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Story: Unrequited Mate

“The GSG is this whole competition set up around welcoming students back to college. They're supposed to showcase the different Fraternities and Sororities students can join while also rooting for all the student-athletes. Anyway, the vice president of my sorority, Sigma Epsilon Xi, quit this morning. We’re going to lose our charter if we can’t get more pledges at the games.” Bell frowned.

“Then get one of your cabinet members to join you,” Hayden answered, not seeing the issue. “Easy fix.”

“You would think it would be easy since the initials in English are S.E.X,” Zoe quipped. Everyone should be knocking down her door.

Hayden hadn’t even put two and two together on that one. “She makes a good point, Bell.”

The young lioness sighed, ignoring their comments. “Anyway, none of them want to participate, and they’re like rats scurrying off a sinking ship.”Lovely visual. “I thought I’d, you know, throw caution to the wind, promote you to VP, and have you join me.” Her cousin gave a tight laugh.

“You can’t promote someone who is not even a member.” Nor did she want the Greek life. Filled with snobby bitches and drunk assholes—present company the exception—their idea of “fun,” didn’t settle well with Hayden.

“You officially became one this morning at nine a.m. when I added you to our charter then held a vote in which you became vice president by default.” Bell grinned.

Hayden groaned. “By default you mean no one challenged me for the position or threw their hat in the ring?”

“Luck of the draw, I guess.” Bell shrugged. “Look, I know my sorority can be one of the best at this college, but I need your help, Hayden. Please.”

“Fine.” She looked at Zoe who snickered beside her sister. “You knew, didn’t you?”

“Maybe a little bit. She came to me and asked for a little advice,” Zoe said nonchalantly. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll be there with my VP, too.”

“And which sorority do you belong to? Gothics R Us?”

“Hardy, har, har.” Zoe rolled her eyes. “Actually, I have badass pledges and members. We’re Xi Beta Xi.”

“You say this as if I should care.” Hayden gave her cousin a droll stare.

“Eh, it’s just cool to say the name. Xi Beta Xi.” Zoe spread her hands out in front of her as if the name would appear front and center on a marquee.

“Anyway, there is a mixer Friday night. You’ll need to attend—”

“Bodhi will be there, and so will Christoph,” Zoe jumped in.

Hayden turned her attention to Zoe. “What about you, mouth?”

"I got asked out by one of those falcons. Rocky. He's hot in that muscular-biker kind of way. He'll be at the mixer. I told him I might say what up, or whatever Friday night." Her cousin's gaze didn't meet hers. The girl did everything in her power to look anywhere but her.

“Zoe Dryer.” The girl’s attention snapped to Hayden’s. “You found your mate, didn’t you?”

“Hell no. I’m not mating. He’s just some guy. Easy on the eyes and everything like that.” She shrugged.

“You did. I’m telling your mom!” Hayden teased.

“Don’t you dare! I will kick your ass, Hayden. I mean it.” Hayden knew the girl did, too. Where Bell had a dainty quality to her and liked being a girl, Zoe had a rough edge. She reminded Hayden of their father at every turn. “I’ll call your dad and tell him you’re sending them a letter and to refuse it,” Zoe added.

“Not scared. Besides, he’s not home. He’s at the doctor’s office with Loraine. I’m going to be a big sister,” she squealed, changing the subject once more.

“What?” both girls said in unison.

“When?” Zoe asked.

“Is Loraine okay?” Bell questioned.

Everyone knew about the explosion at the Sheriff's Department and the fact Loraine had been trapped. For a long time, things were touch and go for her, and even when she healed, no one knew if she could have kids. The prospect of her being pregnant though crazy exciting, also scared the crap out of Hayden more than she wanted to express.

“This spring and, yes, from what Blake’s note said, all is fine. I’ll call home later and get you guys more info, promise.” She slipped the letter from her hand into the mailbox and exited their dorm. “So, what are you guys doing tonight?”

“Study group for me. Tattooing 101 for her,” Bell quipped, pointing to her sister.