Toxic Creek (The Allstars Series Book 1)

by KC Kean

  I watch as the color drains from Archie’s face as he realizes what he just did, and he scrambles to apologize. “Fuck, cookie. I’m so, so sorry. I didn’t think, I just—”

  “Fuck. Off. Archie. I won’t say it again,” Xavier growls out, finally turning to look at him, but surprisingly, Archie stares me down, waiting for me to decide what to do.

  “Archie, it’s fine. Give me a minute, okay?” I murmur, forcing myself to calm down, otherwise I know he won’t go, and the quicker he goes, the quicker Xavier will put me down. I’ll deal with his stupid mouth later.

  With a sigh, he nods, communicating he’s just a shout away before he turns on his heels and stalks off.

  Turning back to Xavier, he’s already staring me down. He searches my eyes, I don’t know what for, and I don’t care anymore. I’m bored of his shit. It makes me feel uncomfortable, like he’s trying to see what is written on my soul so he can tear it apart easier.

  “Put me down now, Xavier,” I say calmly, my hands resting against his chest as I prepare to push him away again.

  “Dead dad, huh? Is that what has you all twisted up inside?”

  “Murdered dad, and that’s none of your damn business,” I argue, swinging my leg back and kicking him in the shin, but he still doesn’t fucking budge. I hate to admit that I could be putting up more of a fight, but as much of a douche that he is, my body remembers how we collided.

  “Why are you here, Eden?” he asks, his voice a lot quieter and more curious than demanding compared to usual, and it almost breaks down my defenses.

  I focus my eyes on his chest as I push against him once again, but he cups my chin with his hand and forces me to look at him as he keeps me pinned against him with only one arm.

  “I’m not telling you shit.”

  “I’ll make you, whether you like it or not,” he murmurs, his eyes flickering to my lips before he remembers himself and drops me to my feet. Finally.

  “Suck my dick,” I grind out, beyond done with his alpha tendencies, and he just snickers at me.

  Before I can even respond, his hand is cupping my pussy, his palm pressing against my sensitive clit as he growls in my ear, and I hum under my breath, hating how turned on I am by the whole thing.

  “I don’t remember you fucking having one.”

  I gasp in response, my body electric right now before I push his hand away, and he doesn’t put up a fight this time.

  “What I mean is, I’ll buy one, wear it, and make you fucking choke on it,” I retort, and he throws his head back as a laugh bursts out of him.

  I’m left stunned as I watch him actually laugh. Not forced, not a part of some controlling mastermind, but a wholehearted belly laugh. I don’t move an inch, absorbing the smallest bit of light from him.

  “Let’s go, Xav. We have our first game tonight!” Tobias shouts, pulling our attention to the rest of the people out here, who are all staring at us.

  Have they been watching us the whole fucking time? Hunter and Tobias stand in front of everyone as if they’re trying to keep us separated, and I hate that I forgot where we even were.

  I search the group for the bitch from earlier, but my anger is not thrumming through my body for her now. I’m more stressed with Xavier and the fact Archie spilled my truth without thought. The moment has gone, and maybe that was Xavier’s intention all along, but why?

  Hearing Tobias’ voice kicks Xavier’s dickish attitude back into play, and his eyebrows knit together as he frowns down at me. Swiping his hand over his mouth he looks away, dismissing me.

  Without a word, he turns and joins the football team as the coach stands by waiting patiently, and I can’t help but watch every step he takes.

  Fuck. What am I even going to do here?

  14

  Eden

  My mind is still reeling as track comes to an end. Everybody kept their distance from me, as if the whole scene with Xavier made me a bad omen or something. It’s obvious Xavier is the king around here, and what happened earlier has them confused so they’re avoiding me like the plague.

  I could feel Archie and Charlie both looking at me constantly, likely worrying, but my focus was to run my problems away.

  I just crossed the finish line when the coach blows the whistle, calling time, and everyone literally bolts for the locker rooms, but I just need another minute.

  Keeping my pace, I continue around the now empty track, pushing myself harder, and I love the burn in my calves as my heart beats rapidly in my chest.

