Raiju: A Kaiju Hunter Novel (The Kaiju Hunter) Read Online Free PDF Page A

done tons of rich-kid-slash-celebrity parties. I knew what rich kids were all about. I made a point to avoid them.
    I noticed that Snowman was looking my way, beady little blue eyes set fast on me like he just knew I was talking about Aimi. Great. I hadn’t even made it through my first day and it looked like I was about to experience The Bully Brigade 2: The Sequel .
    “ I wonder how she got like that,” I said. “It takes a lot to change a person. She probably didn’t start out that way.”
    “ Who knows,” said Michelle, peeling the wrapper off her second candy bar. “Who cares?”
    I didn’t know if I liked Michelle any better than Snowman. Obviously, Michelle’s group and Aimi’s band were hating on each other big time. Just what I needed, I thought, turf warfare.
    “ Oh man, oh man, oh man!” Terry said, dropping his screwdriver and trying in vain to slink down in his seat, though he only managed to push his fat around in the seat.
    I didn’t think something like this would actually happen on my first day, but Snowman got to his feet and started approaching our table. He had nerve, I’d give him that. Both Michelle and Terry leaned back in their seats, appreciating what they no doubt anticipated was an exciting floor show.
    Snowman stopped at our table and stared down at me. He was big. Bigger than most of the teachers here. Maybe bigger than me. His gestures up until now had been fluid and overly elegant, like something he practiced in a mirror at home. Now he just looked like any other punk spoiling for a fight.
    Michelle glanced up with catty eyes. “Like the coat, Snow. What time’s the funeral?”
    Snowman smirked. “Like yours better, Michelle. It’s so butch, so totally you .” Before Michelle could respond, he turned his diamond-hard, laser-powered eyes on me. “Kenny, right?” His voice was rough, like someone with a perpetual cold.
    It made me want to clear my throat. “ Kevin ,” I corrected him, trying to sound as neutral as possible. “What can I do for you, chief?”
    “ Can I speak with you in private?” His eyes lit over the table, nothing in them even remotely friendly. “Away from all the…ladies.”
    I looked past his big frame to the rest of the Goths. Aimi was on her feet, hovering indecisively, but I didn’t want to signal to her. I figured I didn’t need to involve her any more in this than she already was.
    Instead, I returned my attention to Snowman. “Sure. Why not?” Because if we had to clear the air, why not do it as soon as possible? I mean, he couldn’t be any tougher than Troy.
    Could he?
     
    5
     
    I tried to ignore the three hundred or so pairs of student eyes that followed us out of the lunchroom, to no avail. I was probably going to make school history—again.
    I thought we were going to step outside behind the school, where the traditional beat-downs always take place, but when we had reached the end of the hallway where the boy’s washroom was located, Snowman pushed the door open for me. I hesitated, recalling all the stupid action flicks I’d seen where the hitman takes out victims in the john. Then I kicked myself mentally. He was just a kid. He was tough. I was tougher. I ducked under his arm and stepped into the washroom.
    Snowman waited until the door had swung shut mechanically behind us before he started sizing me up. “So you’re the hothead who punched Troy’s lights out.” He looked me up and down like he didn’t believe my skinny ass was capable of it.
    “ I guess so.”
    “ And you’ve met Aimi.” He smirked, not a happy look.
    I stood my ground, met his even gaze. I had guessed right; we were about the same size, which was saying a lot. He was more muscular, but I could hold my own. “Yeah,” I responded, trying to stay cool-headed. “I’ve met her.”
    “ You talked to her this morning.”
    I gave him a cocky look. I wasn’t aware that Snowman was Aimi’s PR manager, or that I had to make an appointment. “I talked