Page 11 of Wicked Titan

“Um, that’s harsh.”

“Oh no, the student wanted to fall. He thought he could fly and wanted to test out his new wings.” She notices that I have no response to that, so she continues, “They were high.”

“Ah, okay. Makes sense … kind of.”

“Yep. But they were both okay other than a few bruises and a broken bone or two. So, did you want to sign up?” she asks chipperly, grabbing a pamphlet off the table.

What is it with this school and pamphlets?

The heat rising on my neck alerts me to his presence seconds before little Miss Climber Club greets him. Does he know I rock climbed with my dad too?

“I’m going to pass.” I step aside, not ready to deal with Asher when I was just reminiscing about happy times. If he uses my dad against me right now, my grief will probably overcome my anger this time.

“How about you, Asher? Joining the BCC this year?” chirps Golden Olympus’s number one climbing recruiter but I don’t wait around to hear his response. I’m fairly sure he blew her off since he falls in step next to me as Elliot and Victoria approach to my relief.

“Hey, you sign up for anything yet?” Victoria asks, looping her arm in mine as we continue down the line of booths. “The painting classes are fun. The equestrian club is a good one too, but it fills up fast.”

“No, I’ll pass. I deal with enough horse asses during regular classes.”

Elliot cackles as he steps in front, spinning to walk backwards as he points to us. “I’m off to sign up for chest club.”

“Do you mean chess club?” I ask as Victoria ignores him.

“Nope, chest club. Later,” he winks as he jogs away, pretending to pump an invisible barbell before stopping at the weight lifting booth.

“He uses that tired joke every year.” Victoria rolls her eyes. “You’d think he’d try harder eventually.”

I assume she’s talking about more than just his joke, but I don’t want to ask. Everything is already messed up enough. I really should distance myself from them as much as possible, especially Asher, who is being oddly quiet at the moment, walking a step ahead of us.

I hear their snickering before I see two girls from last period. The one with bleached hair reminds me of Allison with her snobby look before speaking in a haughty voice, loud enough for me to hear. “Yeah, it’s pitiful how she follows him around like that.”

The other girl responds, giving me an equally persnickety stare. “I heard she agreed to suck him off between classes just so she can be near him.”

I look ahead to Asher, appearing to be leading the way. “You’re such a dickbag. You really think these skanky tramps will get to me?” Cocking my head to the side, I give him an amused sneer. I’m pissed off by his latest antic, but he doesn’t need to know that. He’d enjoy it too much.

“You both can have him and his dick because I’m not interested in either. Enjoy,” I say with a smirk. Making direct eye contact with Blonde Bimbo Number Two, I imitate a blowjob gesture with my hand as I poke my tongue into my cheek, relishing the surprise on their faces that implies they weren’t expecting me to respond. Normally, I wouldn’t have, but things are different now. Latching on to my anger is the only thing that keeps me halfway sane. And Asher has a talent for turning my rage on with the flip of a switch.

Victoria is still trying to figure out what’s going on as I storm off in the opposite direction from which we were heading. She calls my name, but I put more distance between us. I just need to sign up for something and get the hell out of here. Eventually these people will get the hint that I just want to be left alone to my own miserable existence at this polished golden shit of a hellhole.

Once I’m on the opposite side of the gym, I spot a table with no one standing at it. That seems appealing—the less people involved, the better.

Snatching the enrollment sheet, I scribble my name as the student manning the table clears his throat.

“Yes, sure. I’m sold. Sign me up.” I don’t need to hear the spiel.

“Are you sure? You can’t switch out until after Christmas break, so once you sign on the dotted line, you’re committed for the semester.” Amusement laces his voice, and I look up to see a corresponding expression.

“Yep.” I break the gaze, not wanting to read into his look anymore. What is it with the guys at this school? They all seem a few bricks short of a load as my dad would say. Plopping the clipboard down, I turn to walk away.

“Did you want a pamphlet?”

I spin on my heels, stepping back to the table. “By all means. My life will never be complete if I don’t get another pamphlet to add to my collection.”

He pulls the pamphlet back before I can reach it. “I’m not sure you deserve this sacred pamphlet.”

“You can shove the sacred pamphlet up your ass for all I care.”

He lets out a chuckle. “Damn. I was just trying to make you smile, but I doubt that will be happening anytime soon. Sounds like you’re having a bad first day.” He extends his hand, “I’m Grant. I’d say welcome to Golden Olympus, but I don’t think that would go over well either.”