  Rounding back to the finish line marker, I slow, bracing my hands on my knees as I catch my breath, feeling my top stick to my back with sweat. The extra lap gave me a minute to try and process everything with Xavier and the ‘bitchleader.’ Trying being the keyword because I’m no wiser, but I’m at least a little quieter.

  “Nice ass. I shall name you bubble butt.” Glancing over my shoulder, I find Tobias biting his bottom lip while he stares at me, or more specifically, my ass. I’m not even going to take him on. They’ve gotten under my skin enough today, and I’m at my limit. Even if he does look good with dirt on his arms and sweat dripping down his face.

  Standing tall, I keep my back to him as I head for the locker room, I don’t even turn to see if he’s alone or not, but I feel his gaze on my ass the whole fucking way.

  I slip into the locker room, closing the door as quickly as I can behind me, and prepare for another onslaught of shit from little miss bitch face. Roxy. That’s her name. It’s embarrassing how long it took me to remember that.

  To my surprise, no one says a word, no one even looks at me either, except Charlie, who cringes as she glances up at me from her phone, fully dressed and ready to go.

  “I’m so sorry, are you going to be okay here? I’ve had a notification to go to the principal’s office, and if I don’t go as soon as possible, I won’t get any lunch and I am starving.”

  “Of course, don’t stress,” I murmur in response as she flashes the text message in my face. Huh. Well, I guess it’s better than calling you out of the school sound system. “I need to shower anyway,” I add when she doesn’t instantly move.

  “Meet you in the cafeteria then?” she clarifies as she throws her bag over her shoulder, and I nod in agreement.

  Stripping out of my gym clothes, I step into a free shower cubicle, throwing my towel over the door before I step under the spray. The cool temperature relaxes my body since it’s so damn hot today. The body wash dispenser on the wall smells like strawberries, which isn’t my usual go-to, but it will do for now. I’ll just need to remember to pack my own in future.

  Shutting off the water, I reach for my towel over the door but come up empty. Fuck’s sake, has it fallen down?

  Opening the door slightly, I don’t find it on the floor, and my dirty gym clothes aren’t there either. Heaving a sigh, I already know in my gut I’ve been fucking played. Déjà vu all over again. I’m not oblivious to how some people treat the new girl at school.

  Silence is all that greets me when I strain my ears, and that only adds to my suspicion. Refusing to be ashamed of my naked body, I walk into the main area of the locker room to find it empty. Completely fucking empty.

  Literally not a soul. Not even my motherfucking bag and all of my other belongings. All I’m greeted with is my fucking car keys and a handwritten note sticky taped to the wall.

  IF YOU WANT TO ACT LIKE A WHORE AND DRESS LIKE A WHORE, THEN FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO FUCKING DO IT. YOU AREN’T WANTED HERE.

  I can’t help but grin at their shitty little speech as I pull the paper off the wall. I mean, they could have at least made me fucking tremble with fear or something. But this, this is just an inconvenience. I’m slightly more pissed that they’ve taken my bag with my phone in it.

  How do I always find myself on the end of the school bitches’ wrath? It’s boring. They clearly don’t know how many times I’ve been the new girl, and sadly, this isn’t my first walk of shame. At least this time I have this scrappy piece
of paper to cover myself with. This isn’t my first bullying rodeo, and every time, I get stronger.

  Sticking the tape just below my belly button, the text facing out, I look ridiculous, but the paper covers my vajayjay at least. Everyone will hopefully be too busy reading the fucking note to look at my ass and tits. Not likely, but there’s always hope.

  Grabbing my car keys, I pull my hair from the messy bun on top of my head and let the waves cascade over my chest. I hate that I don’t feel any anxiety, no feelings at all, just total numbness.

  I’m accustomed to being dragged through the dirt, but I will always come out stronger. Always.

  Steeling my spine, I grab my keys, taking a deep breath as I relax my shoulders, and lift my chin. These bitches don’t know who they’re fucking with. I won’t bow down to them, and I sure as hell won’t follow their rules.

