Page 13 of Beg for It

“You're overthinking again, Cam.” I mutter to myself, taking a few deep breaths. “You're just being paranoid.” Another lovely side effect of the suppressants. Guess that's the price I have to pay for ones that aren’t even approved by the FDA.

But, they do the trick, better than any of the ones available. That's what I need. I can handle a few panic attacks here and there, if it means I can be free to live my life without fear.

Only, that's exactly what I’m doing right now. At least since meeting Henley.

My next class, my luck is even less than my first one.

Because when I walk into Economics, none other than Brooks is sitting on top of the stage, right on the edge of a teacher's desk.

Not just any teacher, it’s Mr. Kennedy.

“Come in, come in!” Brooks booming voice fills the room, laced with amusement. “Come find a spot, my willing victims.”

“Brooks.” Mr. Kennedy snaps. “Get off my desk and take a seat.”

“Why? I like this spot better.” Brooks shoots him a grin that would have any omega slicking their pants.

Not Mr. Kennedy. He continues to glare at Brooks. “Now.”

“You're no fun.” Brooks pouts and hops off the desk. Then he spots me and my stomach sinks. A new smile takes over his face, only this one is much crueler. “If it isn’t the new little beta in town.”

I don’t realize I’m taking a step back until I bump into the person behind me. “Sorry.” I mutter, pulling my attention away from Brooks to look back at the person.

“It’s fine.” the girl smiles, stepping around me.

Looking away was a bad idea because when I look back, Brooks is closer. Shit. Shit, shit, shit. What is going on here? Why is he singling me out? We haven’t even talked before.

So much for blending in.

“Mr. Parker.” Mr. Kennedy says and it takes me a moment to realize he’s talking to me.

When I applied to come here, I did so using my mother’s maiden name to help hide my identity as much as I could. “Could you come see me for a moment.”

Nodding, my eyes flick over to see that Brooks is now standing in one of the rows, letting the students go by him. I rush down the stairs towards Mr. Kennedy, hating that I have to pass him.

Just as I do, I hear Brooks say in a low tone. “Run all you want little piggie, the chase is half the fun.”

Cold terror hits me like a brick. I feel like I’m going to be sick. I almost faceplant when I trip over my foot, catching myself on one of the chairs. Brooks’ booming laughter fills the room and my cheeks heat in embarrassment.

I want to leave so damn bad.

“Hey.” Mr. Kennedy's voice is concerned. “Are you okay?”

I’m trembling now. I could lie, but one look at me and there's no way anyone would believe it. “No.” I shake my head.

He looks over my shoulder frowning, then back to me. “Breathe.” he says softly, and fuck the caring tone in his voice has my eyes stinging. “I’m not sure what's going on with… that, but if you want my advice, I’d stay away from Brooks and his pack.”

“Trust me, I’m trying.” I let out a tiny panicked laugh. “It’s not as easy as I thought it would be.”

“I get that.” he nods. “You sure you're okay to sit through this class? I wouldn’t be upset if you choose to skip it. I can email you the homework and all classes are taped. You can find them in the student portal. You would just need your email and password that was given when you signed up for classes.”

I hate how much of a coward I feel like right now. I’m not one to run from my problems, but to find solutions that work for me.

But right now, I can’t focus. I’m too overwhelmed with everything and add on the fact I still feel like shit from the past weekend.

“Would that be okay?” I hate how weak I sound. “I don’t think I could sit for an hour.”

“Go.” he smiles softly. “Get some rest and be better for tomorrow.”