And horribly,ultimately, an all-around nice guy.
True as God, and I still can’t stand the guy. All right, so a small part of me likes him. Hell, we were friends, good friends before Laken came to Ephemeral.
That haunted scholastic academy flits through my mind and a silent rage percolates in me as I bench press the hell out of two hundred and twenty-five pounds.
I’m shirtless. And according to the girls giggling in the corner who keep shooting me an invite with their eyes, they appreciate the gun show. Who knew Logan’s gym would prove to be the hot spot in all of Paragon?
Sweat slicks my body as I pick up my pace.
A few days have trickled by since Rory’s odd proclamation. Normally, I wouldn’t give a damn what she was doing as long as Celestra comes out on top—a concept I would never have dreamed of thinking about once upon a time. But here we are. Rory is the queen bitch, and she’s just as determined as I am to secure a win for our team. But something about that covenant doesn’t sit right with me.
God forbid Gage pull an ace out of his ass and then we’re all screwed. And judging by the fact he’s wielding something over our heads that I thought up, we are all most certainly screwed.
I am curious as to what it could be. Probably something I walked into backwards. Some of my greatest work was achieved that way. Of course, I wouldn’t admit it. But if I’m really honest with myself, that’s the way it’s been all my life—with the exception of one thing, my love for Laken.
I’d give anything if the Fems—Demetri specifically—never knew of my existence, or in the least wasn’t all that interested. Laken and I would still be in Cider Plains, raising our proverbial children, having a normal life. We could have had it all if it weren’t for Demetri’s need to succeed in the heavenlies.
Logan pops up, hovering over me a second with that obnoxious Cooper-inspired face, and he irritates me by default.
“Heads-up, Wes. Coop and Laken just walked in. Don’t say I never did anything for you.” He takes off and I land my weights up on the bar and sit up on my elbows. Sure as shit, I see Coop striding on in with his too tight T-shirt and that goofy look on his face as he does a double take in my direction.
Laken pops into view from behind him, and I watch as her lips contort once she sees me. A part of me wonders if she’s disappointed. Too bad. I’m here to stay. And I’m in her life to stay. For that I’m more than grateful.
“Laken.” I shed an easy smile as I sit up. “Coop.” I can’t help but scowl at him.
“Hey, Wes.” Laken sheds a genuine smile of her own, and that alone makes my day. “Cooper offered to help me strengthen my core. I went to pick Charlie up the other day and I almost threw my back out.”
The television hanging on the far wall flashes an emergency warning across the bottom of the screen and Laken’s eyes magnetize to it.
The talking head, a woman with a bowl cut, starts spewing information about a virus hitting Europe with a vengeance.
“Respiratory difficulties, muscle weakness, and paralysis in some instances have occurred. Its origin seems to have come from Dover, England and is sweeping quickly through Europe seemingly overnight. The World Health Organization is warning people to be proactive with simple hygienic practices. Wash your hands. Stay indoors. The Kingdom Virus, as they’ve dubbed it, is potentially the deadliest virus to hit the planet since the Spanish Flu. We’ll keep you updated.”
Laken shudders as she turns back my way. “Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to protect the kids—as soon as I get my back under control.”
I jump to my feet. “I can help with a few core exercises. I used to train at Ephemeral.”
Coop gives me a gentle shove to the chest.
“And I trained at Host. I played college ball. College trumps high school.”
I narrow my eyes over his. “Okay.” Asshole. I want to saylet’s go mano a mano and see what your college education has to say for itself, but don’t.
“Cooper.” Laken gives him a sideways glance. “Wesley didn’t have all the opportunities in life that we’ve had.”
“What?” Coop looks confused and mostly pissed. “You’re kidding, right? His father could haveboughthim a university and ten degrees to go with it. He’s had more opportunities than either of us has ever had or will have.”
She gives a little laugh. “True, but what I meant was—he was so bent on serving Demetri, he didn’t take advantage of higher education.” She leans my way and takes up my hand. “I know you would have excelled in anything you put your mind to as far as school goes. And face it, you have.” She offers a sorrowful smile before looking back to Coop. “I’m going to head to the restroom a minute, and I might call my mother to see if the kids are all right.” She takes off, and Coop’s eyes widen with fury my way.
“What’s the matter?” I ask, almost amused. “You don’t like Laken coming to my defense? Here’s a hot tip for you. Don’t act like such a damn jerk.”
“She’s emotional.” Coop exhales a long breath as if he’s been holding it all day. “She’s still getting up at all hours of the night, laughing one minute, crying the next. Her hormones are still all over the map. I read nothing into what just happened, and neither should you. Sorry, Wes. You don’t win ’em all. I win ’em all.” He flashes a cheesy grin my way.
A dark laugh rumbles through me. “I win. I think we both know that.” It comes out both mournful and conciliatory. “You ready to shed your skin yet?”
“You calling me a snake?”
“If the venom fits. You and I both know the longer you hold onto this secret, the more Laken is going to lose her mind with fury.”