  Swinging the door open wide, I instantly expect onlookers, but thankfully, the hallway is actually empty. The only way I know where to find my G-Wagon is through the main corridor past the cafeteria, so I know my peace and quiet will be short-lived.

  The slightest breeze pebbles my nipples, fluttering the loose tendrils of hair around my face as I ready to turn down the busier hallway, my feet desperate to get on the hardwood floor instead of the concrete beneath me right now.

  The second I push open the door, linking the sports area to the main core of the school, I hear chatter in the distance, there are a few people in the hall, but I refuse to see who exactly as I keep my focus trained ahead.

  My skin prickles as I hear the chatter turn into murmurs, whispers, and giggles as people see me. A few guys whistle in appreciation, but I offer no reaction.

  Just as I near the cafeteria to my left, someone rushes past me and hollers into the room.

  “Have you seen these tits, man? Fucking fire.”

  I can’t help it, I glance his way, and it’s a guy I’ve never even seen before. He’s looking back at me over his shoulder, a leering grin on his lips as he takes me in. His greasy hair is brushed back off his face, and his eyes are bloodshot. Stoner.

  Fucking asshole. I did not need more attention right now.

  “Oh my god, is she seriously naked?”

  The screeching of chairs and feet pounding on the floor tells me everyone’s coming to see what he’s talking about me. Me. A naked me. Fuck. I refuse to glance over at them properly, knowing at least someone has their phone out.

  Giving him the finger, I turn my gaze away from him and try to pick up my speed without downright running, because I won’t be seen as weak.

  “Show us your tits, honey!” someone calls out, making everyone laugh louder, and I force myself not to roll my eyes. Why doesn’t it surprise me that this place doesn’t have any staff members on hand?

  We always come out stronger. We always come out stronger.

  My dad’s go to mantra bounces around in my head, guiding me towards the end of the corridor, which feels like a hundred miles away, and my eyes prickle, the instant reminder of my loss trying to consume me. But not right now, it can’t right now.

  “Who the fuck did this?” A growl so sinister reverberates around the corridor, and even my steps falter as the sound of Xavier’s anger meets my ears, but I do manage to continue placing one foot in front of the other.

  I hear footsteps near me, but I refuse to turn around, I’m only twenty feet from stepping outside, and away from these assholes. But an arm suddenly comes around my front, pinning me to a hard chest at my back as the person moves me to the side of the hall, my front facing the nearby lockers.

  I almost swing around to punch the fucker in the face, but they whisper in my ear just in time.

  “Don’t hit me, I’m shielding you.”

  Hunter?

  Tilting my head back, I look up to see his attention focused over his own shoulder.

  “I’m fine, I don’t need shielding,” I murmur, making no attempt to actually step out of his hold, and he completely ignores me.

  “Don’t make me fucking repeat myself,” Xavier shouts again, and I really don’t want to stay around for this.

  “Fine, if you’re going to shield me, could you just help me get to my SUV? Then I can be out of your hair,” I offer, and his green eyes instantly find mine.

  His blond hair is brushed over to the side, a natural wave trying to take over his attempt at a clean look, and I feel my fingers itching to run through it. With a simple nod, his fingers tighten on my waist as he glances over his shoulder again.

  “Tobias, jacket,” he mutters, and before I can protest, Tobias magically appears at our side, his lightweight black jacket in hand.

  He grins down at me as he holds the jacket out for me to slot my arms in, but Hunter still hasn’t let go of my waist.

  I’m surprised to see such anger in Tobias’ blue eyes, but in a flash, it’s gone as he plants a huge grin on his face and trails his gaze over my body.

  “Are you done?” I hiss, and he continues to take in the display before him.

  “There’s nothing else for me to do until Hunter releases you so I can assist,” he mutters with a waggle of his eyebrows, and I want to kick him in the dick, but thankfully, Hunter gets the message and slowly releases his hold on me.

  I feel every inch of his fingerprints as he skims his fingers across my stomach until his hand falls away altogether, but he doesn’t move from my back, continuing to block me from everyone else.

  I step forward a little, and Tobias envelops me in his jacket, and I push my arms into the sleeves, appreciating the fact it sits just above my knee.

