5: MR. ORTEGA'S CLASS

“Textbooks out, page two hundred and thirteen; Werewolf and human diseases. Last class we learned how certain diseases, disorders or infections that are usually human-coded can affect werewolves despite the supernatural healing ability of the latter.” Mr. Ortega briefs, his cold gaze sweeping over the class. “Rogers, discard that gum.”

Andy Rogers mumbles something under his breath but takes out the gum frowning, before sticking it under his table with zero shame or a sense of hygiene. Next to me, Bibah continues to chew her gum silently.

“Today, we are going to delve deeper into the Wolverine anti-gene.” Mr. Ortega continues, setting up his sleek black computer and connecting it to the class projector. “The Wolverine anti-gene makes up seventy eight point three percent of our body’s defense mechanisms and —“

The door creeks open, cutting him off and for a moment my heart skips a beat, thinking its William, but then Ben walks into the class and guilt follows