She shakes her head. “No. I can manage.”
I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, inhaling her scent. The urge to bite her, claim her, is riding me hard today. “I know you can manage, but we’re a team, remember? César is my responsibility too. Fifty-fifty. If you need a break, tell me.”
She nods. “I will.”
I can scent the lie but I let it go. Something is bothering her, but now isn't the time to peel back her layers. “I’ll see you in fourth.” I run my hand over the top of César’s head. “See you soon, little man.”
64
Jo
“Need a lift?” Jordy asks when the final bell rings and we head outside, the school day officially over. It was stressful at first, but by the end of the day having César with me felt… normal. I can totally do this. Especially with everyone else helping out.
Desmond has volunteered to take César every day during second since he has a non-schedule. I found out today that Zheng TA’s third and he’s offered to take him then. We’re all together during fourth, so there are plenty of hands on deck should I need them. This is completely do-able, and there is this giddiness inside of me at the knowledge that not only is everyone willing to help, they want to. They want that one-on-one time with César. I know people say it takes a village, but I never realized the true meaning of those words until now.
I catch sight of Jae’s car as soon as we get outside. He offered to pick me up today, but I didn’t realize just how much he’d stand out. He’s parked front and center, leaning against the hood with his arms braced behind him. Several girls stop and give him appreciative looks, a few brave enough to introduce themselves, but he barely glances their way, his eyes focused on me and a genuine smile on his face.
“What is he doing here?” Jordy asks, dark shadows crossing his face and a growl in his throat.
“He’s my ride,” I offer with a shrug. For whatever reason, these two decided to immediately dislike one another. Too bad they’re going to need to work past all that, especially if I move in with Jae, which is sounding more and more likely. Okay, it’s pretty much a done deal. I’ve thought about his offer all day today and to be honest, it’s not like I have any other option. I don’t know what this is between Jordy and I, but I do know it’s too new for us to shack up together. I texted KeAnna during class when my teachers were distracted to get an outside opinion and she seems to agree. If I want things to work with Jordy, we need to move slow.
Besides, Jae is my friend. He’s always been there for me, and I appreciate him being there for me now. If he wasn’t, I’m not sure what I would do. I’d probably have to drop out. I’d need a job to support myself and César, and I’d still be in a bind when it came to childcare.
Jordy’s arm wraps around my waist, his hold possessive and his voice filled with irritation when he says, “Why? Isa or Zheng can take you home on their way to work. Your place is on the way to Suzy's Diner. Hell, I’ll let my Alpha know right now I’ll be a few minutes late to patrols and I can take you. It’s not a big deal.” His fingers clench on my hip and I wince.
If it’s not a big deal, why is he trying to turn it into one? “Jae is my friend. He offered. I accepted. He’s literally been driving me to school all quarter already, so this isn’t new. Don’t make a big deal out of nothing,” I plead.
If anything, his face only darkens. “I don’t know him,” he bites out.
“And he doesn’t know you. Why don’t you two make nice and be friends?” It sure as hell would make my life easier.
He snorts. “Not happening.”
I rub my temples and remind myself that now isn’t the time to get in a fight. Especially over something as stupid as who drives me home. I can already tell that moving in with Jae is going to be a problem. One Jordy is just going to have to deal with.
“I’m going home. Go do your wolfy things before you’re late.”
Jordy’s nostrils flare, and the next thing I know he jerks me up against him. César is still in my arms, but that doesn’t stop him as his mouth presses down on my own. One of his hands tangles in my hair, holding me in place while the other cradles our boy so neither of us drops him. The kiss is angry. His teeth bite at my lower lip until I open for him, and then he devours my mouth like I’m his last meal.
It ends almost as quickly as it began, and I’m left standing on shaking legs when he steps away.
“Just a ride?” he questions, as though I’m somehow the untrustworthy one. I force my irritation down and give him a nod.
“Yeah, man. I’m just giving her a ride,” Jae says, having moved closer. His words are innocent enough, but there’s the hint of suggestion in his tone and Jordy doesn’t miss it. “You all set?” Jae asks, ignoring the tension that’s building between them. He places his hand on my shoulder and Jordy’s eyes laser in on the touch, his hands now fisted at his sides in a white-knuckled grip and a growl vibrating in his chest. Desmond and Rafael both take steps forward, flanking their best friend in an aggressive show of support.
“Really? You guys are going to go all machismo now? Don’t you dare even think about starting something. Jae is my friend. What are you thinking?”
Rafael and Desmond say nothing.
Isa tugs Rafael’s arm and he reluctantly allows her to pull him away, but not before shooting a warning look at Jae that screams,I can and will hurt you. I roll my eyes before giving Zheng a pleading look and tilting my head in Desmond’s direction just as Meiying joins our group.
He gives me a shake of his head.So much for being one of the girls.All right then. No help from him. I try Meiying next and I can tell she’s considering it. Her eyes flick between Desmond and Jordy, her lips pursed together. I catch a spark of mischief in her gaze, but also hesitation.
“Please,” I mouth.
Jae plucks César from my arms, and habit has me letting him. Immediately, I know it’s a mistake. It’s only confirmed when I hear Jordy’s snarl, “I don’t want him around my kid,” as he takes a step closer.
I shift to intercept him. “Excuse me?” Where is this possessive asshole crap coming from?
