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He cleared his throat and stood. He couldn't wait any longer. This was his last chance. He knew it gut-deep. If things didn't work out between him and Hayden, well, he'd free her of this torture.

However, deep in his knotted guts, he knew this had to be the only way to win his little wolf back. She needed to see he’d walk through fire for her. Do whatever it took to be the man she needed him to be. To forgive him when, in the last two years, he hadn’t been able to forgive himself. That day, with the sheet wrapped around his waist, alcohol seeping from his pores and God only knows what else, he understood the consequences of his actions.

He didn’t deserve a second chance to make all this up to Hayden. Perhaps he should forget about the games and go home. But the spark of hope that lit inside him while he sat on the cliff flickered and grew brighter by the second. He couldn’t leave yet. He had to see this through, even if it meant losing his little wolf forever.

He grabbed the card and headed back to where he knew Bodhi liked to hang out. He supposed he could have done the whole thing later, but it was about time Nico stopped tucking his tail between his legs. When he found Bodhi with Tate and Henry in the quad laughing about something, the anxious pit of his stomach feeling returned. The fine hairs stood up on his arms. The unmistakable feelings of paranoia bubbled to the surface. He felt like an addict waiting to find his next fix and that shit didn’t work for Nico.

He cleared his throat as he handed the card back to Bodhi. “I’m not sticking around. Thanks for this.” He turned to leave, unable to stay in their presence. It was almost as if he waited for them to attack and kick his ass. Hell, in his mind he deserved it. He wouldn’t hate them if they. He’d do the same to either of them if they ever hurt their mates.

“Don’t leave,” Bodhi said. “You can stick around.”

"Not sure I'm good company right now, or if the present company wants me around," Nico answered.

“If we were going to kick your ass,” Henry said, sounding like the formidable panther he was, “we’d have done it by now. We know the truth. Sit the fuck down.”

Nico cocked a brow. "Fine." Henry was sounding more and more like a combo of Rapier and Kalkin by the day. To hear the command in his voice, well, it took all of his willpower not to laugh. "Just remember I'm older than all three of you."

Bodhi laughed. “You’re also pussy whipped like Kalkin says about himself and my dad.”

Nico groaned. He didn't want to be having this conversation about Hayden, Bodhi's twin, and his mate. "Can we not?"

Tate grinned. “But it’s so much fun torturing you after you’ve been a fucking hermit. I’m surprised you’ve showered and don’t look like a scraggly wildebeest.”

Nico flipped Tate off. “Are the both of you participating in the games?”

Tate shook his head. “Soccer game. I’ll be out of town.”

“Not my style,” Henry said. “Super jocks enjoy that shit more than the rest of us. No offense.”

Bodhi held up his hand. “None taken.”

“I can’t believe the school would go through all this just help the Greek life on campus grow,” Nico added. “It’s a bit out there.”

“From what I understand there is also a Daímonas Festivál," Tate said. "It's supposed to be for all the others here. You know, demons, vampires, fae, and the likes. It's a way to offset the GSG for those who can't participate due to the sun."

“Naturally,” Nico said.

“We also can’t attend,” Henry stated. “It’s in the rules. Just like they can’t attend the GSG.”

Nico whistled. “Well, if that ain’t fucked up. What happened to inclusivity?”

Bodhi shrugged. “You sure you want to see what the demons do on the full moon?”

Nico thought about it for a second then laughed. “You’re probably right. Never mind.”

“Anyway,” Bodhi said. “I’m glad you’re taking me up on this offer. Hayden said she wanted to talk to me later about a letter from home.” He rolled his eyes. “At least now I can call them and tell them to back the fuck off.”

“They’ve always been hard heads. You’d do well to stop now, or else they’ll drive you insane,” Nico stated.

“Sure enough.” Bodhi patted Nico’s shoulder as he stood. “I’m glad you’re going to give this shot. I know you blame yourself for what happened, but for the time being, can you forgive yourself just a little bit until you make things right with Hayden? Then, you two can hash it out and keep the secrets between yourselves.”

Nico mulled over what Bodhi said. Maybe he was right. Part of healing began with forgiveness. If he believed what Danielle and Kalkin said, he was a victim too, then healing his soul and forgiving himself would only help his situation, not hinder it. “Yes, I can, and I will.”

“Good. Then see you at the mixer,” Bodhi remarked as he strolled across the quad, “and don’t be late.

Nico grunted. “I won’t.”

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