\[Elise’s POV\]
Eyes widening, I realize too late what the hell is coming out of my mouth. Fuck. Why did I go and say such a thing when there were plenty of other explanations? Was I some sort of idiot?
‘Probably,’ Anna chuckles, not making matters better. ‘Or you were speaking from the heart.’
At her words, I feel my heart squeeze painfully as I look at William, who is watching me carefully. Sure, maybe that was right, but there was no fucking way we could ever be together now.
“You’re spying on me because you like me.” He says now, snapping me out of my head. “Do you really expect me to believe that?”
Shock rolls through me at his words, but in a way, I’m happy that he doesn’t actually believe what I said. However, if he wasn’t willing to believe that I liked him, then what did he suspect?
“I’ve thought this since the day that you approached my niece, but you have a secret agenda for getting close to not only her but even me, don’t you?”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue, but I know that doing so would just make me look even more suspicious. But he wasn’t wrong; I did have my own motives for doing just that. But they weren’t what he was most likely thinking.
“Don’t flatter yourself.” I say now, lifting myself from the ground and wiping grass from my clothes and skin. “Who would want to get close to an old man like you?”
William bristles at my words, and it’s adorable, but I keep my expression light.
“You have quite a suspicious mind, don’t you?”
Growing quiet, I wait as he considers my words, and when something flashes in his eyes, I realize that I’m right, and honestly, I couldn’t blame him.
“When it comes to strange creatures like you, yes.” William spits back. “Now, I’d like to formally ask you to stay away from my niece.”
“And if I don’t?” I challenge, not appreciating him all but saying that I’m the enemy. “What do you intend to do, old man?”
“Need I remind you that I’m your principal?” He asks.
“That threat is getting old.” I huff. “You can’t keep using it against me.”
“Then how about if I make your family lose their reputation?” He offers, making my heart drop. “Is that a better threat?”
“You!” I growl, fighting the urge to pummel him. “What the hell is your problem?”
“I’m quite protective of those I love.” He shrugs. “Especially when flies are hanging around them.”
Biting back on my response, I examine William, taking in this new cold version of him in hopes of finding my William, but in this moment he isn’t here.
“Should I take your silence as agreement to my request?” He asks.
“Yes, sir.” I spit, knowing that there was nothing I could do or say to change his mind. “I’ve got it.”
Turning on my heel, I begin to move while ignoring William’s gaze, which is burning into my back. Dammit. This was frustrating. If only I could tell him that I was Elise, then I wouldn’t be dealing with this bullshit.
Tell him that I’m Elise.
Thinking about it, Denali somehow realized who I actually was, and nothing happened. Did this mean that there was a loophole? Could others know that I was Elise as long as they realized themselves? I wasn’t sure, and the thought of testing it scared the shit out of me, but if I wanted to be able to be around Serenity without suspicion, maybe this was my ticket.
Quickening my pace, I close the distance between myself and the academy. Inside, students are already milling about preparing for their day. Weaving my way in and out of them, I head toward my room, but before I can reach it, a hand is reaching out and tugging me into a broom closet.
“What the hell?” I hiss as I fall ass first onto the ground from the sudden attack. “Who…”
Lifting my gaze, I find the bitch from the previous day staring down at me, along with two others who flank her.
“Oh,” I giggle, realizing what was happening. “Isn’t this cute?” Slowly, I rise to my feet while the three watch me in disgust. “You’re pissed that you can’t have Forrest, so you’re going to attempt to kick my ass to keep me away.”
Goddess, what was with this morning? Wherever I went, I found trouble.
‘It’s your fault for sticking your nose in it.’ Anna huffs, adding to my annoyance.
‘No one asked you.’
Shoving Anna aside, I turn my attention back to the three girls while beginning to crack my knuckles.
“Usually I wouldn’t choose violence, but I’m in a hurry this morning, so I don’t have the time to try to talk some sense into you bimbos.”
“Bimbos?” One growls, flashing her teeth. “Aren’t you the bimbo for...”
I don’t give her the chance to finish her words before my fist is connecting with her nose and then pulling back. Smirking, I watch in satisfaction as blood begins to flow from it while her friends move forward to attack me.
Grabbing the one closest, I swing her, using her as a bat that sends the other crashing into the door and out into the hall.
“Are we done?” I ask, releasing the girl I’m holding. “Because I really need to get going.”
“YOU BITCH!” The girl chasing Forrest roars, lunging toward me.
Sighing, I step out of the way and watch as she falls face first into her friend, who is working to get off the ground.
“Thanks for only adding to my bad mood.” I sigh, stepping over them and heading toward my dorm. “But I really need to go.”
“HEY!” One of the girls calls after me, but I don’t turn to see what she wants. “WHERE ARE YOU GOING?”
Lifting a hand, I flip the girl off before rounding a corner and running smack dab into Denali.
“Oh!” She gasps, grabbing my arms and steadying me as I scurry backwards. “I’m sorry, I didn’t me… Elise… Oh, no, Eleanor.”
Lifting my gaze, I take in Denali’s expression, which is a mix of both shock and sorrow.
“No need to apologize,” I say slowly, bracing myself for what would come from the choice I was about to make. “Actually,” I continue, “I was just coming to find you.”
“Find me.” She repeats, seeming confused. “Is something wrong? Do you need help?”
“Possibly,” I admit, looking around. “Could we maybe talk privately?”
“Of course,” Denali beams. “But what is it that you need?”
“Not here,” I respond, lowering my voice. “Follow me.”
I don’t wait for a response before I’m reaching out and grabbing Denali’s wrist, then pulling so I can lead her to my room.
When we arrive, I head straight inside, and only after the door is locked do I turn to meet my sister’s anxious gaze.
“You were right before.”
Growing quiet, I find myself half expecting lightning to strike me or my heart to explode, but nothing happens. Was this confirmation of my suspicion?
"Right, about what?” Denali asks, frowning. “I’m not quite…”
“I’m Elise.”