by Jen L. Grey
“Nothing … nothing at all.” Jess smiled at me and then pouted. “Why didn’t you let me go with you to town?”
“Sorry, we wanted to have a date.” It was kind of true.
“That’s the only reason I’d let them take my car.” Cole rolled his eyes and stood. “Did you treat Betsy right?”
“Betsy?” Jess tilted her head with her brows furrowed.
“Yes, I treated Betsy just fine.” Rage tossed the keys to him.
“You’re not going to tell him?” It was a rare opportunity to get one on Cole, so I planned to take full advantage of it.
Rage glanced at me and jerked his head. He mouthed the words ‘shush.’
“Wait ... What?” Cole glanced back and forth between me and Rage. “What were you saying?”
“Oh, nothing.” I glanced away and stared at the wall.
“You said, ‘You’re not going to tell him.’ What do you mean?” He moved so he was directly in my line of sight.
I avoided his eyes and glanced at Jess. “No, I didn’t.”
“What did you do to my car?” His nostrils flared. “How did you hurt Betsy?”
“It was an accident.” Rage sighed and scratched the back of his neck. “So … Raven and I went to the ocean …”
“You better not have taken her on the beach.” He stomped his foot, and his eyes widened. “You know how I hate sand. I’ll never get it completely out of her.”
“Well, it wasn’t on purpose.” Rage glanced at me and arched a brow. “We got caught up in the moment.”
“No, no.” Cole shook his head and put his hands over his ears. “There are no moments in the car.”
There was an evil spark in Rage’s eyes. “Well, don’t worry. It didn’t last … long.” He smirked as he looked at me.
I had no clue where he was taking it, but I bit the inside of my cheek to make myself not smile.
Jess leaned back into the couch, watching the show with me.
“A police officer told us to leave, so we started the car, and then it got stuck.”
“Please don’t tell me it was the sand.” Cole leaned over like he was in pain.
“Well … You said it, not me.” Rage cringed as he reached out and patted Cole’s shoulder. “So, Raven got in the driver’s seat as I pushed the car from the driver side rear door. I thought it’d be easier since I'm supernatural, but the wheels spun out for a short while until the officer pushed from the open front passenger door to help get it unstuck.”
“Are you saying that both the door from the back and front were open while the wheels spun, getting it all in the car … everywhere?” Cole pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
“Yeah, man.” Rage dropped his hand and frowned. “Uh … I’m sorry.”
Okay, I felt too bad to let this continue. Cole looked defeated and sad. “He’s just joking.”
“What?” Cole’s head snapped up. “Are you fucking serious?” His eyes glimmered with hope.
“Really?” Rage threw his hand in the air. “I did all that for you to just cave?”
“Awe, he was sad.” It was one thing to give him a hard time.
“So, no sand?” Cole held a hand out.
“Yes, there was no sand.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jess laughing.
“No moments?” Cole took a step toward me like I was his savior.
“Well …” Rage arched an eyebrow.
“You shut it.” Cole held his hand out in his direction. “You’ve done enough.”
“Fine, unfortunately, there weren’t any moments.” That was a travesty in itself.
“You jackass.” Cole spun around and glared at Rage. “You dickhead. Douchebag. Bastard. Dog.”
At this point, it sounded like he was just trying to think of synonyms to call Rage. “In all fairness, I started it.”
“But you didn’t take it this far. The sand was too far.” He pouted, and his eyes narrowed. “Paybacks are hell.”
“Yeah, aren’t they?” Rage grinned with no remorse. “Next time you think about buttholing something I sit on, remember this moment.”
“You.” Cole’s eyes widened. “But you …” Then he sighed and nodded his head. “You’re right. I deserved this. But if you do anything again, I’ll get even.”
And just like that, Cole was back to normal. “So now you’re okay?”
“Well, he got even with me.” Cole shrugged and patted Rage on the arm. “That’s respectable.”
