HUNTED-Chapter 402: The Villain

Keira arrived at campus earlier than usual. As Rex opened the door for her, she kissed Chloe goodbye on the cheek. She accepted his hand and put on her sunglasses, ignoring the shadow by the tree. She spotted his presence immediately and wondered if he was there solely to get a reaction from her.

She wouldn’t give him the pleasure. No, she wouldn’t give him the honour of her attention.

Flinging her hair over her shoulder, Keira strolled down the pathway, staring ahead as she felt Kodi’s eyes zone in on her back. Rex glared at him in response, remaining by her side and opening the academy school door for her. Keira swore she heard a chuckle but didn’t look behind her to find out.

Although the video that had gone viral was being played repeatedly across campus, nobody pointed it out to Kiera or tried slandering her. It was either because of her bodyguard, the updated security whereby guards were dotted around campus now or because they genuinely weren’t bothered by it.

Students still spoke to her like she was some sort of immortal being there to be worshipped. Rhea had been on high alert, ready to get her claws out—although with that girl, she would use any excuse to have a little fight.

They were seated at lunch like usual in the cafeteria, this time just Keira, Rhea and Sora and none of Rhea’s toys. Rex was by the wall, acting casual, but anyone could tell he was scanning everyone like they were all threats. Maybe the rogues were, or one in particular was.

Keira refused to put them all in a category because of a few a-holes.

"Did you do anything to the girls?" Keira asked Sora in a hushed tone. She hadn’t seen her all morning, and the last they spoke, Sora said she was going to look for Cato and plan their revenge.

Sora shook her head.

Keira released a breath, relaxing.

"It would be too obvious doing it so soon," Sora said nonchalantly as she nibbled on a carrot stick.

"What’s this now?" Rhea grinned, eyes lighting up. "You’re gonna do what to who now?"

"Nothing!" Keira leaned forward. "Please, don’t do anything."

"Ohhh, let me join in," Rhea said in delight, ignoring Keira’s plea.

"Honestly, Keir, you’re too nice for your own good! So what if you’re a Princess. That doesn’t mean you must hold up to insane high expectations!" Sora broke the carrot in half with her teeth and pointed the end at Keira’s face. "Alpha Damon would never let someone walk all over you."

"The press-"

"Fuck the press," Rhea hissed.

"Yeah fuck ’em," Sora joined in, swallowing her food. "Your mum and dad would rather you be happy. They can deal with any backlash."

"They shouldn’t have to. Especially on my behalf." Keira pushed her tray back and stood from her seat. "I need to take a walk. I’ll see you in class."

Sora couldn’t understand and Rhea didn’t care so much about such things. "Keira, wait," they both called out but neither followed her, aware she needed some time alone. Although that didn’t warrant complete privacy as Rex still guarded her from a distance.

On her departure from the cafeteria, someone tugged on Keira’s sleeve, and she fell to the side, tumbling into strong, sturdy arms. The smell of pine and cedarwood and something almost smokey floated around her, making her toes curl, and her insides nearly melt. Realising she was in someone’s arms far longer than was considered normal, she looked up, an apology on her lips and froze.

It was Kodi.

His fierce expression and startling eyes almost ripped the breath from her lungs. Her lips parted, about to step back until she realised she wasn’t the only one who hadn’t stepped away. His arm around her waist, and the hand that was splayed on her hip bone gripped tightly, almost shaking as the muscle in his jaw feathered, eyes shimmering a vibrant amber.

Did his wolf feel threatened?

Kodi blinked back, his eyes returning mismatched to an icy blue and the other brown and green. At this angle, and so close to him, she could see the brown and green colours clashing and merging, almost fighting for dominance in that eye. He released her suddenly, looking to the side and smirking when Rex rushed over.

Keira held her hand up, commanding him to stay where he was.

"You’re such a princess," he scoffed, leaning his face closer to hers.

For the love of the Goddess, she was infuriated by how much he was affecting her. It’s just looks, girl. His personality is abysmal.

"You need a guard now to deal with a few petty girls?"

"You just stood there," Keira clipped, then looked down, eyes wide at how she blurted out something that shouldn’t have affected her.

He should hold no effect on her.

"Oh, I see." The crook of his finger lifted her chin, forcing her eyes to clash with his. Being this close, it was almost too hard to breathe, and anything she did breathe in was the scent she knew now to be distinctly him.

"You wanted me to play the knight in shining armour?" He somehow got even closer. To others, it would either look threatening or like two lovers were hiding their rendezvous in the corner by the side of the cafeteria wall. "I’m no fuckin’ knight, and I would never rescue someone like you."

Someone like me? He’s such a dick. Ugh, she wanted to fan the air between them so his stupid scent and stupid looks would stop fogging up her mind.

"I’m a Cross," Keira hissed, glaring at him with deep hatred. "I never need saving. And I don’t need someone like you to try and act like a knight. It is clear you’re the villain in anyone’s story."

Kodi’s smirk broadened into a malicious grin, eyes twinkling as though her comment amused him. She wasn’t there to amuse him; in fact, being in his presence irked her more, reminding her that all he was good at was making her uncomfortable and glaring threateningly at her.

"That depends on what side of the story is told." Kodi stepped back, one hand sliding into his trouser pocket and the other gesturing for Keira to leave as he bowed his head slightly, eyes still twinkling. "Your Highness."

He had to have the last word, huh. Why was he trying to make out that I’m a villain?

Keira stepped back, holding his gaze before turning around and not looking back. Her thoughts were solely now on whether she was a horrible being or not. She didn’t think she was? Those thoughts stirred around her mind, fleeing the longer she walked around campus and almost into the nearby woods.

The new security didn’t allow her to enter, however. That was fine; her mind was clearer, and the scent of that vile guy was gone. She would return to class fine.

Or so she thought.

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