flush scarlet as though I’ve done something wrong.
Atlas doesn’t like that reaction at all and when the grin drops away, Kieran finally figures out that Atlas isn’t just a grinning, arrogant kid. He’s a Gifted making threats.
Because things can only get worse for me and because that is exactly what I need in my life, Gryphon turns the corner and stalks towards us, reading the malevolent atmosphere perfectly. “Move aside, Black. They’re late for class, and I know you weren’t about to use your gift on campus grounds, Bassinger. That’s rule number one here.”
Atlas smirks and shrugs. “I have an exemption, Shore. I can’t turn mine off, it’s a part of me. Your thug here didn’t like that I’m not worried about him. Honestly? I think he didn’t like that I’m not a Gift-less girl half the size of him that he can throw around.”
Oh God, I don’t want to be around for this dick swinging competition and I definitely don’t want my entire life aired out and picked through in the hallway with way too many eyes on us all.
“Fuck this, I’m going to class. If you guys wanna whip them out and measure them to get this over with, then go right ahead, I’m not sticking around for it.”
Kieran scoffs at me and snaps, “Of course you’re running away. Oleander Fallows is exactly the type to just disappear when things get hard.”
I walk away because there’s nothing I can say back to him. I don’t want to see any of the reactions from the others and Sage immediately moves to tuck her arm in mine, stalking over to the back row of seats where we normally sit together, as if the entire room isn’t listening in on the drama happening at the door. Literally, the entire class is waiting for my Bonds to sort their issues out and sit down so the professor can start the class.
I want to scream.
“Ignore it, this has nothing to do with you. They’re all just on edge because Gifted are being taken and Atlas has shown up to rock the boat,” Sage whispers, shooting Zoey and her giggling friends a look when they all stare back at us.
I block them all out. When Atlas finally takes his seat next to me, he’s still looking calm and steady, pulling out textbooks and his laptop to take notes as though nothing has happened. Gabe sits next to Sage and seethes the entire time, a walking timebomb today. I’m sure he’s planning on destroying me with the temper tantrum that’s brewing.
When the class is finally over and we’re all heading to the library to study, Altas slings an arm over my shoulders as we walk out. Kieran is nowhere to be seen, and his replacement doesn’t so much as glance at us as we walk past.
The library is busier than it usually is and when we finally wade through the crowd to our table, we find Sawyer and Felix already waiting for us. I smile at them both and introduce Atlas to Felix, who accepts him into the fold as though this is all completely normal and there’s not a seething sort of rage radiating off of Gabe right now.
I’m set on ignoring it and just focussing on my damn assignments, but I’m also prepared for Sawyer’s shit-stirring ways by now.
“I heard about the spat this morning but the real question here is, which one of your Bonds has the biggest dick? Tell us so we know who won, Fallows.”
Sage groans and buries her face in her hands. “For the love of God, can we please stop talking about dicks for five fucking minutes?”
Sawyer grins like he’s going to torture his sister but Gabe buts in, “Kieran might be an asshole but he wasn’t wrong, was he? It’s hard to defend someone when everyone knows their rap sheet.”
Atlas slips his hand into mine on the table, threading our fingers together where everyone can see. I think it has more to do with claiming me than showing me any sort of affection.
Gabe’s eyes drop down and glue themselves there and Atlas smirks at him. “Oh yeah? Well, unlike you, I'm not afraid to tell the others to fuck off and keep my Bond to myself. I don't care what's happened in the past, that shit is over with. She's mine and you've chosen for her to not be yours."
Gabe's nostrils flare. "It’s not as easy as saying she's mine. There's more going on-"
"I don't give a