Chapter 4

Archie’s POV

“If you don't mind, I will take you round the school so you can't get familiar with your new environment," the Dean, a bald headed man with glasses perching on his nose said to me.

“The hockey team, I want to be a part of it." I muttered, leaning forward.

My previous school was known to have the best players in the whole region.

At each regional game, we clinched all the prizes and no team had managed to break our winning streak.

And that was the sole reason why I transferred school. I wanted to know if my presence in a different school team was going to make a difference.

“Of course, we will be delighted to have a prodigy on our team.” He laughed, rubbing his hand in glee.

Pushing myself up, I took one last look at the school map and the next second, I was on my way.

The gaze I was getting as I walked down the hallway made me feel uncomfortable. I had been exposed to this type of attention for a while now but still, I haven't gotten used to it.

I was heading to the hockey arena to indicate my interest in joining the team but then I remembered the girl from last night.

With my hands shoved inside my pockets, I made my way to the cafeteria.

It didn't take long before I spotted her across the cafeteria. That instant, a grin slid onto my face before I could stop it.

After the way she bolted from the motel, I wasn't expecting to see her again so soon.

When she walked into the class this morning, she didn't spare me a glance, just slid into her chair with her head bowed.

I figured she would keep her distance, avoid me and pretend like last night never happened but there she was, sitting alone and trying to make herself invisible.

“Piper." I mumbled. I had heard someone calling her that earlier.

Before I could even pull up a conclusion, a group of giggling girls circled her like vultures.

And that instant, my chest tightened with something I refused to name. Relief, amusement or possession, I had no idea.

But whatever it was, it made the corners of my mouth curve higher.

Standing by the doorway, I was still watching when one of the girls tilted a carton of milk at a cruel angle.

My smile vanished at the sight.

Before the first drop could fall, I crossed the room in three strides and caught the girl’s wrist.

The shock on her face was priceless and the sudden hush that rippled through the cafeteria even better.

She blinked up at me, her perfect mouth forming a confused O. I snatched the carton from her grip and set it on the table only then did I release her with a shove that made her stumble backwards.

A wave of whispers rolled through the room, but I didn’t care as I turned my attention to Piper.

Her head was bowed, shoulders tensed and her hands were gripping the edge of her tray like she might throw it at someone.

When she finally looked up, our eyes met. I felt that same spark that had pulled her to me the night before.

It was still hot, magnetic and dangerous.

She didn't say a word to me, instead, she was glaring at me like she wanted to strangle me.

When I tried to reach out for her carton of milk, she snatched it only to push her chair backwards in readiness to leave.

I was not ready to let her go so I leaned forward slightly, “If you walk out now, I’ll tell everyone you slept in my bed.”

Her eyes widened. “You wouldn’t,” She said under her breath but I heard it.

“Try me.” I matched her tone, watching her with hawk-like eyes.

Her breath hitched, and for a moment I thought she might throw the milk at me instead but she didn’t. She just sat there, furious, beautiful and trembling.

The girl from earlier asked her to stand and from all indications, she was going to do exactly that but the look I sent her way made her pin herself to her seat.

After a while, she pushed her chair back. “Let's go," she said and I concurred.

We had already taken a few steps when the girl from earlier who was clearly unaccustomed to being ignored, decided to make it worse.

She placed her manicured hand on my arm. “Archie, right? You don’t have to defend her. She is…”

Slowly, I turned around to face her, meeting her gaze, “She’s what?”

“A bastard,” the girl spat with a loud voice. “Everyone knows she doesn’t even know who her father is. You shouldn’t waste your time…”

“I never asked for your opinion.” My voice came out low, but it sliced through her words.

Taken aback, she blinked. “Excuse me?”

“I’ll let this slide because it’s your first time. But if I ever hear you or anyone say another harmful word about my mate, I won’t ignore it.”

The silence that followed was deafening and the girl's face drained of its color.

Good, let that sink in.

Whipping my head, I turned to Piper. Her mouth was slightly open and her eyes were widened. She looked like she couldn’t decide if she should thank me or slap me.

“Let’s go,” I said quietly.

She hesitated, then nodded.

Outside, the cool air bit at my skin, cutting through the thick heat of the cafeteria. Piper’s steps were quick and angry as she stormed down the hallway.

Halfway down the path, she grabbed my sleeve and yanked me toward a narrow alley beside the gym.

“Stop.” She snapped and I did, mostly because I wanted to see what she would do next.

“Do you even know who I am?”

“Of course I do.” I snickered. “We were together last night…” Before I could finish speaking, she used her hand to cover my mouth.

Darting her eyes around like she was scanning for threat, she pressed me into the wall. She only let go when she didn't see anyone lurking around.

Taking in a deep breath, she pushed her hand into her hair before allowing her gaze to settle on me once more.

“Archie…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Did we really… sleep together?” Her eyes were boring holes into mine.

Forcing a careless grin, I shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You don't…” I didn't wait for her to finish speaking before I turned and walked away.

I had almost made it to the end of the hall when her scent shifted. This time, it was sharper and laced with panic.

Wondering what was going on, I turned only to see Rollins, the hockey captain lurking around her.

“Wait! What the hell is going on?" I mumbled, replaying the bullying scene from the cafeteria and now in the hallway.

Leaning against the column, I pushed my hands into my pocket. I wanted to see what he would do.

“Pip,” he called, his voice dripping with something between guilt and arrogance.

“What do you want?”

“I just want to talk,” he said, stepping closer.

She tried to move past him, but he grabbed her arm. “Tell me the truth, is it him?”

“Let go.” She yelled, trying to jerk her hand free from his grip but he wouldn't budge.

“Is Archie your mate?” He demanded. “Tell me!”

Piper yanked her arm free, fury flashing across her face. “It’s none of your business.”

He looked ready to explode. His eyes were bloodshot and his mouth was twisted in jealousy.

“You think you can just replace me? You think I’ll let you run to him?”

“Run to him?” she repeated. “You rejected me, Rollins.”

“I made a mistake but I’m not losing you to him.”

Ignoring him, she turned on her heels and then started to walk away.

At first, he didn't do anything but then he closed the distance between them and slammed her against the wall, his hand going around her neck.