s in Elite Hall, I know he’s powerful.
His brow quirks. “Are you admiring my bulky biceps on the sly, princess?”
I roll my eyes.
“Yes, I’m one of the strongest born to my pack in a few generations. I’ll be alpha as soon as I come of age. Assuming our pack survives.”
“Are you at risk of not surviving?”
“There are three other packs sniffing around our territory as we speak.” He sighs. “Although, it feels like we’re always on the verge of a territory war.”
I twist my lips. Does that have something to do with why he’s come here?
“Anyway, you, my friend, need to keep as many weapons on you as you can right now. A single wolf guardian won’t keep them at bay long.”
“Oh, so youaren’tthat strong?” I poke his biceps.
He flexes. “Not strong enough to go up against four wolves alone.”
I look down at my stunning potion. It’s done, but the constitution is still pretty high. I’d prefer to let it boil down for a few more days. “By your expert estimation, when do you think I’ll be needing to use these potions?”
“At any time.” He hops up on the stone table behind me. “Honestly, I’ve been considering suggesting you give up your potions work for a little while. If you went straight to and from Minor Hall for classes for the next couple weeks, you could get through this without a confrontation, but as it is…” He looks at the door. “I think they’re plotting something with the way they’ve been sniffing around here.”
I let his words sink in for a few moments before heading to the shelf to grab three large vials. It’s not ideal, but I suppose a weak stunning potion is better than no stunning potion. “I am most definitely not going to stop potion-making.”
“Or you could suck up your pride and talk to Jarron. I’d bet my tail he’d help you if he knew what was going on.”
“If he doesn’t know what’s going on, then he’s blind.”
Thompson sighs. “Yeah, but men tend to be blind when it comes to women. He pays attention to you but no one else. He doesn’t talk to anyone at his table at lunch; have you noticed that? He’s like off in his own little world. And in Elite Hall, he’s never seen in the common areas.”
