Chapter 33: Chapter: 33

ADDISON

Shepherd looks absolutely intimidating, tall, gorgeous, and dark at the same time. He was wearing his hoodie instead of the uniform shirt he had on when we had chemistry lab.

Those dark, stormy magnetic eyes scan the scene once, the fallen tray, the utter mess I am, Angela, panting and standing too close.

The students watched, and the ones recording on their phones, everyone parted for him instinctively; those recording quickly lowered their phones when he glared at them once.

Angela straightened immediately. “Shepherd,” she said, her voice turning sickeningly sweet; it almost made me gag.

Shepherd walked closer, leisurely, as if he had all the time. Cole, Nathan, and Asher were right beside him.

Angela stepped closer; closer, she pressed against his side, her manicured fingers wrapped his arm.

Shepherd's face went from blank to irritated in a split second as he quietly slid her off his arm and shoved her away.

Cole stifled a laugh as Angela gasped and almost stumbled from the unexpected move. Shepherd didn't even glance at her as he walked past her. I felt second-hand embarrassment on her behalf, although she didn’t deserve it.

“What's going on here?” he asked, his eyes on me.

I blinked when he stopped beside me. He glanced down at the stain on my shirt, his jaw ticked.

“I warned you,” he said calmly, “and yet, you ignored my warnings and chose to go against me.”

For a split second, I thought he was talking to me, that he was blaming me for attacking Angela, but then his head whipped to where Angela was, looking suddenly nervous as fuck, it was almost funny. Shepherd pinned her with a look so dark it made me shiver.

Angela let out a frustrated laugh. “That’s dramatic, Shepherd. Since when does teaching a no-class charity case like this?” she spat, waving at me as though I were nothing. “Mean I’m going against you? I'm just showing her her place.”

“Since I made her mine,” he growled darkly. “Since she became my girlfriend.” My eyes widened as I went to deny it, but Angela beat me to it.

“You made her what?” She spat, her eyes narrowed. Then it's as though the word “girlfriend” finally registered in her brain; her eyes turned frosty.

“What do you mean by she’s your girlfriend?”

“Besides being stupid, are you also deaf?” he growled low. “Addison Campbell is mine.”

She glared at me with so much hate and jealousy that I would have been six feet under if looks could kill.

“You don't mean that, Shepherd,” she sneered. “She's a fucking nobody, she's just a scholarship bitch looking to climb up the ranks by any means necessary. How can you choose her over me?”

Shepherd's face was blank as he stared at her. There was only that dark indifference I've noticed sometimes.

“Get a life, Angela, whatever we had ended months ago. Move on and stop obsessing over who I chose to fuck or not fuck, whatever you hoped for will never happen.”

“How can you say that to me? You've known me for years, and her? What do you even know about her?” she glared at me.

“She's just a slut who will spread her legs for anyone willing to help her.”

There was genuine hurt in her eyes that if she weren't such a bitch to me, I would have felt bad for her.

“You would know who is a slut wouldn't you?” Cole and Asher snicker, as a low chuckle sounds from the crowd.

Angela's face instantly turned crimson. And for the first time, it felt like she's gotten a dose of her own medicine.

Shepherd couldn't care less as he narrowed those grey, merciless eyes on her. “Now, why don't you explain to me what the fuck just happened here?” His voice barely concealed the darkness inside.

The room's temperature suddenly dropped several degrees.

Angela swallowed nervously. “She ruined my lunch. I was just asking her to apologize; it's common decency,” she defended.

Shepherd's eyes flicked to me, then back to Angela. “See, I would believe you if I didn't know the kind of person you are, but fine, have it your way,” he said, face blank as a board.

“You.” He points to a boy behind Angela.

“Tell me what happened.” The boy looked at his side before he realized the king of Brighton had just ordered him.

His eyes widened, but he slowly narrated what he knew so far.

“So let me get this straight,” Shepherd said, voice cold and controlled. “You attacked her yesterday, dumped flour batter on her hair, and today you spilled your drink and food on her. And somehow she owes you an apology?”

“That’s not…” she stuttered.

“Because from where I’m standing,” Shepherd continued, voice still calm but edged with that darkness, “it looks like you’re bullying someone I've offered protection to. You know what that means.”

Whispers erupted around us. It seems something significant has happened, but I don't know what.

I glance at a grinning Jess and Emma, “What's going on?” I whispered.

“I will explain later,” Jess whispered back. I frowned but didn't push.

Angela’s eyes flashed with fear. “I didn't bully anyone.”

Shepherd's jaw tightens. “You know I haven't even forgotten the shit you pulled yesterday, and yet, you've done it again, if that's not breaking my rule, what is?”

“Come on, Shepherd. Why are you being like this? What happened to us? We do this all the time, I've disciplined bitches like her, and you've never gotten involved before, what's so special about this whore?!” she snapped, clearly enraged.

