Breed of Envy (The Breed Chronicles, #02) (41 page)

Greene’s gaze fell on Linc. “Mr. Stone, I think it’s fair to say that, of everyone here, you’ve spent more time with Miss Hall than anyone else. How often would you say she studies?”

Linc laughed. “She studies twice as much as me.”

“And me,” Tasha said.

Linc nodded. “Pretty much whenever she’s not forced out of her room.”

“Thank you both. Now,” Greene continued, “outside of her classes and eating, how often do any of you see her?”

That question, more than the others, gave some people pause. Students turned to others, giving each other questioning glances.

“Miss Hall may have been given some leeway here or there, but she’s worked twice as hard as any of you to get where she is.”

“She got Felecia kicked out,” Eric pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest. “And she’s still part demon.”

“Miss Fitzgerald got herself kicked out. And if it hadn’t been for Miss Hall, she would have been kicked out a lot sooner. As for your other…statement.” Greene glanced to the side.

Mr. Sheldon stepped forward. “I’m also part demon. So are the rest of your teachers, along with a number of the agents who work here. How many of you have a problem with that?”

No one answered his question, but Eric’s comment was, “But you just teach Demonology.”

“I’m also a hunter,” he replied easily. “I just enjoy teaching more.”

Everyone seemed surprised by that revelation, including me. I knew Peter and some of the others had the treatments, but I’d had no idea Mr. Sheldon and the other teachers were hunters.

“As for Miss Fitzgerald… What happened with her was unfortunate. It’s a rare occasion that a Prospect or an agent is expelled or fired. Unfortunately, it does happen. But Miss Hall had nothing to do with that. In fact, had it not been for Miss Hall’s fast reaction time, they both likely would have been killed.”

“Yeah, but—”

Greene cut Eric off with one hard look. His jaw tightened. “To be perfectly honest with you all, I’ve never been more disappointed in a single Phase of Prospects. Miss Hall nearly died twice because of Miss Fitzgerald’s actions. First, because of a prank gone wrong, and again when Miss Fitzgerald chose to run after two vampires instead of following simple, basic instructions. Miss Hall risked her own life to save her. She risked her life,” he repeated, his tone hardening, “for someone who showed absolutely no regard for her own life, or for Miss Hall’s.”

“What about those weird appointments with Doc?”

“Mr. Reynolds, you and everyone else would all do well to focus on your own appointments and not worry about hers.”

Someone raised their hand. “But why has she had more than anyone else?”

Greene didn’t comment. He stood quietly, looking from one face to another. “Miss Hall was not scratched by a vampire last Phase. She was bitten by one, and she graciously agreed to help us, hopefully, find out how she survived it.”

“But you told us—”

“I know what I told you. What happened that night wasn’t anyone else’s business. Make no mistake, it still isn’t, and I’m only telling you this now because I’m hoping it will clear up a few things and make you understand the situation better.”

Eric jumped up from his seat. “We understand it alright. She’s a demon, and that’s how she survived.”

“Also understand that I’m growing weary of being interrupted.”

At Greene’s words, Eric narrowed his eyes.

“We’ve had hunters scratched by vampires. Some were lucky and survived, others weren’t. But even the survivors wouldn’t have wished what had happened to them on their worst enemy. You’ve all read your texts on vampires, the symptoms of a simple scratch by one. How many of you would have willingly risked a scratch for someone who didn’t like you, for someone you probably didn’t like that much in return? I can assure you, the number isn’t that high. And I can assure you, just as seriously, that the number would be even lower if I asked you to be bitten by one.”

Everyone stared at me again, some with almost apologetic looks. But most, like Eric, didn’t seem to care either way. My gaze went back to the blackboard and I fought the urge to…do something. I wasn’t even sure. Scream, punch, run. All of the above.

When no one said anything, Greene shook his head and glanced at Mr. Sheldon. “You’re all excused. Miss Hall, Mr. Stone, if you would please stay.”

“See?” Eric muttered.

“Mr. Reynolds, unless you want to count yourself among those expelled, I would hold my tongue if I were you.”

He looked like he would say something else, but instead, he shot one last nasty look my way, and then stormed out of the class.

