Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Frank let out a dramatic wall. “Mr. Goodwin, you’re totally throwing me under the bus!”

Marvin snorted, unimpressed. “If I didn’t speak up early, I’d be the one getting chewed out later!”

Briar watched the two bicker in front of Ashton, their playful back–and–forth a clever distraction. She bit back a laugh and turned to Ashton,

her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Ashton, I’m fine. Let’s just drop it, okay?”

Catching the clear, teasing glint in her gaze, Ashton smiled, his expression softened, a faint warmth in his eyes. “Alright, fine.”

Frank whipped around instantly, relief flooding his face. “Thank you, Ashton! You’re the best!”

Briar couldn’t hold it in anymore and let out a short laugh.

Frank, still grinning, turned to her. “Thanks for sticking up for me, Briar! I owe you one–how about I treat you to something tasty later?”

him off casually.

there’s nothing else, I’m heading out,”

I’ll be at the

she’d agreed to have dinner

to Marvin

door swung shut behind her, she caught Ashton’s voice, praising her

but Briar knew he was backing her up, making sure

headed straight to the Traditional Medicine lab. Swiping her student ID to unlock the door, she hadn’t even stepped into the small office when she

of awe and disbelief. “For real?

Frank, but when I saw Ashton standing next to Briar, I bolted

blink.”

“Ha! Bet Frank’s getting an earful from Ashton right

with Thomas to check on his sister?” Ted

“It’s her back–couldn’t really see. But Abbie said it’s all bruised up, so it’s

He’s not back yet?” Mason craned his neck toward the door and froze when he spotted Briar leaning against the frame, arms crossed. He gave

out, surprised. “Briar, why are you just standing there?

greeting