“Hey there, Dragon,” I say, leaning up to kiss his cheek. Seeing him dressed like this, I can’t help it. He licks his lips, his green eyes darkening.
“Well shit, when did this happen?” asks Jax, looking over to Drake and me while he scratches his head in disbelief.
“Bitch, it’s been happening, guess my sis is now ready to show the rest of the world,” says Jade with a smirk.
“Well, looks like after last night, we need to show everyone we are a united front and can’t be pushed around. They got their kings, well I got mine,” I say, pulling him in closer, giving him a small peck on the lips. I hear him groan and I push away laughing.
“Don’t gotta try and convince me, princess,” he says, putting his arm around my shoulder as we head out toward the auditorium.
The auditorium is about a ten-minute walk across campus and we barely make it in time. When we finally arrive, we head inside and find some empty seats near the middle of the room. The room is huge with stadium style seating and a large stage at the front, a podium set up with seats on one side and a large projector screen on the other. Sort of reminds me of what a college commencement ceremony would look like. At the top of the stage is a large banner that says, Welcome Stallions, Class of 2020. Stella clarifies that the Stallions are the academy’s mascot, which makes sense with whole “horsemen” shit. I can’t help but look around searching for the Horsemen, but they are nowhere to be found. The queens, however, are seated in the front row looking every bit like the rich mean girls they are. I recognize Headmistress LeBlanc as she walks up to the podium with a group of whom I assume are teachers, and they take their seats on the stage. She taps the microphone causing it to screech and the room grows quiet.
“Welcome, students, to Servite Academy’s 100th Annual Welcome Day Assembly. As you all know, I am Headmistress LeBlanc, and I am honored to be greeting you today. This morning is incredibly special to all of us here at Servite Academy as this next year marks the 100th anniversary of our school inauguration. This morning we will have a special speaker, as well as a particularly important announcement. As you all know after the assembly you are to report to your homeroom class. Today’s schedule will run slightly different as you will attend all your classes but for a shortened amount of time. Just enough time to get familiar with your schedule. Starting tomorrow we will resume our normal hours with your first class beginning at 8:05 a.m. and school ending at 3:15. May I remind you that for the first two weeks of school, you are prohibited to leave the campus. After the second week you may leave campus only weekends or with special permission. I will now give the...”
She’s suddenly interrupted when a large sound echoes through the auditorium walls. All eyes turn to the back of the room where the Four Horsemen have just walked in, entering as if they aren’t already late. The four, impeccably dressed in the Servite uniform, walk directly to the front, making their way to the four empty chairs on the left side of the stage. The room is eerily silent as Headmistress LeBlanc makes no acknowledgement of their interruption but instead carries on with her speech.
“As I was saying, I will now give the mic over to Headmaster Servite.”
The crowd begins to applaud as Headmaster Warren Servite appears and walks over to the podium beside her. He turns and glares toward his son and the other Horsemen, but Ace’s glare meets him right back. As Headmaster Servite begins to speak I notice someone I hadn’t seen hiding in the corner. Agent Wesley Servite stands at the end of the stage, dressed in an all-black suit, his eyes scanning the room until they connect with mine, a spine-chilling grin appearing on his face.
“Thank you, headmistress, for the warm welcome. Students, welcome. As Headmistress LeBlanc mentioned, this year is an incredibly special year as we are nearing our 100th Anniversary. Ninety-nine years ago my great-grandfather founded Servite Academy as a place for the most notable and influential individuals to send their children for the best education and opportunity. We have prided ourselves in providing the world with successful scientists, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and businessmen among other professions. The alumni that have graduated from Servite Academy have continued on to attend the most elite universities in the world, including the country’s top three Ivy League Universities: Holland, Pembrooke, and Westminster. We are honored that this year we are able to extend that opportunity to those who may not have received it anywhere else. This year we have implemented a new philanthropic program where six teenage students from our neighboring town of Pleasant Hills, were chosen to receive full-paid scholarships to attend Servite Academy.”
