Chapter 5

(Cassie's POV)

“Attention! Principal Fricks wants all senior years, gathered in the auditorium now!” Mr. Foyer announced through the speakerphone.

We all exchanged glances.

“What do you think it is?” I asked.

“We won't know until we actually go in” Jay suggested.

Helen shouldered me out of the way.

“Hey watch it!” Forrest warned.

She didn't bother to turn or stop.

“Just ignore her,” I said.

Jay chuckled.

“She's just mad 'cause Isabel totally went all 'mom crazy' on her,” he said.

“That was weeks ago,” Forrest said.

Isabel nudged me and gestured for me to look. Helen had a tongue down a boy's throat. I made a face.

“Who's that?” Forrest asked.

“Blake. And he's a freshman” Isabel replied.

I gave her a look. She looked back and shrugged.

“I have a lot of free time,” she said. “And I can bet you my last dollar that she's going to gamble all his money away.”

“Hey, let's get going,” Jay said and took the lead.

We followed. The hall was half full when we entered. The principal stepped onto the stage and tapped on the microphone, which let out a screech and brought the murmurs to a stop.

“Seniors” he began.

Someone let out a loud yawn, causing everyone to laugh.

Principal Fricks chuckled.

“Thank you, Tom.”

The boy waved.

“So, as you all know, your school counselor is in to review your current academic standing.”

Isabel nudged me.

“Have you started your college application?”

I shake my head.

“I thought you said—”

“There's still more time Isa; don't worry” I whispered back, squeezing her hand.

She smiled and squeezed my hand back.

“As you all know, the SAT results are in” Principal Fricks continued.

The murmurs began again.

“Yes, yes, murmur all you want. Some of you are going to have to retake it” he continued, searching through the crowd. “Tom” he called out and smirked.

The boy cowed.

“Also, I suggest you try to get started on your college application essays. You're free to come to my office if you want a letter of recommendation; not that you'll succeed.”

Everyone laughed.

“Your student body president would like to have a word with you all. Have a good day.”

He stepped down and Sawyer took the stage.

“What's up Silver Wolves?!” he cheered into the microphone earning excitement from the crowd.

He raised his hand and it died down.

“We love you, Sawyer!” Isabel cheered, earning another round of excited cheers from the crowd.

Sawyer grinned at her.

“Well, I know who I'm asking to prom,” he said into the microphone.

I chuckled. The other announcement went by quicker than expected and we were dismissed.

I caught sight of Montana and tensed up.

“You coming Cass?” Forrest asked.

“Err, I'll catch up with you later,” I said to her and turned around.

I pushed through the crowd, trying to reach her before she could leave. She smiled at something someone said and waved.

“Montana, wait!” I called out.

She turned back and a frown replaced the smile she had on earlier. I looked up at her and bit my lip nervously.

“I've been meaning to apologize but you're always so busy. I didn't mean to turn you into a creamy, delicious mess” I said.

She straightened her head and jutted out her hips. I looked away. My neck hurt from looking up at her so much.

“I really am sorry,” I said again.

She took a step forward and towered over me.

“Your apology means nothing to me” she sneered. “Stay the hell away from me, or you'll regret it.”

I gulped. She eyed me and turned away. I let out the breath I'd been holding in and felt my forehead. I glanced around nervously to see if anyone had noticed us. Then I settled on one of the benches nearby and calmed myself.

“Hey, Cassandra!” Andrea, a girl from my Latin II class called out to me from the end of the hallway.

I stood up.

“Hey, Andy.”

She smiled.

“I just needed your help with these phrases. I have a makeup test and I'm not that good with these languages thingy and... I was actually looking for Isa but she was having a conversation with Helen and I didn't want to interrupt. You know how it is.”

I nodded.

“Sure. May I?” I asked.

She handed me the textbook.

This was basic Latin.

I sighed softly.

“Okay so, first, all you have to do is make sure each phrase has a corresponding definition,” I said. “I'll go first.”

“Could you not start with Carpe diem?” she asked. “That's my strongest phrase. And could we start with the easy ones like Carpe diem?”

“Okay,” I chuckled.

She smiled gratefully at me.

“Okay. 'Acta, non verba' means, 'Deeds, not words' okay?”

She nodded.

“Okay, ask me one” she said.

“Are you sure? We've barely begun.”

She nodded.

“Hit me.”

“Okay,” I said. “Translate—”

“Timeout!” she cried.

“I didn't even start” I chuckled.

Andrea snatched the textbook and took a quick peek before handing it back to me.

“Okay, now I'm ready. Hit me.”

