As they leave for their next class, my heart sinks along with my gut. I've got English, which means I'm stuck with Claire again. At least Zak and Flint are in the same class. I try to think of who I know that has Visual Art.
'I'll meet you in English, Claire. I gotta stop by the men's room,' I tell her, trying to distance myself.
'Okay, Boo-boo, don't take too long now,' she says, winking and kissing me.
I suppress a shudder as my body revolts against the unwanted attention.
I rush down the corridor, catching up with Paul just before he enters the Visual Art class.
'Hey, Paul,' I call out.
'Yo-Yo, what's up, Magnus?' He asks, in his easygoing demeanour.
'Not much, I just have a favour to ask,' I say nervously.
'Okay, what's the problem?' He responds, ready to assist.
'That new guy. I don't know what it is about him, but I sense something isn't right. Can you monitor him around Nina for me? I want to ensure her welfare around him. Being the future Alpha and all, it will be my duty to keep my pack safe, so I may as well start now,' I state with a sense of responsibility in my words.
'Sure, Magnus, I'll monitor them,' Paul agrees, taking on the request.
'Great, and Paul, don't mention this to anyone, okay? It's just between you and me. Got it?' I emphasize the need for discretion.
'Got it,' he nods, entering the classroom with a focused determination.
I run back to English, settling into my seat between Claire and Zak, with Flint on the other side of Zak. The task is to write an essay, but my mind struggles to focus. Thoughts of Moss and Nina dominate my attention.
'Everything okay, Boo-boo?' Claire asks with a teasing smile, provoking sniggers from Zak and Flint.
'Yup, fine, just struggling to concentrate is all,' I reply, attempting to brush off their amusement.
'Oh, my Boo-boo, do you have a headache? I can finish the essay for you?' Claire offers with an exaggerated concern.
'Um yeah, it's a headache… sure,' I say, passing my essay to her, opting for a momentary escape from the writing task.
I raise my hand, seeking permission to leave. 'Yes, Magnus?' Mrs. Lofts acknowledges.
'Um, I need to go to the men's room,' I tell the teacher.
'Okay, but be quick,' she says.
'Okay, Mrs. Lofts,' I reply.
‘Oh, Boo-boo, you had just been to the men’s room. Is it the runs?’ She asks in front of the class, eliciting some stifled giggles and laughs.
I welcome the hole that opened up and swallowed me whole yesterday to reappear and swallow me again.
'No, I don't have the runs. Just be quiet, Claire,' I growl, my frustration mounting. I storm out of the room, heading straight to the Visual Arts class.
I duck down outside the window, peering inside. Moss is leaning over Nina, sharing art pencils. He sits back, brushing her hair behind her ear, and my frustration boils over into a loud growl. The class turns their attention to the growling window, and I duck down just in time to avoid being spotted.
Furious, I scamper away, returning to English with a storm of emotions. Claire greets me with a smile, but it fades when she sees the anger across my face.
'What's wrong, Boo-boo?' She asks concerned.
'Nothing,' I growl with irritation.
'Well, if it's nothing, why do you sound so grumpy and angry?' She points out, her concern deepening.
'I'm not grumpy or angry,' I reply, my tone contradicting my words. I take a subtle, deep breath to calm myself and focus on Nina's brown-doe-like eyes. 'Now I know why I couldn't sleep last night,' I mutter, earning a raised eyebrow from Claire.
It's lunchtime, and I race to the cafeteria, the echoes of my hurried footsteps resonating through the corridor. Along the way, I lose Claire, but the anticipation fuels my eager entrance into the cafeteria. All eyes turn toward me as I skid across the floor, attempting to come to a sudden halt.
Nina hasn't arrived yet. I sit at our usual table, tapping my foot impatiently as Zak, Flint, Josie, and Paul exchange odd glances, noticing my restlessness.
Finally, Nina enters the cafeteria, her smile lighting up the room. I stand, my stomach fluttering at the sight of her. Our eyes meet, and she nods, making her way toward me. However, Claire enters behind her and collides with Nina, knocking her over as she approaches the table to sit beside me. My mouth parts in disbelief, and I glare at Claire, who casually flicks her hair and offers a confused smile. 'What?' she asks, oblivious as to why I'm annoyed.
Ignoring Claire, I hurry to help Nina up. But before I can gently take her arm, another hand beats me to it. I look up, meeting Moss's scowl. His features soften to concern as he turns Nina around protectively. 'Nina, are you okay? Did someone knock you over?' He asks protectively, ready to rip someone's head off.
'Moss,' Nina says, surprised. 'No, I fell over. Thank you for helping me up, though,' she says gratefully, turning to look at me. My apologetic eyes meet hers. Nina glances over my shoulder at Claire, then back at me. 'I think I'm going to pass on your offer. I'm going to sit where I usually sit,' she says, turning back to Moss. 'You're welcome to sit with me for lunch if you like?' She offers him with a hopeful look.
'I would love that,' Moss replies, holding his arm out for Nina to hook hers through. They walk over to Nina's table, and Moss spreads his lunch out, creating an atmosphere resembling a picnic date.
Disheartened, I begrudgingly return to my table, where curious eyes meet mine. Josie, however, gives me a knowing look.
Claire clings onto my arm, and I pull away. 'Boo-boo? What's wrong?' She asks innocently.
I look her in the eyes, a dire stare conveying the severity of my words. 'Don't you ever knock Nina over or hurt her in any way again, or I will stop going to your parties and have nothing to do with you again,' I warn her.
Claire's eyes well up, and she sobs. 'Boo-boo, I'm sorry, please forgive me. It was an accident this time, I swear. I'll be more aware of her presence in the future,' she pleads, her sobs echoing in the cafeteria.