Madison’s throat bobs and it stirs that darkened thing inside of me. She had her chance. She chose wrong and opened her mouth instead of keeping it sewed shut.
The thought of the hellhounds’ reign coming to an end dwells in my mind for less than a second before a demoralizing sneer crosses my face.
Bulldozing has always been my favorite tactic.
“You may have the authority to question other people in this school the way you see fit. Treat them less than appealing… but that is only becausewegranted you that right.” My smile turns cutthroat. “Don’t forget who’s still in charge of the kingdom.”
“I thought—”
“—You thought wrong,” I say, slicing through her words. A roguish muscle twitches at the corner of my jaw.
This time I do turn. Craning my neck to an almost painful angle but I don’t dare turn my body all the way around.
“Becoming a hellhound isn’t an open invitation.” My blood pumps with wickedness. The coldness all-consuming. “Invite. Only.”
I ease back then, receding back toward my destination. My foot lifts off the ground. I’m done. Unfortunately, she’s not.
“Guess that means Rory doesn’t get a free pass either?” Her tone intentionally mocking at my back. “Being a hellhound, that is.”
Acid burns from her lungs. I can feel it, but unlike her, the feeling invigorates me. Madison should know better than to poke the beast.
How’s that saying go again? You can’t teach an idiot to breathe. Sometimes you have to let them choke on their own suffocation.
Is that a saying?
If it’s not, it should be.
“Evenifshe’s a Casper.”
Her words are like a knife digging that much deeper.
I click my tongue on a throaty laugh and it should be humorous how easily that cocksure, confident attitude falls from her face. If only everyone else saw that she’s not as assured as she pretends she is.
See what I mean? Smothered herself.
“Oh, Madison, you should know better than anyone.” My voice strong and sure. “That’sexactlywhat that means.”
three
Cole
“Dinner?”
Silence.
“On me?”
Again, nothing.Come on, guys. I’m trying.
I know they can hear me. We may be in a locker room surrounded by a dozen other dudes but that never affected their ability to hear before.
Plus, don’t think I’ve missed the way Eli’s hand stalled on his duffel. Pulling out his shirt and slinging it over his head. Tugging his arms through with more force than necessary. It’s made of cotton, not steel.
I sit back, blowing air, resting my elbows on my knees.
Everyone else is too preoccupied with their meaningless lives to pay attention to us in here. Showering and changing before heading out. Me though, I’m biding my time. Trying to get more than a sliver of attention from my two best friends.
I fucked up. I’m aware, but I still need them.