Tears of frustration trail down her face as she grabs his hand again, her other hand touches his face.

“Shepherd, look at me, I love you, I've always loved you, why are you doing this to me?”

“Get your hands off me,” Shepherd ordered coldly. He didn't move, didn't look like he cared.

“I've never lied to you. What we had was straight up fucking, so don't try to make it as though we had something great going on,” he replied drolly.

“I fucked a lot of girls, you already know that. And I know you fucked around too.”

“No, I would never, whoever told you that is lying…”

“Don't disrespect my intelligence, I'm not judging you, Angie,” he cut in. Angela swallowed, fidgeting with the edge of her skirt now.

“I don't give a fuck who you let into your pussy, I just want you to leave my girlfriend the fuck alone,” Shepherd gritted coldly.

“You know what I can do. I'm giving you a fair warning, and that's all you're gonna get. As for your punishment, I will let you know what I decide.”

Punishment? What’s he talking about? Did I miss something? As though Angela knew what I was thinking about.

She sneered incredulously. “What! You're going to punish me for her?”

“Are you challenging me?” His voice was low, but the darkness sent a shiver down my spine.

The silence was deafening. Angela and her friends shifted uncomfortably; they looked like a bunch of kids being scolded by the principal, and not for the first time, I'm surprised at the total power Shepherd has over this school.

I didn't think anyone could make Angela behave, but right now it looks like Shepherd might be the only one to keep her at bay.

“You wouldn't, right, Shepherd?” she asked quietly.

Shepherd's expression didn’t change. “You know what, I will let you off easy if you kneel and ask Addie for forgiveness.”

My eyes widened in shock at his demand, and voices rose all around us. For a split second, Angela's confidence cracked, and she looked like she was considering it.

“This is ridiculous,” she snapped, grabbing her purse. “I'm not going to kneel for this bitch, and I'm not going to accept any punishment.”

She shot me a venomous look. “This isn’t over.”

Shepherd didn’t move as she brushed past him. But his voice whips out dark and sharp, as her minions follow her closely behind.

“Let it be known, Addison Campbell is mine,” he growled. “And whoever comes for her will leave Brighton or face my wrath.”

Angela stopped and glanced back at me right at the dining hall threshold. She looked utterly heartbroken, and despite everything she did, I felt sympathy for her, against my better judgment.

Angela is still just a girl, a rich spoiled brat, no doubt about it, but that’s no reason for me to stoop to her level. Besides, she still has a lot of room to grow. I just hope today will teach her something positive.

That no matter how powerful or dark you think you are, someone is way ahead of you. Maybe this will be the thing she needs to turn a new leaf.

Maybe not, I thought as she meet my eyes and glared at me, before she turned and left with her friends.

The cafeteria noise slowly resumed, louder now, buzzing with new gossip, even as eyes fixed on me and Shepherd.

I realized my heart was still pounding.

Shepherd turned toward me fully. His hand brushed my hair from my face.

His face has softened a bit, or maybe it's just my imagination. Up close, I could see the storm in his eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.

Something in his voice undid something inside me. Something raw that I didn't want to give a name.

I nodded. “I’m fine,” I added, blinking at him. Shepherd is bad news, I know that but why does he make me feel safe?

His eyes flicked to my soaked shirt again.

“You look like a mess.”

I glared at him. “Thanks for pointing out the obvious.” He shrugged.

“Also I'm not your girlfriend. I still haven't said yes,” I whispered low.

He smirks, his eyes gleaming. “You will.”

Jess stepped forward before I could refute his arrogant assumption. “You have impeccable timing, by the way.”

Emma nodded. “I'm glad you're on Addie's side, phew, otherwise we'll have to change schools.”

Cole and Nathan chuckled at them, making Emma blush.

I shake my head. Shepherd ignored them, those stormy eyes fixed on me. He suddenly began to take off his hoodie, and my eyes widened when he began to put it over my head.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice muffled under the hoodie, as he forced me into it.

“Being a gentleman?” he said, grinning as though he wasn't being a total asshole to another girl.

No matter that the girl in question is a total bitch.

I rolled my eyes and snickered, gentleman, my ass.

“Come on, I will walk you to the bathroom to clean up before the break is over.”

A familiar sound cuts off my reply before I voice it. I frown as I fish out my phone from my skirt pocket. Fortunately, none of the juice or sauce had touched it. I glanced at the screen.

Mom?

My heart pounded in my chest. I hope everything is okay at home. This was the second time she'd called me since I came here.

And something tells me this wasn't just a random call from a parent to their child. Today was supposed to be my dad's appeal.

I rushed out of the cafeteria, raced down the hallway, heart pounding, and ducked inside one of the empty classrooms before answering.

“Mom?” I whispered.

