“I’ll take all the toys because I’m better off staying away from alphas. For good,” I state with conviction. “Now that this whole thing with the Blandon Pack is over, all I want is to get back to normal. The old Kady is back.”
That means no recklessness. No fucking guys I’ve just met. No getting into the bed of professor’s trucks. No double-knots with panty melting alphas, and zero thinking about the other members of the Valen Pack anymore.
We spend the rest of our afternoon baking. Being surrounded by cock-shaped cookies keeps pulling my thoughts back to my sizzling encounter in Forestville. Obviously, I’ve increased my suppressant dose since then, but it won’t be long until I’ll have a true heat again. The thought of going through my usual process with contracts and a random alpha fills my heart with dread. After sleeping with Ezra and Hale, where it felt so natural, all my previous sexual experiences have paled into insignificance.
After we’re surrounded by more cookies than we can eat in a month, the four of us curl up on the sofas. Larry sandwiches himself between me and Faye—the only other Stella he’s fond of and who tolerates him. After he swiped half of Faye’s cookies, Sabs is too protective of hers to let him get too close. Faye, unlike Sabs, was willing to share because she thinks Larry is adorable. Which he is, obviously.
“How is your new health botany professor?” Delilah asks Faye when the subject turns to school. “I’ve heard that he’s got a bit of a fan club.”
Tension seizes my muscles as I pretend to be fixated on the TV.Just listen to Ross and Rachel’s latest misunderstanding, okay? No need to let your mind wander to Ezra and his hands that are skilled at more than pruning.
“Oh, Professor Brackenwood is amazing,” Faye gushes. “I’ve learned more from him in one class than I did in every class with Grub. And yes, half the girls have a crush on him.”
Even though I have no claim to him, my protective instincts kick in at the thought of Faye’s classmates drooling over Ezra.
“You should remind them that a romantic liaison with a professor is against SVU rules.” I shove a cookie into my mouth to stop me from launching into a rant.
“Lighten up, Kady!” Sabs nudges her in the ribs. “I’m sure everyone has had a crush on a professor before.”
“You met Professor Brackenwood, didn’t you?” Faye’s question makes me choke on my mouthful. “When you handed in my assignment? Damon felt terrible that he couldn’t do it.”
“He wasn’t there when I stopped by,” I lie. “I left it in his office.”
“That’s a shame.” Faye crosses her ankles. “You know, he’s going to be a real legend in the field one day.”
“I’m not interested in plants.” My words come out more harshly than intended, and Faye’s face drops, making me feellike a total bitch. “Although I know how useful they can be. And I’m glad you’re enjoying his classes.”
Faye smiles again, then her expression turns wistful, wrapping a golden lock around her finger. “Yeah, well, he may not be here for much longer.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s on a leave of absence.”
“What? Why?” Delilah frowns. “He’s just started, right?”
“No one knows. An email was sent round. I hope he’s okay.” She screws up her face. “I’m starting to think the position is cursed.”
“Hm, that’s weird.” I reach for my water and take a loud slurp. “So how is your culinary arts class, Del?”
Conversation switches to Delilah’s latest assignment as we discuss what flavors make up a comforting soup, but my thoughts are elsewhere. If I wanted to stay away from alphas, then why am I so bothered that Ezra’s on a leave of absence and what it could mean for the future of his pack. Maybe they decided to skip town after being manhandled by the police?
Unable to curb my curiosity, I shoot a quick text to Devon.
ME
How’s the new boss settling in?
As usual, Devon replies instantly.
DEVON
Photography put Jell-O in his desk this morning. He took it like a champ. He’s keeping all reporters away from you. I hate to say it, but I’m impressed.
If Calder’s still atTheValley Voice, it means they’re still around at least. Not that it should matter to me. I pocket myphone, regret tasting bitter on my tongue. I shouldn’t have texted at all. But if it’s none of my business, why am I so relieved to learn they’re still close by?
NINETEEN
Kady
