DOMINIC
I'd always have a golden rule : Never hook up with the same person twice and I'd stuck to it for as long as I can remember.
But —
Heaven knows I never thought I'd break that rule.
Caleb…
We didn't hook up. Hell, we haven't even kissed but I want him. I wanted him, no, needed him the same way we, mermaids, need water.
My hands curl into fists and I can feel my hand vibrating with rage. I couldn't bear to watch the sight unfolding before me any longer. I leapt off my chair and marched towards HIM.
I grabbed HIS hand and pulled it away from Caleb. "You're making him uncomfortable."
The room erupted in hushed whispers. Everyone stared. I had broken a rule. One no one in the entire Silvermist Academy never dared to break — Never Challenge Damian Silvermist, but there was a chance I was willing to risk.
Damian craned his neck to look at me. "Excuse me?"
"I said you're making Caleb uncomfortable," I repeated, then I turned to look at Caleb. He had his gaze fixed to the floor, his cheeks red. He must've been embarrassed. I mean, who wouldn't be.
I extended my hand to him. "Here."
Damian slapped my hand away. "How dare you try to claim my game?"
Game? Was that how he saw Caleb? Like some prey? Like some animal he he's grooming before he finally kills it?
He disgusts me!
My right hand tightened into a fist and I lifted it but before I could hit Damian, a loud voice called out.
It was Mrs. Featherwood. "Mr. Valtor, need I remind you that this place is a classroom and not the training grounds?"
My fists were still clenched. I wasn't done yet.
"You're done. Leave." Damian, said, his eyes turning crimson-red. He was marking his territory.
"Dominic!" Vincent hollered at me.
Shit.
I put down my hand and sighed. I was so angry but I had to cool off.
I turned to Caleb and said, "If you need any help, Caleb, you know where to find me."
"He won't," Damian said with a grin. Then, he lifted Caleb's chin. I couldn't see his face to know he was trembling. "Or will you, Caleb?"
"No." Caleb whispered.
"Need I remind you too, Mr. Silvermist that this is a classroom?!" Mrs. Featherwood said aloud.
"No need, ma'am," Damian smirked. "Carry on."
I returned to my seat, still fuming.
It was annoying but I had to admit it : Damian Silvermist had won.
****
I spent the rest of the afternoon looking for Caleb.
Apparently, all races have the same classes in the mornings and go to their separate classes in the afternoons.
Damian and the others were probably in Vampire class or stowing away like they usually do, but Caleb… what race was he? Vampire? He didn't smell like one and he certainly didn't see any fangs on his teeth when he smiled. When he smiled… My heart skipped a beat. Why was I feeling this way all of a sudden? Maybe, it's because I haven't used my Siren Song in a while.
"Look at him. Isn't he the one that Damian claimed?" I heard someone whisper.
"Oh my gosh. He can't even do it right?" A giggle followed.
"Caleb, lift your arm!"
Then a familiar scream echoed. I know that voice. Caleb!
"CALEB!" I tossed my backpack aside and bolted.
His scream was coming from the Vampire's Den. Shit! Did they drag him there?
I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a crowd of students gathered in a circle with Mr. Reverend in their middle.
Oh.
Mr. Reverend was always in charge of FLIGHT CLASS.
This wasn't an attack on Caleb. This was freaking FLIGHT CLASS.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Valtor?" he arched a brow.
"N -" I swallowed the rest of my words when I saw Caleb levitating upside down in midair.
His eyes caught mine and he hid his face with his hands. Those who saw that started laughing.
I wanted to ask what he we doing upside down but it wasn't my place. Flight Class was no place for a Merman.
"No, sir." I muttered.
"You best be on your way then." He said.
Defeated, I scratched the back of my neck and walked away. I'd find Caleb later.
By lunch time, the gang gathered together in our lounge.
I stared out in the open, waiting for Caleb to show up at any moment but he hadn't. Damian did but he wasn't with Caleb.
I rose to my feet and marched towards him. "Where is Caleb?"
Damian scoffed. "What are you, the police?"
"Where is he?" I asked, gritting my teeth.
"Chill the f out, both of you," Valentine called out. "I'm trying to have lunch here."
I ignored her and poked at Damian's chest. "Tell me where Caleb is."
"My Firefly is busy. You'll see him soon." He smirked.
I tried to walk past him but he grabbed my arm.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." He said, shooting me a glare.
I nearly scoffed. Who the hell does he think he is? Some kind of god?
"Let go of me." I tried but his grip on me was tight. Was this why everyone else was scared of him?
"Damian?" Valentine called out.
He lets go of me and I massaged my arm. "Oops. I lost my manners."
He whistled as he walked past me to the lounge.
Ass.
I wanted to find Caleb. I had to find him but where could he be?
"This place is crawling with Vampires, Faes, Dragons and whatnot. No human in their right mind would walk in here without looking like a snack. Did you actually think Caleb would walk into a place like this with two eyes open?" Vincent asked. He didn't call any name but I knew he was talking to me.
"Get your ass back here. Caleb will be back." He added.
Shit. Why is he so good at convincing me?
"That's coz we've been best friends for 16 years, asshole. C'mon!" He replied.
He had read my mind.
"I told you to stop doing that." I sighed.
"Did I ever tell you I'd stop?" he laughed.
I took a seat at the table, still looking out for round glasses and short, black hair but throughout lunch and even when we finished, I didn't.