Hired By The Arrogant Brat
1018 Words
Chapter Three
Katherine was breathless as she saw the smell breathtakingly handsome face from last night.
Could she be right? Was this really the boy from the alley?
She didn't exactly have the time to ask such questions when Joey was right there at her throat and half the school were gawking at the scene.
"What are you, the new boy in school?" Joey spat, though he didn't completely let go of Katherine. "I heard you got transferred from your old college because you were expelled. You think that makes you tough?"
Vladimir didn't flinch.
"Yes, I was expelled," Vladimir said coldly. "And if you knew the reason why, you wouldn't want to get into a fight with me."
Joey let out a forced laugh, glancing at his friends for backup. "I'm the shark here, kid. Everyone listens to me. Do you even understand where you are?"
"How about we get outside the school? I will decide then who is more powerful than who."
At that, Joey’s eyes drifted to the three triplets standing right behind Vladimir.
They were all massive, tall, and stood way larger than the rest of the kids. In a town like Blackwood, everyone knew the hierarchy: Lycans were the kings, and Wolves were just the muscle.
Facing one Lycan was suicide, but facing four was a death sentence.
Joey knew he didn't stand a chance, he shoved Katherine away so hard she hit the lockers, but he wouldn't look Vladimir in the eye anymore.
"This b***h isn't worth it," Joey muttered, trying to save what was left of his pride.
He turned and bolted down the hall, his crew right on his heels.
Katherine slumped against the cold metal gasping. She looked up at Vladimir, her lips parted to finally say thank you, but the words never came.
“What's going on here?!" A familiar voice thundered.
Everyone hurried out of sight as they heard the principal's angry voice.
Katherine didn't have the time to run when the man got closer.
"Vladimir Horace, you've barely arrived and you're causing trouble?"
Vladimir simply shrugged. “Someone needed to know his place."
"My office. Now!" Then he turned to Katherine. "You too, Miss Green!”
Katherine bit her lips and followed.
Inside the office, principal O'Connor slammed a folder onto the desk and glared at Vladimir before turning his eyes to Katherine, who was standing by the door, still shaking.
"Katherine, sit down," O'Connor commanded. He waited until she complied before leaning forward. "I know you did the right thing by reporting those boys for smoking in the gym. But that doesn't mean you should go around causing drama in my hallways."
"Drama?" Katherine stammered. "Sir, Joey attacked me! I was just—"
"She didn't do anything," Vladimir interrupted arrogantly. He was slouched in the chair, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. "Your students are trash. If I hadn't stepped in, you’d be calling an ambulance for her. Maybe you should spend more time controlling your school and less time scolding the victim."
O'Connor’s face turned red. "Watch your tone, Vladimir. You just moved here. You should be putting your head down and actually studying. Your grades are a disaster. You’re looking at repeating Senior Year if you don't step up. I don't care who your father is, in this school, you pass or you fail."
"I know.”
"Will you do the right thing or do I have to process another transfer?” O'Connor asked stiffly.
"Yeah, whatever," Vladimir muttered. He stood up, grabbed his bag, and walked out without being dismissed.
“Go, Miss Green."
Katherine nodded and scrambled to follow him, catching up in the quiet parking lot corridor. "Wait! Vladimir!"
He stopped and looked back.
"Thank you," she said, her voice small. "For saving me. And... I have to ask. Was it you last night? In the alley?"
Vladimir’s smirk was dark. "Yes. I couldn't let them hurt you. You’re just a helpless little girl, after all."
Katherine’s gratitude died instantly. "I am not a 'helpless little girl,'" she snapped, her face flushing. "I’m human, and things are hard, but I’m not helpless. Thank you for the rescue, but keep your titles to yourself."
"Hey, I didn't mean it that way.”
She turned to walk away, but Vladimir’s hand caught her arm, flipping her around.
She was so weak from hunger that she stumbled, and suddenly his hands were wrapped around her waist, holding her steady.
They were so close she could breathe in the scent of brown orchids and expensive soap.
His hair looked a little wet, and his lips looked incredibly soft. He looked like every wet dream she’d ever had.
"Do you want me to kiss you?" he asked in the softest whisper.
For a second, she was transfixed as she looked at his Adams apple and the curve of his nose. Goodness, was he made in a f*****g lab?
But then his words immediately registered.
Katherine groaned in anger and pushed him off. "Let go of me! I don't want you to kiss me and keep your filthy hands to yourself!"
She marched away, but he followed. "I could give you a ride."
"I don't need it," she spat.
"Hey," he said, blocking her path. "I just saved your life twice. You owe me. I heard you’re the smartest girl in school.”
"Yeah, so what? Wanna laugh at me too?”
"For being smart?” He scoffed. "Is everyone here dumb?"
When she didn't stop, he called out.
“I need a private tutor.”
She kept marching off.
“I’ll pay you!"
Katherine started to refuse, but then she thought of Leo. She thought of the surgery he needed and the aunt who didn't care if they starved.
"I'm not a charity case," she said firmly.
"It’s not a handout," Vladimir countered. "You're tutoring me so it's work. I don't care about you or your s**t, I just want the grades. Are you in or not?"
Katherine looked at him, then at the hospital bills in her head. "When do I start?"
- Writer
