Liam's P.O.V.
I tasted blood in my mouth. It wasn't the first time. Probably wouldn't be the last.
I stood there, jaw aching, my pulse thrumming in my ears. My fists twitched at my sides, itching to fight back. But I didn't. Not because I was scared. Not because I couldn't. But because I knew it wouldn't change anything.
Nathan sneered, stepping closer. "You really think you're better than us, huh?"
I exhaled sharply. "I never said that."
"Then why do you look at us like that?" Jared snapped. "Like we're beneath you."
I huffed a laugh. "You're the ones trying to keep me down."
"Because that's where you belong," Nathan said, his voice low, dangerous. "And we're gonna make sure you never forget it."
I barely had time to react before Cole grabbed the back of my shirt and yanked me backward. I stumbled, my foot catching on a loose stone, and the next thing I knew, fists were raining down on me.
A punch landed against my ribs. Another hit my side, then my face.
