Chris wasn’t in the hallway when I got out of class. Which was a good thing. I hadn’t figured out what to say to him. I’d never been in a place where I needed to let a guy down. Hell, I’d never even had a guy think about me in any kind of serious way. From the outside, it might seem nice, but the stress had my stomach in knots.
I opened my locker and found another sandwich and a bag of chips. I sighed. I was crazy for thinking that Dastien—the guy who kept bossing me around or running the other way—was a better choice. Chris was nice and funny and easy to be around and also hot. But the spark wasn’t there. At all.
The spark was Fourth of July-sized with Dastien. We’d had a rocky start for sure, but I couldn’t deny my intense attraction to him. But before I even thought about committing to him, he had to stop running away whenever things got hard and bossing me around. Otherwise, what was the point?
Two periods later, I sat in the cafeteria with Shannon and Meredith, but Adrian and Chris were missing.
I scanned the other tables, and realized that it wasn’t just our guys that were gone. They were all gone. “Where is everyone?”
“You didn’t hear?” Shannon asked.
I let her shitty tone roll off me. “Hear what?”
“The Cazadores showed up today. They’re going to patrol campus at night. Everything might seem normal right now, but we’re on full lockdown starting an hour before sunset.”
Before I could ask what she meant, the doors flew open, banging against the wall. A group of twenty or so men strutted in. Each wore head to toe black. All the ladies froze in place and watched them as they piled food on their trays. When they turned to the room, the girls looked down, letting the guys take the dominant role. I sat up straight and met their gazes. The whole “women are the weaker sex” thing wasn’t going to fly with me.
Donovan and Sebastian strolled through the doors.
“Oh my God. That’s who those other two wolves were last night,” Meredith said.
Donovan spotted me and winked. I waved back. Since I wasn’t terrified of him anymore, I could actually notice that he was incredibly handsome. He wasn’t as tall as Dastien, but he commanded attention in the same kind of way with his confident swagger. His black hair was tucked behind his ears. His smile showed off his dimples. He weaved through the tables toward us.
Meredith hit my shoulder. “Holy shit,” she whispered. “Donovan Murry is coming over to us. He’s gorge.”
“Yeah. He kind of is, right?” He might have been a bit old for my taste, but he still looked a few years shy of thirty.
“Only totally.”
He pulled a chair from the table next to us and sat in between Meredith and I. “How’re you doing, lass?”
I grinned. That accent got to me in the best way. “I’m okay.” The scratch had nearly gone away, and I only put a band-aid on today.
“We’re checking out what you and Meredith here talked about with Michael. But we don’t want you messing where you shouldn’t be. Dangerous stuff, that. Okay?”
Wow. Mr. Dawson actually listened to me. Which meant that something was up. A million questions popped into my head. I opened my mouth, but didn’t get a word out.
Donovan put a finger to my lips. “No. Remember what I just said?”
Meredith made a squeaking noise. Her cheeks were bright red. I’d never seen the girl blush before and had kind of assumed that she was un-embarrass-able.
I couldn’t stop the chuckle. “This is Meredith. She might be a little overwhelmed by you.” Meredith punched my arm. Hard. “Ow.”
“Tessa!” Meredith whisper shouted at me.
I laughed harder this time.
Their gaze met and I could swear I felt the heat of it burning. There were some major mutual appreciation vibes going on.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Meredith Savannah Molloney.” He reached across me to grab her hand and pressed his nose to her pulse point. “I’ll be seeing you again real soon.”
What the hell. Donovan Murry was totally hitting on Meredith.
“Right. I best be off. You ladies enjoy your lunch.” He gave us another of his smiles, crystal eyes twinkling.
Meredith punched my shoulder when he left. “Holy shit. Did that just happen?”
I fanned myself. “It totally did.”
“He’s so hot. And can’t you just feel that power. God.”
I laughed. “He is kind of potent. And while we’re on the subject, I met Sebastian Braun too. Same deal with him.”
Shannon pushed back from the table. “I’ll leave you to your gossiping.”
I couldn’t win with her. It was much easier to not try.
“Don’t worry about her. She’s just jealous. Of both of us,” Meredith said. The bell rang. “This isn’t getting you out of spilling. Tonight. You will tell me everything. Especially about Donovan. Or face the consequences.”
“I think I’ve had enough consequences for one lifetime.” I giggled when she shoved me. “Tonight. I promise. When not so many people are around.”
“Deal.”
