The Tormentors (Prey Series #1)

6. Liessa

I can feel the stares burning into me. After yesterday's clash with Brian, Tristan, and Asher, the entire school seems to have their eyes on me. Too many eyes, actually. But not in a good way. The inner circle looks at me with open disdain, while the rest-the "civilians" throw quick, nervous glances before averting their eyes. I sigh. So much for my plan to stay under the radar, keeping a low profile now all went in vein after yesterday.

I slip into the library, grateful for the quiet and the lack of people. Grabbing a book, I settle into a seat, plug in my headphones, and focus on my studies, hoping for a moment of peace. But it doesn't last long. I sense three figures standing beside me, and when I glance up, I see Jenna flanked by her friends, Ana and Mia.

Jenna eyes me with that classic "queen bee" disdain. Her black hair is in a messy bun, with a few strands framing her face, and her skirt is almost scandalously short. "So, you're the new girl causing all the commotion, huh?" she says, her tone laced with arrogance.

I sigh, already tired of this drama. "And?"

She leans against the table, her friends silently watching. "Just wondering what makes you think you can walk into this school and act like you own it. Do you even know who you're dealing with?" Jenna's voice drops, her expression turning serious. "Pissing those guys off isn't a smart move. Especially for a scholarship student. They could have you gone in a heartbeat." She places a hand on my shoulder, her fingers digging in slightly. "So, I'd suggest you watch your back."

Her attitude is getting on my nerves, I am not really a patient person and when it comes to a bitchy attitude I don't cooperate well. I shrug her hand off unfazed. "Oh, you guys are like broken radios. Don't you have anything better to do than throw around threats?"

Ana scoffs, disdain clear in her voice. "Pretty mouthy for a new girl. Didn't your parents teach you any manners?"

Frustration boils inside me and it takes everything in me to not throw the book in her face. Rolling my eyes, I lean back in my chair. "I'm surprised you are even familiar with the term 'manners.' And I'm not about to waste mine on people like you. That would be a shame."

Ana's face twists with anger, and she takes a step toward me, but Jenna stops her with a quick hand, her attention still locked on me.

"Watch your tone," Jenna says coldly. "You don't know who you're messing with."

I cross my arms, unimpressed. "Who said I want to know? Do I look like I'm interested? Because I'm really not. So, whatever your name is, I don't care about you, those boys, or any of your threats. How about you stick to your side, and I'll stick to mine?"

Jenna's eyes narrow, her smirk twisting into something darker as she leans in close, her voice a venomous whisper. "You think you can waltz in here like you belong? Newsflash: you don't. You're fresh meat, and we'll enjoy putting you in your place."

With that, she turns on her heel, her friends following behind her like shadows. As they walk away, I catch sight of Stella and Richard entering the library, with Jeremy trailing behind. I grab my bag and head toward them.

Stella approaches, her voice filled with concern, "Is everything okay, Liessa? What did they say to you?"

I shrug. "The usual, watch your back, blah blah."