“There aren’t many things that get you this worked up. Apart from me, of course.” I wiggle my eyebrows at him suggestively, then hop off the desk and circle to the other side so I’m standing next to him. “What are we looking for?”
“This.” He grabs a piece of paper and pen and sketches an intricate symbol. “Or something like that. I may have gotten some of it wrong since I’m working from memory.”
I study Hunter’s rudimentary sketch. He was never much of an artist. There are several swirls and dots in a pattern reminiscent of a tribal tattoo some frat guy would have on his arm. Albeit a little classier. Two wave-like swoops lie opposite each other, almost connecting but not quite. Some smaller lines and dots trace the edges of the two main shapes. If I squint and try really hard, I can imagine what it would look like if Hunt had better drawing skills. Still, I’ve never seen it before.
“Why’s it important?”
He doesn’t answer.
“Where’d you see it?”
He grinds his teeth.
“Come on, Hunter, talk to me.”
“Madison’s bonded—Caspian—has it tattooed on his palms, and I swear I’ve seen it before. So shut the fuck up and help me look.”
I grab the closest book and start flipping through the pages. The weathered paper crinkles in my hands, making me worried it might tear. I try to be slow and careful, but slow and careful isn’t exactly my speed, unless I’m handling delicate marine life. Yeah, that’s it. I’ve just got to think of Hunter’s collection like a Valdovian jellyfish.
“Ah, here.” Hunter jabs his finger at a split open book. “Scholars hypothesized it was the symbol of Ocearus. This is what Madi wanted to do her dissertation on.”
“A symbol?”
“No. The lost city of Ocearus. More specifically, the library. She’s obsessed with it. Thinks it was right here, actually. Well, not here. But down at Seaman’s Cove.”
“You know that’s where I lost myvirginity. That man was quite the seaman, let me tell you. Do the kids still call it Semen Cove?”
Hunter glares.
I hold up my palms in a placating gesture. “Okay, okay, no story time. I get it.”
He turns his attention back to the book, hunching over the page. “Why does he have this tattoo? Most people have never seen this symbol. It only shows up in a few texts. Even most scholars wouldn’t recognize it.”
“Maybe he’s as fascinated with the legend as she is. That could be what drew them together. A shared connection.”
“No. You don’t understand. Something’s… off with this guy. He’s too… too… fuck!” He sweeps his arm over the desk, papers and books flying to the floor. Damn, if I was that rough with a Valdovian jellyfish, they’d be dead. I’d probably be writhing in pain, too. Touching those things unprotected hurts like hell.
This isn’t like Hunter. He’s careful to a fault. Always takes care of his things. Every item he owns in its place.
He has it bad for this girl. I thought it was just a crush, but this is something more. And I don’t blame him. The feisty omega invaded my dreams all last night. Although she wasn’t alone. Hunter and Madi together put on quite a show for me. She rode his cock reverse cowgirl style while squeezing her tits together so I could fuck them, her tiny pink tongue teasing my tip on each upward thrust. My cock thickens just thinking about those dreams. But now’s not the time.Focus, Phoenix.Your friend needs you.
Hunter stares at the empty desk like he’s never seen it before. His chest heaves with each breath.
I move behind him, getting right up by his ear. “She’s bonded, Hunt. Move on.”
To me.And Sebastian. Move on to us.
That thought terrifies me. And thrills me.
I’ve wanted Hunter for as long as I’ve known him. And Seb… he’d come around. If I could just get him to come here and meet Hunter. But he’s got his own hang ups with alphas, and I’m terrified of actually putting myself out there with my best friend. That’s why I’ve been content to keep the status quo between us. Being together means risking our friendship. The closest friendship I have. He’s family. And I don’t know what I’d do if I lost that.
“Fuck off, Phoenix.” Hunter spins and shoves me so hard my back hits the wall. I’m stunned.
“What the hell?” I shove him back. “You really want to fight me over a girl you can’t have. A student. Abondedstudent!”
Hunt shoves his hands in his hair, tugging the strands. “Fuck! I know.” He looks at me for a moment, breathing heavily. “I know. I’m sorry.”
I inch closer to him, put one hand on his shoulder, grip the back of his neck with the other, and lean my forehead against his. “Hunt.” My voice is soft. “Talk to me. Something is wrong, and it feels like more than just a crush. Whatever it is, you know this alpha macho bullshit has to go. That attitude isn’t winning anyone over.”
