Snakes and Ladders

Chapter 25: Punches Are For Dummies

Nikolai's eyes were in shock for only a second before narrowing, his lips twisting into a sneer.

He knew exactly who was missing.

"What do you mean a student is missing" he snarled, similar golden eyes aflame, akin to the one responsible for her disappearance.

Mr. Berkshire took a noticeable step back from Nikolai.

He swallowed "Arabella Winfrey is the missing student and-"

Nikolai scoffed "Yeah and who's fault is that?" He bit out snidely

Mr. Berkshire must of conjured up some of his lost pride because his eyes narrowed sternly at Nikolai.

"Mr. Valentine I understand that your upset but your behavior is simply unacceptable-"

But Mr. Berkshire didn't get to finish his lecture as it was impeded by a punch to the nose.

Pain erupted across the wings of his nose, thick crimson red blood instantaneously flooding out of his nostrils.

Mr. Berkshire clutched his nose looking up at the attacker. Nikolai Valentine stood above him, smirking at his discomfort. Everyone had gone silent. The other Five, the only ones not looking even remotely shocked.

"And you Mr. Berkshire need to understand that losing a camper is unacceptable" his dark eyes met him head on unwaveringly "seems that you need to sort out your priorities Berkshire and do your job right" his voice held a dangerous chill to it, deadly calm.

But Nikolai Valentine didn't do calm, ever. That made it all the more terrifying.

He gave the injured teacher one last once over before leaving a petrified adult behind him.

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Nikolai often reminded her of an aggressive wounded puppy. Dangerous at a close distance when meeting, but a real sweetheart if you managed to break down his walls.

A feat that only one person other than Arabella managed to accomplish on a consistent basis...

February Derveaux had witnessed the whole fiasco before her with keen eyes, unflinching even when Nik had sucker punched their counselor. She was use to it after all.

She knew him inside and out as any best friend should. She also knew that he could be a complete asshat with just about everybody.

"I'm going to go check on him" She murmured to the remaining Five before departing to go after her fuming friend.

Five minutes later, she found him. He was lazily propped up against a big willow tree carefully examining his bruised knuckles, as he formed a fist repetitively in motion.

He looked up briefly after catching a whiff of the aroma of February, her scent a sweet mix of honey and tart cherries. Nik looked down quickly after seeing the disapproving frown on her face.

He coughed, clearing his throat "If you've come to chastise me on my actions then leave" he mumbled not making eye contact with her.

February wholly ignored this. "You can't just hit everyone who makes you mad" she started with a sigh, having gone through similar conversations in the past with him multiple times.

"Why not? A punch to the face is sometimes the answer to what dumbasses need" he grinned "it makes them register the fact that they screwed up"

"Yeah? Well maybe I should give you a punch to the face because your constantly acting like a dumbass" February retorted back

Nik's grin widened "I knew there was a reason why we became best friends"

February rolled her eyes "Yeah yeah dummy" she grabbed his wrist, pulling him up easily with his help "let's take care of the injury you inflicted upon yourself"

"Okay doctor lead the way"

"Shut up Valentine or else I'm making your bruised fist worse"

He just smirked, amused as he let February drag him all the way back to camp.

Hello Everybody!!!!

Whew I finished another chapter. Sorry I haven't been updating more recently, distance learning and cross country has been pretty ruthless and hectic lately. But I finally dragged my tired butt to write more and this is the result. Hopefully you guys like it.

With luck, new chapters coming soon!

~Jaderunner