Maggie, where are you? Coming for lunch?
Shit! Marsh, you scared me. I’m headed that way. We need to talk.
Now what?Even in my head he sounds tired.
I’ll tell you when I get there, just grab me some food.
I close the connection, tossing the book I came for and the note from Mom in my bag, but I can’t bring myself to let go of the watch. It’s like it's stuck to my hand. Marsh is really gonna lose his shit. Six mates? I bet he’s going to love that. I sigh as I closethe door, knowing there’s nothing I can do to change either my situation, or how Marsh reacts.
When I make it to the dining hall, I find my brother and Malise sitting at a table in the corner. I glance down at the watch that’s still in my hands to see one of the hands has stopped spinning. It’s pointing directly at Rehan, who is walking toward me. That explains the weird pull, and the feeling I get when he’s close. He’s mine. I don’t know if I feel more relieved, or scared about what this means for my future.
He smiles as he makes it to me. “Hey Siren, I was starting to wonder if you forgot that I was wanting to eat lunch with you?”
“Um. No, I… uh, had to run to my dorm first. I’m actually sitting over there with my brother and roommate. Um, you can join us, I suppose?” Great job, Mags. You sound like a bumbling idiot.
“I’d love to meet your brother!” His grin widens, but there’s a mischievous look in his eyes. “First day and I already get to meet the family? I’m flattered, Siren.” He places a hand on my lower back, leading me towards where my brother is sitting and glaring daggers at us. This is going to be so much fun.
Behave, Marshall, or I’ll tell Dad you were the one that wrecked his pick-up truck after you snuck out.
Harsh! Fine… I guess I’ll mind my manners, if he does.
When I sit down, my brother slides a plate over towards me. “Is this shrimp and hushpuppies? Yum! Thanks, Marsh.”
“You’re welcome.” He places a bowl and dressing pack in front of me as well. “Here is your caesar salad, with ranch instead. I figured you would want lighter food today.”
“You were right.” I’ve already got a bite loaded on my fork, halfway to my mouth when I remember I didn’t come alone. “Marsh, Malise, this is Rehan. Rehan, this is my twin brother Marshall, and our roommate Malise.” I take a bite of my boiledshrimp while they all exchange pleasantries, humming happily as the flavors burst across my tongue.
“This school has the best food, don’t they? So, how’s everyone’s first day going?” Malise asks, trying to cut the tension, Fates bless her.
It seems to work as Marsh perks up a little. “Amazing, actually! I love my classes so far. Plus, there is a guy in my Potions class that is drop dead gorgeous. Did you enjoy Botany, Mags? I know you were excited about it.” He glances between me and Rehan, not quite rudely but it’s definitely pointed.
“Oh, it was great! We all got to pick out the plant that calls to us; I chose oleander, Rehan picked deadly nightshade.” The aforementioned made sure his chair was as close to me as possible when we sat, and the pull to him is still there, but it’s not as all consuming as it was earlier. He keeps brushing his leg against mine, and that alone is certainly making me want to rub against him like a cat.
“So… twins? That’s got to be a lot of fun, right?” Rehan asks, looking between me and Marsh. I can’t tell if the innocent-sounding question is honest curiosity or if he’s deliberately baiting my twin.
“It definitely can be, sometimes,” I respond, kicking the twin who is now glaring at Rehan again.
The kick seems to have done the trick. Marsh looks appropriately chastised. I don’t know why he has always acted like this toward any guy that’s been interested in me. It can be really annoying and draining to feel like I need to live two separate lives. But seeing how I will have six freaking mates, his overbearing ass will have to learn to deal. I don’t even want to think about the possibility of my brother not accepting my circle.
I take a peek at the watch, surprised to see another hand has stopped and is pointing to my left. Before I can get a chanceto look around and try to find mate number two, the watch is snatched from my hand.
“What’s this Mags?” Marsh asks, examining it.
Well, I guess it’s time for that uncomfortable conversation now.Great.
“Marsh, take a walk outside with me real quick, please.” I stand up and grab my bag, knowing that he will follow and not ask any questions until we are alone. Perks of being twins. Turning to Rehan, I place my hand on his shoulder. “Want to get together after classes?” I know I sound way too hopeful, but there is something about the thought of being away from him that is physically painful, and I probably should tell him about being mates as well. When he stands up and pulls me in for a hug, my body just melts into him. I can feel Marsh’s apprehension through our bond, but it's something he will have to learn to deal with. “Here, put your number in my phone and send yourself a text so we can meet up later.”
He takes his phone out of his pocket and hands it to me. I go to put my number in it, but it’s locked, so I try to give it back to him. “Eight eight seven zero,” he shoots off. I look at him quizzically. “I have nothing to hide, so I don’t care if you have my passcode.” He smiles slyly at me, as I put in the code and punch in my number so I can send a text to myself. “Wait-” he snatches his phone, pushes a couple buttons, then my phone buzzes in my pocket. I start laughing when I see what he has saved my contactname as, but at least I’m not the only one feeling like this. I copy him and show him what I chose for his contact.
Future Husband <3
Here’s my number, Siren
LOML <3
Thanks, dork.
I wave bye to Rehan and Mas, and lead Marsh out of the dining hall to the courtyard. It's so pretty out here right now, and I’ve enjoyed sitting by the fountain since being here, so I figured this would be a good place to break the new batch of crazy we are dealing with. I know my brother doesn’t have much patience but as soon as my ass hits the bench he turns to me.