***
I should’ve known it was going to be a bad martial arts class when I walked into the gym and saw Dastien instead of Mr. Dawson. Everyone was already sparring. I guessed the attack made everyone a little on edge.
Chris waved me over. We started our normal stretching routine. I couldn’t help but peek at Dastien. He stood reclined against the far wall watching as I stretched.
He mouthed, “Focus.”
I quickly looked away, turning bright red for sure. I finally got into the fighting stance Chris had taught me, and tried to pretend Dastien wasn’t there.
“Forgetting something?” Chris said.
I glanced at my feet, but they looked right to me. My shoulders seemed right too. “I don’t think so.”
“Gloves?”
My head so wasn’t in gear. I tried not to act awkward, but was failing miserably. Every time I looked at Chris I felt guilty. Dastien watching me only made me feel extra guilty. I had to focus on the job at hand. After last night, I knew I was way behind on a key supernatural skill.
Plus, if I could get through this class, then maybe I could talk to Chris after and tell him he couldn’t kiss me again.
I tucked my gloves in my waistband, and Chris nodded. “Let’s work on flipping.”
“I’m not a gymnast. Forget it. Let’s work on something else. Something more practical, so I don’t have another repeat of last night.”
He laughed. “No. I mean you flip me. Over your back. And this will help you. I promise.”
I stepped away from him. “Now I know you’ve lost your mind. You’re basically a foot taller than me and a ton heavier.”
“If you do it right, that won’t matter.”
I listened to him explain the maneuver. It was a twist and squat with a little momentum behind it, not a feat of strength. Although he told me I could do it that way too. Which earned him an eye roll. I didn’t care what they said about werewolf strength. Chris was bigger than me and there was no way I could lift him.
We went through each step, move by move. I had to grab his wrist and then spin around so that my back was to his front, which would wrench his arm. Then, I would squat a little bit to get my hip under his, and momentum, plus the fact that his arm wanted to stay connected to the rest of his body, would flip him over my shoulder.
Sounded reasonable. If only I could wear my gloves for it. I didn’t need to hear about how he liked the way I fit against his body or how he thought I was sexy. My palms started to sweat. I didn’t dare look in Dastien’s direction. But I could feel him. Pacing. Barely holding his wolf at bay.
“You’re moving too slowly,” Chris said, drawing me back to the problem at hand. “Don’t be afraid of hurting me. I promise I won’t break. And even if I do, I heal quickly.”
“But you’re already hurt.”
He slapped his leg. “This is nothing. Just a scratch.”
“You’re still limping. That’s more than a scratch.”
“Shut up. Just do it.”
I stopped all the worrying and pulled the move. Chris went flying through the air, hit the mats and slid into the wall.
Crap. I needed to learn not to overdo it. I ran over to him. “Are you okay?” I nudged him with my foot. “Chris?” He wasn’t moving. I leaned down to make sure he was still breathing.
“Boo!” he yelled.
I screamed and jumped up. “Damn it, Chris!” I took a deep breath, and kicked his side. “They should really pad these walls. One of these days I’m going to actually hurt you and I’m going to think you’re faking and leave you for dead.”
“I don’t know why you never believe me. I really won’t break.” He stood up and pulled me against him. “I’m a werewolf,” he whispered in my ear.
I didn’t have time to laugh before an arm wrapped around my middle, ripping me away from Chris. Dastien set me on my feet, and turned—arms swinging. His fist met Chris’ face. Chris flew through the air again, but this time the crack echoed through the gym when his head slammed into the wall.
Dastien lunged toward Chris. His hand wrapped around Chris’ neck as he lifted him off the ground and rammed him into the wall. Chris hung limply.
“Shit!” I ran to them and yanked at Dastien’s hand, trying to pry his fingers from Chris’ neck. “Someone help!” The gym was quiet. Perfect. They’d just as soon let the boys kill each other as help me. “Let. Him. Go. Now!” I put all the force of my will into the words.
Dastien’s eyes burned bright yellow. He took a deep breath and let go. Chris slid to the ground. A little line of blood dribbled down his neck.
I knelt next to Chris and laid him flat. “Wake up. Please. Wake up, now. Chris! It’s not funny this time.” He wasn’t waking up. “Someone get some help!” No one was doing anything., and I didn’t know any first aid. Especially werewolf first aid.
Chris’ eyelids fluttered.
“Chris? Can you hear me?”
“Werewolf. Remember?” he said. I could barely hear his scratchy voice. “We heal fast.”
Now that I could breathe again, I got up and shoved Dastien. “You could have killed him!” All I got in response was a growl. Dastien’s gaze stayed trained on Chris.
