SOPHIA
The growling grew louder, and it echoed loudly off the library walls.
Blackwood's grip on my hand tightened. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his eyes glowing brighter.
I trembled, unsure of what was happening. I felt my wolf stirring, stimulated by the unfamiliar presence.
Suddenly, the lights brightened back on and the growl went completely silent. Blackwood's strong hand gently eased mine. He looked back at me and whispered. "Wait here."
He stood from his crouch and slowly approached the door. His hand had barely held the handle before it flung open and pushed him back.
"Oh, my bad… I'm sorry." A voice spoke in surprise, "I didn't know someone was in here."
I had never seen a startled Blackwood before, but he looked more relieved to see that there wasn't any trouble… yet.
"That's okay…" He said, sharpening up as he slapped the invisible dust off his jacket to regain composure.
My eyes were fixed on the door to see who would come in. He did walk in, and he was as tall as Blackwood with his shoulders just as broad.
He extended his hand toward Blackwood and greeted. "Jackson Bennett." They shook hands.
Jackson Bennett. I just heard that name on the intercom. He was one of the two new students. His eyes strayed around the library room and finally thinned as they met mine from a distance. I could feel my wolf shudder.
"Hi," Jackson said, beaming a broad smile at me. I shyly waved my hand to acknowledge and noticed Blackwood's guarded expression.
He unhanded the handshake and cleared his throat loudly, "Ahem. Hm, Jackson. Was that… you?"
Jackson's smile faltered for a moment. "Was what me?", he asked in a curious tone.
Blackwood's eyes narrowed and his face looked stern. "The growling, the lights. Was it you?"
Jackson's expression turned puzzled.
"Growling? I didn't hear any growling," he shrugged.
I clutched my bag. The three of us were the only ones in the library and I was feeling my skin crawl. I had an uneasiness about me and my wolf sensed it too. It growled softly, warning me.
Blackwood's gaze lingered on Jackson. "I think we're done here for today, Sophia," he said, turning to me.
He turned to Jackson. "Well, um… welcome to Creston Academy, Jackson."
"Thank you, sir." His smile returned, "And erm, nice meeting you… Sophia."
I accompanied my nod with a fake smile as I grabbed my bag and held it to my chest. I made my way out but not before Jackson stretched to hold open the door. I felt his eyes on me as I walked out of the door with Blackwood behind me.
I felt my wolf shudder again. As much as I tried, I couldn't shake off the cold in my spine. What just happened? It could've been nothing. Or maybe it was.
I concluded that it was probably a prank. It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to prank me anyway.
I hurried away to go but Blackwood soon caught up to me.
"Let's get out of here," he whispered, grabbing my elbow.
*****
I waded into class amidst a sea of cooing girls barricading the door. It looked like a marketplace of some sort early in the morning.
"Hey, what's going on?" I tapped a random shoulder and she turned to look at me but her giggling quickly morphed into a disgusted look.
"Sorry." I appeased, moving along.
Not long after, I discovered that a new face seated in the middle of the class was the reason for all the ruckus. It was a him, judging by how the femme fatales of the class hovered in admiration.
I tore through the bustling in irritation, fighting my way to my seat and I sighted him. Jackson Bennett.
I didn't get a good enough look at him before at the library. He looked hot and was wearing a very masculine demeanor, calmly seated there in the middle of class.
I slowed down, a little surprised by how handsome he was, quietly listening to the chittering of the overworked girls who fought for his attention.
A portion of his cheek rested in his palm, as he looked on and around at the amusing foolery of the teeming ladies.
I looked away and hoped he didn't notice me, as I stealthily strove to my seat.
"Oh hey, Sophia!"
Shit. That was his voice.
I halted, closing my eyes. I opened them again and bit my lower lip in embarrassment before slowly turning around.
He had a beaming smile and slowly waved his hand in the air.
Everyone stared. They must've wondered how and when the hot new guy met the class freak. I waved back at him once and turned to take my seat.
It took Blackwood's deep barkish bass to clear the noise and the way into the rowdy classroom.
"What's going on here!?'' his authoritative voice melted all the chatter.
The crowd quickly dissipated, with everyone else settling down. The whole class was fully sat and ready in the immediate next minute that he walked in.
He scanned the class with a stern look, setting down some books on his table. He acknowledged me with a slight nod as soon as his gaze caught me.
"Good morning, everyone…," he started.
"Morning, Professor Blackwood." The class murmured.
He retained the sternness on his face for the rest of the class.
"Before I dismiss, I would like to introduce our two newest students," he announced.
"Please welcome Jackson Bennett and Thea Reed."
Jackson stood up to the applause and the hoos, sending a warm smile throughout the class.
Some girl seated unnoticeably at the back reluctantly stood up, nodding slightly with her bright green eyes sweeping the room.
She looked confident and was rocking a green tainted black pixie cut to match her eyes.
"Sophia, I think you've already met Jackson," Blackwood said.
I looked up and felt a flush rise to my cheeks. I faked a smile and nodded my head, slowly looking away.
Thea's eyes drifted onto mine from across the class, and I sensed a spark of curiosity. She nodded slightly to acknowledge me and I did same.
I planned on dashing out of the class as soon as it was dispersed, but Blackwood's voice stopped my rushing.
"Sophia, a word."
"Um, what's up?" I approached his desk.
"Keep an eye on Jackson." He whispered, his expression turning serious.
"Why?"
"I'm not sure what he's capable of, Sophia. Just… keep an eye out, okay?"
I nodded my head and turned to leave. As I left the classroom, I sensed eyes on me. Both Jackson's and Thea's.
I caught them both in a single glance back at the class and they were indeed looking at me.
I quickly hurried out.