Enchanted | Jacob Black

five

I sat in Biology class, trying my hardest to pay attention but failing miserably.

I placed my pencil down, glancing out the window as rain drizzled outside.

"Pay attention," Embry whispered, slightly shoving me with his elbow. Today was one of the rare days he showed up for school. With all the vampire activity going on, they missed multiple days. He tried to show up more than the others to not upset his mom.

"You're rarely here," I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "You don't even know what we're learning."

"I know. So that's why I need you to pay attention so I can copy off you later."

"You're annoying," I muttered under my breath, trying to focus back on the board.

He leaned in again, voice low and teasing. "Come on, Harper. You know you missed me."

He wasn't wrong. I had missed him and Quil. I had been so distracted by Jake and spending more time with Nate that I hadn't spent any time with them.

The last bell of the day rang, signaling that school was finally over. Everyone started getting up from their seats and heading out the classroom door.

"I'll catch you later, Harper. Save those notes for me." Embry pointed down at my notebook before jogging out.

I laughed as I started gathering my stuff and putting it in my backpack. I suddenly heard footsteps approaching and stopping in front of me. I looked up just as Kira crossed her arms. Her perfectly straightened hair didn't move, and neither did the scowl stretched across her face. "So," she said, her tone sharp and sugary at the same time. "I've heard you and Nate have become good buddies now."

I blinked. "So?"

"I just thought I'd give you a friendly reminder," she leaned in slightly, voice lower, "to keep it that way."

Her dark brown eyes narrowed, cold like daggers. She said it like a threat wrapped in a bow.

I zipped my backpack slowly, then stood up so we were at eye level. "You called dibs or something?"

Kira's jaw tightened. "I'm just saying he has a type. And I don't think it's you."

That stung a little more than I wanted it to, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I smiled sweetly. "I don't think it's you either."

She scoffed, looking me up and down. "You seriously think he's into you?"

"I don't know," I shrugged, voice calm, "but even if he was, that's between him and me. Not you."

For a split second, I saw a hint of insecurity cross her face, but she quickly masked it with a smug tilt of her head. "Just don't say I didn't warn you." She spun on her heel and walked off. I rolled my eyes. Kira's threat was the last thing I could care about right now.

Halfway to my car, I heard footsteps running behind me.

"Hey!" Nate's voice was bright and casual, and before I could turn around, he draped his arm around my shoulders.

I didn't hate the way his arm felt resting there. It was comfortable, even kind of nice—wrong, but nice.

"Get away from me before someone ends up stabbing me and dumping my body in the ocean."

Nate's brow quirked. "Kira?"

"Yup, she just got done threatening me."

He laughed. "Wow. That girl does not give up."

"Sounds familiar." I teased, elbowing his side.

"Hey, don't compare us. She's way scarier."

We both laughed.