Was it him, or did his body feel heavier and more sensitive today?
“Titan!” said a woman’s voice. “You and Mathlin, huh?”
Mathlin’s heart stuttered. When he turned, he found a short, plump omega with curly grey hair and an easy smile. “Aunt Yasmin!”
Yasmin laughed. “Calling me Aunt already? Has Titan initiated you into the pack?”
She gave Titan a sly smile; Titan turned pink.
“Oops,” Mathlin said. “Uh, Titan initiated some very deep—”
“Some very deep words,” Titan cut in, saving himagain.“But nothing quite as weird as you might think.”
“Just the cream filling sort of weird,” Mathlin said, and groaned. “Please shut me up.”
“It’s good to see you both.” Yasmin drew them into a hug. “You made these cupcakes, Mathlin?”
“Titan observed me very closely while I made them, like we were roleplaying teacher and student,” Mathlin blurted. “But he couldn’t smack me with a ruler because he can’t use his hands.”
Titan choked. “Math—”
Yasmin snorted. “Well, good luck with whatever stunt you’re trying to pull.”
Mathlin stiffened in surprise. “You knew?”
“I’ve heard whispers about something going on today.” Yasmin pinned Titan with a look. “You’re lucky I’m looking forward to some excitement not caused by me.”
Titan breathed a sigh. “Thanks. And before you blame me, I’ll have you know it was Mathlin’s idea.”
Mathlin bobbed his head. “It’s going to be a spectacular show.”
Yasmin gave them some serious side eye. “Well, all I ask is no bloodshed.”
“Just other fluids?” Mathlin said.
Titan scrunched up his face. “Math.”
Mathlin froze, and cringed. “Okay, I didn’t mean jizz. Actually, there will not be strange fluids at all.”
Yasmin sighed and shook her head. “I can just imagine how this will go. Well, have fun, boys.”
She kissed Titan on the cheek, then Mathlin, and wandered away. Hamilton had dropped them off before the party officially started so they would have time to set up the cupcakes, but already, a few of the guests had arrived.
“Titan!” someone yelled.
The alpha took a step closer to Mathlin, groaning quietly. “I hope you’re ready for this.”
“Very,” Mathlin said.
A small omega came charging up to them. She was red-haired and red-faced, her chest puffed out.
“Titan Whiteclaw,” she said furiously. “You broke my brother’s best friend’s heart! Not only that—you had to smash his bedroom window bloody with three of your limbs to make him sea monster bait! They’re going to eat him tonight!”
Mathlin stared. And tried to swallow the urge to laugh. “Did... Did Mrs. Everdin tell you this?”
The omega looked slightly more hesitant when she admitted, “Yes. But she said it so urgently that it must be true!”
“Kelly,” Titan said slowly, his eyes twitching. “I’ve never spoken to your brother’s best friend outside of Twin Buns, and I most certainly am not leading sea monsters to him. Have you checked in with either of them?”
