Page 17

“So, how do I look?” Bell pushed the fabric of her dress down, a nervous habit, Hayden had picked up on over the years, and glanced up at her. “Do you think he’ll like it?”

“Sweetheart, you’re going to knock him dead.” She hugged Bell then watched her other cousin drift into the throng of people. “Well, kid, looks like you’re on your own.”

Time to mingle.In order for her to move on and start a new life without Nico, she had to make the first move.Now or never, Hayden. You’re a Raferty. No one messes with you, and guys would be stupid not to get with you. Now, go break a leg.She stepped onto the dance floor and strolled around the area, making her way to the drink table. Her stepmom always told her the best way to make new friends was to put herself out there and engage.

She could do it.

“Tell me you’re not all by yourself, she-wolf. Which sorority are you with?” Hayden turned and came face to chest with a muscular jock. She tilted her head back until her eyes locked with his ochre gaze, and she sucked in a breath. Stunning. From his amber eyes to his long sable hair and a smirk of indifference, he made her body pulse to life. Hayden’s heart hammered. Her fingers itched to touch his body, but she didn’t dare without permission. This fine specimen had been 100 percent grade-A alpha.

"Hi. I'm with uh…." Shit, total brain fart moment. What's the name of her cousin's sorority? She licked her lips and watched as his gaze took on a predatory gleam. "Sigma Epsilon Xi?"

“You don’t sound too sure of yourself, she-wolf.”

“Sorry. You startled me.”Made me turn into a bumbling idiot more likely.“Yes, Bell is the president of our chapter.”

“Ah, the little lioness.” A hint of arousal filled his words. “It’s good to have you here. I’m Hill. Your brother, Bodhi, said you’re looking to get back into the dating game.”

Thank you, Bodhi. I owe you big time.“He might have been correct.”

"Great. I have a friend who could use a gentle hand. He's kind of geeky…okay really geeky." He turned a bit and pointed to a guy dressed in distressed jeans, a superhero T-shirt, and Converse. "I know you could break him, but he's my VP, and I didn't feel right leaving him alone while I got down and dirty with my girl."

“Er, um.” She looked at the guy again and swallowed hard.Fuck, I should have known Bodhi would do this shit. I am so kicking his ass.“I guess I could help a guy out. What’s his name?”

“Winston.”

“Awesome. Uh….” She cleared her throat. “Have fun with your girl, and Winston will be just fine.”

“Thank you, she-wolf. I won’t forget this favor.” He squeezed her shoulder, and, for a second, she thought he might have crushed something…seriously.

Ow.“No problem,”she gritted out.

Once Hill walked away and wrapped his arm around some svelte long-haired beauty, she shook her head.Should have known better than to even get my hopes up.

She made her way over to the area where Winston was standing and figured she might as well introduce herself to her “date” for the evening. She didn’t even think he was paying attention.Guess there are more important things on a phone than what’s around you.She cleared her throat, drawing his attention. “So uh—”

"Do you know about gamma-ray technology?"

Gamma what?“I’m sorry?”

His lips curled into a smug grin. “Of course not. Do you even know who Bruce Banner is?”

“Yeah sure,” she answered. “He’s part of that superhero group, Justice League, right?” Hayden floundered for the right answers, feeling a little inferior to the uber-nerd next to her.

“Wow. I asked Hill for a favor, and this is what he brings me. A newbie.” Winston shook his head. “How in God’s name have you made it through your childhood or teen years without picking up one comic book and reading it?”

Hayden started to answer, but he lifted his hand. He wasn’t even giving her a chance, not that she wanted one to be honest. But this dickless wonder couldn’t even carry a proper conversation. Like, hi how are you? What are you majoring in? Where do you come from? Not even a hey, I like your skirt or whatever.

“Rhetorical question. I didn’t expect an answer,” he continued. The bastard might be a geek, but he also carried the air of a beta wolf with confidence. Too bad his body and attitude didn’t match his title.

“Listen you little—” She growled at him as he answered his phone, ignoring her for the moment. Oh yes, I am so going to kick your wolf ass all over campus. When I am done with you, you’ll be begging for my forgiveness.

A few moments later, he ended the call. “Now, where did I leave off?” He slid his phone into his pocket. “Ah, yes. Now, I remember. How much of a newb you are. First of all, you never mix Marvel with D.C. Second, if you're not sure what gamma-ray technology is, read about it inThe Incredible Hulk, or evenCaptain America. Either one will work.”

“I know Captain America,” she bit out. “He’s the one with the shield and dresses in red, white, and blue.”

“At least you know him.” He looked down his nose at her. “Those were my homies on the phone. I would appreciate it if you could take one for the female team and let me tell them I kissed you.”

“What?” Could this night get any worse?