“Chill.” The word was a growl, rumbling and low. Jaya’s attention flitted to the fifth boy, the one who’d spoken. He was huge, also white, with an American accent.

The tallest boy had wild, shaggy dark hair, the tips colored a light brown. He wore ripped jeans, and his big feet were clad in old sandals. There was something feral about him, reminiscent of a wild animal. Or a beast.

The feral boy put his hand on the blond boy’s chest and held it there, not pushing, but not giving, either. “Why don’t you go calm down before this turns into something you really don’t want? If I remember, you’ve got only one fight left before they expel you. I don’t think your father would look too kindly on you getting kicked out from your third school in four years.”

“You want to be careful who you’re talking to like that,” the blond boy said, he and his friends turning to the feral boy.

Smirking, the tall boy leaned back and crossed his arms in one lithe movement. Powerful biceps pressed his shirtsleeves taut. His eyes, a startling, brilliant blue, flashed, and Jaya knew instinctively that if the other boy were to take him on, he’d win easily. “You know, Alaric, I’ll take my chances. In my experience, most snakes aren’t venomous.”

The boys all stared at each other for another minute, the air crackling with the energy of a fight. Jaya held her breath.

The tension collapsed when the blond boy, Alaric, shook his head and turned away, his silent friends following in his tracks. They passed right next to Jaya as they walked out a door on the other side of the darkened area, but none of them noticed her behind the plant.

“You didn’t have to do that. I can take care of myself.”

The other boy cocked his head. He was enormous, built like a bear, and he dwarfed the slighter, younger one. “Sure, kid.” He began to turn away.

The younger boy straightened up. “My name’s Elliot.”

“Congratulations.” After a pause, the feral boy glanced over his shoulder. “Stay away from those three. And if I were you, I’d clear out of here in case they decide to come back.”

Elliot crossed his arms. “Why should I have to go? They were the ones who bothered me. I was just in here studying.”

The older boy sighed. “Doesn’t matter. Alaric’s an asshole and he’s gonna be looking for revenge. I’m not sticking around to watch out for you. So if you know what’s good for you, get out.” Without waiting for a response, he walked off.

Elliot stood looking after him for a long moment. Then, sighing, he gathered his books and slid them into a backpack. Slinging the bag onto his shoulder, he followed the older boy out.