7 Years prior
Lucas stalked down the path that led from school to the pack house, his hands shoved deep into his pockets and his head down. He was so wound up he felt like he might actually punch the next tree he passed.
He couldn’t stop replaying what he’d overheard by the lockers. Teegan’s shrill laugh. Ava giggling right back as they talked to a small cluster of girls.
“She said she likes Landon,” Teegan had practically squealed. “Can you imagine? As like a freak like Celia even stands a chance.”
“Still,” Ava had said, sounding thoughtful, “I guess I can’t blame her. Landon is… well. You’ve seen him.”
Their laughter had burned through Lucas like acid. His chest was tight with it. He didn’t even fully understand why it bothered him so much, only that it did.
He kicked a rock off t
