Chapter 4 - Waiting for what?

Chapter 4 - Waiting for what?

Mikhail

I keep my eyes focused on the door as I make my way to class. Rowan walks in and nods his head in my direction. A few minutes pass, and Nevaeh still hasn’t come in. Mrs. Christiansen begins her lecture on the project, but my mind is focused elsewhere. Where is she?

After that near kiss last period, I have mixed feelings. I don’t want to like Nevaeh, but she keeps sneaking into my thoughts. Once Mrs. Christiansen is done, all the partners begin to work, leaving me on my own. Maybe I should have kissed her. Being that close to her felt so right, and her apology shook me.

As the rest of the period continues and Nevaeh doesn’t appear, I can’t help but be concerned when her friend Jezelle rushes out of the room. Trying to keep a calm façade, I scan the hallway. She’s not there. Rowan catches up to me once the class is over and gives me an inquiring smirk. “Looks like your girlfriend didn’t come to class.”

I give him a blank look. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Rowan. Have you been drinking bad blood again?”

He smiles knowingly. “Well, since you're not worried, I shouldn’t tell you that she was in the nurse’s office.” I shrug my shoulders nonchalantly, but inside I’m seething. Did Travis come back after I left? Did someone hurt her?

Without another word, I head to the lunchroom. I can’t keep obsessing over this girl. The last thing I need to do is get attached to a human girl. It would be disastrous for both of us.

Rowan and I meet Carrick and Kell in the lunchroom. They’re already scarfing down a few slices of pizza. Laying my bag on the floor, I pick a fry out of Kell’s tray. Kell slaps my hand with a scowl. “Hey man, hands off my food.”

I quirk a brow and reach for another piece. Rowan rests a tray in front of me and takes a seat. “Here, eat.”

I take a bite of my own fries as I scan the room. Fortunately, I spot Nevaeh right away. She’s sitting with a few of her friends. She doesn’t look sick, but something about her appearance tells me that she’s not well. Her eyes meet mine at that moment. It’s almost hypnotizing how I’m caught by her golden gaze.   

Refusing to look away, I maintain eye contact. Unfortunately, my brother notices my absorption and snidely whispers. “Looks like your girlfriend is fine. Maybe you should go over there and offer to kiss her boo-boos.”

I scowl at my brother’s comment. “Seriously, Rowan, don’t you get tired of listening to yourself?”

Rowan snorts loudly and laughs. “Nah, man. I love the sound of my voice,” He says, patting me on the back.

Not wanting to argue anymore, I get up to leave. Sometimes I wonder if Rowan was sent to drive me crazy.  

Unfortunately, Henry Cruzan is blocking the doorway. My jaw pops as I wait for him to move out of my way. I’m not really in the mood to deal with Henry. Not after having to deal with his friend Travis. Henry is a first-class douche bag. Henry’s a stereotypical jock. He takes great pleasure in picking on the weak and throwing his weight around.

I narrow my eyes as he pushes his chest back and struts lazily towards me. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out his intentions when he points his tray at my chest. However, before he can reach out and slam it against me, I slap the bottom of his tray and watch it fall harmlessly across his shoes.

Jaw tight, I brush my hands across my shirt. Henry moves closer, his nostrils flaring with rage. It’s almost funny how he tries to intimidate me with his size. Henry is the kind of guy that uses his body as a weapon. However, he didn’t count on me being a few inches taller and stronger.           He must notice that his scare tactics are not working on me because he quickly changes his tactic. “I saw that you have your eye on that sweet piece of ass, Nevaeh.” Smirking, he nudges his chin in Nevaeh’s direction.           I don’t know why, but his comment instantly gets to me. My wings vibrate beneath my skin, and my eyes flicker. The demon inside me is close to the surface. I take a couple of deep breaths in hopes of controlling my reaction, but it’s a difficult task.  

