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“I didn’t want to scare the competition.” He shrugged.

“Sure,” Alex chuckled. “Come on. We’ve got to be on the field in twenty.”

Shucking his shirt, Nico followed them. Wearing sandals and a skirt, he felt more exposed than normal, even though his wolf loved being naked. “Hey, did you wear underwear under your skirts?”

Alex roared with laughter. “Please tell me if you trip and fall, I won’t get an eyeful of your junk.”

“Uh….”

“Fucking hell, Nico,” Bodhi gasped, laughing. “Of course, you’re supposed to wear underwear. Who the fuck do you think we’re portraying? The Scots?”

“Fuck you guys,” he snarled. “I thought we were going for authentic.”

“So, you wore no briefs, but you did wear a fucking T-shirt?” Alex wiped his eyes as another bubble of laughter shook his shoulders. “You’re hopeless.”

“Whatever,” he muttered. “I promise my junk won’t be exposed.”

“Good. Make sure it stays that way.” Alex clapped him on the shoulder as they exited the building. “So, you should know, this is going to be a huge production. The guys from each fraternity have gone all out for this shit.”

“Okay. What do you need me to do?”

Wisps of early morning haze drifted across the campus, muting the glow of the sun. He felt as though he walked through an enchanted forest instead of a school. Already, a steady flow of people headed for the field. They carried banners and plastic horns. Some dressed in togas while others wore dresses, mixing two different cultures, but they were having fun with it, which mattered most. They bellowed what he suspected were Greek chants specific to their fraternity or sorority as they marched toward the waiting arena.

Bodhi clapped him on the shoulder. “Our job is easy. Phi Beta Kappa, our fraternity, has a float dedicated to the Greek god Dionysus. We’ll be walking behind it, so watch for grape juice and food being thrown. The assholes know how to party, and they will do it in excess on the float.”

“Seems fitting,” he groused.

“Yeah, but they’re a great group of guys, and I’m proud to call them my brothers.”

“Anything else?” Nico quirked a brow.

“Enjoy yourself out there. Remember, this is a five-day tourney. We don’t have to rush through this shit.” Alex smacked him on the back. “Oh, and every day after the games, there’s a lunch for us. You need to make an appearance.”

“Fantastic.” They came to a stop at the edge of the tunnel as people filtered through. When they got into position, he glanced up and saw a flash of movement. He narrowed his eyes and took a step forward.Son of a bitch.His shaft twitched, and he wished to hell he’d worn shorts. Dressed in all white, Hayden walked onto the field and stood by the steps. He swallowed hard. The rhinestones and sparkling gems adorning her dress accentuated her tan flesh and when she took another step, the slit up the side revealed a glimpse of her long, toned leg.Fuck, I’m so screwed.

7

Hayden’s Greciangown fit her like a second skin, clinging to her curves. “I should’ve never let you talk me into this.” She continued to mutter as she climbed the stairs to her perch overlooking the field. The heels Bell lent her hurt her feet, because they were almost a half-size too small, and had made her wobble more than a time or two. “I feel…exposed.” She smoothed her dress and gazed out over the grounds. “How long do we have to sit here?” Hayden swore every time she took a step, she flashed more of her body than anyone had seen except for Nico, and her family.

“As long as it takes for everyone to get through the event today.” Bell smiled, taking up her position next to Hayden. “Then we have lunch. We’re expected to feed the victors. It gives the games an authentic feel.”

“Oh joy.” Hayden rolled her eyes. She didn't want to feed the victors. She wanted to make a graceful exit and head back to her dorm for an all-night cram session she didn't need, because of self-preservation. Her cousins along with her twin were up to something, she knew it the minute she saw Nico the night before.

Blowing out a breath, Hayden wished she could stomp her feet and pitch a fit. It wouldn't do her any good for obvious reasons, though it would release some of the pent-up energy leaving her on edge. Seeing Nico again after two long years of being at school, hurt. Words failed at how her chest felt cracked wide open, exposing her tattered soul to the chilly night air. Or the way her heart pounded wildly, galloping as though it would burst from the opening and leap to its death at Nico's feet. Nor could she ignore the arousal spilling through her veins the second he publicly claimed her, even if Alex had been the only one to hear him.

“Hayden.” Bell’s tone took on an admonishing quality. She tried to appear contrite. “This is for fun. This is what college is all about. Experiencing something bigger than yourself. Look at everyone. No matter if they’re regular students or belong to a club, they’re here today to cheer on the guys. That’s big. That’s important.”

She hated when her cousin was right. She sighed and settled into her seat. “Fine.” She pouted. “But you owe me after these games are over.”

“Deal. Whatever you want.” Bell giggled. “You’re going to love this. I know it. We’ve all been planning this for a long time.”

“So, what do we have to do?” Hayden gazed out over the stadium, surprised by how quickly the stands filled up.

“Wave when the parade of competitors comes around in front of us, cheer for our team when they’re up. Smile and be happy—”

“A parade?”

“Yeah. It’s part of the whole authentic atmosphere of an ancient Greek Olympics,” Bell replied, motioning to the floats taking up their position near the tunnels.