Chapter 2: Is the King of Campus Defending Me?

*Lena*

Slate was sputtering, spitting on the ground, and acting overall exceedingly dramatic as he gripped his throat. His hands had caused more redness than Xander's had, I noticed, as I watched Slate act as though Xander had come close to killing him instead of physically forcing him to let me go.

Xander continued to stand behind me, watching Slate with interest. He glanced down at me, giving me a tight, crooked smile before turning his attention back to Slate.

"You done? Or do you need a few more minutes to collect yourself?" Xander asked.

Slate glared at us both, his eyes narrowing into slits as he finally straightened up. 'Who the hell do you think you are? I'm a professor-'

"A professor who just had his hands on a female student," Xander retorted, shrugging his shoulders. "And you said she's your girlfriend, right? I expect the administration would look down on that, if they were to find out."

Slate balked, then licked his lips, turning his gaze to me.

"Don’t look at her," Xander said sharply, causing Slate to avert his gaze from me and turn his attention to Xander once more.

Slate eyed the duffle bag Xander had slung over his left shoulder, which had "Morhan Varsity Wrestling' embroidered in large, bold letters on the side. Xander had at least six inches on Slate, towering over him even to cast a shadow over the entirety of Slate's body. I fought against the smirk twitching in the corner of my mouth as the blood drained from Slate's face.

Not that I'd needed Xander's help. I would've figured out how to get away-eventually.

"You'll regret this,* Slate said weakly, glancing at me so quickly I almost missed it. 'My uncle is the dean-"

"Ah, playing that card, are we?” Xander drawled, adjusting his weight. He yawned, actually yawned, as Slate's cheeks began to burn a deep crimson. ”1 think you'd better go."

"Let's go, Lena-* Slate began.

"No. You go, alone. And if I catch you anywhere near her again, you'll be the one with regrets."

I stole a look at Xander. His gaze was fixed on Slate with such intensity it made me want to cower by association. I hadn't ever seen him so close up before.

I already knew, based on my few sightings of him around campus, that he was tall. But I hadn't noticed how dark his hair was, ink-black and swept back away from his face, curling softly around his ears. I hadn’t noticed his eyes, which were a rich, coffee-like color flaked with amber. He was beautiful, even dressed in gray sweatpants and a black windbreaker.

I hadn’t noticed that Slate had walked away until Xander slowly turned his gaze to me, meeting my eye. Time stood still.

okay?" he asked. "He

away from his eyes and watched Slate’s figure disappear down the pathway toward the

not really his

glancing back up at him. "Goddess,

hand on the duffle

sure. That guy is a creep. Does he bother you a

stop me when I’m on my way to the greenhouses. He teaches right there." I pointed to the building Slate had

scanning the building, then turning to look up the pathway toward the set of long greenhouses at the top of

have to walk

a week. Wednesday through

I'll walk you to your class," he said, but then paused, clearing his throat as he

have to do

up the pathway, where the roof of the somewhat worn-down stadium was visible above the trees in the distance.

for its athletics. He was studying something related to Heather's chosen field, I knew that much.

holding out his hand for me to

in my pockets. He arched his brow,

What else do you know about me?' He dropped his hand, possibly disappointed I hadn't

supposed to say? That every girl on campus was obsessed with him? Except for me, of course. That they referred to him as the "King" of Morhan

my friend had already told me

to class. I like to be early,' I said in a rushed murmur, giving him a tight- lipped smile. I started to walk away, feeling his gaze lingering on my back as I took a few paces forward before I turned around to

"I'm Lena," I said.

me. "So, are you going to let me be your bodyguard? Or are

I

his hands on you, Lena," Xander said as he took a few steps in my direction. The way he’d said my voice sent a shockwave through my body. I blinked, swallowing back the heat that was rippling over my arms and chest. I'd never really been attracted to anyone the way I was attracted to Xander at that moment. It was physical,

underneath his windbreaker. I couldn't think about that. It was stupid. I

as I nodded my acceptance of his offer, "You can walk me to class on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. I

be fine," he smiled, "as long as you’re comfortable being

it was. He knew he was popular. He knew, and liked, the fact that people fawned over him. I could see it in his eyes, some unspoken challenge. He could have any girl on campus if he wanted to. He

harsher than I meant it to be. My tone didn't seem to change

"Well, after you!"

writing my findings on

in the greenhouses. Next week was finals, at least for me. Then, by the grace of the Goddess, I would be packing my bags for the research camp in Red Lakes for my

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