Jason pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes, his smirk returning like a weapon. "Wow. You're turning so red. Should I feel bad? Nah."
"You jerk," I breathed, trying to steady my heart. "You're always so full of yourself."
"Yeah, yeah." He stepped back, running a hand through his dark hair. "I need to get out of here before I get a headache."
"What is your problem?" I snapped, clutching my towel tighter. "What did I ever do to you?"
Jason stopped. He turned slowly, his eyes darkening. "My problem is that you exist. You act like Miss Flawless, but news flash, cupcake: you're just a self-absorbed nobody. Get a grip."
Stinging, angry tears flooded my eyes, but I blinked them away. I wouldn't let him see me break. "You're just an arrogant fool with a stupid alpha complex," I spat. "A lost puppy that needs a leash. All bark, no bite."
He stepped forward, closing the distance until I could feel the heat radiating off his chest. "Oh, you want me to bite? You make me laugh."
I stood my ground. He was trying to intimidate me, but I was a Phoenix; I was forged in fire. He reached out, his thumb grazing my lower lip. I almost melted right there, but I kept my expression like stone.
"I don't care," he muttered, suddenly pulling away. "Anyway, I'm out of here. You're still in a towel."
"Like you care," I mumbled.
"First of all, I'm not heartless," Jason said, his voice dropping. "Secondly, I have a sister. I'm not leaving a girl to freeze. Plus, you're a Phoenix if you get too cold, you could die."
I narrowed my eyes. "So you do have a brain."
"Here." He pulled off his heavy hoodie and tossed it at me. My eyes caught the ripple of his eight-pack and his muscular frame as he stood there in the dim light. I bit my lip before I could stop myself.
"Oh, wow," he smirked. "Miss Fat-Ass is checking me out."
"Stop calling me that! Whatever."
I pulled the hoodie over my head. It smelled like him ,rain, cedar, and something wild. It was way too big, reaching mid-thigh, but it was warm. "Am done," I said quietly.
Jason stared at me for a long beat. Internal: She looks so cute in my clothes. I just want to hold her and never let go. "What are we going to do now?" I asked. Before I could finish, he scooped me up into his arms. "Ahhh! Put me down!"
"And let your tiny feet slow us down? Not a chance," Jason grumbled, heading for the exit. "I can get us home faster this way. Just give me directions."
I stopped fighting. Being in his arms felt safe, yet dangerous—a combination I knew I shouldn't like. When we reached the parking lot, I realized he wasn't just dropping me off.
"We're taking my car," he said. "You didn't think I'd make you walk in the rain, did you? I'm not heartless, remember?"
I didn't argue. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window as he drove. For the first time, I didn't see an arrogant jerk; I saw someone who actually cared.
"Someone's obsessed with me," Jason broke the silence, his smirk back in place. "Can't get enough of this hot stuff, huh?"
I sighed, closing my eyes. "I take it back. Arrogant as ever. We're here."
"See you later, cupcake," he said as I climbed out. I didn't realize until I was at my door that I was still wearing his hoodie. I watched his taillights vanish into the rain.
Inside, the atmosphere was heavy. My mom, Sara, was waiting in the kitchen.
"Fancy you getting home this late," she said coldly.
"Not right now, okay?" I muttered, heading for the stairs. "I'm too tired for this."
"Elisabeth, get back here!"
"Leave me alone!!
The slap echoed through the hallway. It stung, but the look in my eyes was colder than the rain outside. I didn't say a word. I just walked into my room, locked the door, and collapsed.
I hated it here. I couldn't wait for the weekend to see my dad. I pulled Jason's hoodie tighter around me. He was mean, he was frustrating, but his scent was the only thing keeping me grounded. Girl, get a grip, I told myself. You have school tomorrow.
The next morning at Forest Academy, the air was buzzing.
Jason was leaning against the lockers, his mind racing. Internal: I can't stop thinking about the locker room. I should have just kissed her.
"Elisabeth!" Ray called out, jogging over to me. "How are you doing today?"
"Oh, hi Ray. I'm okay."
From across the hall, Jason watched with a deadly glare. Internal: What does that Ray guy want with her anyway?
"Listen up!" Queen's voice rang out, interrupting everyone. "There's a party this weekend! Invites are out!" She sashayed over to Jason, leaning into him. "Jason, I can't wait to see you there."
Jason gave her a wink. I felt a surge of nausea.
"Get a room," I snapped.
"Someone's jealous," Queen laughed.
"Don't make me laugh," Elisabeth shot back over her shoulder. "I'd rather puke my eyes out than be jealous of anything you have."
Miss M appeared in the hallway, her expression stern. "Everyone to class. Now."
The lesson was a blur of supernatural history. Miss M explained that over the coming weeks, students would be presenting their lineages to the class. As the bell rang, the hallway erupted into chaos once more.
"Jason, let's go," Queen said, grabbing his arm.
Jason's eyes found Elisabeth's across the crowded hall. They locked gazes for a long, heavy moment a silent conversation of heat and hate before Rouna broke the spell.
"Earth to Elisabeth!" Rouna laughed. "Are you coming to the party or what? Everyone is going to be there, and I don't want to go alone."
"I'm not sure, Rouna. I have a lot going on."
"Please! You owe me one."
Elisabeth sighed. "Fine. One party. But that's it."
Behind them, Ray watched Elisabeth with a longing look. I can't wait to tell her how I feel, he thought. Meanwhile, Jason watched Ray, his jaw set. Like hell you will.
Jason made it home thirty minutes after school ended, a nagging feeling of being watched prickling the back of his neck, Jason walked through his front door. "Mom, Dad, I'm home!"
"Jason! You're back!" His little sister, Lily, ran up to hug him.
"Yeah, yeah, I know you missed me."
But his father, Frank, looked grave. "Jason, you need to stay indoors this weekend."
Jason froze. "What? Why?"
"They are coming again," Frank said, his voice low and terrified. "And you know what happened last time. They only bring misfortune."
"But I have somewhere to be!" Jason argued, thinking of Elisabeth and thinking of Ray taking her to that party.
"Son, I said no. My no is final."
Jason's eyes flashed a brilliant gold. "I'm sorry, Dad, but I'm going. You'll have to chain me down to stop me. I'm not losing her to him."