“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.”