The Immortal Beast

Chapter 16

Family of Assholes

I took Nora to the nurse, still soaked through, water squelching in my boots with every step. I didn't care. I'd deal with dry clothes later.

The nurse ran Nora through a full evaluation—temperature, breathing, pupils, reflexes. Nora passed everything, color slowly returning to her cheeks.

"You're very lucky," the nurse said gently.

Lucky wasn't the word I would've used.

She turned to me. "And you?"

"I'm fine," I said flatly.

She gave me a look that said she didn't fully believe that, but she let it go.

As we stepped into the hallway, I stopped Nora.

"Go grab our stuff," I told her. "If I don't make it back before next period, give mine to Morgan or Sam. I'll get it in werewolf class."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Seraphina..."

"I'm fine," I repeated, softer this time. "Go."

She nodded and hurried off.

I lifted my hand, muttering a quick drying spell under my breath. Warm air wrapped around me, pulling the dampness from my clothes and hair until I looked presentable again.

Then I made a choice.

And stormed toward the principal's office.

I didn't knock.

When I pushed the door open, Mrs. Thistle and Principal Blackthorn sat on one side of the desk. Mackenzie sat across from them, looking far too composed for someone who had just tried to drown a classmate.

"Seraphina, now is not the time," Blackthorn said sharply.

"Frankly, I don't care," I replied, my eyes locking onto Mackenzie.

"Seraphina," Mrs. Thistle said, calm but firm.

I ignored them.

In two steps, I crossed the room, grabbed Mackenzie by the front of her shirt, and slammed her against the wall.

The picture frames rattled.

"I don't care about you," I said, my voice low and steady. "Do you understand that?"

She didn't answer.

I pushed her harder against the wall.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

She gave a stiff nod, her face pale now.

"If you ever pull something like that again," I continued, leaning closer, "there will be nowhere you can hide. I will find you. And I won't be as merciful."

"Seraphina, outside. Now." Blackthorn's voice cracked like a whip.

I let go and stepped back without another word. I walked out of the office and shut the door behind me harder than necessary.

I stood in the hallway, breathing slowly. In. Out. In. Out. Let the heat drain from my skin.

A few minutes later, the door opened and Mackenzie walked out without looking at me. Good.

"Seraphina, come in please," Mrs. Thistle called.

I went back inside and dropped into one of the chairs, crossing my arms.

Blackthorn folded his hands on the desk. "I understand you're upset. But physical aggression is not how we handle these matters."

I didn't respond.