“Addie,” My mom's voice cracks through the line, hoarse and tired. “You sound out of breath. Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine,” I lied quickly, glancing around. “How are things with you? What's going on, Mom? Have you been drinking?”

“I have,” she sighed. “The court has denied your father's appeal. Apparently, new evidence was found against him. And your sisters got into trouble with some journalists and got arrested.”

“What?” I gasped, my hand gripping the phone harder. “Are they okay?” I asked, then amended. “Of course, they are not okay? Mom, what are you going to do?”

“Nolan got them discharged. The reporters won't leave us alone, so I'm calling to warn you. Stay low, especially now that the news is hot on every media outlet and especially social media.”

“Okay, mom,” I replied. “Mom, how are things going at home? How's daddy doing after the court?”

“We're okay, Addison, and your father is too,” she said quietly. Of course she's lying. They must be devastated, I am too.

Daddy was supposed to appeal today, it was supposed to be a good day. Instead things have turned out bad, not only was new evidence found against him, but my sisters were also arrested.

I feel like flying out of here and be there even if the situation is worse back at home.

“Just… don’t forget why you’re there, pay attention to your studies, and lay low Addison.”

I nodded as though she could see me. "I promise, mom.” My voice is hoarse with unshed tears.

The line went silent for a second, then she added, softer, “You’re doing great, Addie. I know I don't show it, but I’m so proud of you, baby girl.”

My throat tightened. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I’ll let you go. Be safe, okay?”

“You too, Mom. I miss you guys so much,” I whispered.

“We miss you too, Addison.” And then she ended the call.

I sighed, leaning my head against the wall and blinking back tears, wishing I were back home even if there was nothing I could do to help.

“Who was that?” The voice nearly made me jump out of my skin. I spun around and faced him.

Shepherd.

Leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, watching me with a suspicious expression on his face.

“God, Shepherd,” I said, glaring at him. “Do you ever not appear out of nowhere?” I quickly turned and wipe my eyes before he sees how wet they are, before turning around to face him.

He shrugged. “Old habit.”

I swallowed hard. “You were eavesdropping?”

“Not exactly,” he said, then take a step closer, his eyes intense. “Shrimp, are you okay? You kinda look out of it. Is everything okay back at home?”

I shake my head. "It's nothing, I'm fine.”

My stomach dropped, when his last question sinks into my brain.

My eyes instantly narrowed. “How did you know I was talking to someone back home? Just what exactly did you hear?” I gritted.

He strides towards me slowly, eyes narrowing just enough to make my heart stutter. “Why? Are you hiding something, Shrimp? Maybe something you don't want others to find out?”

I shifted on my toes and forced my hands into his hoodie pocket instead of fidgeting like I wanted to do. “I have nothing to hide.”

I tried to sound casual, but my voice sounded hoarse. “Just missing home a bit.” I relented.

It's true, I miss home, I miss my family and want to be there for them in their difficult times. Even if I haven't had it easy too.

“Right.” He stepped closer, studying me. “You sure that’s all?”

I take a step back. “Positive.”

He held my gaze for a long time, as if he were trying to see through my thoughts, and I wonder if he was successful.

And maybe he was, because Shepherd's voice softened when he finally said, “You can tell me if something’s wrong, you know.”

“Right, because besides being the resident bad boy, you're also now a shrink,” I snapped.

I can't help it, after everything that happened, I'm entitled to a little emotional outbursts.

Shepherd didn't look offended, instead he chuckled. “Nah, but I have something even shrinks don't.”

“And what's that?” I asked hesitantly, my brow arched.

Shepherd leaned closer until his face was barely an inch away, and to my surprise, I didn't move away.

His eyes flick to my lips before they meet my eyes, his voice lowered to that deep baritone.

"Do you really want to know?”

"Yes?” I whispered.

Despite the shitty day, despite all the emotions packed inside me, my heart leapt with anticipation, and I find myself biting my lip.

I expected Shepherd to say something flirty or dirty as usual.

Instead he bends lower, his lips brushing my ear lope “I've got weed,” he whispered.

“What?” I choked.

Shepherd moved back, as laughter bubble inside of me. He shrugged, grinning. “I've got a lot of weed, just let me know when you need it.”

“You're crazy,” I said, still smiling.

“Seems to me like you love crazy, so what do you say? Do you want to be my fake girlfriend?”

I started to shake my head. “Shepherd…”

“Don't say it, ” he cuts in, voice hard. "Sleep on it and let me know tomorrow.” He takes a step back, then another, his eyes still on my face.

Then he turned just as Jess and the others started walking towards us. He turned and walked away.

“What happened? Why did you suddenly run out of the dining hall? And what did Shepherd say that had you smiling?” Jess rambled as she reached me.

I shake my head as I watch Shepherd's retreating figure. “Nothing.”