“Translate the phrase, 'In vino veritas'”

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. I suddenly felt cold. I rubbed my arm and focused on Andrea. She exhaled and opened her eyes.

“It means 'In wine, there is—” then she stopped.

I raised a brow.

“There is what?” I asked. “You're on the right track.”

She didn't answer. Her eyes were fixed on something behind me.

“In wine, there is... Jace Graham” she whispered.

I frowned.

“I think you're going to have to work harder than that to pass the test Andy,” I said.

She shook her head and the coldness I felt from before intensified.

“Jace Graham is behind you.”

I turned. There he was, just standing, watching me. I stumbled back and stood beside Andrea.

“Oh my goodness, Cass” she whispered.

He looked away from me and flashed her a smile.

“Andrea right?” he asked.

She nodded and let out a short squeal.

“He knows my name” she whispered to me, eyes wide, as she squeezed my arm.

“Is that a reason to hurt my arm?” I whispered back.

She let go and turned her full attention to Jace.

“Could I borrow your friend for a second?” he asked her.

I frowned. Andrea nodded and yanked the textbook away from me.

“She's all yours” she grinned. “Take your time.”

She turned away and I frowned at Jace.

“I was in the middle of a very imp—”

“Come with me” he ordered and grabbed my arm.

It had been weeks since he threatened me at his house. And now he just showed up and wanted to talk?

“Hey, let go!” I cried out.

He ignored me and dragged me away.

Everyone stared at us as we passed through the halls of Silver Wolves High. He took me to one of the old classrooms in the school which had been converted to a cool kids hangout.

“What do you think of yourself huh?” he asked.

I stared at him with confusion.

“Me? You're the one who practically forbade me from coming near your house again. You don't say a word to me, and you just show up and nearly dislocate my arm. And I'm the one being blamed here?!” I ranted.

He had gotten on my nerves without trying too hard. He glared back and put a fist on the wall.

“And you're the one invading my dreams every night and making me feel weak! I am not weak! And you or anyone else has any right to make me feel that way!”

Again came the inhuman growl.

“Did you just... growl?” I whispered, my eyes searching his face.

He ignored my question and trapped me against the wall with his other fist.

“What are you doing to me? Why are you making me feel so helpless around you?” he asked, staring into my eyes.

The frustration in his voice was evident.

I stared back. Then his next words made my stomach flutter and my palms grow sweaty.

“I want you so badly I can't even pretend anymore” he whispered, his hand gently grazing my arm.

My body responded to his touch and as much as I was terrified, I felt so relaxed around him.

“Why can't I stop thinking about you?” he asked and rested his forehead on mine.

A lump formed in my throat and my heart started to race. I could feel his breath on my face. He smelled great. I closed my eyes and inhaled his scent.

“I don't understand why we're here right now” I whispered. “You haven't glanced my way since the party. It's like I irritate you or something. And now?” I paused. “You're telling me you've been thinking about—”

He pressed a finger to my lip and my breath hitched to the back of my throat.

“I'm saying, you're all I think about Cassandra. I swear” he whispered. “You're driving me crazy.”

I leaned closer and rubbed my nose against his.

Where was this energy coming from?

“Well you can't complain because you're doing the same damn thing to me right now” I whispered.

It was true. I liked this; a lot. I know it was supposed to creep me out but it felt amazing and I wouldn't want to trade this second for anything else.

He exhaled and took a gentle yet possessive hold of my shoulders.

“I think I'm—”

The door slammed shut.

“Jace, can we talk? It's about the—”

He pulled away and my knees began to get weak. I turned to look at the person at the door and I felt the sense returning to my body.

Her eyes widened at the sight of me.

“You again?!” she shrieked.

“Montana calm down.”

She pushed past him and marched up to me.

“I should have known you and your stupid little cult friends were out to get me!”

She pointed an accusing finger at me.

“You're the one who's been putting ideas into my boyfriend's head, aren't you? You turned him against me just so you could swoop in and bag him like the bitch you—”

Jace spun her around before she could complete her statement and the next thing that happened got me even more confused.

Jace grabbed her waist, pinned her against a column, and kissed her; long and deep. I felt a nasty sting in my chest, and like the weirdo I was, I just stood there and watched.

Didn't we just have a moment?

I lowered my eyes and chuckled. I wasn't his type, I wasn't his class, and playboys were going to remain playboys.

Without any regrets, I run out the door only to bump into someone.

“Woah, woah, blondie” he chuckled, catching me by the shoulders.

“Not now, Chris,” I said, avoiding his eyes.

His eyebrows creased and he lifted my chin. I watched his eyes search my face and then he held out his finger to my cheek. He took his finger away and held it up in my face.

“You're crying.”