I felt a hand caress my lower back. “Hey, babe, what are you doing just standing here staring into space?”
I winced, “Just going over some strategies we practiced yesterday.” Frowning down at her, I continued, “You know we’re not dating Selene, so I’d appreciate it if you dropped the ‘babe’ when you talk to me.”
Damn! Selene was the last person I needed to notice my fascination with Adelaide. She was one crazy bitch and had been after me for years. I had zero interest because I knew just how evil she was. Other people may be fooled by her beauty, but I knew the outside didn’t always reflect what was inside.
We had absolutely no relationship at all, but she didn’t see it that way. I definitely wasn’t her “Babe”.
“My poor, grouchy Sly. You have too much on your plate; Kicking ass right and left out on the field. I could help you with all of that stress.” Selene purred as she tried to nestle up to my chest.
I stepped back quickly and shrugged my shoulders, feeling queasy. “No, I’m good. If I couldn’t handle it, then I’d quit. I'd better get to practice before coach blows a gasket.” Her touch literally made me sick.
She pouted playfully, “Well, if you change your mind, I can get rid of my roommate. Beatrice and I would be more than happy to help you relax.”
I shivered in revulsion at the thought, but she took it for want. That was one of the things I’d noticed when we’d first met. Selene only saw what she wanted to see. If she desired something or someone, she’d do whatever was needed to get it.
Selene giggled, “I see you like that idea. Just say when and I’ll make it happen.”
Much of her interest in me stemmed from the fame I’d gained because of my talent in the field. She enjoyed the idea of basking in my glory. Beatrice was fully on board; she did whatever Selene wanted her to, no questions asked.
“It’s never going to happen. I’ve got to run.” I left so fast that there should have been skid marks.
“See you soon!” I heard her yell, not concerned in the least with me making it clear I wasn’t interested.
The bitch was crazy, and her best friend was even worse. They were a big reason I hadn’t made my move on Adelaide yet. Her having a room with Selene was unfortunate for both of us. I couldn’t believe how shitty my luck was when I found out that little nugget of information.
I had no idea how to claim Adelaide without making her an even bigger target for Selene. I knew she was more than capable of dealing with her... as long as Selene fought fairly. But that was unlikely, and when you threw Beatrice into the mix, it scared me to death. Each of them was a dangerous, scheming bitch, who I suspected might be responsible for more than one Passive disappearing.
Both of their families were above reproach… but there were rumors.
Anyone who had remained Passive and had no hope of finding a Faction was considered lower than trash to someAurathions. The shame of having these Passives as relatives was more than some could bear. The families of both girls fell into this category. Family members who were unfortunate enough to remain Passive seemed to take extended trips that they never returned from.
Selene and Beatrice were each dangerous in their own right…together, they were lethal.
As I headed toward the locker room to change my clothes, I knew that I had to resolve this sooner rather than later. The draw to Adelaide was beyond strong, and I was tired of resisting it.
The last sight of my Faction had them all laughing and eating. They were getting along like they’d known each other for years. Adelaide threw a grape at Jesse, and he caught it in his mouth.
I grinned. Soon… very soon I’d be right in the midst of them. Enjoying Adelaide’s beautiful smile while my head was in her lap and she was feedingmegrapes.
Get ready, sweet angel. We’ll be together before you know it.
Chapter 5
Adelaide
About an hour later, we finished lunch. I parted ways with the guys and went to my next class, which was fitness and initiation preparedness—one of my favorites. Though they all tried to walk with me, I insisted I would meet them there.
Today had been a lot, and I needed a moment alone to get my head around everything that had happened. Each one of the beautiful men I was lucky enough to have as Potentials were more than I could have dreamed of. I looked forward to getting to know them better, but my Nexus status was throwing me for a loop.
We were planning to visit the Cimarron Forest next week to see if we were worthy of a Fellat bonding. This would help identify any Passives who were meant to be Nexus, and upon bonding, you’d receive your triquetra. The sacred mark that every Nexus was honored to obtain.
Even if a Passive was not bonded, it didn’t automatically mean they weren’t Nexus. Still, it indicated that the Fellats didn’t deem you worthy, so you would never receive your mark. The stigma that came with that scenario could be harsh.
This was a fate nobody desired.
I’d prepared myself for what could happen there, but I hadn’t expected to meet three Potentials this soon, proving I was Nexus. I think what was freaking me out the most was that they didn’tjustfeel like Potentials; they already felt like mine.
“Hey, Adelaide, wait up!”
