CHAPTER 64: THE FIELD TRIP! 2

The professor began calling names for attendance, her voice steady and clear. "Elias Kane?"

"Present," Elias said, raising his hand briefly.

Once the roll call was complete, the bus rumbled to life, pulling out of the parking lot. The professor stood at the front, addressing the students. "Alright, everyone, listen up," she said, her tone professional. "We’re heading to a science museum first, then to a community health centre on the outskirts of town. You’ll be gaining knowledge and hands-on experience. We’ll spend the night at a hotel before moving to the community tomorrow."

A student raised his hand, his voice curious. "Are we really going to a real community? Like, with actual people?"

"Yes," the professor replied, nodding. "It’s a small community outside the city. You’ll see how their health centre operates and learn about public health initiatives. Any other questions?"

Another student piped up. "How long is the drive to the museum?"

"About two hours," the professor said. "So settle in, and do not cause trouble."

The bus fell into a low hum of conversation as students chatted, some pulling out headphones or snacks. Elias stared out the window, trying to ignore the weight of Rowan’s presence beside him. Rowan was being oddly friendly, which made Elias uneasy. As soon as he got in, Rowan offered him his seat and he couldn’t say no.

’Is it my pheromones again?’ he wondered, remembering Dr Patel’s warning about his Siren’s Voice. He adjusted his hoodie, making sure it covered as much of him as possible.

Jace, a few rows back, couldn’t take his eyes off Elias. Every laugh, every small interaction between Elias and Rowan felt like a jab to his chest. He wanted to be the one sitting there, the one Elias turned to, but Elias’s words from last night echoed in his mind... I can buy my own stuff. You’ve helped enough. Jace’s hands clenched in his lap, his frustration bubbling.

’Why’s he shutting me out? He’s also with Rowan. Dang it!’

.

The drive to the science museum passed slowly, the bus weaving through city traffic before hitting the open road. When they finally arrived, the students stretched their legs and grabbed their bags. The museum was a sleek, modern building with towering glass windows and banners advertising exhibits on space exploration and medical advancements.

Elias hung back, hoping to blend into the crowd, but Jace was at his side in an instant, pulling him to the side of the bus.

"Elias, what’s your deal?" Jace asked, his voice low but intense. "Why’d you leave without me this morning?"

Elias frowned, crossing his arms. "We don’t have to come to school together, Jace. I’m not seven."

Jace’s jaw tightened, his eyes searching Elias’s face. "I was worried, okay? My mom told me to look after you. I’m just trying to help."

"Thanks, but I’m fine," Elias said as he smiled. "I don’t need you hovering over me all the time. Besides, you also have your life to live,"

Jace’s expression faltered, hurt flickering in his eyes.

"Why’re you acting like this? You’re being so... distant. What did I do?"

Elias glanced around, making sure no one was listening, then lowered his voice.

"You’re hiding things from me, Jace. And you’re acting like you own me. I heard you talking to your mom about Viktor... about how he’s not trying to kill me. You knew that yet you hid it from me. Why didn’t you tell me?"

Jace’s eyes widened, his face paling.

’He heard that?’ he thought, his mind racing. He hadn’t meant for Elias to overhear, but now the truth was out, and he didn’t know how to fix it. "I... I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to run back to him," Jace admitted, his voice raw. "I love you, Elias. I’ve been trying to protect you."

Elias’s heart skipped, but not in a good way. He slipped his hand out of Jace’s grasp, his voice firm. "Keep your feelings, Jace. I can’t... I can’t return them."

Jace’s face fell, his hand dropping to his side. Before he could say anything else, Elias turned and walked away, joining the group heading into the museum. Jace stood there, his fist banging against the side of the bus in frustration, his teeth gritted.

’Why can’t he see I’m just trying to help? Without me, he and his sister would be in the street,’

As he turned to follow the group, Rowan stepped out from behind the bus, his arms crossed and a sly grin on his face.

"Whoa! I didn’t know the famous Jace Voss could fall in love," he said, his tone mocking. "That’s a new one."

Jace’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t react. He’d known Rowan was there, eavesdropping, and he wasn’t in the mood for his games. He started to walk away, but Rowan’s voice stopped him.

"I’m not your enemy, Jace," Rowan called. "I want to keep Elias safe, just like you. We’re out of Drago territory now, and this city... It’s not safe for omegas. You know that."

Jace paused, his shoulders tense. "Why should I work with you? Elias doesn’t need me, apparently. He’s only going to see me as a burden or something,"

Rowan’s grin faded, his voice serious.

"I don’t care about your story with Elias. Just do it out of sympathy, not your one-sided love. Maybe if you show him you can respect his space, he’ll come around. Maybe he’ll even fall for you."

Jace froze, the words hitting him like a spark.

’Elias could fall in love with me?’ The thought was intoxicating, a flicker of hope in the midst of his frustration. He turned to look at Rowan, who was already walking away, his hands in his pockets. He wanted to ask Rowan if he also had feelings for Elias or if he just wanted to become his secret saviour. Jace’s mind raced, torn between his desire to protect Elias and the growing fear that he was losing him... to Rowan, to someone else, to his own mistakes.

"I’ll protect you, Elias. If it’ll make you fall in love with me, we could get married, ignoring the test results," he mumbled to himself.