Chapter 7 Social Pariah

Eryn POV Since the Charity Ball, Zach has not let me out of his sight. I am no longer allowed to spar with Kyle. Our training times have been moved to keep us separated. I go to my classes, training, and then home. Jesse has made sure that I have become a social pariah. I sit alone at lunch and on the bus ride home. No one would dare defy her to approach me. Not even Emma. Emma barely talks to me anymore. She claims she is angry that I didn't tell her there was something between Kyle and me. I tried to explain the situation to her, but she refuses to listen. I think the real reason, is she is afraid to lose her social status in the school. It is about five minutes before Zach comes barging into my room like he does every morning. I am sitting on my bed, staring at my phone, trying to compose a text to Kyle. I want to explain to him how I feel, and I want to apologize. I also want to tell him I don't want to lose his friendship. There is so much to say that I don't think I can fit it into a text. I text, "I am sorry," and hit send. I stare at my phone, waiting for a reply, but nothing comes. Right on schedule, Zach bursts into my bedroom. "Alright, Nerd," he grumbles. "Let's go." I quickly close my messages and tuck my phone into my backpack. I grab my sweater and leave my room without saying a word to Zach. "Good morning to you, too," he yells after me. I throw up my middle finger over my shoulder and storm out the front door. I get into his car and wait. Zach gets into the car and turns to me. "You know Dad and I only want what is best for you," he says. "You all have a funny way of showing it," I snap back at him. Zach groans. "Kyle isn't right for you. He is a playboy. Trust me, no one knows him better than me." "I never said he was right for me," I whisper in embarrassment. "Then why did you kiss him?" He asks. "I am not discussing this with you," I growl. "Just take me to school." Zach turns the engine, and we make our way toward school. He parks in his usual spot, and a bunch of girls swarm the car. It is the same every morning. I have to push my way through them to get away from the car. Keeping my head down, I walk into school. The main hallway goes quiet as soon as I enter. I can feel the other students eyes on me and hear their whispers. I try to tune them out but they are speaking loud enough for me to hear every word they say. "I still can't believe she threw herself at the future Alpha like that," someone says loudly. "Everyone knows he is with Jesse." Their words sting, but I don't engage. I head straight for my locker and roll my eyes. The word "slut" has been spray painted on my locker door. I consider trying to wipe it off, but everyone is watching me. Ignoring the slur on my locker, I grab what I need for the day and slam it shut. Spinning around, I bump into something hard. I glance up and see Kyle's hazel eyes looking down at me. His eyes flicker to my locker, and a frown tugs at his lips. I step to the side and try to walk around him, but he continues to block my way. "What do you want?" I grunt. "To talk about the text you sent me this morning," Kyle replies. "It was a mistake," I say quickly. "I meant to send it to someone else." "What's going on?" Zach's voice breaks in. Kyle turns to Zach, and tension fills the air. They are attempting to mend their friendship, but I can only assume I am the last hurdle. "Nothing," I mutter. "I was just going to class." Suddenly, an overpowering floral perfume fills the air. I cough loudly as the scent fills my nose. Jesse walks around me and wraps her arm into Kyle's. A burning sensation flows through my chest when I see them together. There is a smile plastered on her face. She has won, and she knows it. Jesse looks me up and down before clearing her throat loudly. "I just wanted to let you know I am having an end-of-year party, and I want you to come," she says cheerfully. "It will be at the lake house." I open my mouth to tell her that I will be busy whenever that day is, but she holds up her hand to interrupt me. "You aren't invited," she continues harshly. "Just your brother and Kyle." "Why wouldn't Eryn be invited?" Kyle wants to know. Jesse's eyes widen. She wasn't expecting to be challenged. "We all know how much Eryn hates crowds and parties. I am sure she would rather stay home and study for whatever that ridiculous school is." "It is the Warriors Academy," Zach says proudly. "And she is going to get in." I can't help but beam at my brother's words. At least he understands how important the Academy is. "Exactly," Kyle chimes in. "I am sure she could use a break after all the hard work she has put in this year." Jesse purses her lips together and looks me up and down. "I guess if she wants to come, she can." Kyle and Zach both wait for me to respond. Normally, I would politely decline an invitation to a party. Jesse is right. I would rather sit at home and prepare for the Warriors Academy than spend a night drinking stupidly. But the look on Jesse's face is making me want to punch her. "I would love to come," I say loudly. "You would?" Jesse and Zach say at the same time. "Yep," I reply. "I will catch a ride with Zach." Jesse's mouth drops open. She wants to revoke her invitation, but it is too late. A crowd has already gathered and is watching us. I quickly look at Kyle, who is grinning from ear to ear, and I can't help but smile back at him. Zach does not miss the interaction between us. He steps in front of me, blocking my view of Kyle. "You need to get to class," he says quickly. "You are never late." "I can remember one time she was late," Kyle says loudly. I peek around Zach to look at Kyle. His eyes are darkened, and I know we are both thinking about my body pressed up against the sink of the boys bathroom. He winks at me, and a giggle escapes my lips. Zach is not amused. He grabs my elbow and leads me away from the crowd. "Do you want to explain what that was all about?" "Nope," I say before disappearing into my homeroom class.