A few hours later, the last class had just ended, but the tension from the morning still lingered in the air, heavy like an approaching storm. Kaelen headed toward the parking lot behind the high school, where his old motorcycle was waiting for him. He had just had time to stop by the garage between noon and two, and his school bag was already stashed in his locker. Once again, he had brushed off Tyler's taunts in class, but the burning look of hatred the rich alpha had thrown his way promised a reckoning.
As he neared his bike, a massive shadow detached itself from the concrete pillars. Tyler. Alone. Arrogant, a mocking smile stretching his lips.
Tyler: "So, did courage come with the evening, scholarship kid? I was waiting for you."
Kaelen: "I don't have time to waste with rich brats who have nothing better to do than hang around. My day doesn't revolve around your precious little person, Tyler."
Tyler: "Oh yeah? This morning, though, you seemed pretty focused on my 'precious little person.' Or rather, on the money it represents to pay for your miserable studies."
Kaelen stopped a few steps away, his gaze sharp. He set his helmet on the motorcycle's tank with a dull thud.
Kaelen: "You know what's miserable, Tyler? Having to exist in your father's shadow, without a shred of personal merit. What I have, I earned. What you have, you inherited. That's the difference between us."
Tyler (snickering): "Oh, the poet. You're going to make me cry. You know what you're going to earn today? A lesson."
Tyler stepped forward, shoving Kaelen's shoulder with one hand. Kaelen didn't move an inch.
Kaelen: "I've already had my share of 'lessons' from guys like you, Tyler. It never ends well for them."
Tyler: "Really? Because I've never had trouble with rats from your caste. They always end up crawling."
Kaelen (a flash of fury in his eyes): "I don't crawl."
Tyler grabbed Kaelen by the collar of his T-shirt, lifting him slightly, his face inches from Kaelen's. The smell of e-cigarette vapor and expensive cologne flooded Kaelen's senses.
Tyler: "We'll see. You think your little mechanic muscles can stand up to reality? I can get you kicked out of this school with a phone call, Kaelen. I can make your pathetic bike disappear. I can make you regret being born."
Kaelen (eyes blazing with hatred, his voice low and threatening): "Try it. And I swear you'll spend the rest of your life wondering what hit you."
Suddenly, Tyler let go, shoving Kaelen hard against his motorcycle. Kaelen managed to steady himself before falling. Tyler smiled—a sadistic smile.
Tyler: "You're so predictable. That rage… I like it. That's why I won't let you go. I'm going to break you, Kaelen. Piece by piece. I'll show you what it's like to lose everything."
Kaelen: "You won't break me. And you don't scare me. You're just a spoiled kid who needs to feel powerful because he's nothing without his money."
Suddenly, Tyler slung an arm around Kaelen's shoulders—a fake show of friendship that fooled no one. He pressed his body against Kaelen's, so close Kaelen could feel the heat through their clothes.
Tyler: "You know, Kaelen, I've heard you're… different. Not interested in girls, right? That's what the rumors say, at least."
Kaelen stiffened, a shiver of discomfort and disgust running through him. He tried to pull away, but Tyler held him tight.
Kaelen: "What are you implying, Tyler? Let go of me."
Tyler (bringing his mouth close to Kaelen's ear, his voice a mocking whisper): "Oh, nothing. Just that if you're so desperate to stay here, there might be other ways to… 'pay' your tuition. You're a good-looking guy, Kaelen. Not my type, of course. But we could have some fun. And who knows, I might be generous."
Kaelen shoved Tyler away with all his strength, a roar of anger tearing from his throat.
Kaelen: "Don't. Ever. Touch me. Again."
His eyes burned with cold rage. Tyler took a step back, his smile widening, pleased to have rattled Kaelen.
Tyler: "Touchy, aren't you? It was just a proposition. After all, a poor guy doesn't have the luxury of turning down a good offer, right?"
Kaelen: "Go fuck yourself, Tyler. I'd rather starve than owe you anything."
Kaelen swung onto his bike in one sharp motion, fired up the engine with a roar, and sped off, leaving Tyler alone in the parking lot, a triumphant smile on his lips. He had managed to get under Kaelen's skin—and that was only the beginning of his game.