Embarrassment washed over Keisha as she watched the temperamental vampire walk away, suddenly feeling hyperaware of Jake's presence beside her. Confused, he cast her a questioning glance.
"What's his problem?"
"It's nothing," Keisha tried to dismiss, wishing for the ground to open up and swallow her. "Just ignore him."
"No, he shouldn't talk to you like that. In fact, I should go give him a piece of my mind – "
Jake was already getting up from his seat when Keisha grabbed his arm, her desperation evident. "Please don't! I promise it's not a big deal!"
Confliction flashed in the older boy's eyes, his jaw clenching as he contemplated following after the pureblood. However, a gentle squeeze of his arm by his friend seemed to reassure him, and Jake reluctantly returned to his seat with a sigh.
"You know, you shouldn't let him treat you like that."
"I know. But it's complicated – "
