Demon: Book 1

Chapter 34: Brutal Honesty

I lifted my shirt to see my darkened ribs. At least it was in a place that was easy to hide. I grabbed my sweater off the bathroom counter and put it on. With a deep breath, I prepared myself for tutoring. My shoulders instantly sagged. I bet werewolves didn't have to pass math.

Exiting the bathroom, I went downstairs to find my mother finishing up breakfast.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Hurry and eat. We need to leave soon, or we won't get there on time."

I slumped down at the table. "This isn't how I'd like to spend my Saturday."

"Well, you're still grounded, so I think it's a perfect opportunity to get out of the house because otherwise, you're not going anywhere." She gave me a warm smile as she set my plate in front of me.

"Thanks, Mom," I muttered.

"Make sure you don't forget any of your assignments. Oh, and the study guide Mr. Phillips gave you for the test."

I stacked the scrambled eggs on a piece of bread. "It's all in my book bag." I started to eat as she wandered about the kitchen.

"Quint," she called.

"Yes," he replied from the living room. "We'll be heading out now." She grabbed my plate right after I finished the last stray piece of egg. "Do you mind picking Aden up at three from tutoring?"

I groaned and laid my head on the table. "Why does it have to be so long?"

My father appeared in the entryway. "Because it takes time to gauge where you're at, so they can help you. If we don't start seeing improvement, you'll keep having to spend your entire Saturdays there."

"Quint." My mother grabbed her purse. "Leave him be." She tapped my shoulder. "It'll only be for three hours next week." She gave my father a kiss. "Three o'clock."

"I'll be there," he replied.

She smiled and headed toward the garage. "Let's be going, Aden."

"Coming." I hurried upstairs to get my book bag and met my mother in the car.

"It won't be that bad." She put on her sunglasses. "I talked to your tutor last night, and I think you're going to like him."

***

My mom parked the car, and I glanced at the sign: Franklin Tutoring and Mentorship Center.

"This is not happening." I rubbed my face.

"Enough." My mother patted my knee. "Let's go in and meet your tutor."

She climbed out of the car, and I dragged myself onto the sidewalk. The whole situation was embarrassing. It was probably a good thing everyone already thought I was a loser at school, because this would have Mr. Valedictorian laughing along with his followers.

My mother opened the door and ushered me through before going to the receptionist's desk.

The brown-haired lady with gray mixed throughout looked up from her computer. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm Karen Perri"—she grabbed my arm and yanked me forward—"and this is Aden. He's here for math tutoring."

She gave me a big, warm smile. I wasn't buying it. It felt practiced.

"Comrade has been waiting for you." She stood. "Just a moment, Mrs. Perri. I have some things for you to sign, but I'll introduce Aden first so they can get started." She motioned for me to follow with a little too much enthusiasm.

I trudged after her and waited outside the door marked 'Staff Lounge.' I heard talking before she returned with a blond-haired man. He looked like a math whiz, but it might have been the black wire-framed glasses he was wearing.