“Don’t try to understand it.” Jess giggled and shook her head. “It’s beyond our comprehension.”
Now that was an understatement. “As long as everyone is good, then I won’t push it.”
“It’s bro code, ho.” Cole winked and pointed at me.
“No.” He may have only been kidding, but that was no excuse. “Not funny.”
“You see, it’s only okay for girlfriends to call each other that.” Jess lowered her head and shook it. “Men aren’t allowed. So apologize, now.”
Cole glanced back and forth. “I’ve called a few girls that, and they liked it.”
“Were you sleeping with them?” Jess arched an eyebrow.
“I hadn’t yet.” Cole grinned and rubbed his chin. “I also did it while we slept together, and it seemed to get their rocks off.”
“First off, it’s not rocks.” Jess frowned and stood, crossing her arms. “And secondly, they were hos, so they couldn’t be offended. I just can’t believe you.” She turned and huffed as she marched away.
What the hell just happened? “Hey, Jess.”
“Please don’t follow me.” A tear shimmered in her eye as she huffed the rest of the way to her room.
“Dude, what did you do?” Rage walked over to where Jess had been sitting and plopped down. He patted the open seat next to him.
“Thanks, man.” Cole sat next to him where he had just patted. “I’m not sure.”
“Really?” Rage scooted closer to the edge.
“Yeah, I mean you were here.” Cole frowned and sighed.
“No, I meant really.” He waved his hands in his direction. “That was supposed to be for Raven.”
“You were looking at me when you said it though.” Cole leaned back and settled in. “It was meant for me, so deal with it.”
After what had just happened and Jess’s meltdown, I was spent. “While you two catch up, I’m going to change. I’m exhausted.”
“Oh … Why don’t you just wear your normal attire when you and Rage crawl into bed together?” Cole lifted his hand and shrugged.
Rage smacked his arm. “Dude, she’s not wearing her birthday suit.”
“Look at her.” Cole motioned my way. “You can’t blame me for trying.”
“Hell no, I can’t.” Rage nodded his head and his eyes scanned me from head to toe. My body heated up in response.
“As awkward as this is, I’m going to bed.” At this point, I wanted some space even from Rage. Today was a whirlwind of emotions, and I needed some time alone to figure out my feelings. Yes, Rage could help me through them, but I wanted to be my own person. I didn’t want to fall into the trap of losing sight of where I began and where I ended. The mate bond was strong and amazing, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t take a time-out for ourselves.
“Oh, damn. Now he’s going to kick my ass out.” Cole pouted. “Damien is at our place, Lysoling everything because he said he now couldn’t trust that my butthole only touched the chair.”
“No, stay.” I hoped I didn’t sound desperate. “You guys hang out. You don’t have to call it an early night just because of me.”
“But I’m tired too.” Rage stood and wrapped his arms around me. “Maybe I need some rest.”
“I’m sure you are too, but your friend here needs more time, due to his poor choices.” I kissed his lips and stepped from his hold.
“He’s your friend too.” Rage groaned.
“Hey, I’m right here.” Cole jumped from the couch and came over, wrapping his arms around
both me and Rage. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not even in the room.”
His cotton candy smell filled my nose. “Believe me, no one can forget that.”
“Awe, I love you too, Ravey.” Cole kissed my head and moved his arm from Rage so that he was hugging me. “I’m not sure what we would’ve done without you.”
Even though he was a pain in the ass, he was one of the most loyal and supportive friends I’d ever had. “I love you too.”
Something dropped hard on the ground, stirring me from my sleep. Somehow, Rage slept through it as he snored softly, his arm draped across my waist.
Damnit, I didn’t want to wake him up but wanted to check in case it was Jess. I took a deep breath and wiggled my way out of his hold without waking him. As I placed my feet on the ground, I raised slowly so the bed didn’t shift a ton all at once. I lightly stepped across the room and slowly opened the door wide enough for me to slip through.
I hated sneaking out of the room, but I needed to talk to Jess alone.
