Lycan Blood (Alex Vane: Demon Stalker #1)

Decisions

Sleep did not come easy that night. It didn’t matter. I set my alarm early anyway, springing out of bed the second it went off and quickly getting dressed. I started my day running through town until my muscles burnt and my lungs begged for breath. Even then I forced myself to run back. There would be no more mistakes. If I needed to be faster, then I would train until I was faster. Simple.

It didn’t leave me with much time to get ready. I arrived to school late but determined, eyes scanning the hallways for Jenna or Adam. It didn’t particularly matter which. All I knew was that I wasn’t going to play games anymore. Rachel’s face still smiled down on me in almost every corridor and I knew that soon Gabby’s face would be joining her. It was all the motivation I needed.

Once again, Adam was nowhere to be seen. Frustrated, I had no choice but to go to lessons. I was restless, filled with the urge to do something. I wanted to find Adam and yell at him, anything so long as I was doing something. Instead I was forced to wait until History where I had a chance to talk to Jenna alone.

“Hi!” My greeting was far too friendly. Jenna jumped at the sound of my voice, giving me a warm but slightly confused smile. Of course-I was never normally this perky.

Act normal Alex.

“Hi.” She nodded her head shyly, her dark hair falling down like a curtain. Black. It would blend in easily if she was wearing a dark hoodie. I wish I could remember the build of the figure better. Had they been tall or short? Skinny or muscular? The more I tried to focus on the details, the foggier the memory became. I was trying too hard. I should trust my instincts more.

“How are you?” Hungry? Tired from running round the forest ripping people’s throats out all night?

“Fine thanks. Well, not fine exactly. This Rachel thing is awful.” She bit her lip, casting her eyes downwards. I gave her a long hard stare. Was she taunting me? Or was her concern genuine? The paranoia was taking over again. Maybe I could have used a few more hours’ sleep.

“I know. It’s really weird too. I’ve lived here all my life and wild animal attacks are pretty rare. I just don’t understand it.”

“I suppose it’s just one of those awful things. Still, I can’t believe it happened to someone we know!”

“Were you friends with Rachel then?” I fought hard to keep my tone casual, hiding the fact my heart was hammering. Jenna turned a faint shade of pink.

“Well, no, we weren’t friends. Actually she was always kind of-“ She broke off suddenly, her eyes widening.

“Kind of what?” I frowned. She had suddenly clammed up, her hands balling into fists. Something was definitely up.

“Nothing. Forget it. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Jenna.”

“Really, I don’t want to say it. I mean, she’s dead now and-”

“Tell me.” She winced at my tone. My approach was harsh but it worked.

“It’s just…well actually, she was always kind of horrible to me. All of them are. The cheerleaders,” she was bright red now, “It’s not like a big deal or anything really. They just say nasty stuff now and again.”

“What kind of nasty stuff?” I was shocked. I hadn’t noticed anyone being particularly spiteful towards Jenna. Then again, I had been a little preoccupied lately. How much did I really notice in general that wasn’t demon-related?

“Oh, you know. Typical stuff. It’s honestly nothing. Don’t tell Jacey, please. She’ll make a big deal out of it.” Jenna looked so helpless, wide eyes peering anxiously up at me through her glasses. She looked so human. Real.