Prologue

Logan

I stick my straw into my milk carton and take a long sip. My eyes wander around the nearly empty cafeteria.

I am waiting for someone.

Someone special.

I smile and wave at some kid I barely know because that's just the kind of person I am: friendly, pleasant, and intelligent Logan Smith.

Yup, that's me!

I am not exactly the most popular guy in my high school, nor am I the best-looking one? But people like me. I mean, don't get me wrong, a lot of them think of me as some nerdy guy who takes school too seriously, and I'd been bullied plenty around here, but at least I wasn't hated or feared.

Not like how they hate...

"SMITH."

My heart nearly jumps out of my chest as I hear a deep, throaty voice, so I look up to face him.

A six-foot-five muscular figure graces my eyes, and a small smile spread across my lips. My wait is finally over.

He has tanned skin, and his shoulder-length hair is pulled back to reveal a gloomy face. Along with his tattoo sleeves, there is a big, ugly scar spread from his forehead to just below the eyebrow, completing his typical bad boy look.

This is the face of Daniel Ortega, the biggest, baddest kid in Skyland High. Or at least misunderstood as one.

"You are late. Three minutes to be exact," I announce dryly, knowing it would grind his gears.

Logan's aura turns darker as anger flickers in his dark brown eyes. He slams his fist on the table, making me jump in my seat.

"Are you trying to get beat up, Carajo? Because I can really fuck you up." Daniel is fuming in anger, but I try to look unphased. I can't have him smell my fear! It would put a dent in my plans.

"No, Daniel. I am trying to tell you that we should get this done. The sooner you do the job, the faster you'll get your freedom from me. I promise after I get what I want, you won't have to talk to me again." I grin.

"Fuck you, Logan. I swear, one of these days, I will break your nose," he hisses.

I say nothing and smile.

"Just get on with the business," Daniel, aka Danny, barks at me, and I notice again how unnaturally deep and husky his voice is. Too deep for a 17 year old in high school if you ask me.

"I just sent you a text. Did you get it?" I grin to let him know that I'm not phased by his tough guy act.

Daniel takes his phone out and looks at the picture I sent. His frown turns more serious. "This kid? You want me to take care of him? Why?"

"It doesn't matter why. I want you to beat him to a pulp and you will do it, because you supposedly the big bad wolf around here." I slowly sip on my milk, waiting for an answer.

"But..."

I slam the milk on the table, then lean forward to get closer to Danny. Everyone has already left to catch their buses so we are alone now. I can act like myself at this point.

"Don't tell me you are changing your mind, Danny boy. Because if you do, there will be consequences."

Daniel peers through his long eyelashes, trying to figure me out. I look back at him. We sit in silence, playing the game of stares until Danny accepts his defeat. He looks down on his hand, his nostrils flaring slightly, but he says nothing.

He is kind of afraid of me.

The realization makes me smile.

That's right, everyone in my high school is afraid of Daniel Ortega, except for me.

Because I, Logan Smith has Danny boy all figured out.

I know his secret and I planned to use it against him.