White blonde hair poked out from the pantry. She was digging in our sweet stash.
“You okay?” I didn’t want to scare her but also wanted her to know I was here.
It took a second, but she eventually stepped from the pantry and turned to face me. “Uh, yeah.” She took another bite of her Snickers and jabbed her finger in my direction. “Don’t judge me.”
“I’m not.” Even though I had to bite back my smile. “I just wanted to check on you. I heard something and figured it was you.”
“Damn you and your wolf ears.” She sauntered over to the small kitchen table and sat down. “I should’ve known better than to come out.”
That kind of hurt. “Look, I don’t have to be here.” I tried to keep my voice steady.
“Awe, damn.” Jess put her hands on the table and closed her eyes. “I’m not trying to be a bitch.”
“No, it’s fine.” I didn’t want to push myself on her. “I’ll go back to bed.”
“Please stay.” She pushed her long bangs out of her face and placed the candy bar on the table. “I’m just stressed and taking it out on you.”
Maybe that was an opening. “I’m here for you. You know that, right?”
A small grin played at her lips. “Of course I know that. It’s just that life’s taking off in an unexpected direction, and I’m not sure what’s going on.”
Now that was something I could empathize with. “Kind of like last year for me?”
“Well, yeah.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “How did you handle it?”
“You take it day by day.” I wouldn’t give up last year for anything. It got me here with amazing friends and my true mate. “And at the end of the roller coaster, you’ll be glad you took the ride.”
“I sure hope you’re right.” She picked at the wrapper and licked her bottom lip. “Do you believe what’s being said in our class with Professor Shaw?”
“I’m not sure what you’re asking.”
“Do you think interracial couples should be frowned upon?” She glanced up and met my eyes.
“From everything I’ve learned, it isn’t something I’d ever do.” The kid in the clearing popped up front and center in my mind. “There is more at stake than just the two people. You have to think about children and what complications could result there. Are you …?”
“No, it’s not like I’m interested in dating another race or anything.” She tapped her fingers on the table and averted her eyes. “We’ve never talked about it outside the class, so I’ve been wondering about your thoughts.”
“Of course.” She wanted to be alone, so I thought I should probably head back to the bedroom. “You know you can ask me anything, right? You’re stuck with me for life.”
There was a sadness in her violet eyes. “I sure hope so.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I hated seeing her like this. “I’m here for you.”
“It’s just stress. I’m fine.” Jess sighed and tilted her head. “Go back to sleep. Maybe we can have a girls’ night tomorrow?”
“I’m in.”
She grinned as some of the worry lines relaxed. “Great. It’s a date.” She gestured to my room. “Now go back to sleep. I’m fine, promise.”
“Goodnight.” I turned and made my way back to my room, but unease filled my stomach. Jess was holding something back from me, and I wasn’t sure why. We’d never had something between us before. I hoped that I was just overreacting and reading more into it than what was there.
Chapter Eleven
As Rage, Jess, and I entered Professor Shaw’s class, Nate was already in his seat. It was strange. He always got here before us. It made me wonder just how early he came to class.
“Looky here.” Nate tapped his pencil on his desk. “The King and Queen of Bloodshed Academy along with their little weird sidekick has once again blessed us with their presence.”
“What the hell is your problem?” Jess threw her backpack on the ground next to her desk.
“Oh, the fairy is getting fired up.” Nate chuckled and dropped the pencil on his desk.
“He’s an ass, Jess.” He always popped up at the most inopportune time like last night at Dave and Busters. “Annoying people get their kicks off us reacting. Just ignore him, and he’ll begin whimpering like the dog that he is.”
“You bitch,” Nate growled and stood.
“If you call her one other name, I’ll knock your teeth down your throat.” Rage’s nostrils flared, and he stepped beside me.
“Awe, did I ruffle your fur?” Nate laughed at his joke.
