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. “No

else, I’m heading out,” she said, glancing at Ashton.

nodded. “Go ahead. I’ll be at the front gate after class to

she’d agreed to have

nod to

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

words might’ve been a stretch, but Briar knew he was backing her up,

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

a mix of awe and disbelief. “For real? Briar’s that badass? She got Ashton

was gonna tag along with Frank, but when I saw

blink.”

“Ha! Bet Frank’s getting an

to check on his sister?” Ted nudged Charle

her back–couldn’t really see. But Abbie said

the door and froze when he spotted Briar leaning against the frame,

peeked out, surprised. “Briar, why are

over, greeting them