by Parker, Ali
Micah came to the door and opened it with a smile. “Hey, my friend. Come on in. You’re just in time for the next tapping ceremony to begin.” He gestured to the corner where the ceremonial keg had been wheeled out. A small crowd of Omegas stood around it, waiting for the beer to flow from its glorious tap that was being put in place as I walked in.
I shook Micah’s hand as his girl Tasha came over and got his attention. She was such a knockout, it was hard not to notice, but Avery was hotter.
Natasha gave me a hard look, believing the rumors along with the rest of the girls who were more loyal to Layla.
I was used to it. They didn’t matter. None of them.
“Come on, Micah. You promised me dinner away from this house.” Natasha Kelly had really changed Micah for the better too, and they were another couple who had what I wanted with Avery.
“Come on,” he said, taking her hand. “My honor calls.” He moved past me out the door and stopped on the stoop to glance back. “Go on in and have fun.”
As he walked away, I went inside and found it to be a lot crazier of a scene than was usual for a Thursday night.
“Come on in, dude,” said Ben, who was standing with a group of first-year cheerleaders. They were always up for some fun and for trying to impress Lizzy, who was usually busy trying to impress me as well as any other guy she could get her claws into.
“Seth,” called a voice from across the room. I turned to find Britany Burns coming my way. Britany had been after me for a while, and I wasn’t as happy to see her as she was to see me.
“Oh, hey. How’s it going?”
“Better now that you’re here.” She put her hands on me as soon as she got within reach, and I caught her hands and removed them from my chest before she could put them around my neck or arm.
“I’m not staying too long,” I said, trying to give her the brush off.
“Come on. I came hoping you’d be here. We never got to finish our talk last time.”
I looked into her big blue eyes and tried hard to remember ever striking up a real conversation with her that didn’t end in me coming and going. “I’m sorry. Maybe some other time.”
“You’re so silly.” She took my hand, and before I could get her off of me, Lizzy walked over and slapped my ass from behind.
“How’s the hottest guy at Providence?” she asked.
“Being silly,” said Britany.
Lizzy laughed. “Perhaps you should see what needs he has. You know, any and all.”
Lizzy had a group of friends, and their mission was to please anyone important to Omega House no matter what the pleasure. As a friend of Omegas, I had been given the honor many times.
“I’m good,” I said. “I think I’ll just get a beer.”
“I’ll get it,” said Lizzy. “You just let Britany know what else you need.” Her tone suggested she already knew what I needed.
And when Britany licked her lips, I knew we all had the same thing in mind.
“I said I’m good.” I hoped she’d leave me alone. I had no interest in the girl. Not at all. Now that I was getting another shot with Avery, I wasn’t about to mess it up.
“I bet I know how I can change your mind,” said Britany. She reached for my bulge and cupped it. She tugged on the front of my jeans as if to show me what she wanted. “Remember last time.”
I tried to remember what happened between us as I took a step back. “No, I really don’t.” When I got wasted after Layla left me, I was with a lot of girls, but I didn’t remember much beyond if they were good or not.
It was something I wasn’t proud of now, and I knew I needed to be better for Avery, but I couldn’t lie. I was curious.
“Come here, and I’ll remind you.” She leaned in and kissed me, but I pushed away.
“It’s cool. I’m good. Why don’t you go find someone else to play with?”
“Are you for real?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“Yeah, that’s me. I’m about as real as you can get. I’m with someone.”
“Who?” she asked, her eyes narrowing at me as if I had done something to wrong her.
“That’s not really your business.” I shrugged her off, and Ben came over to shake my hand.
“What’s going on, man?”
“He’s acting like an asshole,” said Britany.
Lizzy returned with my beer. “Here, drink this, honey. You’ll start to loosen up.” She gave a wicked laugh, put her arm around Britany, and whispered in her ear. The two giggled as Ben shook his head.
“Looks like you’ve already got your hands too full,” he said with a laugh. “Hey, man, you can use my room if you want.”
“No, I’m good. I just came to hang out. I didn’t think it would be this crowded.” I took a large pull on my drink and gulped it down.
“Yeah, it’s usually not, but we had a celebration for Will’s birthday.”
I looked across the room to find Will in the corner. He was always looking at Avery, and I wondered if he had a thing for her. He was good friends with Dillon and probably had told the guy he’d keep an eye on me. As if I needed a babysitter.
The girls took that suggestion as their cue and stood on each side of me, both letting their hands roam. I didn’t want to push them off in front of Ben, knowing I’d look like a real loser for not wanting the attention, but I had Will looking at me too as well as Avery to protect.
I stepped away from them, excusing myself to refill my red cup. Will met me at the keg. “You know, you’re here so much I’d almost think you were a pledge.”
“If you’re trying to recruit me, I’ve already said no thanks.”
“Yet, you come and drink all of our beer for free.”
“Actually, I bought the last keg you guys just drank. I’d say I do my part for my friends.” I wasn’t expecting Will of all people to confront me.
He gave a nod and took a drink from his own red cup. “Aren’t you talking to Avery Russell?”
“Yeah, actually, I am. I just took her out tonight.”
