I look away from their conversation, focusing on packing my own things with an intensity that is definitely not jealousy. Because I have no reason to be jealous. Rafe is not mine. Rafe is barely civil to me. Rafe thinks my home was a dump and my bag is a disaster and my existence is a temporary inconvenience he has to tolerate for six weeks.
Not jealousy. Just observation. I am observant. That is my thing.
"Mae."
Etienne's voice arrives at my desk along with his scent, evergreens and old books cutting through the classroom fog like a blade through butter. He leans against the desk beside mine, those storm-blue eyes warm and curious.
"How did the first day feel?"
I consider the question, tucking the last of my papers into my folder.
"Weird," I admit. "Being in a classroom again after years of just existing. Having a schedule. Having teachers who call on you and expect you to know the answer." I pause, then allow myself a small smile. "But I did enjoy some of the classes. Literature was actually fascinating. And Creative Expression was not as terrifying as I expected."
"You were the best one in there," Etienne says, his voice carrying that quiet certainty I am learning means he has already decided he is right and will not be moved. "Your essay response was incredible. Professor Marsh could not stop reading it."
He noticed that? He was watching me during class?
Before I can respond, Cal materializes at Etienne's side, his amber eyes bright with the energy of someone who thrives in social environments and finds classrooms mildly entertaining at best.
"So?" He drops into the chair across from my desk, leaning back with his arms crossed. "Is Mae still a nerd?"
I give him my best pouting look, eyebrows drawn together, lower lip jutting out.
He holds up both hands in surrender.
"Not in a teasing way! In a matter-of-fact way. You answered every question in Biology like you wrote the textbook. I just want confirmation."
I smirk, rising from my desk and slinging my sad excuse for a bag over my shoulder.
"Either way is shit, but to answer your question, yeah. I am still a smart-ass. That particular trait did not get lost in the years of poverty and social rejection. Turns out being a nerd is recession-proof."
Cal whistles, low and impressed.
"Damn. MaeBell’s got balls now too."
I smirk wider, tilting my chin up.
"It is a pussy, actually. One that can handle all the bullshit you Alphas put us through on a daily basis. Balls are fragile. Ask Rafe. He knows."
Cal presses his lips together so hard I can see him physically restraining the laugh.
"Hmm." He shakes his head slowly, that amber gaze glinting with amusement and admiration. "This feisty version of you can be dangerous."
I flip him off with a sweet smile, and he barks out a laugh that turns several heads in the classroom.
The moment is interrupted by the sound of the classroom door banging open with the force of a small explosion.
"MABELINE!"
Sage bursts through the doorway like a natural disaster in human form, her short hair spiked in every direction, her tie already loosened to the point of uselessness. Jace follows behind her, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his expression carrying that perpetual calm amusement that seems to be his default setting.
A guy near the back of the room groans audibly.
"Take your tomboy ass somewhere else, Sage. Some of us are trying to exist in peace."
Sage does not even break stride. She flips him the bird without looking, her middle finger aimed with a precision that speaks to years of practice.
"Go eat grass, Tyler."