I reached over and placed my hand on Rage’s arm. “Seriously, ignore him. He isn’t worth our time.” I had hoped to ask him how last night went, but it was obviously not going to happen.
“Oh, dear god.” Jordan marched into the room with Madison and rolled her eyes. “I swear shifters are such a pain in the ass, especially wolves. Every one of them is fighting for the ultimate alpha role.” She took a sip of her blood bag that was close to empty and took her normal seat.
“It’s obviously me.” Nate pounded on his chest. “The school worships them, but that won’t last much longer.”
“You do realize if you thought that, you wouldn’t be trying so hard to prove it.” Jess slipped into her seat and flipped her hair over her shoulders.
“Listen here, you …”
“Stop that sentence right there.” Professor Shaw entered the room and glared at the boy. “Just because your father is head of security doesn’t mean that you can be a …” He glanced at the ceiling and snapped his fingers.
“An ass? A bully? Overcompensating for his … insecurities?” Jess crossed her legs and smirked. “There are so many options.”
And that was her using her filter. I loved my fiery little friend.
“Well, I won’t say that you’re wrong, but it’s not appropriate for a professor to say those things to a student.” He hummed and then lifted a finger. “Let’s settle on pompous.”
“A pompous ass works for me.” Rage placed my bag on the ground and slid into his seat.
“What the hell?” Nate’s face flushed. “I’m right here.”
“Oh, we know.” I wished it was possible to forget that he was in the class. “We don’t say anything behind your back we wouldn’t say to your face.”
“Alright, that’s enough.” Professor Shaw clapped his hands and motioned for all of us to sit. “Now it’s time to talk half-breeds.”
The class was the same thing as previous days, just a lecture about different supernatural race combinations. “I never imagined the fae side would attack the vampire half like that. Though it makes sense that the fae side is so nature-driven, which is the offset of needing blood as sustenance.”
“No one deserves that.” Rage frowned, holding the door open for Jess and me to walk through.
There was a chill in the air, reminding me that Christmas was just around the corner. I missed my parents desperately, but I wasn�
��t part of their pack any longer. Hell, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to go back there and deal with Greg either. He’d been texting me on and off again even though I never responded. Rage wasn’t thrilled about it, but what more could I do.
“There’s my favorite people.” Cole was in the courtyard and headed in our direction with Damien following behind. “How’s it going?”
“It was enlightening.” That’s the best way to explain the class in general. “What are you two up to?”
“We just got back from scouting someone else out.” Damien sighed and stopped about a foot away from us. “Let me tell you. I wasn’t sure I’d make it back.”
“Hey, dickhead.” Cole slapped his back. “You’re welcome for me driving you.”
“No, you’re welcome that I went with you.” Damien punched Cole’s arm. “You wouldn’t have been able to get close to the shifter otherwise.”
“Fine, it was a win-win. Okay?” Cole wrapped his hand around his mouth so only Jess, Rage, and I could see. He mouthed ‘not to us.
“Sometimes it might be nice to be considerate of others, you know.” Jess placed a hand on her hip and shook her head.
“Whoa, what?” Cole dropped his hands and looked around. “Where the hell did that come from?”
“Damien goes and helps you. You still give him crap.” Jess pointed her finger accusingly at him.
This wasn’t like her. Her accusation had come out of the blue, and it was Cole’s normal goading that he always did. It’s one reason why he was so fun.
“Hey, it’s fine.” Damien held his hands up in surrender. “I expect that kinda shit from him.”
“Yeah, if he didn’t do that stuff, he wouldn’t be Cole.” Rage adjusted my bag over his shoulder. “Whether we would like him more like that, it doesn’t matter. He’s going to stay, annoying us for the rest of our time here.”
“Oh, no.” Cole threw his arm around Jess and pulled her tight. “You all are stuck with me for the rest of your life. You can’t get rid of this ever.”
“Dear lord.” Jess stiffened under his touch and leaned away. “As fun as this is, I’ve got to get back to the dorm and call my dad.”