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“Good morning,” says a cheerful voice, snapping me out of my reverie.
I look to my right and see Claire. She’s hanging off Ayden’s arm and seems to be in good spirits. Ayden keeps looking at her with a radiant smile – which surprises me. But I know it doesn’t come easy for him. He can’t afford to rebuff Claire and has to try to comply with her wishes as best he can. It’s the only way to avoid conflict with the Council. Mr. Collins’ threat was pretty clear: if Ayden rebuffs Claire, he’ll lose his key and be ostracized from the key carrying world. And we have to prevent that. It bothers me too, and it wears me down because it’s not nice seeing another woman constantly hanging off him.
“You don’t look too good,” Claire observes, eyeing me closely. Her mood seems to sink abruptly. “Long night?”
I nod and mutter, “Training.”
Ayden looks at me, and I can see the concern in his eyes. I wish I could talk to him, or at least lean on him for a moment, kiss him. But that’s probably a bad idea.
Claire flicks her long hair over her shoulder and nestles up to Ayden. He allows it. When she glances up at him, he gives her a charming look that cuts me to the quick. It hurts more than words can express, and I have to look away.
Ayden seems to notice this, but he doesn’t let go of Claire. Instead, he bends down to her and asks in a syrupy voice. “You want to go on ahead? I need to talk to Teresa for a minute.”
Claire purses her full lips. “We’re supposed to go check out the training halls and start my first training session. We shouldn’t waste any more time.”
I raise my eyebrows. He has to train her now?
“Oh, you didn’t know?” she asks. I guess she’s correctly interpreted my surprised expression. “As a miraya, I need comprehensive training, which started when I was a child. And obviously that has to continue. Ayden’s helping me. I’m so happy to have an experienced hunter to take me under his wing. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him.”
The innuendo in her voice is unmistakable. And that knowing smile …
“Oh, okay,” is all I can think to say.
“Sorry, I was going to tell you as soon as I got a chance,” Ayden chimes in.
I wave it off. I know he has no choice and that he’s not happy with the situation – although you can’t tell by looking at him right now. But he has to feign enthusiasm. What else can he do?
Claire pulls a sulky face as if she’s just bitten into a lemon. When she sees that I’m looking at her, the friendly smile quickly returns to her face. It’s obvious that she doesn’t like me, and it’s mutual.
I take a deep breath and try to stay calm. There’s nothing I can do. Sure, I expected this morning to go differently, but I’ll see Ayden at lunch. He’s still looking at me, and I gaze into his deep green eyes, admire his gorgeous lips, which I’m longing to taste. That will all be mine again during the lunch break. He smiles as if he can read my thoughts, but Claire interrupts our silent conversation again.
“We should go. It’s going to be a long day. At lunch, I get to sit in on my first hunter meeting. You’re coming, right?” she asks him. “It’s supposed to be an important meeting. Surely you don’t intend to miss it?” She scrutinizes Ayden.
He meets her gaze with that intense look that can take a person’s breath away. “Sure, I’ll be there.”
She responds with a satisfied smile and entwines her fingers in his. Ayden looks at me for a moment, but I can’t tell what he’s thinking. And I don’t understand what’s going on. But one thing is clear: something must have happened. That’s the only explanation for why he’s suddenly making so much effort with Claire. She turns around and walks away with Ayden.
“What a limpet,” Kate murmurs. “She has no restraint, let alone shame. I mean, she knows you guys are together.”
“I figure that’s why she’s behaving like this. She’s used to getting what she wants. As a miraya, she’s accustomed to everyone bending to her will, and now there’s something she can’t have. So it’s no wonder she’s showing her claws.”
“I think it’s sick.”
I have to agree with Kate.
We walk to class in silence. I’m preoccupied with Ayden and Claire. Although I know it’s not real, it hurts seeing them like that. Especially since I hardly ever get to spend time with him.
The closer we get to the classroom, the more those thoughts take a backseat. Kate’s face grows even paler, and I guess we’re both wondering what will happen during class. We’re both sure about one thing: Mr. Brian won’t be there.
We take our places and try to talk about mundane things and act normal as we wait for the door to open. Our classmates are all in high spirits, some of them sitting on desks, talking excitedly. I glance at the clock and realize the class was supposed to start five minutes ago.
At that moment, the door opens, and a slim man with blond hair and trendy glasses comes in. He has a briefcase jammed under his arm and looks pretty serious. The rest of the class gradually registers his presence. Our classmates take their places and whisper among themselves, not taking their eyes off the man.
“Mr. Faible.” I keep hearing that name. “Isn’t he the guidance counselor?”
It’s obvious to me why he’s been sent to us.
Mr. Faible clears his throat, lets his gaze wander around the room, and then says, “You’re all surprised, and that’s understandable. You’re supposed to have Mr. Brian for history, and instead I show up. The truth is, Mr. Brian is missing. He was expected at a teacher’s meeting last night and didn’t show up or answer his phone. This morning, some of the hunters went to his house, but Mr. Brian wasn’t there. At this point, we’re still hoping to hear from him. It’s possible he had to leave town for a family emergency. But of course, the Council is exploring all possibilities.”
