AllFreeNovel
Share Us
No, instead I’d made a big fucking deal about it, and now everyone in the school would know who I was and who I’d screwed with.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
This might make students afraid to talk to me. Or, it might make them trust in me, since I wasn’t scared of some rich archangel.
Razai winked. Like he just knew how my thoughts swirled and fought one another.
Something fluttered in my stomach, and I couldn’t say whether it was existential dread or my newfound attraction.
Straightening, I challenged, “Well? Are you going to get this ridiculous spectacle over with?” I was choosing the not-giving-a-shit role. Playing a part only meant something when the actor committed. So, to these people, I’d be the community coordinator who wasn’t intimidated by anyone.
Razai’s eyes glittered. “You’re the one who asked for this.”
“You’re the one making it into a small gladiator match,” I shot back. “I only wanted Cole with you so he didn’t hurt another person with his bullying. Get this over with so your students can return to their practice.”
Still, maybe a small part of me chose this so I could see Razai actually fight. Because I hadn’t yet. Not even with his students.
Curiosity is a healthy emotion for dead men and prey. Not for demons. We only feel the certainty of our own strength.
“Shut up, Mom,” I said under my breath. I didn’t need her little slivers of wisdom to ruin this.
“Come on, Professor,” Cole jeered. Flames licked up his arms, and his wings flickered into existence like twin ghosts behind him.
Razai stretched his shoulders lazily. “What are you getting so worked up for? Still angry that the little administrative employee embarrassed you? Don’t worry. She’s kicked my ass a couple times already.”
The class murmured in shock and anticipation.
“Not helping,” I gritted out.
Cole bared his teeth. “Professor, do I have permission to use lethal attacks?”
Gasps of outrage echoed everywhere.
Razai grinned and straightened, sounding like a cheerful theme park attendant when he said, “Permission granted.”
Cole’s grin made my blood go cold. What the hell was Razai playing at? Didn’t he see how that psychopath was ready to go for blood?
The students were just as pent-up. Their voices carried over.
“I know the professor is probably strong, but Cole’s the strongest in the whole school. Even upperclassmen avoid him.”
“I’ve never even seen Razai fight. Does he know how to? He just gives everyone orders.”
“You idiot. Of course he does. How else did he get this job?”
“I’ve heard things about Professor Razai… he used to spar with students in his first few years teaching, but he stopped. I don’t think anyone’s ever beaten him, and the last time, someone got really hurt…”
“Cole’s going to kick his arrogant ass, and I can’t wait to watch it. This is payback for Betty.”
Cole’s expression flattened into calm focus. Sudden and chilling. “You heard the professor. If he gets hurt, it’s not my fault. He agreed to it.”
Razai nodded. “Don’t worry, Cole. Do your worst.”
“You’re not afraid?” he asked, genuinely curious and a little disarmed by Razai’s calm demeanor.
“No,” he scoffed. “I’m a teacher, which means I know how to control any dangerous situation.”
That’s a lie.