All eyes turn to the six of us. How quickly the news spread of who we are, a charity case. My gaze has been locked the entire time on Agent Servite, who now approaches the podium standing behind his brother.
“I would like to give the mic over now to my brother and our head of security and defense here at Servite Academy, Agent Wesley Servite.”
“Thank you, headmaster,” he says, his eyes still locked with mine. His grin widens and I feel Jade elbow me. I break my glare and turn to her and see she’s looking at me with the same frightened eyes she did that first day we met Agent Servite, when he came looking for our parents. I turn my attention back to the stage as Agent Servite begins to speak.
“As Headmaster Servite mentioned, this new program we have implemented allows six fortunate students the opportunity to attend the number one academy on the West Coast for their senior year of high school. An opportunity, if it weren’t for us, they would never have had.”
I scoff at his remark. This fucker makes it seem he’s done us a favor by dragging us here. I suddenly feel the urge to turn and find Ace’s glare on me. He quickly looks back and forth between his uncle and me. I guess I’m not the only one who noticed his stare was directed at me.
“Please help me in giving a warm Servite welcome to our newest students.” No. Fuck. “Malachi Saint, Jaxon Wylde, Damon and Ruby Drake, Jade Wolfe, and Scarlett Steele.” Again, all eyes are on us, but nobody makes a sound.
“Guys, please come join me on the stage,” he says, but not one of us moves.
Suddenly, Alek and Beck appear on either side of our row, arms crossed, glares planted on their faces. I hadn’t even seen them leave the stage. Alek clears his throat causing Drake, Kai, and Jax to stand, their natural predator instincts telling them these guys won’t back down. Jade and Ruby stand as well, as Jade turns to me with a do we have a choice look. I slowly stand as Alek and Beck escort us to the center stage. Silence continues until we are at the front center of the stage beside Agent Servite. He slowly walks over to me reaching his hand out for me to take. I glare at him but reluctantly take it. I wouldn’t want anyone to see my reluctance to be near him and start asking questions. At the contact of our hands a sudden clapping sound starts. We all turn to find Ace standing, his eyes darkened and staring directly at my hand in his uncle’s. He looks up at me, rage in his eyes as he begins clapping louder. Suddenly the entire auditorium follows, all standing and clapping vigorously. Agent Servite walks me over to the podium beside him and I quickly pull my hand back from his grasp. Headmaster Servite walks up and joins his brother, as Ace also walks forward standing beside his father.
“On behalf of the Servite family and academy we’d like to welcome you to our school. We are honored to have you here and are excited to see what this program will bring,” Headmaster Servite says arrogantly.
“Boys and girls, that concludes our assembly. Please exit the auditorium and find your way to your homeroom class,” says Headmistress LeBlanc, dismissing us.
I quickly turn to head off the stage but not before Agent Servite grabs hold of my arm.
“Not so fast, Miss Steele. I will be escorting you to your first class,” he says, causing me to stiffen.
“Like hell you will,” says Drake, stepping up and pulling my arm out of his grip. At Drake’s movement Ace stands guard of his uncle.
“Back off, Dragon Boy,” Ace says as
he steps in front of Agent Servite, but Drake doesn’t even flinch. That’s my Dragon, my fierce protector, and a hell of a control freak.
“Back down, nephew, he’s harmless,” mocks Agent Servite with a sly grin.
“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I say, turning away and walking off the stage pulling Drake by the hand behind me. I hear a growl, but not sure exactly which Servite man it came out of, as I’m too afraid to turn around. The rest of the group follows behind us and we meet up with Stella outside the auditorium.
“What the fuck is that guy’s problem?” asks Kai as we approach Stella.
“Yeah, Scar, he’s been on your dick ever since they showed up at the foster home.” Jade turns to me questioningly. She knows that Agent Servite was the one who showed up all those years ago, but I never told her about his threats or the crude comment he made to me about my mom.
“Looks like he’s got a hard-on for our dear Scarlett. I’d say that’s some sick shit, but fuck have you seen him?” Ruby says, biting her lip.
