Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(70)

“Why should I?”

“Do you know who I am?”

The young man struck a cocky pose. “No, but I’m sure you’re about to tell me.”

His friends laughed.

“My name is Merrick Overton.” Students stopped walking to listen. “I’m here as legal representative for the Directorate. What happened to this young lady is appalling. Your comment is unacceptable. Unless you’d like me to thoroughly investigate your entire family, I suggest you apologize.”

The young Blue flashed a fake smile. “Sorry.”

Bryn dug her nails into her palms. His apology wasn’t sincere. He wished she were dead. All the stupid threats she’d dealt with since coming to school hadn’t frightened her because she didn’t think anyone would actually try to hurt her. Now, she knew better, which made the threats far more disturbing. It made her want to fight back.

Merrick stepped aside, allowing the Blues to pass. Then, he placed his hand on the small of her back. “Let’s move along.”

The rest of the walk to her room was uneventful. Octavius and Vivian nodded to her. A few other students waved or offered smiles. Most stared through her.

When they reached her dorm room, Merrick produced a set of keys and opened the door. The room was much the same as her old one, but with a black and gray color scheme. She stood in the doorway to her bedroom, taking in the differences while she focused on not falling apart.

“What can I do?” Merrick asked.

“I’m about to vibrate out of my skin. I need a Slam Man. Can you take me to the gym?”

“I’ll call Coach Anderson. Why don’t you change clothes?”

Bryn closed and locked the bedroom door. She walked to the armoire on the right and found it empty. Had someone taken her things? Wait, there was another armoire. It felt like her brain wasn’t operating at full speed.

She dressed in a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt, hung Merrick’s outfit neatly on a hanger, and carried it back into the living room.

Merrick glanced at the clothes. “I billed those to the Institute. You can keep them.”

Her hands shook as she placed the hanger on the bedroom doorknob. “I need to hit something.”

“Coach Anderson is coming over. She’ll speak to the medic and ask what you can do.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” Unable to sit still, she paced the room. “That Blue meant what he said. He wishes I were dead.”

Merrick stepped into her path and placed his hands on her shoulders. “He was showing off for his friends.”

“You’re wrong. He meant it. I’ve learned to read other dragons. The truth is in their eyes. Some are curious. Others are disgusted. Most pretend I’m not here. He’s one of those who believe I shouldn’t exist. He’s the type who would try to kill me. And it’s not like I can threaten him back, because I’ll be the one to get in trouble, which is not fair, and I’m so mad that I really want to hit something. ” Her voice cracked as her emotions swirled out of control. There was only one person who could make her feel better right now.

“I want Zavien.”

“I’ll find him.” Merrick’s voice was kind. “Until he arrives, I’ll have to do.”

She followed him to the desk where he picked up the phone and dialed a campus extension. As he spoke, he placed an arm around her shoulders. Closing her eyes, she took comfort in the simple gesture. When he hung up the phone, a knock sounded on the door.

“That should be Coach Anderson. Maybe she can help.”

Coach Anderson walked in, holding a jousting stick. She was followed by a student carrying a Slam Man. He was huge, and his smile reminded her of Keegan. It was probably his cousin.

“Glad to see you’re up and about.” He gave a genuine grin on his way out the door.

“Thanks.”

Coach Anderson moved the Slam Man into the living room and then measured the distance to the walls with the jousting stick. Once she was satisfied, she turned to Bryn.

“I understand you have emotions you need to work through. For the next two weeks, you can hit the Slam Man with the jousting stick. There will be no punching or kicking. Medic Williams will have my head if I compromised your recovery.”

Bryn took the stick. “I can live with that.”

Holding the jousting stick a gut level, Bryn swung at the Slam Man. With every blow, she thought: Stupid Directorate. Stupid Blues. Stupid dragons. Stupid, screwed up life.

It wasn’t as satisfying as kicking would’ve been, but it helped.

Ten minutes later, Zavien walked through her door. She dropped the stick and ran to him.

He caught her in a hug. “What’s wrong?”

She ranted about the Blue dragon and all the other threats she’d received. He stroked her hair and made soothing noises. When she became hoarse, she stopped talking.

He gently loosened her hold so he could lift her face. His own face was a mask of concern. “What can I do?”

“I don’t know. This helps.” She laid her head on his chest.

“I need to return to my classes.” Coach Anderson spoke from the couch.

Holy hell. She’d forgotten there were other people in the room. Face burning, she stepped away from Zavien.

“Thanks for the Slam Man.”