CHAPTER 2: DAMNING MY BULLIES. 

~ALLISON

I held my gaze with his forest green eyes, debating whether to tell him the whole truth. The whole truth in the sense that there were actually two people bullying me, a couple, rather. I admired the fierceness in his eyes, his willingness to fight for me, but... I didn't want him to, especially with Landon involved.

Revealing Landon's harassment would be like setting two beasts against each other. Though Landon wasn't as aggressive as Jason from what I had seen, what if he got hurt, or worse, Landon? And if the disciplinarian stepped in, we would both get rusticated, no doubt.

I took a deep breath.

“It's nothing—”

"Is it Kate?" He interrupted.

How did he know about that? I guess my expression gave it away, as he answered, “I saw the way you were glaring at her earlier."

“Fine, you've got me.”

His jaw tightened. “Stay right here. I'm gonna teach that witch a lesson," he said, turning to leave, but I grabbed his arm before he could take a step.

Damn, his arm is so thick. My hand could barely get a firm hold on it. I guess he'd been taking his combat lessons seriously.

“Just let it go. I mean, it's all a girl's issue. I don't want you to get involved. Trust me, I can handle this," I assured him, but he still looked hesitant.

He sighed heavily after scrutinizing me for what felt like an eternity. “If you say so. But promise me you'll let me know if you can't bear her anymore?"

"I promise,” I said, though deep down, I knew my reply was far from the truth. I loved fighting my battles alone, especially when it came to Kate.

Running his fingers through my hair, his grim expression softened into a bright smile. Heat crept into my cheeks as we locked eyes. Jason's possessiveness and charisma melted my heart in the most mysterious way. He was just perfect. I wondered why the moon goddess was holding back from making us mates.

A gasp escaped my lips as he suddenly pulled me against the locker, pinning my hands to my sides. From his expression, I knew exactly what he had in mind.

“Jason, we're in public,” I coyly protested.

"I know... and I don't mind,” he replied, his gaze drifting to my lips, making me swallow nervously.

As he leaned in, I noticed his scent was somewhat different, but my nervousness didn't let me dwell on it. Our lips were inches apart when a gruff voice called out.

“Jason!"

I snapped my head in the direction of the voice, while Jason cursed under his breath, following my gaze. It was Coach Sean, and from the mad look on his face, I didn't need a second head to know Jason's offense. 

“Skipping combat lessons again?” I asked Jason as Coach Sean approached us.

“For some time now, but I'll resume classes today. Do you mind joining me?”

“I'd love to, but I have a painting class to catch. Meet me—” I swallowed the rest of my sentence as Coach Sean reached us.

“Okay, enough with the fond talks," Coach Sean said.

Giggling, I shook my head as I watched Coach Sean drag Jason away by the collar. Glancing at my wristwatch, I realized I was almost late for class. I locked my locker and decided to take out the trash after my class.

My cell phone vibrated, drawing my attention. It was a text from Jason. A smile spread across my face as I read it over and over again.

Lost in his message, I didn't notice someone in front of me, and I ended up bumping into them, landing on the floor. Looking up, I saw Kate flanked by her ever-smirking lackeys.

I admit I wasn't paying attention, but I could swear Kate bumped into me on purpose. They were clearly here to cause trouble because as far as I knew, they weren't students of fine arts.

“Oh, well, well. Look who's finally here?”

I stood up, glaring at her for a moment. Intending to walk to my seat, she beat me to it. She grabbed my arm and pulled me back. “You don't walk away from me when I'm not done talking, bitch.”

I forcefully wriggled my hand away from her grasp, but she retaliated with a heavy slap across my face, causing a gasp to sweep across the classroom.

I stood rooted to the spot, stunned and infuriated, as she continued. “Do you really think I would let what you did to my boyfriend slide?... Tell me, are you that desperate for his attention?!”

My hands balled into fists, my chest heaving with anger threatening to explode. I held back, reminding myself that she was just a stupid human, and fighting back would mean killing her. I ain't ready to be behind bars at nineteen. 

Suppressing my anger, I scoffed. “Did I hear you say desperate for your boyfriend's attention?” I chuckled and added, "I'm sorry, Kate. I don't chase mid guys unlike you. Gross!”

Laughter rippled through the classroom after my comeback, and I couldn't help but smile triumphantly as her expression soured.

She seemed speechless, unable to counter my words. Plus, her presence had already made me lose interest in the lecture. I nearly collided with someone as I turned on my heels to leave the classroom. 

Before I could react to his obstruction, I suddenly felt a liquid-like substance drenching the top of my hair.

Seeing the different shades of paint running down my face, every fiber in me pulsed with anger. I tried to hold back, clenching my hands tightly at my sides as I glared at him.

“How about you don't wash the paint off, runt? It kinda enhances your ugly face,” he taunted, his words stirring another round of laughter across the classroom, leaving me feeling humiliated to the core.

Watching the smirk on his lips stretch even wider, I couldn't contain my anger any longer. Before I knew it, I slapped him hard across both cheeks.