I reached a hand down to help Chris to his feet. Dastien’s growl grew to a roar.
Chris dropped my hand like it was on fire. “Shit, dude. What’s your problem?”
Dastien stalked toward him, and I blocked his way. A second later, water splashed all over Dastien.
Meredith peeked from behind him. “Did I hit you, Tess?” She held a large plastic bucket.
“No. Still dry.” Mostly.
Dastien’s shirt was soaked through. It clung to every muscle. He shook, spraying cold water over all of us, and my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth.
Fuck. I finally got the whole wet T-shirt contest thing.
I didn’t breathe as Dastien walked over to Chris, ready to step in between them if Dastien got violent again. He held his hand out. “Sorry.”
Chris took the hand and got to his feet. “No big deal.”
Dastien walked to the door of the gym. “Class is over,” he said before the door slammed behind him.
“I’m just going to check on him,” Imogene said.
Meredith laughed. “Good luck with that one.”
Imogene shot her a dirty look and quickly strode out of the gym after Dastien. I almost felt sorry for her. Almost. I caught Shannon’s glare. Her arms were crossed, but she stayed rooted to her slice of mat. If she wasn’t my friend before, this was so not going to win her over. Oh well. I was used to no friends. The fact that I had Meredith was awesome.
And I had a Dastien, whatever that meant.
Adrian was the only one to move as he took a few quick steps to close the distance. He inspected Chris’ head. “Blood’s just surface. It’s already healed.”
Chris grinned. “See. I’m just fine.” The grin faded. “He snuck up on me. Damn it. No one’s snuck up on me in forever.”
“That’s why he’s the best,” Meredith said. “Good thing I got the bucket. Looked like he was going for your throat.”
“Thanks, Mer.” They high-fived. “I totally owe you one.”
“Speaking of buckets, where did you get it?” I asked.
Meredith pointed behind her. “There are always a few filled up in the room in case someone gets out of hand while we’re sparring. But it’s usually Dastien who dumps it over the student’s head. Took a second for me to realize I needed to get it.” She put her arm around Chris’ waist. “Sorry.”
“You did fine. No one expected Dastien to lose it. He’s usually so calm.”
They stared at me. It was too much, especially with the rest of the class already staring. I took a step back. I had zero desire to know what they were thinking.
“Do you know what’s up with him?” Chris asked.
I studied the mats. “Not a clue.” My voice was a little too high pitched.
The door slammed and Dastien walked back to us with a mop. “Everyone out.” Power rolled through the gym, giving me goose bumps. “You four can stay,” he said to me, Chris, Adrian and Meredith.
Yikes. Shannon wasn’t going to be happy about that, but I was kind of glad. If we were going to talk about what happened, I didn’t need her negativity around.
Some of my classmates grumbled as they cleared out. Dastien finished mopping while we waited for the last of the eavesdroppers to go. I bit my lip as he cleaned. I wanted to ask Dastien what happened with Imogene, but he didn’t look like he was in the mood to talk.
When everyone was gone, Meredith broke the silence. She sauntered up to him. “Glad you didn’t forget cleanup duty, Daz.” She rubbed her hand down his back.
Did she have to be so touchy-feely? My blood heated but I kept it under control, trying to remember that she was my friend. I concentrated on even breathing.
He cocked his head. “It’s been a while, but I think I remember how it goes.”
“Aren’t you the cutest?” She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the lips.
Red. All I saw was red.
I’m not quite sure how it happened. I don’t remember even moving. One second I stood next to Chris. The next, Meredith was flat on her back, and I had her pinned to the ground. A bright red splotch spread across her left cheek.
I was growling when Dastien reached both arms around my stomach and lifted me off her.
“Shhh. I got you,” he whispered in my ear.
My stomach bottomed out at the sound. The smell of him filled me—the scent of outdoors spread peace through my blood. He was like a drug.
And then came the shame. My face heated and I pushed Dastien’s arms off of me. I hung my head and stepped toward her. “I’m so unbelievably sorry. I don’t know what happened…I don’t even remember hitting you, but that was totally inexcusable—”
Adrian laughed.
“It’s not funny—” I started but Adrian cut me off.
“¡Joder! It can’t be. That doesn’t happen anymore.” He helped Meredith up and ran his fingers over the mark on her face. “You’ve got cojones to try that. She hit you hard. It’ll get worse before it gets better.”
“It was worth it.” Meredith straightened her clothes. “For the record, I called it.”
