The boy tilts his head toward Mr. Rourke in greeting before plopping down in the chair I just vacated, not bothering to spare me a glance.
Rude.But, that’s okay. I’m the new girl. Maybe he hasn’t realized I’m a wolf, too.
No. That can’t be right.
I knew within seconds. There’s no way he could have missed my scent.
Maybe Hellbound High is like those high schools on TV where everyone has their core group of friends and they all hate outsiders. Or maybe it has something to do with me being a lone wolf. I’m not sure. Hellbound High being a hybrid school—society’s way of trying to blend the human world and the paranormal—you’d think people would be more welcoming. There are a few schools like it around the states but for the most part, we all stick to our own kind. Which doesn’t explain why this wolf would ignore me when I’m a wolf, too.
Hellbound High is a melting pot of factions. A way to see just how likely it is that we can coexist. I haven’t interacted much with anyone from other factions. At least, not in a friendly manner. But the alternative is hiding what I am and going to school with the humans. Hard pass.
Here, I have a chance of interacting with other wolves. Though I guess I should give up the hope of a welcome reception. At least I have Josué, Damien, and Kai back in Star Valley, Arizona. I don’t plan on sticking around long once I graduate, so if he and the rest of the shifters here want to snub me, fine.
“Mr. Castillo. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Mr. Rourke says in a stern tone, but I don’t miss the slight curve to his mouth. I know right away that this guy, Castillo, is one of those kids who spends a lot of time in the office. There’s an air of smug hostility about him common in young shifter males still testing their dominance, but Mr. Rourke doesn’t seem bothered by it. He seems … amused.
When the boy finally looks my way, he gives me a slow once-over before his upper lip curls in disgust. He mutters, “Chiflada,” under his breath with a roll of his pretty brown eyes.
“Hey!” I snap. He doesn’t know me, and I don’t care how cute he is, I am not a spoiled brat.
He sneers at me, exposing a flash of fang that my instincts know is more threat than smile, and turns back to Mr. Rourke, a bored look plastered on his face.
“Rafael.” There is a warning in there, but the boy doesn’t seem to care.
Mr. Rourke waits.
My cheeks heat and I’m practically vibrating with irritation.
“What? Look at her.” Rafael shrugs. “Just calling it like I see it.”
I bite my bottom lip to keep from snapping at him again before turning to leave. I don’t need this.
So much for making friends with the locals.
“Ms. Kline,” Mr. Rourke calls out.
I freeze. “That’s not my name.” There’s a bite in my tone I hadn’t intended but what I said is true. Kline isn’t my name. Brian wants me to take his last name. He’s some hotshot in town and thinks it will help open doors for me, but I don’t want it. I’ve been Isabella Romero—Isa for short—for the last seventeen years. I have zero plans of changing that.
Rafael’s brows lift, sudden interest sparking over our exchange.
“My apologies.Isabella.”
“Isa,” I correct again.
He grimaces and tilts his head toward the guy. “Isa, this is Rafael. He’s a senior, and a shifter, like you. He also happens to have first period English.” And I’m supposed to care why? “He’ll show you to your first class and help you settle in. Think of him as your guide for the week.”
My mouth drops open and I don’t miss the look he directs at Rafael. This isn’t optional for him. I gape at Mr. Rourke before finding my words. “No, thanks. I’m fine.” I try to wave him off.
He releases a sigh and leans back in his chair, ignoring me completely. His eyes train on Rafael who still has that bored expression on his face. “You here because you stirred up trouble again?”
Rafael shrugs. “Maybe.”
I roll my eyes. He’s totally one ofthoseguys. Broad shoulders, a muscular build. I can see the hint of a tattoo peeking out of the collar of his shirt, too, and I cringe, knowing what he had to go through to get his skin to accept the ink without the Lyc-V in his system forcing it out.
He’s a bad boy and he makes sure everyone knows it. Even his teachers. I wonder how the school handles violence here. Back home, everyone stayed in line because we had Pack hierarchy to fall back on. Here … I shake my head. This is going to be a nightmare to navigate and I do not have time for a guy like him.
Mr. Rourke smiles. “Well then, rather than the usual detention, you’ll have the pleasure of showing Isa around and helping her feel welcome. She’s new to Hellbound High and doesn’t know anyone. Be a model student for once and help the girl out.”
“I’m good,” Rafael says. “I’ll take the detention.”