Tasha rose from her seat and came over to my desk. She leaned down and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “Ignore him. I’ll take a friend who’s a complete demon over his dumb ass,” she whispered.

I forced a smile. “Thanks, Tasha.”

As people started to pile out, I got to my feet. A few kids, I noticed, wouldn’t meet my gaze. Not that I really minded. I didn’t want to meet theirs either. Some, I hoped, were just following their friends’ leads. It didn’t excuse them, but I understood that. It was hard to stand up for someone when everyone else was sitting down.

The classroom emptied and Greene made his way to me. His features were soft now. “My apologies, Miss Hall. I fear this is, in a large part, my fault. I wasn’t very forthcoming with the details when you were hurt, and I fear I may have…not given them the wrong impression, exactly, but I may not have given them a strong enough one. You are, and have been, an exemplary student and a great addition to the CGE.”

“Thanks,” I said. My tone wasn’t exactly disrespectful or unfriendly, but it wasn’t all that enthusiastic, either.

Greene inclined his head. “You’re likely still considering whether or not you want to stay after your discussion with Dr. Hamilton. You also questioned it last Phase, though the circumstances were slightly different. I wouldn’t blame you if you feel you made the wrong decision then, but I do hope you’ll—”

“I didn’t make the wrong decision,” I said. I hadn’t planned on saying that, and until I did, I didn’t realize I truly meant it. I set my jaw, looked up into eyes. “And I’m not going anywhere.” Not now. How could I? Then Eric—and Rachel and the others—would think they’d scared me away, and they would have been right.

Greene’s smile was slow. “I’m pleased to hear that. You’re stronger than any of them realize. More, I think you’re stronger than even
you
realize. Not many would have the courage to stay after… I’m not even sure what I would call that, except to say you were very wronged by every one of them. I meant what I said earlier about being disappointed.” His gaze darkened again. “I wish I could say this would make things easier for you. To an extent, I believe it will. However…”

“It’s high school.”

He nodded. “In many aspects, it is, yes, and unfortunately, while a lot of our Prospects are wiser than their years, others aren’t quite there. It is one of the hazards of this program.”

“I understand.”

Greene turned to Linc. “And Mr. Stone, as I understand it, you and Miss Monroe were the only students who stood up for Miss Hall. I thank you.”

Linc shrugged. “No big. She would have done the same for me.”

And I would have, in a heartbeat. But I still appreciated it more than I could say, at least in front of other people. “Thanks, Linc.”

He winked. “You gave me your breakfast. What else was I supposed to do?”

Greene and Mr. Sheldon both fought grins. “Now, I have a proposal for you, Miss Hall.” He paused. “If you’re uncomfortable continuing your classes, I can arrange to have you trained out of the classrooms next Phase. I believe Mr. Sheldon could arrange your Demonology assignments, as I understand you set your own pace there as it stands. And I believe I could have Peter Holt or one of the other agents work with you for your other courses. They’re all very taken with you, it seems.”

I didn’t answer immediately. The idea had appeal. A lot of appeal. I could train, by myself, without having to worry about Rachel and Eric hounding me for breathing the wrong way. But, as I looked to Linc, I realized that would cut into our time.

And if I went with that idea, wasn’t that letting Rachel and Eric win? Wouldn’t that just prove that they’d gotten to me?

I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction.

I let out a sigh and brushed my fingers through my hair. “Thanks for the offer. Really. But I’m not letting them scare me away. I came here for a reason and I’m not letting them get in the way of it.”

Greene seemed pleased with my answer. “As I said, you’re a lot stronger than they realize. Much stronger, it seems, than even I gave you credit for.” He nodded, though it seemed to be more to himself than me. “Very well. Mr. Sheldon, please keep me apprised of this situation when classes resume. Feel free to send students to my office if you deem their behavior toward Miss Hall inappropriate. It won’t be tolerated.” He turned so he was facing Linc and Mr. Sheldon. “I know it’s your classroom, but would you two mind giving us a moment, please?”

“Sure, Director,” Mr. Sheldon said. He and Linc both nodded and then stepped outside.

“Miss Hall, I’m aware of your fight with Rachel Clarkson.”

