Chapter 44

Caleb had a talent for making an entrance, one that either made people roll their eyes or secretly admire him. Today was no different.

He strolled into class like he owned the place while class was in session. He had his hands in his pockets, and the faintest smirk on his lips. A few students looked up at him, some whispering, and others just shook their heads. Sophia, on the other hand, frowned.

He was late.

Also, she didn’t realise just how popular he was as people gave him little waves and some gazed dreamily at him, girls and boys alike. It felt weird watching her best friend get ogled.

She waited until he slid into the seat beside her before leaning in.

"Where were you?" She asked, her voice low so the teacher wouldn’t hear. “Did you have a girl over? You know you can’t do that yet!”

He wiggled his brows.

“Why? Jealous? Don’t worry, we can be besties with benefits.” He said, and Sophia shot him a glare.

Caleb yawned, stretching as if he’d just woken up from the best sleep of his life.

“Important meeting.” He said lazily. "Just got back from it and I’m so tired."

Sophia raised an eyebrow.

“Meeting? What meeting?"

He gave her a look, one that clearly said, You ask too many questions. But instead of ignoring her, he sighed.

"Nothing to stress about.” He said. "Just pa— extended family stuff. Nothing important.”

Nothing important, Sophia thought. That was what he usually said when it was about important stuff, and said things were really important when they usually weren’t. She sighed.

"Right." Sophia decided to not push it, but she still felt uneasy. Something about all of this, the attack, the way people were talking, even the way Caleb was acting, it all felt a bit off.

“You look bothered. What is it?” Caleb asked.

"I don’t know.” She said. "I feel weird about everything that’s going on."

Caleb studied her for a moment, then leaned in slightly.

"Don’t overthink it.” He said. "That never helps anyone."

Sophia opened her mouth to argue, but then he hit her with something that made her blink.

"So…” He said ever so casually. "Are you human?"

Sophia blinked. Then blinked again.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me right.” He said, shrugging. "Are you human?"

Sophia stared at him.

“What? Why would you ask me that? Of course I am! What else could I be?”

Caleb grinned.

“Just making sure of it. You never know these days. People are saying all kinds of things. Werewolf creatures running around, men turning into animals, you know, the usual? I don’t want to hear that you’re something that goes up in flames, turns into ashes, and comes back up as flames.”

Sophia exhaled, relaxing slightly. For a second, she thought he was serious. But now she could hear the teasing in his tone.

She chuckled.

“Please. Don’t tell me you believe all that nonsense."

Caleb smirked.

“Of course not. But it’s funny how fast rumours spread, huh? Even you were starting to believe in them.”

Sophia shook her head.

“People panic and make things up all the time. Doesn’t mean it’s true."

"Exactly." Caleb tapped his fingers on his desk. "That’s what I’m saying. In emergencies, people remember things differently. They add stuff, remove stuff. Half the stories flying around are probably just people freaking out over the littlest of things"

Sophia nodded, even though a part of her still wasn’t convinced about all this.

Just then, someone nudged her from the front. She looked up to see Paige turning slightly, shaking her head like a disappointed teacher.

Before Sophia could ask what that was about, a shadow loomed over her.

She looked up, straight into the frown of Mr Cyprus, their Literature teacher.

"If you two are done whispering sweet nothings to each other…” He said, looking unimpressed. “I’d appreciate it if you actually paid attention to my class or get out to do your wedding.”

Sophia’s eyes widened.

“We weren’t whispering sweet nothings, we’re not exactly like that.” Sophia shook her head.

"I don’t care about your love story.” Mr Cyprus continued. "All I want is a quiet class with students who actually want to learn."

Sophia groaned.

“But we’re not—"

"Save it." He turned, heading back to the front of the class.

Sophia shot Caleb a look.

Caleb, the absolute menace that he was, was barely holding back laughter. She punched him on the shoulder.

************** ******************* **************** *******************

After class, Sophia was heading out to the library with Caleb and Paige when she saw Allison and her friends hanging out in an empty class. That was when she realised that she hadn’t seen Allison in class.

“Allison.” She stopped in front of her. “Where were you?”

Allison gave Sophia a dirty look.

“And who do you think you are to be asking me such a question?” Allison asked.

“I’m just looking out for you. You weren’t in class.”

“And this is the end of our civility. We are not friends, we never have been. You helped me out, and that’s the end of it, don’t try to buddy buddy me.” Allison rolled her eyes. “And don’t be trying to mum me.”

With that, Allison walked away leaving Sophia stunned.

Paige shook her head.

“I told you that helping her out was a bad idea.”

Sophia shook her head and turned back, but Paige ran after Allison and dragged her back to face Sophia.

“Let go of me, you psycho!” Allison screamed.

“Scream again, and I will make sure you can’t scream again! And trust that neither Sophia nor Caleb would testify against me.” Paige said in such a chilling voice that Allison stayed silent.

“Now, tell Sophia thank you for saving your useless life after you tried to kill her. You’re lucky your mum even accepted you back into the house.” Paige said. Allison glared at Sophia.

“Of course you tell them everything.” Allison scoffed. Sophia just stayed there staring at her without a flicker of emotion on her face.

“Less talking, more apologising.” Paige said.

“Thank you for saving my life.” Allison mumbled. Paige kicked her ankles.

“Louder! You could have been meat for a wolf!”

“Thank you for saving my life!” Allison yelled. Paige smirked before dropping her hard, causing Allison to hit the ground.

“I think your sister has done enough exercise for the day, don’t you think, Allison?” Paige asked, turning to look at Allison who frowned, but nodded.

“I can do more workouts, I’m not weak.” She stated.

Sophia pulled Paige back, chuckling.

“I guess we should all be grateful that you’re not a horrible person, else…” Sophia trailed off, laughing.