She was ignoring my apology and I didn’t blame her for it. I had to just keep going until she accepted. “I’m so sorry. I don’t even remember moving. I swear I didn’t—”
“Honey, please.” She held up a hand to stop my babbling. “I made you do it.”
What? I stepped away from her, my gaze darting between the four of them. “I don’t understand.”
“You’d only attack me like that if he was your mate. As in an actual mated pair. As in the other half of your soul.”
It felt like I was floating.
Chris crossed his arms. “I never had a shot.” He closed his eyes.
Crap. I’d hurt him.
Dastien stepped toward me but this was all too much. I dropped heavily to the ground and hugged my knees to my chest. I knew what they said was true, but the whole processing it thing was too much. I closed my eyes to think. Was he really my mate?
I’d been fighting my feelings for him. But why? I knew I wanted him. I knew it since I touched that paper in my father’s office. But he kept pushing me away, and I kept pushing him away.
It had to end. I couldn’t deny it. Especially not if I was going to slug Meredith over it.
A hand brushed my hair away from my face, but I kept my eyes shut. “Mon cherie, please. Open your eyes.”
“Okay. I give up.” I swallowed, and opened them. He was sitting cross-legged in front of me.
“We’re not normal,” he said finally.
I laughed. “You can say that again.”
He smiled, and his dimples showed. “We’re not normal. We never were. I spent a long time feeling not quite whole. And then I saw you and something clicked.” He ran his hand down my cheek and I leaned into it. “Believe me, I would love to do this over. To start again and do it the right way. Take you on some dates. Get to know you better. Slower. I lost control for a second and I didn’t even know what happened until it was done. I think the wolf knew that I wouldn’t turn you. I would never take the risk of you not surviving the transformation. But what’s done is done. Give me a chance.”
“I’m not the only one who keeps running away.”
He sighed. “I was trying to give you time to adjust. Everyone demanded that I give you time.”
He was too far away. I wanted to be closer, so I just went with the feeling. I closed the space between us, sitting on his lap, and wrapped my arms and legs around him. I rested my head on his shoulder. “I think it’s only making the whole thing harder for me,” I whispered into his ear. “I feel lost and confused when you walk away. Angry. Hurt. I don’t like it. I’m having enough of a hard time with the whole werewolf thing to also figure out a messed up relationship too.”
It didn’t take long for him to squeeze me tight. He scented my neck and placed a soft kiss on it.
“I’m sorry that you’re stuck with me, but I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I swear,” he whispered. He let go, leaning back to see my face. “Okay?”
I nodded. “Okay.” I startled at the sound of a throat clearing. “I forgot we weren’t alone.”
“Unfortunately not alone,” Dastien said.
“Girl talk,” Meredith mouthed when I met her gaze. “Do you want to go early to dinner?” Meredith asked aloud.
My stomach answered for me. “That would be amazing,” I said.
“We’ll stay here and help Dastien clean up,” Chris said.
Dastien stood with me still attached. I dropped down to the ground and turned to go, but Dastien grabbed my hand. I pulled him down to me for a kiss. It was soft and quick, but still burned me all the way to my toes.
“Later,” Meredith said as she pulled me away from Dastien.
We walked to the cafeteria. It was thankfully mostly empty, except for the workers who were busy setting out food for dinner. Most people were probably in the common rooms playing games or watching TV. We filled our plates and sat down.
“You’re pretty quiet,” Meredith said.
“It’s a lot to take in. Did I just give into him?”
“Yup,” she said. “But don’t freak. You’ve got time. Even if Chris and I are right about what’s going on. Doesn’t mean anything has to change right now.”
I let that sink in while I picked at my mountain of mashed potatoes. “It’s not that. I feel like I’ve known him forever but he’s still new. Like I’ve known that he was mine since I first saw him, even if I didn’t really realize what that connection was or any idea of what it meant. It’s a lot to get used to. Plus, all the rest of the stuff is throwing me off.” I motioned down to the food. “Like this. I have to eat a shit-ton just to stay in control.”
“It’ll get better.”
I snorted. “That’s what everyone keeps saying.”
“They’re saying it because it’s true.”
I knew it would, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be more than a few bumps in the road. Things were better with Dastien, but he’d mess up and I’d mess up as we figured it out. Once word got around, it’d be hell to pay with Shannon and Imogene. And that didn’t even begin to count the whole vampire thing. And Mr. Hoel thing.
Oh and the whole turning furry thing. Christ. How had I forgotten that part?