Page 12 of Zodiac Beasts

Marcus: The usual spot.

So... his house. I tried to ignore the heat in my cheeks, but now my imagination was everywhere it shouldn’t be.

Me: Pick me up after work?

Marcus: Of course, Baby Doll. I promise you won’t have to lift a finger for this.

Chapter 6

Adrian had been extra avoidant in my Monday and Wednesday Physics classes. He had the convenient excuse of having other classes to teach, so he had no time to talk to me. I tried to press the issue on Wednesday, but he straight up walked out and left me behind in his own classroom. Even men in their thirties could act like children, I gathered.

Though every time he’d slip and look my way, his expression would tense, and I had no idea how he was actually processing this situation. I could accept that he might need a little space for a few days, considering I had blown up his world with completely obvious information that he already knew but didn’t like to admit, but as I walked into Astrology Club on Thursday evening, where he’d be dealing with me and Marcus, I couldn’t make any promises.

I was sweet and innocent and totally okay with playing nice. Marcus, however, was Marcus. I appreciated his lack of subtlety though. Adrian could learn a thing or two about being honest from him.

But also, was I low key living for the tension? Maybe.

So was I disappointed when the rest of the club was already situated in their usual seats, and Marcus’ desk was conspicuously empty? We’ll just say ‘Maybe Plus Plus.’

I glanced casually at his unoccupied seat, then I fiddled with my phone. In actuality, Marcus hadn’t been overly talkative lately either. Ever since he set up the whole rejection date thing, he’d barely texted me outside of basic small talk.

While I definitely had a good time last week, I still had to remember that Marcus and Adrian were technically half-blood related. Their actual personal relationship was still confusing, but I at least understood the bloodlines. Maybe Marcus didn’t want to see me until we’d fully rejected and divorced his mate claim on me. Hell, maybe he didn’t like me anymore at all. Who would have thought that the first time I ever had a guy pursue me, I would scare him away, because I was busy chasing a guy who didn’t want anything to do with me.

At least I was a predictable failure.

I opened his messages and stared at the screen, while Adrian started his usual greeting.

I reread my exchange with Marcus about Saturday, feeling even more dread on reread. It would have been nice to hang out with him in class first, where we could make fun of Astrology without the heavy weight of a date or a full moon. I hadn’t given him enough credit for how much he’d helped build my confidence over the last several months, and not having him next to me when he was supposed to be here left me feeling oddly empty. He was basically my emotional support vampire at this point.

I sighed, a bit depressed to realize I’d been so selfish towards both of them.

So I shot Marcus a quick text.

Me: Where are you? The lecture is about to start.

No response. Adrian finished talking about something I wasn’t listening to, then started erasing the board and getting it ready for whatever today would bring.

Me: You haven’t been at breakfast all week. Have you been busy? Out of town?

Still nothing.

Me: Are you okay? Did you run out of blood and faint? Do you need me to save you?

Marcus: No. I’m not that weak.

Finally a response. I had a feeling he wouldn’t let that stand.

Me: Then why aren’t you here? You can’t make me face Astrology alone. Linda is already squeezing her boobs together, and the Professor is entirely too comfortable.

Marcus: I’m busy.

I sighed. I wasn’t a fan of the Marcus who didn’t communicate.

Me: School Clubs are a requirement though.

Marcus: In that case, then I’m sick. *Cough* *Cough*

Me: The way you typed cough totally convinced me that your illness is real and not at all made up. Who knew that even all powerful Alpha Vampires could get sick. The one thing stronger than a shifter is a little cold virus.