Page 44 of Created in Chaos
“You don’t need to catch up. Hell, you wouldn’t even have to show up if you didn’t insist on going,” Lucian grumbles dejectedly.
It’s the truth. I’m the one who insisted on returning to some kind of normalcy, and that means going to school. “You’re grumpy. You didn’t have to come.”
“Like I’m going to leave you here alone. I’d have to burn the fucking place down and kill everyone on the island if you got hurt again. Then I’d have to pay to rebuild this monstrosity, and that sounds like a goddamn headache.”
“That sounds like a headache? That’s what you’re worried about? Not killing a couple hundred innocent people?”
He gives me a droll stare, wondering why I even asked a question I already know the answer to. “No one here is innocent, except maybe you.”
I snort at his response. “You have a funny way of seeing things, pretty boy.”
“Uh-huh, get your ass in there before I change my mind and torch this place just so you don’t insist on crawling out from under me in the morning.”
“Are you going to wait here?” I ignore all the looks of the other students. I doubt they are concerned with my health and why I was gone for so long. I’m pretty sure it’s Lucian, who’s looming over me, that has their attention.
“I’ll be around for a little while. My brother will be here to meet you for your next class. If someone fucks with you, call me.” He announces the last part loud enough that the people milling around can hear his instructions.
“Morningstar, are you escorting an Umbra to class? I never thought I’d see the day.”
“My name is Nova Devlin,” I correct, but the older man never takes his eyes off Lucian. “Hey!” I snap my fingers in his face. “Don’t act like I’m not standing here.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lucian’s lips curl up in a smirk. “It seems you’ve forgotten your place. Quade, isn’t it?”
“Omega,” the man says through clenched teeth. I bet Lucian knew that and just wanted to insult the guy.
“Your place, Omega, is far beneath hers. Now, run along and let the grown-ups talk before I decide you might be worth my time.”
I wince a little. The man is much older than both of us, yet Lucian is pointing out that he will never have the kind of power he enjoys. To his credit, the Omega walks away with his chin up, but not uttering a single word in rebuttal. Even though he’s kind of a jerk, I still feel a little bad for him.
“Is everyone here on a power trip or what?” My question is rhetorical, but Lucian answers it anyway.
“Yes, but don’t fret, little lamb, you hold your own just fine.” He grins down at me, and the difference between the smile I get and the sharp one he gives to others is more than evident. Even his eyes light up when he looks at me like this.
I sigh softly. “Gosh, you’re pretty.”
“Do you have any idea what I would do to anyone else who dared to call me pretty?” He leans against the wall outside my classroom, maintaining a little distance between us. I really should go inside, but I don’t want to pull myself away from him.
“I’m sure it would involve maiming and possible bloodshed,” I concede with a shrug.
Lucian nods. “Are you sure you need to get to class?”
“Yes, I’m going to be late.”
“We could go to the library and…study,” he offers, which makes me laugh. I’m confident Lucian has never studied, let alone in the library. “What’s so funny?” He has the nerve to look offended.
“You studying in the library. Besides, it’s not like I want to hang out in the first place I was…whatevered.” I’ve been avoiding that place since my arm got scratched up, and now there are two places I’m going to need to steer clear of. I’ve already been thinking about finding a single bathroom, some place where I could lock the door behind me if I need to pee. I just don’t think I’ll feel comfortable in the community restrooms for a while.
Lucian’s face shifts, his smile dropping as if it were never there. He pushes off the wall, and I’m not quick enough to tell him that I was only messing around before he says, “I’ll see you after school. Call if you need me.” He stalks away, heading in the opposite direction we came from.
I feel utterly alone before he even disappears, so I pivot and head into the classroom, taking a seat in the far back. I really should have just stayed in bed.
LUCIAN
“Hey, I have an idea,” I say when Nox answers his phone.
“Please don’t tell me you’re going to call in a gas leak just to get Nova to leave school.”
“I didn’t even think of that.” I’m really off my game.