I clip my purple, sparkly butterfly hairclips into my two space buns and sigh at my reflection. I’ve always dressed to make myself smile, opting for bold patterns and colors, but even my pink faded cowboy boots don’t help today. I chew my lip, looking at my faded navy pinafore dress.
Who was I kidding? Why had I ever thought Jagger Knight was my scent match? The more time that’s passed, the more I’m convinced I imagined my feelings. Perhaps I so desperately wanted to find a scent match that I projected all my wishes onto him. I doubt he’d even recognize me if we saw each other around campus. I’m just another girl he discarded like a piece of trash.
It’s not like I haven’t tried to get over him—or my made-up idea of him anyway. I’ve been on a couple of dates and made out with a few guys at Club Knotty, but none of them gave me the same ‘fireworks’ feeling that kissing Jagger did.
“Enough!” I point at myself in the mirror. “What would you say to the Stellas if they were talking to themselves like this?”
I’d remind them of how amazing they are and to only focus on those who are worthy of their magic. Unfortunately, it’s much easier to be kind to your friends than to yourself.
I still have a few hours to spare before my first class. Before I see her at our book club meeting tonight, I plan to meet my friend, Nia—the Feminist Society president—for breakfast. We’ve both been tasked with selecting the reads for the rest of the month. After last semester’s lack of structure, we’re taking it upon ourselves to ensure that all romance genres are represented. I’m thinking monsters, hockey, and shifters will be good places to start.
I head downstairs, humming off tune. Music always makes me feel better. Although I’m in a shitty mood, I’m a firm believer of faking it until you make it.
The house is extra quiet this morning as Sabs has already left for an urgent volleyball practice, and Kady stayed at the Valen Pack’s apartment last night.
I smile at the thought of Kady finding her pack. I’ve never seen her so happy. Her pack is good for her. They’ve helped her loosen up and to see daylight beyond the library walls. Something she desperately needed.
The crisp morning air hits me as I step outside before heading along the path out of Omega Village. Ahead of me, three omegas from Persephone House are gossiping in loud, excited voices that make it impossible not to eavesdrop.
“Have you seen him yet?” one shrieks.
“I caught a glimpse of him yesterday,” another swoons. “He’s even hotter in person. He’s got that broody vibe, you know?”
I glower, my back teeth grinding together. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with the guy who broke my heart being on the same campus, let alone having people comment on how hot he is in front of me. I guess it’s something I have to get used to.
“Oh, look!” The third holds up her phone. “Hashtag SmokeOutJagger is trending. He was spotted at Bouncing Bunna this morning.”
“If we run, we may be able to catch him!”
They squeal as they practically sprint to the gates and jump into the golf cart next to Margie.
“Hey!” Margie—the sweet security guard who keeps watch over Omega Village—yells after them as they floor it. “Watch out for the geese!” She shakes her lavender rinse perm as I approach. “What’s got into the girls this semester? It seems that everyone has gone crazy. That’s the second time someone has almost run over my Crocs this morning.”
“They’re just excited to see a celebrity on campus,” I reply wryly.
“Ah, that explains it.” Margie slaps her knee. “I don’t see the appeal myself. That boy will get no studying done if this hysteria persists. At least you have some sense, Delilah. Don’t let any rockstars interfere with your studies.”
Little does she know.
I manage a half-smile. “Don’t worry. I have no intention of going anywhere near Jagger Knight.”
She bids me goodbye, then I shoot a quick text to Nia, telling her to meet me at the Tea House instead. With the Jagger feeding frenzy, there’s no way we’ll find a quiet table at Bouncing Bunna, and I’d rather avoid being surrounded by simperingPack Firefangirls.
I put in my headphones and listen to my happy playlist as I change direction and continue on my way.
Upon arrival, the bell jingles above the door, and I’m met by the comforting smell of freshly ground coffee and an herbal mix of exotic tea blends. Faye—my newest Stella sister who has quickly become one of my best friends—loves this place and recently got me hooked on their maple matcha lattes. Faye bonded with her pack soon after starting college, so she no longer lives in Stella House, so this is one of our favorite spots to catch up between classes.
I peer down at my phone when it beeps.
NIA
Running late! Grab a table.
My stomach rumbles as I head to the counter to order, skimming the new list of specialty drinks on the board, including lion’s mane mushroom coffee, black forest hot cocoa, and spiced peach iced tea. Sadly, none of them seem to offer a cure for erasing memories of a certain famous asshole. Although their delicious chocolate orange Danish pastries sprinkled with almonds instantly have me salivating, which may make me feel a little better.
Behind the counter, a barista I’ve never seen before leans against the counter, watching me closely. He’s…hot. His scent hits me right away. While it isn’t as strong as an alpha’s smell, it sure packs a punch for a beta—a rich dark roast espresso and sweet coconut. It’s the kind of smell that puts you at ease andmakes you feel at home with a splash of vacation magic that reminds me of lounging by a poolside with a book.
His dazzling brown eyes crinkle at the corners when his gaze meets mine, his mouth stretching into an easy smile. The way he smiles makes me feel like he’s reserved it just for me, creating a quiet moment of intimacy across the counter that makes my heart judder. I mentally check myself. Clearly, I’ve been reading too many romance books lately. I’m sure he smiles like that for everyone. His job is to be friendly!