I winced.
And here’s the other shoe.
“I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have reacted that way, and if you want to suspend me, I understand and—”

Greene held up his hand. “I know you’re sorry. I said before that I didn’t give you any preferential treatment, and I did mean that for the most part. But it wasn’t the complete truth. Were you any other student, I likely would have, at the very least, suspended you for a week. But you remain a vital part of the CGE and I believe you’ll continue to be. You can change lives here, Jade. Not just because of the research we’re conducting, but because of your character. I’ve asked a lot of you since you’ve joined, but I fear I have to ask more of you.”

I didn’t groan or sigh, though I wanted to do both. “Yeah?”

“Whether the other Prospects realize it or not, they need a leader. More, they need a
good
leader. And I don’t mean myself, or the teachers, or even the other hunters. We aren’t people they can look up to now and they need that. They need someone their age, someone who understands the responsibility they’ve been given, someone who can set an example for them. I need you, and Mr. Stone and Miss Monroe, to be that example.”

“I don’t think I’m the best person to ask. Linc and Tasha are—”

“Great students as well. But you’re smart and capable, kind and caring. You’re just learning about yourself and your abilities—and yes,” he added, seeing me wince, “I know you’re uncomfortable with that term but it’s suiting. Many of those today, even the ones who mocked and ridiculed you for a part of yourself didn’t ask for, are going to be faced with those feelings. Some may not want the treatments during their fourth Phase, but I believe a lot of them will.”

“Right now, none of them particularly like me.”

“That’s not true. I think they do like you, but I also believe they’re envious of you, regardless of what they say. You’ll prove yourself to them without even trying to, because that’s who you are. That’s the type of person you are. You were born to lead, Jade.” He smiled down at me. “I don’t want their attitude toward you to affect you or your attitude toward your goal. You’ll continue to work harder than anyone else here, and that’s going to set an example. Even if they continue to dislike you or be envious of your accomplishments, they’ll work harder to prove themselves to you.”

“I’m not sure what you want me to do,” I said honestly.

“I just want you to continue to be yourself.” There was a slight pause and the stern lines of his face eased into a small smile. “And, more, I’m asking you to hold your punches.”

*~*~*

Long after my talk with Greene, I found myself sitting on the catwalk alone. Linc had wanted to join me, and part of me wanted him to, but I just needed a few minutes alone to decompress. The last week had been…difficult, I thought with a laugh. Not quite as bad as last Phase, but it was, in its own way, worse. The whole vampire death-scare had been, well, scary. But at least last Phase I’d only had a few enemies. Even the people who didn’t know me well hadn’t exactly liked me, but neither had they actively disliked me. Now… Now it seemed like everyone had a problem with me. Everyone knew my business.

Greene had questioned my resolve to stay and I hadn’t even needed a second to consider it. I’d just spoken the truth, that I wasn’t going to quit because of them. And I wasn’t changing my mind, but I wondered how I would deal with it over the summer, and especially next Phase. I could just stay in my room like I was now, studying, working on the DD if they let me. But I needed time out, too. Then again, if I locked myself in my room, Linc would probably be there and we could just make out in between studying.

The thought made me grin. Linc was great, and while I didn’t think he’d have any problems with make out sessions, he’d still want me to leave my room.

Sighing, I climbed down from the catwalk and went back inside the building. I had the whole summer to worry about what’d I do next Phase. For now, I wanted to go spend some time with Linc.

When I made a turn at the end of the hall for the elevator, my shoulder collided with someone. Immediately, I winced and prepared for…something. A fight, probably. I stopped and glanced over my shoulder. One of the P1s—the girl who’d found me on the first day of the Phase, Shelly Young—was looking at me like I was going to chomp her head off or something.
And here’s another instance where Tasha is right. They
are
looking at me like I’m a piranha pariah.
“You okay?” I asked, pushing down my annoyance at the stare.

The girl’s head bobbed up and down.

When she didn’t say anything, just kept giving me the crazy look, I wanted to tell her to knock it off.
That’s great role model material, Jade.
Instead, I sighed. “Sorry I ran into you, Shelly.”

Her expression changed gradually, from distrust to something else I couldn’t place. Finally, she took a deep breath, like she was preparing to do something scary, and said, “You look sad.”