Chapter 70 THINLY CONCEALED RAGE
MERRIELYNN.
It was another school day and I stood on the volleyball court, the sun glaring down as I shifted uncomfortably in my shorts.
The fabric felt tighter than usual, and I could almost hear my own heartbeat thumping in my ears as I looked around, checking to see if anyone was watching and seeing my discomfort.
I leaned closer to Emorie who was standing beside me, lowering my voice, “I feel so awkward right now. Do you think anyone can tell I’m on my period?”
Emorie stylishly glanced over, her eyes narrowing as she took a quick assessment of my backside. “Mere, you need to relax! You look totally fine,” she assured me with a smile.
I nodded, but the knot in my stomach only tightened. I shifted my weight again, feeling the fabric cling uncomfortably. “But what if—” I started, but Emorie cut me off, a playful smile spreading across her face.
“Look, if anyone’s staring, it’s probably because they’re impressed by your killer serve,” she told me, nudging me with her elbow playfully. “You really need to stop worrying.”
I smiled at her, feeling grateful for how effortlessly she was able to lift my spirits.
Emorie turned her gaze to the other side of the net, her expression shifting. “Queen Bee’s over there,” she said, signaling me to look, and I realized she was referring to Juniper. “She looks like she’d rather be anywhere else.”
I followed her gaze and spotted Juniper with her arms crossed tightly over her chest with a scowl on her face.
My eyes quickly traveled to her arm, noting it had healed faster than mine.
Still, I could sense the frustration she carried, one she wanted to vent on me but just couldn’t.
As if reading my mind, Em said, “You know, she hasn’t gotten her revenge on us yet.”
Hearing that made my stomach twist uncomfortably.
I knew the reason behind it.
Cormac.
He had definitely threatened her to keep her in check, like a leash holding back a dog that wanted to chase after something.
“Lucky me,” I murmured, imagining what I would have faced from Juniper’s revenge if not for him.
Speaking of Cormac, my eyes shifted to the other side of the large gym where the basketball court was. There he was, casually bouncing a ball with one hand resting on his hip, looking effortlessly attractive.
I couldn’t help but wonder why he seemed so good at basketball too when I always thought football was his thing.
I studied him from a distance, noticing how he moved with a certain ease that made it clear he belonged on the court, even if he was technically avoiding football practice for tonight’s home game.
He had to keep a low profile, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit of admiration at how well he pulled it off.
Suddenly, he looked up, and my heart skipped. I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the game happening in front of me.
Emorie, who hadn’t seemed to notice, leaned in, her voice low. “I swear, it feels like our school is some kind of gang minefield. Now that I think about it, I’m the one who broke Juniper’s arms. I’d be dead if I wasn’t like... under ‘Cormac’s protection’.” she said with air quotes. “Who knows what would have become of me.”
Before I could reply, the volleyball dropped to the floor with a thud. I bent down to pick it up, letting out a huff.
As I straightened up, I heard a guy whistle and call out, “Nice ass, Forbes.” My cheeks flared with heat as laughter erupted from a group of guys nearby.
But then, the laughter was suddenly drowned out by a deep growl that reverberated through my body—hell, through the entire gym.
Everyone froze, their heads snapping toward Cormac.
His blazing green eyes were fixed on the guy who had made the comment, and I could feel the tension in the air thickening.
With everyone now staring at me, I felt exposed, as if Cormac's growl had stripped me bare for everyone to see.
The guy who made the remark gulped audibly, his bravado fading as he realized he might have misstepped.
And Cormac didn’t even glance my way. He just looked pissed.
Leaning toward Emorie, I whispered, “All this ‘protection’ from Cormac, has just made me more of a target.”
“I wouldn’t mind it if I were you,” Em replied, looking stunned herself. “Look, no one can mess with you. I think that’s a good thing.”
As gym class ended, I walked out with Emorie when I noticed Cormac approaching. Em intentionally slowed her steps but I hastened mine. However, Cormac easily fell in step beside me, his long legs matching my pace.
His tone was harsh as he asked, “When did you start making a habit of wearing clothes that barely leave anything to the imagination?”
I shot him a bitter glare and snapped back, “I’m on my goddamn period, our bodies change, and if you knew the first thing about women, you wouldn’t be here right now, asshole.”
I was not in the mood to exchange words with him so I tried to walk faster, but he kept pace effortlessly.
Then, I glanced up and caught him sniffing the air, and I froze. “You’re such a pervert! Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you?” I said, feeling both anger and disbelief.
Before I could say more, I noticed Cormac's gaze narrow at something ahead.
I turned to see a guy passing by, his eyes trailing over my legs. Mid-eye-roll, I was startled when Cormac dashed through in a blaze, grabbing the guy by the throat and slamming him against the nearest wall, drawing the attention of everyone around us.
“What the hell?” the guy stammered, his face turning a deep shade of red. “I didn’t do anything!”
In shock, I shouted, “Cormac, why are you acting like a beast? Let him go!”
But before I could even process the disaster, I watched in disbelief as the guy peed his pants from Cormac’s aggression.
“Oh dear goddess!” I gasped, horrified. “Stay the hell away from me!” I yelled at Cormac, before getting away from him as fast as I could.
Was the aggression because of his rut?
Goddess.
What the hell was going on?