Just One Bite

Chapter 19: Jack's POV

A groan escapes my lips as I turn left and pull up into the bustling college car park.
"Ah shit, what now?" I grumble as my eyes scan the crowds that are gathering excitedly outside the main doors. Holly and I exchange worried glances before I find an empty parking spot and swerve in.
"Oi! Adam! What the hell's going on!?" I shout out through the rolled down window.

"Em and that Littman girl are at each other's throats again!" Adam from physics shouts back as he bolts for the main entrance.

"Littman? You mean Elinor Littman?"

"Yeah! You better get in here quick!"

For fuck sake.

With another groan, I get out of the car and duck to grab my rucksack from the back seat. Holly gets out from the passenger side. "What do you think the fight's about this time?" She asks, giving me a look.

"I have a hunch," I reply, locking the car. We make our way slowly across the car park.

Holly scoffs. "I think everyone has a hunch," she says while swinging her bag over the other shoulder, "It was all over the news this morning."

I just grimace in reply.

"My parents were right all along!" Elinor boasts loudly, holding a newspaper above her head, "There are Werewolves on the Peninsular! It's all on the front page! The Hunters ambushed a secret meeting last night down on Oak Ridge!"

"What is that?" Someone asks her, pointing to her other hand.

"It's footage of the ambush," Elinor answers proudly while waving her phone in their faces, "My mother had a camera strapped to her jacket."

I have never seen the reception area so busy; small crowds of students had gathered around to watch, regardless of the fact that lectures had started more than twenty minutes ago.

"Em, what's this about?" I ask quietly when I join her side.

"Don't worry about it. I'm going to class," she says, turning to leave, "I'm too tired for this shit."

In fact, she looked exhausted. Em always had dark circles under her eyes but they more defined today. And her strides were always long and fast, her back straight and her chin high; most had difficultly keeping up with her. But today, her movements were a little slower - a little sluggish - like she was in a small amount of pain but enough for people to notice.

"Where were you last night, Em?"

She stops and the building holds it's breath. When she turns to face Elinor again, her eyes are like steel.

Uh oh.

"I was at home," she replies.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Em says firmly. Her voice was calm but I could tell she was getting more and more annoyed every time Elinor opened her mouth.

"Then why are you so tired?"

"I was up late," Em answers.

"Doing what?"

"You're older brother."

There's squeals, laughter and whoops from the crowd. Elinor remains motionless, her arrogant smile slowly turning into scowl. "I don't believe you," she retorts.

"I couldn't give two shits in what you believe," Em answers back confidently, "I was at home. My family can back me up on that statement if you ever wish to take this to Bullshit Court."

There's a little laughter amongst the audience. I scan the crowds carefully but I cannot find anyone else. No Louise, no Amy, no Rebekah.

Shit.