Unfortunately, Henry, the ass-hat, is too thick-headed to notice the danger in front of him. Moving closer, I manage to mutter with a gruff growl. “What did you call her?”

Henry pushes my chest with a sneer. “I said she has a sweet ass, and I can’t wait to mount it.”

Before I can reply, Travis, Nevaeh’s ex, is standing next to Henry. Rowan does the same for me. I can always count on my brother to watch my back. 

Travis’s lip curls into a sneer. “What’s going on, guys?”

Henry answers. “I was just asking Michael if Nevaeh was giving him head in the library. I mean, I might want a little of that too.”

Travis looks at Henry, then at me. “Is that why you were in the library, Mike. You thought you’d deprive me of my piece so you can have some. Don’t worry, she would have gotten to you eventually.”

My body stiffens with rage. I can’t believe that Nevaeh dated this asshole. This time it’s Rowan who interjects. I clench my teeth, feigning control as my brother crosses his arms in front of his chest and grits out. “From what I heard, Nevaeh couldn’t find your little piece, so she ran to Mikhail.”

As if a bomb has gone off, Henry throws the first punch. Unfortunately, he didn’t count on my supernatural reflexes. Before he can touch me, I grip his fist between mine and push him away. My anger explodes. Henry and I are punching and kicking. I can feel Rowan trying to push me away, but nothing can stop me. Suddenly a voice breaks through my anger. “Mikhail, stop… stop it!” As quickly as my anger heated, it cooled down. My eyes clear and focus on Nevaeh, who is standing over us. Looking around me, I can see shocked faces. Not knowing what to do, I turn around and walk away. Unfortunately, Principal Moody stops me. “Mr. Cross,” He says loudly. “Come with me.” Scowling, I follow the Principal. Mr. Andrews follows behind with Henry.

              Principal Moody opens his office door, admitting Henry and me inside. “Take a seat, boys.” We nod silently and take a seat.

              “Mr. Cruzan, this is the third time I see you in my office for fighting. Now, do any of you want to explain to me why you were fighting?” He asks impatiently.

              Henry and I might not like each other, but we know the law of the High School jungle. We don’t snitch on anyone; regardless of how much we hate each other, we remain quiet.

              Principal Moody clears his throat and adjusts his tie with a scowl. “Now, don’t go answering at once.” He mutters sarcastically, but Henry and I don’t reply.

              “Very well. I will give you two some time to think about your answer.” He says as he rises from his chair and walks back out of his office.

              Henry and sit there quietly the whole time. We don’t even look at each other. I don’t know how long we sit there, but Principal Moody is suddenly back in his seat.  He looks back and forth between Henry and me as if trying to figure us out. Tapping his index finger over a file, Principal Moody looks at Henry. “Now, Mr. Cruzan, as I was saying, this is not your first offense. Your parents have been called again, and you will be given two days of suspension.”

              Henry’s eyes widen as he pushes forward, ready to argue. “But Principal Moody I─”

              Principal Moody narrows his eyes and leans forward in his leather chair. “Not another word Mr. Cruzan. Get out before I make it for three days.” Principal Moody rises aggressively from his chair and points to the door. “Get out!”

              Henry bristles as he rises from the seat and walks out the door. His fists are clenched, and his face is red and swollen beneath the bruises.

              Principal Moody turns back to me with narrowed eyes. “As for you, Mr. Cross. I’m going to make a call to your foster father, and you will have detention after school every day this week, starting today. Are we clear?”

              I swallow deeply and nod my head. “Yes, sir.” The chair scrapes across the floor as he sits down and looks at me unnervingly. For a human, Mr. Moody can be quite intimidating. I guess that’s why he’s the principal. “Now get out!” He mutters with a threatening growl. Quirking a brow, I straighten my spine and walk out of the door. However, as I make my way down the hall, I know that this is not the last I will hear of Henry Cruzan. Especially if he’s out to hurt Nevaeh. I guess I just have to remain alert.