They want to ruin me.

I'm used to being the new girl.

Every time Dad gets restationed, it's the same routine--keep my head low and be invisible until the next move.

Except, despite the uniform, I don't have the money or the complexion to blend in with the devastatingly rich and beautiful students gracing the halls of Desert Badlands Academy.

It's bad enough that, before my first day, I let Xander Gale give me a handy introduction in a darkened hallway of his home. Even if he is hot, I keep telling myself I don't need any distractions. My scholarship is riding on finishing up the year here.

But when I see him looking at me, I still hope we can pick up where we left off.

Only, now his lingering stares have caught the attention of the other sinister members of The Crows--Jorden Battle and Marshall Landers. All beautiful disasters, gods, and idols of Badlands--or Wastelands--who feast on the innocent.

***

It's all my fault.

Marshall caught me watching Izabelle Waters. He's made a game out of taking whatever he knows I want just to see me scramble. And for what? To be the King of The Crows?

Now there's going to be a feeding. He wants me to ruin Izabelle with the whole school watching.

I'm not going to allow it.

Not when my future relies on it. Not when she's the first girl I ever really wanted. Not when the last girl we videoed ourselves ruining is now dead.

***Devastated is a 30,000-word dark/mature high school romance novella with a bully/suspense twist. This is the first book in the Wastelands Academy Series. Contains foul language, sexual scenes, and mention of suicide; any sex featured is consensual.

*Previously published in Hearts of Darkness: A Valentine's Day Bully Romance Anthology.