He took my bag from me and then grabbed my hand. “I’ll be honest. I thought you were making a horrible decision, but not anymore. You were right.”
“So I do know a thing or two.” I followed his lead as we started heading toward the science building. That one word already dampened my happiness. I had to stop. I was letting one boy influence me too much.
“I can’t wait until we’re done with this lab.” Jacob frowned. “Maybe I can talk to the professor and see if he’ll force that guy to switch.”
“It’s not worth it.” I decided to pretend Aidan was no one. It shouldn’t be that hard.
“You seem eager to drop it.” Jacob’s voice turned the cold tone that he only reserved for others. He’d never talked to me like that before.
“He’s messing with us. The more we react, the more he’ll enjoy it.”
“You’re right.” He huffed and gently squeezed my hand. “I’m sorry. I’m being a dick, but it’d help if you were more loving toward me in front of him.”
Of course, that’s where he’d go with this. “He’s doing it on purpose. Let’s not let him get to us.”
We hurried to class, and Jacob headed to my chair to drop off my bag. As usual, Aidan was already there.
“Is she injured?” Aidan flicked his finger at the bag.
“No. She can carry it herself, but I like taking care of her.” Jacob turned to me and brushed his lips against mine. “One day, you might understand.”
“Probably not. My girl would be able to stand on her own two feet.” Aidan lifted a hand. “To each their own.”
Jacob linked me as he glared at Aidan. We need to switch seats.
No, it’s fine. I touched his arm. I promise.
You’ll let me know? Jacob kissed my forehead.
Promise.
When I sat down next to him and Jacob headed over to his seat, Aidan shifted his body in my direction. “I thought Lover Boy was gonna try to switch with me again.”
“Nope, he’s not threatened by you.” My skin buzzed uncomfortably from our proximity.
“Well, then he’s a dumbass.” He scooted closer, and our arms brushed.
The shock of it jolted me to the core, and he jumped back, eyes widening.
No… it couldn’t be. He was my fated. That’s why I couldn’t get over him.
“Why now?” I turned to him, needing an answer.
His face was a mask of indifference. “What are you talking about?”
“What are you trying to do?” I wanted to see if he’d tell me the truth.
“I… I don’t know.” His shoulders tensed, and he turned his gaze to the whiteboard. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. This was a huge mistake.”
The words cut me. “Of course, it is. Why didn’t you show up that night?”
The wince told me everything. “I… I can’t and won’t tell you that.”
“Then we have nothing left to say.” I turned my attention to the front of the class and pulled out my books.
“Emma…”
“Yeah?” I stared into his eyes.
“I really am sorry.” His shoulders sagged, and pain similar to mine filled his face.
“Don’t.” I lifted a hand and pointed at him. “Don’t you dare. We can’t be friends—hell, not even acquaintances, so leave me the hell alone.” I let the anger consume me. I needed it to get through this.
Aidan
Her anger toward me was a good thing. I had to keep repeating those words. But damn, she looked so hurt. I wished I could tell her why I’d left, but the whole reason I’d disappeared was so she’d never have to worry or deal with my burden.
I’d done it because I’d loved her. I still did. But it was more important to see her alive, even if she wasn’t mine, than to live in a world without her.
Chapter Seven
Emma
The next several weeks passed in a blur. I was determined not to interact with Aidan any more than necessary, and he obviously felt the same way.
It still tormented me to be so close to him, but I would simply learn how to deal with it. I wasn’t sure if it was worse not seeing him or seeing him every day. For the longest time, I’d hoped and prayed for a glimpse of him, but I’d learned to be careful what I asked for.
The homecoming game was this evening, and Beth and I were in our room getting ready. The game started at six, but we wanted to get there earlier to enjoy the tailgating aspect of it.
“Who are we even going to hang out with?” Beyond Jacob and his football friends, we hadn’t really socialized with anyone else.
“We’ll figure it out.” She combed my hair. “Worst case, we end up in a bar and sweet-talk the bartender into letting us drink.”
“I think there will be plenty of drinking tonight after the game.” One of the juniors on the team was holding a party at a house he and a few other players rented. Jacob had insisted we go.
“Yeah, but we’re wolves.” She used a curling iron to add waves to my hair. “We have to start early. You know that.”
It was harder for wolves to get drunk than it was for humans. It was a blessing and a curse. It meant knocking back drinks, and if you didn’t want to sober up, you had to keep up the same pace all night.
I hated not being in control, so I never allowed myself to drink like that. When you drank, your tongue got loose. I’d had to take care of Jacob, Libby, and Grace most of the time anyway.
Beth picked up a section of my hair by my left ear. “I didn’t know you had a tattoo.” She touched my birthmark. “What does the star represent?”
“Believe it or not, it’s a birthmark,” I answered as she worked on that section of hair.
“Well, that’s pretty damn cool.” She ran the curling iron through my hair. “It’s like perfect formation. You totally could play it off as a tattoo.”
“You know, I can do my hair just fine.” To be honest, I was a little worried. She’d insisted on doing my hair and makeup, and even though her makeup looked great, she wore it much darker than me.
“Nope, I’m doing it.” She picked up hairspray and lightly sprayed it all over my hair. “Now it’s makeup time.” She took in my Crawford University football jersey. It contained their mascot—a howling black wolf—with a royal blue background and had Jacob’s last name and number on the back. “So, we’re going with the devoted college girl look?” She waved her hand up and down in front of me.
“I have to wear it.” He had been so happy when he’d given me the jersey. He’d had it made for me, and he’d even told my parents about it. “He’d be hurt if I didn’t.”
“Now, you know I think Jacob is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met, but it’s almost like he’s trying to mark his territory and he’s manipulating you. He’s always playing the oh, but I love you card.” She adjusted her see-through jersey with a black sports bra underneath. It left little to the imagination when paired with her black skirt and combat boots. Somehow, she rocked the look. “It’s gotten worse since a certain someone hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you.”