Meeting the club as decided

After the last bell of the day, Jaden tried to find Rick, some half-formed excuse about “staying late to finish a worksheet” ready on his tongue, but Rick was nowhere to be seen. Probably already headed home. Jaden told himself he’d come up with something later. Right now, the rendezvous mattered more.

He made his way to the chem lab just outside the east wing library. Mrs. Reed was already there, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, her eyes were sharp, alert, no trace of the gentle patience she usually wore.

She straightened when she saw him. “Ready?”

He nodded. “Remember, act hypnotized. Dazed. Blank. Like you’re not really there.”

She gave a single nod, then schooled her features. Her hazel eyes became unfocused. Her mouth slackened just enough to look vacant. Shoulders loosened. It was uncanny, too good, almost. Even knowing she was pretending, seeing her like that in real life, expressionless, compliant, sent a jolt straight to his cock. He hated the reaction, hated how quickly it came.

He grabbed her hand, warm, soft and tugged gently. “Come on.”

She followed without resistance, steps slow and shuffling, letting him “drag” her behind him like a puppet.

They entered the empty library. The stacks were silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning. Jaden led her toward the familiar section, the one with the faded sign taped over the door: Mother’s Comic Book Club – Private Meeting Space.

Principal Moreno was waiting just outside.

She stood in her usual professional attire, tailored navy blazer, white blouse, pencil skirt, heels, but something about her posture felt predatory now that Jaden knew the truth. Her jet-black hair was still in its severe bun, but her smoky gray eyes glittered with anticipation.

She looked them over, first Jaden, then Mrs. Reed. A slow, satisfied smile curled her lips.

“Captain Zack will be proud,” she said, voice smooth and mocking as she stared at Mrs. Reed. “You’ve done well bringing this bitch to heel.”

Jaden felt Mrs. Reed’s hand tightened briefly in his, a flash of real anger before she **** herself back into character. He understood. Seeing Elena like this, hearing the spite in her tone, had to sting.

Elena turned, opened the door and stepped inside, beckoning them with a curt gesture.

“After you.”

Jaden took a steadying breath, tightened his grip on Mrs. Reed’s hand and crossed the threshold.

Inside, under the familiar warm glow of string lights, Zack Hargrove waited, slouched in the same chair from the night before, legs spread wide, smirk already in place.

His eyes lit up when he saw them.

“Well, well,” he drawled. “Look who delivered.”

“Looks like it’s just the four of us here today, Hayes,” Zack drawled from his chair, legs still spread wide, elbows resting on the armrest like he was settling in for a casual chat. “But that’s okay. I do like to take a more… personal approach.”

He crooked two fingers toward Jaden.

“Come here and hand over the bitch. I’ll take it from here.”

Jaden’s pulse hammered in his throat. He tightened his grip on Mrs. Reed’s hand, her fingers limp and compliant in the act and pretended to drag her forward, just like they’d rehearsed. She shuffled behind him, head slightly bowed, eyes unfocused. He was confident in the pill his mom had given him; he’d swallowed it exactly ten minutes before stepping through the door. The faint chemical aftertaste still lingered on his tongue. Zack’s penlight wouldn’t touch him.

He stepped closer, slow, deliberate while subtly sliding his free hand into his pocket. Fingers closed around the small device.

Zack’s eyes flicked down. His smirk faltered for half a second.

“Hey, what ar—”

Jaden yanked the fob out and aimed it square at Zack’s forehead. Thumb slammed the button.

A thin, violet-red beam lanced out and struck Zack dead-center.

Zack’s scream was immediate, raw, guttural. He toppled backward out of the chair, crashing to the carpet, both hands flying to his face. He clawed at his eyes, thrashing like he’d been hit with acid, legs kicking wildly, heels drumming the floor.