“This is the communal kitchen,” Sabs says. “Delilah basically lives in here. She’s an incredible baker.” Pinching a cupcake from a stack cooling on a rack, she moans in bliss and shakes her head after taking her bite. She selects the largest one and offers me it. “You have to try one. They’re a Delilah specialty.”
“Are you sure she won’t mind?”
The last thing I want to do is to upset a new housemate and gain a reputation as a cupcake thief.
“She left them out because she wants us to eat them!” Sabs forces the cupcake into my hand and grins at my expression when the vanilla sugary goodness hits my tongue. This may be the best sponge I’ve ever eaten. “I swear, she could burn a piece of toast, and it would still taste incredible. Do you cook?”
“Enough to get by.” I wouldn’t know how to use any of the expensive-looking apparatus I can see. “Nothing fancy, though.”
“There are so many amazing places to eat on campus that we’re spoiled for choice.” She licks frosting from her fingers. “We have to go to Hummus Where the Heart is soon. It’s a Middle Eastern street food joint, and their falafel bowls are un-fucking-believable. Oh, and Noodles and Chill! Their spring rolls are the absolute best.”
Looking around, I struggle to imagine that this is going to be my home for the next few years.
“Sorry, I’m going on a bit, aren’t I?” Sabs scrunches up her nose. “I’ve been told that I talk too much.”
I’m the opposite. I’m not shy per se, but I prefer to listen. Being around someone as confident and self-assured is fascinating. I could listen to her all day.
“No, not at all.” I notice there are six chairs. “So there are six of us here?”
“There are six apartments in Stella House, but there are only four of us here now, including you. I know this house seems huge, but SVU recognizes that omegas need extra spaceto account for their nests.” Sabs tosses the cupcake wrapper into the trash. “That’s the beauty of the scent test too! They don’t just lump any omega in together. Some years, the house is full, other years we may get no students. I’m in my third year, and the others—Kady and Delilah—are both in their second year. There are two apartments in the basement, the other four are spread over the two floors above, and we have our cuddle den in the attic. You’ll see that soon enough. Wanna see where you’ll be sleeping?”
I nod, dazed, letting all the information wash over me.
“Me and Kady live in the basement.” Sabs points at a door, which I assume leads to a staircase below. “When I’m home, I usually hang in the living room. Kady’s protective of her own space and doesn’t like people in her apartment.” She notices my change in expression and adds quickly, “It’s not because Kady’s not friendly. She’s a bit OCD about her nest and keeping her space scent-clear. You’ll love her. She does have a crazy cat called Larry, though.” Sabs pulls a face. “He’s pretty territorial. If you don’t want to be clawed, it’s best to steer clear of the ginger devil when you see him prowling around.”
Before I can ask any questions, Sabs continues talking, barely taking a breath.
“Delilah is a total sweetheart who knows a recipe for any occasion. She also has the most amazing voice. She’ll never sing in public, but if you catch her singing when she’s baking, you’re in for a treat. Kady is super driven. She wants to be a hot shot lawyer, and woe betide any alpha who thinks she’s here for anything other than studying. Oh, and Kady’s a Sinclair. Yes, as intheSinclair’s, but I’d avoid mentioning her family. Things are a little complicated.”
Woah, I’m boarding with Richard Sinclair’s daughter? Although I’ve basically lived under a rock most of my life,everyone knows about Richard Sinclair. He owns pretty much everything, including all the global news channels.
“Sorry, I don’t know when to shut up sometimes. You’re going to fit right in!” She squeezes my arm reassuringly. “I just know it!”
“I hope so.” I suck in a deep breath.
“Are you going to let the poor girl see her room or not, Sabs?” a crisp voice comes from behind us.
The girl standing at the bottom of the stairs has blonde, almost silver, pin-straight hair that’s clipped back off her face. Her white skin is so flawless that it looks airbrushed. Even though she’s only wearing a plain, white tee over jeans, it’s tailored to perfection. She’s effortlessly stylish.
I pull at the edges of my frayed, sun-bleached summer dress, instantly feeling shabby and self-conscious.
“Hi.” The girl marches forward, offering her hand in a confident thrust. “I’m Kady.”
“Faye.” I clasp her hand, almost grimacing at the tightness of her grip.
I can’t stop myself from inhaling deeply, intrigued by her scent. She smells like a breath of fresh air, with something faintly floral.
“White tea, bergamot and freesia.” She smiles, like she knows what I’m thinking. “An odd combination, but it pairs well together. Or so I’m told.”
“Sorry.” I feel my cheeks heat. “I didn’t mean?—”
“Don’t worry about it.” Kady waves her hand. “It’s great to meet you. We were surprised to hear we’d be getting a new student.”
“I didn’t accept my place until a few weeks ago,” I confess.
Kady studies me with her inquisitive blue eyes, sensing there’s a story behind my hesitation, but she doesn’t press.
“We’re happy to have you here.” She flashes me her perfectly white teeth. “I hope you’ll find your room comfortable. We cleaned it up before you arrived and added a few touches to make it feel homier, but get rid of anything you don’t like.” Her stare lands on my duffle bag by the door. “Are the rest of your things arriving later?”
