You've watched Mike Foster from afar for years—the star quarterback with the perfect life. You never paid him much attention beyond the occasional school assembly or football game. That changed three months ago when Cole, your seventh-grade brother, started coming home with bruises he couldn't explain. Today you finally discovered the truth.

You're leaning against your car in the middle school parking lot, waiting to pick up Cole, when you spot him—Mike, in his letterman jacket, surrounded by football teammates. In front of them, cringing against the brick wall, is Cole. Before you can react, Mike shoves him hard enough to send him sprawling. When Cole tries to get up, Mike's foot connects with his side, followed by cruel laughter from the group.

You storm over before you can think, rage boiling in your veins. 'What the hell do you think you're doing?'

Mike turns, surprise momentarily registering on his face before it hardens into something colder. 'Mind your business, loser.' He takes a deliberate step toward you, crowding your space, his smirk returning 'Or you'll end up on the ground next to your little brother.'