Demon: Book 1

Chapter 39: I Never Said

I walked down the hall toward my locker. Eyes followed me. My face was still bruised, so it was normal for them to stare. Thankfully, my chipmunk days were over. Opening my locker, I shoved my backpack inside. I reached for my books, but my arm was yanked back. Chris pulled me away and slammed it shut.

"Bathroom, now, faggot." He shoved me forward.

I stumbled before heading down the hall. I peered back at Chris. He was wearing a sweatshirt, but the discoloration on his neck could still be seen. The bruise on his jaw was a deep purple with the edges turning green. At least, mine didn't look that bad. Titus sure did hit him hard.

We entered the bathroom. Chris kicked the door shut and moved a trash can in front of it. I stood by the sinks, staring at the line of urinals against the wall. All I had to do was play it off like Titus said. Deny everything.

"What is he?" Chris stated.

"Who?" I replied with a shrug.

"That freak you were hanging out with during the summer."

I shook my head. "I don't know who you're talking about."

Chris charged. He grabbed the front of my shirt and slammed me against a stall. I stood frozen, my heart rate spiking.

"Play stupid one more time and see what happens."

I swallowed hard. "What do you want, Chris?"

"Titus," he breathed. "You called that thing Titus. Katy's friend saw you leave Base Acid with that guy you brought to my house. His name was Titus."

"Yeah," I replied, trying to sound casual. "He was there." I forced myself to make eye contact. Confidence, be confident, and he'd believe it. "He did that to you." I pointed to his face. "Punched you so hard, he knocked you out."

Chris narrowed his eyes at me, but didn't make another move. "Who is he?"

"My boyfriend," I replied. I was surprised how easily it slipped out. I could do this. "And he wanted me to tell you"—I shoved him—"touch me again and see what happens."

Chris stood his ground. "Boyfriend?" he said with disgust. "I knew gays were freaks."

"I'll tell him you think so."

"I know what I saw, Aden. If you think you can threaten me, maybe I should tell people you're dating a deranged dog."

I smiled to myself. "Deranged dog?" I laughed. "He must have hit you pretty hard."

"He attacked me." Chris yanked the neckline of his hoodie over. "That monster did this."

I shrugged. "Titus is a big guy. Hell, I watched him do it. I don't remember seeing a dog. You probably had too much to drink."

"I didn't drink that night." He slammed his fist on the stall above my head.

Flinching, I scooted to the side. "Does it matter?" I said, trying to remain composed. "You're drunk all the time. Why would anyone believe you? I don't. There's no such thing as werewolves."

Chris backed away and sucked in his cheek.

I held my head high. "You were the one who attacked me first. If I went to the principal and told him what you did, I wouldn't be the one suspended. And I wasn't lying about Titus. Touch me again and he'll do worse."

He leaned against the wall.

"So if you forget about it, then so will I. Simple as that." I moved the garbage can out of the way and pulled the door open.