Love, After Dark

Chapter 25

His eyes went wide. Not just surprised. Shocked, like he’d said something he absolutely hadn’t meant to say out loud. Like he’d just seen a ghost. I scrunched my nose, confusion flashing through me. “Mate?” I started to question what that was supposed to mean when we were interrupted by a screech. “Brice!” The sharp call cut through the moment like a blade. He jumped.

I turned to see Wynter standing a few feet away, arms crossed, that perfectly practiced smile stretched across her face. It didn’t reach her eyes. Brice cleared his throat quickly and finished handing me the last of my papers. Our fingers brushed as I took them from him. A jolt went straight through me. Actual electricity! Or at least that’s what it felt like. Goosebumps rippled up my arms, my skin prickling as if my body had reacted before my mind could catch up. We both stood at the same time.

Wynter stepped closer, her gaze flicking over me twice. Measured. Calculated. “Everything okay here?” she asked sweetly. Brice stumbled over his words. “Y-yeah. I just— uh— knocked her papers down. I was helping her pick them up.” Wynter turned to me then, flashing a smile so fake it almost hurt to look at. “Well,” she said lightly, “that’s unfortunate. But I’m glad you’re okay.” Her eyes scanned me again, lingering just a second too long. “Welcome to Redhaven.”

Before I could respond, her hand wrapped firmly around Brice’s arm and she tugged him away, already turning back toward their group. As he walked off with her and the others, Brice glanced over his shoulder once more. Our eyes met again. Just for a second. Then he was gone. Keisha appeared at my side almost immediately. “You okay?” I nodded, still a little dazed. “Yeah. I think so.” I hesitated, then asked, “Is he… like… some kind of Greek god or something?” Keisha laughed loudly, rolling her eyes. “Something like that.” She leaned in closer. “But don’t get your hopes up. He’s with Wynter. And trust me, that’s a catfight you do not want to be part of.” She straightened and jerked her head down the hall. “Come on. Next class.”

We walked together until we reached a wide hallway that opened up into towering double doors. Keisha stopped. “And this is where I leave you.” I frowned. “You don’t have this class?” She scoffed. “Me? Physical activity?” She laughed. “Never.” I smiled. “Figures.” She waved. “See ya, new girl.” Then she disappeared down the hall, leaving me standing alone. I turned back toward the large gym doors, took a steadying breath and walked inside.