Jude clearly needs a moment, so I decide to get back to the signing and snag him a book or two in case he decides he doesn’t want to make Shepard uncomfortable by joining the meet and greet. But really, if Shepard is doing a signing this close to Harbor U, he has to know people might recognize him, right?
There’s nobody in line when I reach the table, so I turn to Shepard and smile. “What are your two least popular books?”
He quirks a brow but smiles back and points at two off to the side that only have a couple copies of each underneath the display book. “These two I sell the least of, but they’re both student-professor books and it seems like that’s a little too taboo for my typical audience.”
I almost snort but manage to hold it back. “I’ll take two of each please. And if you wouldn’t mind signing them, can you make one of each out to Professor Carter?”
Shepard barks out a laugh but doesn’t hesitate, signing one of each title to Professor Carter. “And the other two?”
“Posey is good for those.”
“I’m hoping this is an inside joke and you aren’t making me complicit in an actual student-teacher love affair. I’ll write about it between consenting adults but the actual power dynamic outside of books is kind of icky.”
Shepard has descenter on so I can’t tell what his designation is but if I had to guess I’d say he’s an alpha, and he’s absolutely precious. “He’s a PhD student and temporary professor but also my scent match if that helps?”
He pretends to think it over before shrugging. “As long as you’re 18, scent matches supersede all other expectations of propriety.” He looks around like he’s waiting for someone to jump out behind me. “Is this alpha around?”
I nod, pointing vaguely to the shelving area to our left. “He’s hiding from you. Says he knows you and doesn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
Shepards eyes widen and he pulls at his tie nervously,loosening the knot. “It—it’s fine.” He turns panicked eyes to me. “Is he good at keeping secrets?”
I could lie and say yes, but I really don’t know. “Probably?” I shrug. “Jude, come on. If you can keep your handsome mouth shut everything will be fine.”
The alpha in question pokes his head out from behind the shelf, smiling nervously. I feel like I’m forcing toddlers to make friends, but this is literally the main reason Jude wanted to come here today. I’ll be damned if I let him leave without meeting his favorite author just because his identity was unexpected.
“Hey, Shep,” he stage whispers. There’s no one else around at this second, so the theatrics are unnecessary but very funny.
Shepard barks out a laugh, dragging his hands down his face. “Jesus. I was worried it was one of the other assholes we go to school with. If I had known it was you I wouldn’t have said a word about keeping it a secret.”
Jude cocks his head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“Mack’s known about my secret identity for years.” His lips part. “He never told you?”
My alpha looks equal parts stunned and affronted. “I didn’t know Mack was capable of keeping a secret. But one this big? And for twoyears?” He turns to me like I’m somehow in on it, and I raise my hands in surrender. “Nuh uh. I’m new here, don’t look at me.”
A couple of giggling betas crowd in behind us so I pull a reluctant Jude to the side. He points at Shepard. “The next time I want one of my books signed I’m coming directly to the source,” he murmurs seriously.
Shep laughs and gives him a thumbs up before turning a charming grin on the excited fans.
I pull Jude to the front to pay for our new books and try not to laugh out loud as I watch him process the landmine he just inadvertently stepped on. It’s not until Ipull my card out to pay that he snaps out of it. “Excuse you, what do you think you’re doing Primrose?”
I try to ignore the butterflies I feel when he uses my full name. I wonder if this is how McKenzie feels and why he never told me to call him Mack like everyone else does. “Umm, I’m paying for our books?” He rolls his eyes, and I’m not ready to admit how hot it is when he does that. Something about his authoritative tone makes me want to brat back just to see what he might do.
“You shouldn’t be paying for anything. I’m the one who invited you today.”
I shrug, ignoring him so I can finish the transaction. Pax had the same argument not too long ago, only he sneakily tapped his card before I could. Something tells me Jude isn’t comfortable enough in his place with me to do that yet. Only when our books are bagged up and the receipt is in my hand do I aim a sassy look his way. “Too late.”
He growls, his pupils dilating so wide I can barely see the deep brown of his irises. Even his expression changes, hardening into something almost unrecognizable. But then he clenches his fists and sucks in huge lungfuls of air as he closes his eyes tight. It feels like he’s fighting off some uncontrollablething, and it makes me wonder if this is what Mack was talking about.
After a couple of minutes Jude’s eyes open, clear and as warm as melted chocolate. “Sorry,” he pants. “Just needed a minute.”
I nod slowly, but don’t ask any questions. I have some suspicions about what’s going on with Jude, but he can come to me when he’s ready. I just hope that’s soon.
“Ready to get out of here? Maybe if the guys are around when we get back we can watch a movie?” He asks hopefully.
My heart soars. He really seems to be making an effort to make up for his past actions, and every word out of his mouthmakes me like this stern alpha a little bit more. “I would, but…”
He looks pained. “But?”
