“We’re not witches,” Kady points out
“Shame.” Sabs chuffs. “If we were, I’d cast a spell to give him a warty knot.”
“Del?” Kady studies me, putting her hands on my shoulders. “Are you okay? You’ve kinda got a spaced-out look.”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I take a deep breath. “Did he say anything else?”
“He wants a chance to explain himself.” Her bitter tone makes it clear she would never give him the opportunity. “He also had his other packmate with him. There’s three of them.”
“What was he like?” I ask. “The other packmate?”
Kady opens her mouth to reply, but I cut her off almost immediately. “Actually, forget I even asked. The less I know about Jagger’s life and pack, the better.” There’s no reason for me to care. “Anyway, I better get going. I really want to perfect my lamination technique in class. Have you heard of the golden triangle? You have to nail the temperature, otherwise the butter turns into a total mess. Then you’ve got the… Never mind. I’ll figure it out.”
Kady’s brows furrow, and Sabs chews on a fingernail before asking, “Are you sure you don’t want to talk more about Jagger?”
“My horoscope says that today is a new day.” I plaster on a fake smile. “I’m just going to pretend that Jagger isn’t on campus and focus on my classes.”
Larry must have slunk back in during our conversation, choosing now to sidle up against my ankles. Instead of attempting to claw me like usual, he rubs his ginger cheeks against me.
“Spoken like a true Stella.” Kady nods in satisfaction. “See? Even Larry agrees.”
Larry purrs, as if to prove a point.
“See you guys later.” I wave, maintaining my cheery disposition even though it’s forced.
My day takes an even worse turn when I reach the gates and spot a familiar face loitering near Margie’s post. The gorgeous guy is wearing a varsity jacket, his dark hair rippling in the light breeze. A rush of possessiveness rises in my chest at seeing the way the other omegas are ogling him like he’s a piece of meat, but I bite my tongue. I remind myself he’s in Jagger’s pack, so I have to maintain my distance.
I keep my head down, hoping to blend in among the throng of Persephone House omegas bustling through the gate.
“Delilah!” Tae’s voice hits me.
No such luck.
I continue walking, pretending I haven’t heard him.
“Hey!” He chases after me like an eager puppy. “Wait!”
“What is it, Tae?” I blow out a frustrated breath. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear last time we spoke.”
“I brought you a chai latte.” Glazing over what I just said, he offers me a steaming cup, the spicy aroma of cinnamon wafting over to me. “You haven’t been answering my calls, so I wanted to make a peace offering for the end of our date being ruined. Plus, I have two. And I can’t drink both myself, or I’ll be buzzing off all the sugar.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “If you don’t accept it, I’ll have to tip it into that rosebush.”
“You really shouldn’t have.” I take it from him with a heavy sigh. “And I’m only accepting it because I don’t want my friend, Faye, to be upset that I let you potentially harm that innocent rosebush.”
When I continue on my way, he falls into step beside me. “Are you going to class?”
“Yes,” I huff. “And I’ll be late if I don’t hurry.”
“I can walk with you,” he chirps brightly. “I won’t slow you down. Promise!”
“Don’t you remember what I said about it not being a good idea to see each other anymore? You’re in his pack.” I can’t bring myself to sayhisname. “It doesn’t matter how much of a good time we had?—”
“So you had a good time, huh?” His grin lights up his face as he bounces along like he’s suddenly got springs in his sneakers.
“Well, uh…” I scramble before recovering. “I did before…” My chest tightens at the memory of Jagger’s face. “Before I knew who you were connected to.”
“I need you to know that I had no idea who you were when I asked you on that date.” His tone is earnest. “Scout’s honor!” He holds up one hand. “I just saw a gorgeous girl walk into the shop and had to ask you out. Jagger only told us your history after what happened at the Tea House.”
“Us?” I arch an eyebrow. “You mean you and your other packmate? Kady said she met him.”
