Page 14

Rachel

I t’s already lunch time and I still haven’t made up my mind about going on a date with Bastian and Lucas. Bastian sat with Liam again in English this morning and surprisingly, he didn’t even try to talk to me. I might think he changed his mind since he didn’t try to get an answer out of me, but I don’t think he took his eyes off me throughout the entire class. I replay our conversation from yesterday in my head over and over as I grab food on autopilot and take our normal seat in the cafe.

“Okay. What gives? You’re being quieter than usual and you look like a freaking robot,” Dallas grumbles as she sits across from me.

“She’s been like this all morning. I think Bastian broke her,” Maya says.

“Why? What’d he do? Mate or not, I’ll fuck him up,” Dallas growls.

“He didn’t do anything,” Maya placates. “He stayed at his table the entire class. Didn’t bother us once.”

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” Dallas arcs a brow.

“No, that’s not the problem,” I sigh. “The problem is, he asked me to go out with him and Lucas tonight and I still haven’t decided if I’m going to or not.”

“And instead of hounding you about it like an asshole and making your decision easier, he’s been a gentleman and is giving you space to decide? Man. What an awful mate you have,” she snarks.

“Shut up. How do you even put up with her?” I ask Aubree.

“I never had a choice.” Aubree shrugs before grinning at Dallas.

“And you don’t either, so suck it up, buttercup,” Dallas chirps.

“So tell us about this date,” Maya chimes in, cutting into her lasagna and taking a bite.

“Nothing to tell. I’m just supposed to meet them in their dorm lobby at six,” I shrug.

“So, it’s a surprise. Makes planning for it more difficult,” Aubree murmurs.

“I think you should go. What’s the worst that could happen?” Maya shrugs. “You get to know your mates. Maybe they’re not so bad and you decide to give it a go.”

“More like that’s the best that could happen,” I scoff.

“Well, we’re focusing on the good. You’ve had enough negativity in your life. It’s time for a little positivity. Welcome good things into your life,” Maya says.

Welcome good things into your life.

Could mating Lucas and Bastian be a good thing?

“I’ll think about it,” I finally agree if only to get them to shut up about it before digging into my lunch.

One more class and then I have to make a decision.

Maya and Aubree spend all Math trying to convince me to go. Bastian’s ever watchful eyes have goosebumps covering my body all through class. And a part of me, one I’d never admit to, wants to know what it would feel like for him to touch me with the same intensity.

When we get home, I find Dallas going through my closet.

“What are you doing?”

“Finding the perfect outfit for you to wear on your first date, of course,” she says as she walks out of my closet holding several hangers.

“Who says I’m going?”

“Oh, please. We all know you’re going. Just give in so we can help you get ready.” She rolls her eyes.

“You’re not going to leave me alone until I agree, are you?”

“If you really want me to, I’ll leave you alone right now and we’ll never bring it up again. But I think a part of you wants this. You’re just too scared. I know how hard it is to make yourself do something that terrifies you. I also know how amazing it feels when you defeat your fears. I want you to feel that . Don’t let what ifs stop you from enjoying the good things in life.”

“What if my mates aren’t good things ?”

“What if they are?” she counters. “What if you let yourself experience new and exciting things? What if you stop looking for the bad and start embracing the good?”

“I thought I wasn’t supposed to think about what ifs,” I chuckle.

“And I thought you were a quiet girl who didn’t back talk. Looks like we’re both wrong.” She smirks and I can’t help but laugh.

“Give them a chance, Rach. We’ll be right here if anything goes wrong. We’re only a phone call away. I don’t care if I have to take on the entire baseball team to rescue you. You’re not alone. People care about you. I’m sorry you didn’t have that growing up, but you have it now. We’re not going anywhere. But I don’t think your mates are either. Maybe if you give them a chance, they’ll prove to be just as on your side as we are.”

“You think so?”

She’s wearing me down, I can feel it. Okay fine, maybe she’s right. Maybe I secretly really do want to go on this date. But I’m still terrified.

“I think you’ll never know if you don’t take the chance.”

My heart pounds as I weigh my options.

I’ve already bonded with both of them. There’s no going back now.

But what if they fight over me?

Bastian already told you that was a misunderstanding. He didn’t know they were both your mates. Now that he does, he won’t stand in the way of you being with both of them. Lucas said the same thing.

Could they both really be okay with sharing a mate? What if they change their mind when I find my third and fourth mates?

Do you really think they would?

Ugh. I hate arguing with myself. Why do I have to be so rational?

Dallas must see the moment I conceded because she cheers and throws my clothes on the bed.

“Yay! Go get in the shower and get dressed. Come out to the living room when you’re done and Aubree and I will do your hair and makeup,” she orders.

“Do I have to? I’m a makeup minimalist at best,” I grumble.

“You don’t say.” She rolls her eyes. “Just do as I say. I promise to keep it understated. It won’t be some big transformation.”