“And so you came here to hit on the cheerleaders? Nice work.”
“No, it’s not like that. I came here to hang out with the guys. The girls aren’t usually here on Thursdays. But if you’d pay more attention to your house than your dope, you’d know that.” It was a dick move to say that, but I didn’t need him telling me anything about how to act and where to be.
Will didn’t take the words too friendly. “You should watch your back. I’m surprised someone didn’t kick your ass for Layla already, but I’m up for it anytime, anywhere. And if you’re smart, I’d stay away from Avery. You’re not good enough for her, and everyone knows it.”
Him bringing up Avery had my temper flaring. “Well, Avery thinks I’m good enough, and that’s all I care about.” I put down my beer and turned to leave, only to be confronted by Britany again.
“Hey, Seth. I really hoped we could party tonight. I’m up for giving you a good time if that’s what it takes.” She licked her lips and unbuttoned her top. “You said I was the best you’d had, remember?”
Suddenly, upon looking down at her, I remembered her on her knees with a mouthful of my cock, her lips stretched around it as she moaned.
It was damned good, and she was the last person I’d had any sort of relations with since getting serious with Avery.
“I’m leaving,” I said. She didn’t want to hear that I was taken because that wouldn’t and didn’t matter to her.
She blocked my way out. “You’re no fun,” she pouted, showing me more of those hot tits. All I knew was she could deep throat me deeper than anyone I’d met, and that was saying a lot. Her gag reflexes were nonexistent, and she could hold her breath forever.
I took a deep breath, feeling the blood rush to my cock. I felt like a real asshole as my erection punched against my pants, but I had to turn her down. Some things and people were more important than sex. And Avery Russell was worth it. Wasn’t she? I looked back down as Britany undid th
e top button on my pants.
Chapter 7
Avery
My date with Seth had put me in a good mood, so instead of letting my spat with Clara get to me, I decided to put it behind me and go talk to her. With things looking up, I didn’t want the petty argument to ruin that.
Sisters had to stick together, and ever since she opened up to me about the rape that had caused her to have anorexia, I had been super protective of her. That couldn’t change because of one little disagreement.
I decided to bring her some coffee and pastries and was surprised when she opened the door with a brownie in her hand. “If you’re looking for the brownie pan, I’m all done with it now.”
I handed her a coffee and stepped inside the apartment, which was super warm inside. I could smell the brownies she had baked, which reminded me of home. “I never noticed it was gone. And you can keep it if you want to keep up baking. You know brownies are my favorite.”
“I know,” she said with a smug grin. “I wanted to apologize for being so hard on you about Seth. You can’t help who you like. I have my reasons for not liking him, so we probably won’t ever agree, but it doesn’t mean I don’t care. You’re my baby sister, and I love you.”
“I know, and I love you too. That’s why I brought you coffee. And I’m not delusional enough to think that you will ever really like him. I just hoped that you would try to get to know him instead of letting other people make up your mind. You’re usually not such a follower.” She had always done things on her own and her own way.
Clara sighed. “Layla is my friend. I have to trust her.”
“She told you about it herself? You didn’t hear about it from others?”
She gave me a sideward look but said nothing.
“I’m serious, Clara. What if I told you that he admitted to me the truth about the rumors and that he says he wants to do better with me? Isn’t he worth a second chance?”
“I’d say it was a line to get in your pants and that you’re too smart to fall for that.” She walked over to the kitchen counter, where she cut me a brownie and placed it on the napkin. “I saved you a corner piece. They’re nice and chewy.”
I wasn’t going to refuse my chocolatey favorite. “Thanks,” I said, noticing there were only two missing from the pan. She was trying so hard to butter me up. “Don’t you think that people can change?” I felt like it was the same old story with us lately, like every visit had to include a debate.
“No, not everyone can change. Not people who don’t want to. And I can’t believe that someone like Seth would want to when he is obviously having the time of his life. People like him don’t care what kind of attention they get, as long as they get it. He probably wears those rumors like a badge of honor.”
I sighed, but she interrupted my next thought. “Look, Avery. I don’t want to fight about it. You know how I feel, and that’s not changing. Not unless he stepped up and proved it. And I don’t see someone like him doing that.”
“Someone like him?” I shook my head. “You’re right. We need to change the subject.” I wasn’t going to sit there and listen to her insult him.
“You’re right. I have a million things I wanted to say besides ‘I’m sorry I hate your infatuation.’ Like my wedding, for instance. I talked to Mom, and she said that I could wear her wedding dress if I didn’t think it was bad luck.”
“Well, it didn’t bring her any,” I mumbled.
Clara chuckled. “At this point, I’m more worried about going broke than bad luck, and besides, I’ve always wanted to wear it.”
“Someone should. The damned thing is too frilly for me. Besides, I’m going to do something a little less traditional and formal.”
Clara smiled. “That’s exactly what Mom said. I swear you sound just like her sometimes.”
“That’s better than sounding like Dad,” I said, which Clara did more than I’d tell her. She would deny it anyway.
“Speaking of the devil, he’s trying to give me money. I don’t want to take it, so he’s bothering me about it. I told you his approval comes with a price.”
