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trying to keep an even tone. I scan the hall looking for a way out, but it’s pointless. The hall is deserted. I am completely alone with this self-important, student hating lunatic.
    “No, sir,” he returns through clenched teeth. “You’d do well to mind your manners Miss Lescinka.”
    “Of course. No, sir . I have a copy in my dorm.”
    “Well then, if you have a copy of the handbook, there is no excuse for violating the uniform policy. Page eleven, section 8B.”
    Is he for real? I’m wearing the stupid uniform and I’ve seen a hundred different students break the dress code without penalty. Too bad none of them are around right now. Pratt’s on a bender and his dislike of me probably makes this the highlight of his day. Hell, maybe his week. I look down at my uni and immediately see what Pratt’s talking about. My tie is MIA. I’m pretty sure I was wearing it this morning, so I must’ve pulled it off during my session with Anya. Crap! I rack my brain trying to remember if the handbook said anything about a punishment for a uniform violation.
    “I’ve just come from Talent Development with Miss Petrova,” I tell him, straightening my collar and refastening the top button. “I must’ve lost my tie there. I didn’t realize…”
    He cuts me off before I can finish.
    “I do not wish to hear your ridiculous excuses. I am tired of your entitled attitude Miss Lescinka,” he spits, shoving his bony finger in my face. I contemplate knocking it away, but I don’t give it serious thought. It’s not worth the trouble or the punishment Pratt would rain down. “Walking around here like a disheveled mess and blatantly thumbing your nose at the rules. I’ve told you before that I do not care who your uncle is. While you are in my school, you will follow my rules.”
    Who’s he calling disheveled? Okay, so maybe he has a point. But after what I’ve been through today, my appearance is the least of my concerns. And really, it’s hard to believe it’s his top priority either. Surely he must have bigger things to worry about?
    “It’s a first offense, sir .”
    “That is irrelevant, Miss Lescinka.”
    He moves closer, invading my personal space. He’s getting dangerously close to pushing my temper into the red zone. I take a deep breath and steel my gaze. His words don’t matter and neither does the punishment, no matter how unjustified. I bury my clenched fists in the pockets of my skirt. I’m in enough trouble already. I can’t let Pratt bait me into a greater infraction just because he’s got a stick up his….
    “You will be assigned work detail for the next two weeks. You will report to the kitchen immediately after dinner. I’m sure the staff can find something fitting for you to do,” he finishes dismissively before stalking past me.
    I watch angrily as Pratt turns the corner. Could this day possibly get any worse?
    **********
    “Where’s Jade?” Nik asks casually as he sucks the last drop of blood from his mug. He licks his lips suggestively when he notices me watching him. Perv.
    “Who cares?” I return sweetly.
    Shaye rolls her eyes. Nik ignores us both. As a result of Nik’s determination to force some kind of truce between Jade and I- even he’s not naïve enough to think we’ll actually be friends- he continues to sit with Shaye and me during feedings. Jade and her entourage usually follow suit, but today only Lexie and Blaine are here. Pity. Blaine and I do our best to ignore one another entirely, but Lexie and Shaye seem to get on well enough. Their banter helps break up the tension and makes feeding together semi-tolerable.
    “I care. What’s Jade up to?” he repeats, directing the question to Lexie this time. “I haven’t seen her around all day.”
    It’s a harmless enough question, but it gets on my nerves a little bit. Nik and I have been spending a lot of time together training and making out, but I’m not really sure it’s going anywhere. It’s fun, but that’s