“I don’t want to get into it right now. We need to get to class.” I pull out my class schedule which says that I have English Literature as my homeroom class. “Westerly Hall, Lecture Room 2A. Can you point which way, Stella?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I’ll walk you,” Ace says as he comes up behind me, of course with the Horsemen in tow.
“Back the fuck off, Servite,” says Drake, quickly stepping in front of me, guarding me from Ace.
“Look, Dragon Boy, I’m getting sick and tired of you getting in my face.”
Ugh, these boys are gonna be the death of me with their need to be in control, and stupid show of male alpha-ness. I have to admit it’s fucking hot seeing both of them come face to face, but fuck, Drake doesn’t deserve to be caught up in some shit because of me.
“If anyone’s walking her to class it’s me,” Jade says, stepping up to me.
“Back down, Little Wolf,” blurts Bass, coming around Ace and stepping toward Jade.
That’s the second time he has stepped in when she has, calling her ‘Little Wolf.’ I look over to him and see a lustful look in his eyes as he stares intently at her. Jade takes a small almost unnoticeable step back slowly, looking slightly intimidated.
“But your class is across campus,” whispers Stella, causing us all to turn to her. “I have copies of all your schedules. It was to help you guys find your way on your first day. Kai and Ruby, you guys are on the north side of campus in Cahill Hall. Jaxon and Drake, you guys are on the south side in Percy Hall. Jade, you are with me on the east side in Whitmoore Hall, and Scarlett is on the west side in Westerly Hall.”
“With me,” Ace says matter-of-factly.
“It doesn’t matter, I’ll walk Scar and then head to my class.” I turn to Drake placing my hand on his shoulder. From the corner of my eye I can see Ace step closer at my touch. I purposefully use my other hand to turn Drake’s face away from Ace and direct it to me.
Ace grunts, barely noticeably, but I hear it nonetheless.
“I can’t let you be late on your first day. It’ll be fine. He’ll just show me where the building is. Then I’ll be on my way, alone,” I say, glaring toward Ace who smirks smugly thinking he’s won. Drake doesn’t look pleased but honestly, he has no right to be pissed. Ace and I are bound to run into each other, especially since he’s made it clear he’s watching my every move.
“You keep your dirty hooves off her, Horseman,” he says turning his attention toward Ace. “Looks like the Servite men are a bit handsy. Be sure to relay the message to your uncle.”
Ace frowns, his brows scrunching inwardly and his icy blue eyes darkening. I swear I can almost hear him growling behind me.
Drake leans over and kisses me greedily before stepping back. The kiss is just his way of showing Ace that I’m his. Strange thing is, I’m not sure I belong to him either.
“See you later, babe,” he says, turning and walking off with Jaxon.
Kai and Ruby take off to the north, while Stella and Jade look to me before turning and walking toward the east side of campus.
“Wait up, cuz, I’ll be walking you and the Little Wolf,” says Sebastian, following closely after them. Alek and Beck have taken off toward the north leaving me alone with Ace. I look to him and find him smirking before I turn and walk toward Westerly Hall by myself.
“Thought you said I could walk you,” he exclaims, catching up to me.
“I said I’d let you show me the way. But that isn’t necessary anymore,” I reply, not bothering to look at him. Servite Academy’s campus is massive, and the buildings divide the campus into four sections. The North, East, South, and West. By process of elimination, I now know which direction to take toward Westerly Hall.
NINE
SCARLETT
“We need to talk,” Ace demands, his voice deep and raspy making the hairs on the back of my neck stand as he follows intently behind me. I don’t understand the effect he has on me but the more I try and ignore it, the stronger it becomes. Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop me from trying.
“I have nothing to say to you,” I shout, quickening my pace hoping he’ll give up and let me go on my own way. Yeah, right. Around us students are rushing toward their classes, but slow down to give us a second look. Their glares cut through me as they see me disrespecting their king.
“Then you’ll listen.” He reaches for me, grabbing hold of my wrist, causing me to turn around angrily, shooting daggers at him with my glare.