It wasn’t that I wanted his approval, but I just didn’t see any reason for making conflict where there was none. “Take the money. There’s no sense in going without the things you need, and you can use it for the wedding. He’s supposed to pay for that anyway, isn’t he?”
“Oh, no. I told him we’re making it just fine. I don’t need a super expensive wedding. Besides, it’s months and months away.” She waved her hand dismissively. “I have other things to worry about in the meantime.”
“Tell him to send it my way. I’m the one you cleaned out, and I could stand a shopping spree.” Looking around the apartment, it looked like she had everything she needed. “The place is looking great by the way.”
“Thanks,” said Clara as she sat on the couch. “Have you talked to him any more about getting a roommate?”
Our father had never let us share our apartment with an extra roommate, even when we needed the extra money.
“You know how it is with Dad.”
“Don’t I?” she said, pulling the throw over her thin legs. “But he might change his mind with me moving out. You could tell him that it will be safer for you not to live alone.”
“I will, but I have to find him in the right mood.”
“Well, I think you should find someone. You shouldn’t be staying there all alone, and I worry about you.” Clara was always worried about me for some reason. Sometimes, I thought she worried about me more than our parents did.
I knew it had to do with her past trauma, so I tried to lighten the mood. “You weren’t so worried about me when you decided to move out. And just in case you’re getting any crazy thoughts, no, you can’t move back in.”
“Not me, but maybe a friend,” she said. “And I don’t mean one with a penis.”
“That’s not fair. Your roommate has a penis.”
Clara smiled. “Mmm, indeed, he does.”
My face turned red as it contorted. The last thing I wanted to think about was my sister and Dillon in bed together. “Eww, gross. I don’t need the commentary or the mental image.”
“Keep on, and I’m going to give you the play by play.” Clara gave me a teasing, sinister look, but I knew better. She would rather die than have anyone think that about her.
It was time to change the subject. “I don’t know anyone who would want to move in.”
“Doesn’t your friend Abigail live in the dorms?”
“If she hasn’t been tossed out or murdered yet. She’s a bit loud with her music, and while I adore her, I’m not sure I’d want to live with her.”
“Like living with you was a piece of cake,” Clara said, rolling her eyes. I looked down and noticed she’d only taken one bite of her brownie.
“You should finish that,” I said, popping the top off of my to-go coffee. “Try dunking it. You’ll love it. The chocolate and the coffee flavor are a perfect match.”
“Just like Dillon and me.” Clara sighed. She took the lid off of her cup and dunked her brownie before taking a small bite of it. “You’re right. It’s really good.”
I continued to watch her, waiting for her to take another bite. But she put the brownie down instead and held her middle.
“I’ll just take my time with that,” she said, noticing my disappointment. “It’s tough filling your gut full of food when you’re not used to it. I have to eat a bit slower than normal, especially when it comes to junk food, or I’ll get sick.”
“I can make you something off of the menu the doctor gave you, or I could go uptown and find you something.” I wanted to help her in any way I could, as long as she would eat. I was always so scared of losing her, and if she didn’t keep her strength up, I still could.
“You’re spoiling me,” she said. “And policing me. I’m good, officer. I’m not hungry right now. But I will be later.”
“And you’ll eat?” I needed her to give me her word.
/> “Of course. I have been doing better, believe it or not. I’ve gained weight, and the doctor says I’m getting my strength back. There’s nothing to worry about. So stop doting over me. It’s driving me nuts.”
I knew it had to wear on her with everyone so focused on her health, so I decided to lay off. “Okay, fine. I’m just worried with Dillon gone.”
“Oh, trust me. He’s checking on me. You can take a break.”
“Okay. I guess I should get going anyway.” It was easy to get lost in her problems. I had been terrified of losing her since she went to the hospital the first time. I couldn’t imagine life without my sister. We were so close, and I knew that a world without her would be miserable.
“Are you running off to see Seth?” She gave me a suspicious look.
“Actually, no.” I didn’t want to tell her anything else about us. “I do have a life, believe it or not.”
“Good. Stay busy. He’s no good for you. Look, Avery. It’s not just the cheating that makes me dislike him. I’ve heard about and even seen with my own eyes how Layla used to show up with bruises while dating him. Not a lot of people know about it, but those of us who do? Well, we just don’t like him and never will. So watch yourself, okay? Because I swear, if he lays a hand on you, Dillon is going to murder him, and I’d rather him go to the Olympics than prison.”
“Relax. Seth isn’t that kind of guy, and besides, you know me. If he laid a hand on me, he’d be in for one hell of a fight, and I wouldn’t be the kind of girl to stay quiet.”
“You mean like me? How I stayed quiet?”
I realized that I might have hurt her feelings. “I’m sorry, but yeah. I’d raise ten kinds of hell if he ever put a hand on me, and I’d have him regretting even the thought. But me saying that doesn’t have anything to do with you. It’s just how I am.” She needed to stop thinking everything was a personal reflection.
“Well, I always thought I was that way too. But there are some situations you find yourself in that will surprise you. I don’t want you to be surprised like I was. It added to my shame, and it’s what made coming forward harder than anything else.”