Play the Game (Hannaford Prep, #3)

by J. Bree

“I didn’t know she was yours!” sputters little Darcy, literally sputters because there’s blood pouring out of his nose and his mouth. Avery cringes away from them, tugging my arm, but I want to see this. I want to know how Ash is going to play this. “She’s mine. She’s Arbour’s, and she’s Morrison’s, and if I find out a single dickhead has propositioned her, I will take them out. Gone. No fucking more.” He speaks loud enough that the students watching all hear his words, and I blush at the looks I’m now getting.

The chump fumbles over his words again, pathetically, “I know y-you belong to th-the Wolf. Everyone does. B-b-but—“ Illi flicks the torch light over to me, and Avery gasps as my skin begins to glow. “Fuck!” The guy screeches and as he tries to scramble away, Illi stabs him, right in the gut, and gives the knife a little turn for good measure. I didn’t even see his hand move toward the knife; he’s just that good.

I lift a brow at him as the guy squeals like the stuck pig he is. “What? He’ll live! You said no one insults your little bestie so I’m making sure it never happens again. You’re welcome! I’d hug you but, honestly, seeing you in that thing is like seeing my sister naked. It’s fucking disturbing and let’s never do this again.” I laugh and grab Avery’s hand, tugging her forward and glancing over my shoulder at the guys. They’re all staring at Illi with a deep distrust, hatred, and just a little bit wary. I won’t fault them; he did just stab a guy.

I wait until she’s showered and in bed before I tell her about my conversation with Illi. “I don’t need him to kill Rory. I’m comfortable with where he is.” I nod and switch the light off. “It’s the principle of it. Illi doesn’t ever let rapists live. What happened with Odie taught him that lesson the hardest way possible.”