“What the fuck is it with you Servite men that makes you think you can put your dirty hands on me? Let. Me. Go.” I utter, mouthing every word slowly as I try and pull away. It’s useless. At only five foot four, Ace towers over me, his body swallowing me whole as he stands above me.
“I won’t let go, not until you listen. And regarding my uncle putting his hands on you, you can be sure I won’t let that happen again. Ever.” He leans in close to me, our lips again almost coming into contact and my breathing shifts slightly at the closeness of him. His eyes are dark and filled with anger, or is it desire. I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The two emotions seem interchangeable when we’re around each other. He catches himself staring down at my mouth, as my tongue sneaks out to lick my bottom lip, and he abruptly steps back letting go of my wrist. I gently rub the sensitive skin where the touch of his calloused hands burned me, a slight red mark visible on my pale skin. He looks down at it and I almost see a shred of regret cross his eyes for gripping me so tightly. It instantly vanishes as his body stiffens, his glare back to being murderous.
“There is no need for him to get his hands dirty with the likes of you,” he sneers, and there it is. The true reason behind his anger. Not anger, nor desire, nor jealousy, but disgust. How can his uncle dirty his hands with lowly old me?
“Yeah, well you be sure to let him know. Like I told you, the next time either one of you, anyone for that matter, dares to put their hands on me will be their last.”
“Now, now, Little Red, no need to be overdramatic. I still haven’t put my hands on you, not really. And you can be sure that when I do, you won’t be begging me to stop.”
“In your dreams, Ace,” I yell, storming off as we reach the entrance of Westerly Hall, another large gray brick building surrounded by tall trees and a few tables and benches. No surprise here. Compared to the impressive size of the campus and the physical appearance and wealth of its inhabitants, the architecture of the academy is mediocre at best.
As I step inside, I look around and see students are no longer roaming the hallways. I’m hoping to find lecture room 2A on my own, so I won’t have to ask Ace for directions. Luckily, I see it’s the second door on the right side. Unfortunately, just as I’m about to reach for the handle, the bell rings. Fuck, I’m late, and on my first day. Way to make a first impression, Scarlett. Well, second impression, since everyone has already decided what they think of me without even knowing anything a
bout me. Especially after last night at the party and this morning at the assembly. Poor, temperamental, possibly a criminal, but above all, unworthy of attending the prestigious Servite Academy.
I move to grab the handle of the door but pause when I sense a large body behind me. Again, my body stiffens at his closeness, a shiver running through me. Get a grip, Scarlett.
“Didn’t I make it clear that I wanted you to leave me alone?” I sneer, not bothering or trusting myself to turn to him.
“Don’t flatter yourself, Red. I’m just trying to get inside my class.” I freeze at his answer. Fuck no. He’s in my homeroom class. “Any day now, Red. Need I remind you we’re already late, and on your first day?”
At that I pull down the door handle nearly falling forward as the door opens loudly. Inside all eyes turn to me including the man seated at the front desk. I look around the huge room, which is not a typical classroom obviously, but more a fifty-seat theatre with individual desks and plush chairs. The walls themselves are a bright white, sterile color while the desks are a shiny, black wood, and the chairs lush and a deep burgundy color. Each student has in front of them a MacBook, but their glares are stuck on Ace and me at the front of the classroom. They are all impeccably dressed in the academy’s uniform and look every bit the part of pretentious prep school punks, unlike me looking every bit the imposter I am in this get up.
“Miss Steele,” says the man seated at the front of the class, who I assume is the teacher, as he stands and faces toward us. He’s tall with broad shoulders, wearing black pants, a white collared shirt, and a dark red V-neck sweater. His dark hair combed perfectly in place, and deep, dark eyes hidden behind his glasses. Fuck, are all adults here this young and damn good looking? No wonder the kids here actually pay attention in class. I would have back at Pleasant Hills High if our teachers looked like they belonged on the cover of GQ Magazine. Instead they looked like they belonged in a convalescent home, or worse, six feet under.
The Four Horsemen : A Servite Academy For Troubled Teens Novel Page 9