“Fine. But if you make me look like a clown I’m not going.” I grab my clothes and head to my shared bathroom, finally letting loose the smile I’ve been holding back as soon as I’m behind the closed door.

I’m suddenly giddy. For the first time ever, I’m looking forward to something. The thought of seeing Lucas and Bastian again sends a thrill through me as I turn on the hot water and strip. It doesn’t take long before I’m set on a stool in the middle of the living room being poked and prodded by the girls. Even Maya joins in on the Rachel makeover and when she grabs the floor length mirror from her room to show me the finished result I’m shocked.

The outfit they chose makes me feel slightly exposed with the swooping neckline that exposes both collarbones and a large swath of my chest. I’m not sure whose shirt this is but I can’t deny I look good in it. My hair and makeup are understated but gorgeous. I make the decision to leave Bastian’s mark on my neck uncovered tonight. He looked heart broken when he saw me this morning and I need a chance to explain before he sees it covered again. Feeling beautiful for the first time in a long time makes me feel stronger than I could have imagined and that takes me by surprise. I’m even more surprised when after I thank them all and give them a hug they don’t shove me out the door alone. Instead they all walk me to the doors of the boys dorm and offer me one last pep talk before turning and heading back.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. How could I let them talk me into this?

Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step into the boys dorm lobby. I don’t know why I’m shocked it’s not the same as the girls’ lobby. Yeah, there’s tables and chairs, but it’s set up completely different. There’s also multiple TVs with groups of guys already sitting around playing video games. As I scan the lobby, I see Lucas and Bastian talking to another guy. Lucas, all charming confidence in a forest-green Henley, is leaning against the wall with a lazy grin. Bastian’s arms are crossed, his dark hair still damp from a shower. The third guy is the tallest by a few inches at least. He’s broad chested and massive, but weirdly I find myself wanting to curl up in his arms. I think he’s on the baseball team too. The catcher, maybe? I don’t know his name but it looks like he’s pretty close to Bastian and Lucas.

When I take my first hesitant step towards them, the stranger turns his head and our eyes lock. For a split second the world around me freezes. Everything ceases to exist as I’m trapped in his stare. Before I know it, he’s no longer standing next to Bastian staring into my soul. He’s running right at me.

This man is nearly a foot taller and a hundred pounds of pure muscle heavier than me, and he runs like a freight train to get to me. He’s a few feet from me when he growls “Mine,” a puff of smoke curling from his nose before he lunges at me. He tackles me to the ground, caging me in his arms, protecting my head and body from slamming into the ground. Running his nose across my exposed collar bone, he causes an all too familiar tingle to run through my body.

Not again.

I knew I should have vetoed this shirt.

Laughter pulls my attention from the huge stranger on top of me.

“Okay, D. Get off her before she bolts again,” Bastian laughs. “Our girl’s a runner.”

Why is my mate laughing about another man pinning me to the floor? He should be mad, right?

“Hey, Firefly,” he greets me with a sweet smile and I momentarily forget about the weight of his friend on me. “I’m glad you came.”

“Me too,” Lucas says beside him before huffing at the man still hovering over me. “Derrick. Seriously, dude. Get off. You can come with us if you want, but you can’t lay on her all night.”

I feel Derrick smile against my collar bone before he kisses the spot and pushes himself up.

“Mate,” he says again, this time with a blinding smile.

I can’t help but gape at him in shock as Lucas helps lift me from the floor.

“Oh my God that’s fucking huge!” I gasp out before slamming my hand over my mouth. “Sorry I mean freaking huge. I cannot believe my mark would do that to you. I am so sorry.”

Tears well in my eyes as he holds his hand out asking for a moment as he goes to a nearby mirror and examines himself. His fingers trace the large tribal swirls making up a foxes face on his cheek. He follows them as they trace down his neck before ripping off his shirt and revealing the large fox that swirls and winds down his neck and shoulder before fanning her four massive tails across his back. My tears fall openly now, there’s no way he could be okay with that massive of a mark. He’s going to hate me before he ever knows me.

“Holy fucking shit,” his booming voice is nearly a yell. “This is fucking awesome!”

Derrick crosses back over to where we stand and gently wipes the tears from my face. Then he plants another kiss. This time, directly on my cheek.

“I love your mark on me, Emerald. Now everyone will know that I am yours.”

“For someone who acts like they don’t want mates, you sure are collecting them quickly,” Bastian chuckles as he bumps my shoulder.

“Seems I can’t escape them,” I huff.

“We’ll make sure you never want to, Moonbeam,” Lucas vows from beside me.

Looking in his eyes, I almost believe him.

“Okay so that was a lot, but I think we’re here for a date. D, I assume you’re joining us?” Bastian asks as he bounces on his toes.

“Lead the way,” Derrick replies.

Bastian takes my hand and for some reason, I let him. I’m surprised when instead of leading me back the way I came to the front door, he leads me further into the lobby.