  “We won’t be needing this now, will we?” Tobias murmurs, pulling the sticky tape from my skin, his touch sending a shiver down my spine, but I’m more surprised to find his eyes on mine the whole time, not attempting to catch a glimpse of me.

  Wordlessly, he zips up the jacket, completely distracting me from the arguing going on behind us as some high-pitched scream bounces off the walls.

  “I’ve got it from here, Hunter,” Tobias mutters before lifting me off my feet and pinning my chest to his.

  Before I can say anything, he’s spinning us around and walking towards the exit. I don’t miss the way Hunter stares after us, or the fact that Xavier has Roxy pinned to the wall beside the cafeteria.

  This is a surprising turn of events. A part of me expected them to have something to do with it, and I don’t know how to feel about them seemingly protecting me.

  The door swings shut behind us as Tobias marches towards the main doors leading outside, and I’m annoyed with myself for not putting up more of a fight.

  “Do you guys always have to manhandle me?” I finally grouch, finding my voice.

  “Shut the fuck up, bubble butt, you love it.”

  I feel the blush attempting to take over my cheeks, and I glance away. “I don’t love it. I didn’t ask for you guys to help. I was perfectly fine walking back to my SUV on my own.” I pout as we step outside into the heat, and Tobias jogs down the steps effortlessly with me in his arms.

  “Tell yourself what you want, we both know the truth.” I hate how fucking smug he sounds, but I still don’t put up a fight as he carries me toward my G-Wagon, my arms pinned under his.

  Getting to the bottom of the steps, I try to glance over my shoulder to point out my SUV, but I come face-to-face with him. Without warning, he fucking licks my nose. Licks. My. Nose. Who the fuck is this guy?

  “What the fuck?” I scrunch my face up in disgust, but he just laughs at me. “That’s gross, dude,” I gripe, wiping my nose on his T-shirt, and I’m instantly hit with his citrusy scent. Holy fuck, he smells good. My body moves closer to his on instinct. He doesn’t respond as he continues towards the parking lot, and I sigh. “Why are you guys helping me anyway?”

  “Who said we are helping you?” he throws back immediately, and I glare at the side of his head. “We gave an order, we’re protecting that. You just happen to reap a few benefits for a minute, that’s all.”
>
  Well, that definitely makes more sense than them looking out for me, but it still has me confused, especially with earlier, and my mind’s a mess.

  “Do you want to continue reaping the benefits?” he asks, and before I can ask what he means, my back is slammed into the side of my G-Wagon and he’s lifted my thighs up so my legs are at his waist. “I could fuck you up against the side of your fancy car, make you scream my name for everyone to hear. Would you like that?”

  Our lips are so close together, his nose brushes against mine as our breaths mingle between us. He grinds his hard cock against my core, and my heart about stops as heat spreads through my body.

  “I—”

  “I told you, you want me, bubble, everyone does, but I like a little delayed gratification. Especially when we have a game tonight, it only adds to the fire between us. You’ll get to sit on my dick soon, I promise, but I’m good with teasing you for now.” His hand comes up to cup my chin, stroking his thumb against my bottom lip. I’m stunned.

  Without warning, I bite down on his thumb, hard, and he quickly pulls it from my grasp, laughter bursting from his lips as he throws his head back.

  “Hmm, feisty, I like it.” Stepping back, he lowers me to the ground, and the gravel instantly feels rough beneath my feet. “Don’t forget about my birthday party tonight,” he says with a wink and takes off back towards the school.

  What in the ever-loving fuck just happened to me?

  15

  Xavier

  I fucking knew Roxy wouldn’t do as she was told. Clearly, someone must be intimidated by the new girl, because she never lays it on this thick so soon. Usually, she’s obedient, doing whatever I ask, hoping I will slip back into bed with her. I don’t mind playing on her wants if it gets me what I need, but this time, her jealousy seems to have gotten the better of her.

  We told her repeatedly to keep the fuck away from Eden, that we would handle her since she was ours to play with, but Roxy seems to have forgotten how to fall in line.