Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 38

Briar shoved her hands in her pockets and quickened her pace, eager to put some distance between herself and Mia’s sour expression as she

headed toward the cafeteria.

Shoneport University, a prestigious century–old institution, boasted an impressive dining scene. With four cafeterias, you could find just about any cuisine your heart desired.

Being new, Briar played it safe and made a beeline for the Zakian cuisine counter, her go–to choice. She wasn’t picky about flavors–give her enough spice, and she was happy.

Zakian cuisine was a campus favorite, and when Briar got to the counter, the line was already snaking long. Lucky for her, a few familiar faces

from the lab were near the front, having gotten there early.

Spotting her alone, they waved her over with warm smiles and let her cut in. “Briar, come with us! They’ve got Ceviche and Anticuchos today -limited supply. You don’t want to miss out,” one of them called.

Briar didn’t hesitate. She gave a small nod and stepped in without the slightest trace of guilt. “Sweet, thanks.”

Just like that, she scored Ceviche and Anticuchos. Frank and James, ever the welcoming crew, invited her to join them at their table.

Briar settled in with her tray, surrounded by her lab mates. Frank, with his striking looks, privileged background, and the fact that he’d been specially recruited into Joshua’s lab, was already a bit of a legend at Shoneport. Among the traditional medicine crowd, he was the undisputed campus heartthrob, and plenty of girls nursed quiet crushes on him.

But Frank had always kept his distance. Cool and aloof, he gave off an air of being unapproachable, and it was rare–nearly unheard of–for a

to him, let alone

guy was seen cozying up to a stunning new girl, sharing a table and splitting his beloved Anticuchos with her,

nothing short of

whispers

about

was eating with the Traditional Medicine crew led to one

freshman in their department.

buzzing with curiosity–and a touch

gorgeous girl, and she picks Traditional Medicine? What was she

been better off in Computer Science, Finance, or Law,” another chimed in, shaking

and posted it on the school’s online forum with the headline: [Campus Hottie

the Zakian counter, only to find–just as James had

out.

worst! First day of school, and I can’t even get the food I want,” Nancy

clutching an empty tray, stood frozen, her gaze fixed on something in the distance. “Beatrice,

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Chapter 38

line of

sat Frank–next to a striking girl with an air of effortless cool. Judging by the other