Two Mates, Two Bullies

R

OF 8T

e, with Lena right behind, struggling to keep pace in heels t

eady. Behind them, the other two Barbies glide along, more concerne

those three came back from their summer trip

respect and kindness. They were never exactly friendly, but at least t

posed to stand up for everyone in the p

pack, but I don't take my role lightly. From the moment I could understand words, I w

m trying to stop a storm. "What's going on? Why are

trusted her to help me out, and she made me look like a fool in front of the new teacher."

t help, or did you just pick someone s

or. She's just an omega-lower than dirt. She s

rk. You're lazy, don't train, and have no busine

to sidestep me. Fake confidence, because real courage is still out of reach. I'm sho

sneering as she steps around

athe the Leoe air as us. Your dad thinks so, your brothe

leting the trio's perfect little power pose. They

"No one humiliates us

t for my brother and his friends. I

uperhuman levels. But they don't react. To them, if you crum

blink back tears that threaten to spill over. Tak

away. I hope she's s

his isn't over. This ye

head low, focus on sch

re years. The

OF 9T

L

n't remember the lockers ever hitting back with such vengeance. My knees buckle, and I slide t

Monday," I mutte

ting her words with a sharp slap. Her hand isn't particu

m trickle of blood slide f

kles has a deeper tone-that explains the throw in

but she's mastered a different kind of cruelty-and worse, she's got an army o

to keep her attention on me. It's a calculated move. I'm buying time, hoping the

when she's figured out that popularity-or just be

sn't hurt either. And with no security footage ev

s worked hard to convince everyone I'm just we

ople b

alway

. One poor guy was bullied so viciously that he switched s

Raven decided she wanted him. We were ten. Ten. W

ial story? He needed "extra guidance" on

air over her shoulder like she's the queen of something. "That little rat deliberately

e truth? The "everyone" she's refe

the rest of the ranked boys: the next

five. Raven had her sights on Jade and Max,

busy drooling over the other thr

sugar-loaded iced coffee all over Raven's legs.

that Raven's eyes had taken on that faint crimson

on of her. She knows better. If she wants to stay in

nts rule the pack. They don't have a clue what leadershi

nor. "Lead by example," they always say. Sure-until someo

. But heaven help you if you're ev

re d